The Claremont Village Marketing Group (CVMG) was awarded the Claremont Colleges 2012 Community Partner of the Year Award at the annual Town-and-Gown reception held on Wednesday, October 3 at the home of Dr. Deborah Freund, president of Claremont Graduate University.

The Village Marketing Group was nominated as a result of its outstanding partnership with the Colleges in enhancing Claremont’s town-gown relationships. Each year, the Village Marketing Group joins with the Colleges to help welcome new students and their parents to the lively community of Claremont.

Each year, CVMG arranges for ambassadors from various Village merchants to participate in resource fairs organized for student, parent and international orientation programs, as well as Alumni Weekend activities. They have been instrumental in organizing the participation of city council members in the orientation programs, as well as promoting an Open House night in the Village each fall to welcome students, faculty and staff to the Village. They are also an important participant in the Colleges’ annual Five-College Turf Dinner and Club Fair.

The Community Partner of the Year Award is given annually at the fall Town-and-Gown reception to recognize one member, community agency, business and/or community person who has contributed significantly during the past academic year to enhance relations between municipalities and academia, with a special focus on students. This recognition underscores the Colleges’ growing efforts to strengthen community ties, especially in the city of Claremont.