ACP names top three collegiate yearbooks

Pacemaker competition names the ‘best of the best’

March 7, 2026

SAN FRANCISCO (CA) — Honoring the nation’s best, the Associated College Press named three collegiate yearbooks as winners of its prestigious Pacemaker during an awards ceremony at the ACP Spring National College Media Conference, 

“The Pacemaker is the association’s preeminent award,” executive director Laura Widmer said. “ACP is honored to recognize the best of the best.”“The Pacemaker is the association’s preeminent award,” Laura Widmer, executive director, said. “ACP is honored to recognize the best of the best with Pacemaker honors.”

The ACP Pacemaker Award, one of the oldest awards for collegiate journalism, has a rich tradition. The association began presenting the prestigious award to collegiate newspapers soon after the organization was founded in 1921. Through the years, yearbooks, magazines and online sites were added to the competition.

In February, seven yearbooks were named Pacemaker finalists.

“These yearbooks deliver engaging verbal and visual stories, showcasing superior photojournalism, writing and design,” said Gary Lundgren, associate director and coordinator of the Pacemaker competitions.

Yearbooks produced during the 2024-25 school year competed directly against each other. A team of nationally recognized judges selected the finalists and Pacemakers.

2026 Spring Convention Awards

Spring 2026 Pacemakers
Online
Student Media Business
Yearbook

San Francisco Best of Show
Individual Recognition
Staff Recognition

Advertising and Business Individual Awards

Pacemaker finalists
Online
Student Media Business
Yearbook

Ouachitonian
Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Editor-in-chief: Erin Key
Adviser: Deborah Root

Ibis
University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida
Editor-in-chief: Jake Sperling
Adviser: Randy Stano

Baylor Roundup
Baylor University
Waco, Texas
Editor-in-chief: Mary-Ellen Abshire
Advisers: Doug Pils, Julie Reed