Of the 1,845 current CSPA members eligible to enter the Crown Awards, 1,238 magazines, newspapers and magazines actually submitted copies for judging. Judging took place at Columbia University from December 20-22, 2004 by the Board of Crown Judges. Publications were judged on writing/editing, design, concept, photography, art, and graphics.

Villa Maria College’s SKALD 2004: The Studio Sessions, was one of national 14 finalists for the prestigious Crown Award for magazines, receiving a Silver Crown, the second highest CSPA award. The judges noted the "novel format and concept of the magazine as it highlighted a variety of work from students to demonstrate all creative endeavors at the school."

The SKALD student staff also received a Second Place Certificate in Cover Design with Two or More Colors and a Third Place in Overall Design for Magazines. The issue which was based on the traditional LP slipcase had already received three awards in earlier annual reviews: a Silver Medal from CSPA and two awards from the American Scholastic Press Association, First Place with Special Merit and an award for Outstanding Design.

SKALD includes student work in fiction, poetry, photography, fine arts and graphic design. The faculty advisors are Judith Ann Calhoon and Robert Grizanti of the Graphic Design Program and Joyce Kessel of Liberal Arts.

Villa Maria’s SKALD magazine, first developed in 1977, has received American Scholastic Press Association first place awards the eight years as well as awards from CSPA annually.