From a mascot superhero to creative clouds to student pilots flying to victory, Kent State University's storytelling skills received high marks from MarCom, an international competition that honors excellence in marketing and communications that also recognizes the creativity, hard work, and generosity of industry professionals.
In all, Kent State's Division of University Communications and Marketing (UCM) received 15 MarCom awards, including five platinum awards.
The Flying Flashes commercial, which featured Laura Wilson of New Richmond, Ohio, senior Aeronautics - Professional Pilot major, and Alex Johnson of Canton, Michigan, 2021 graduate of the Aeronautics - Professional Pilot program. The Flying Flashes came home well-decorated with the Fastest Cessna prize, the 1st Place Collegiate Challenge Trophy, and the 1st Place Overall award and two other awards from the 45th Annual Air Race Classic.
Kent State's social media campaign around the adventures of Super Flash, a Halloween costume that led to a super transformation for our favorite mascot, also received a top platinum award.
This Halloween, there's a new hero on campus to save the day. ⚡ pic.twitter.com/z4pUFCh1ss
— Kent State (@KentState) October 29, 2021
Also earning a platinum award were UCM's 2022 recruitment viewbook, the "Cloud meets Cap" campaign spots at area airports and other venues, and the environmental illustrations/graphics created to support the Brain Health Research Institute.
"These awards go to a mix of entries (6000+ from 43 countries this year) from Fortune 500 companies, top agencies, leading non-profits and major universities from all over the world," said Stephen Ward, Vice President, University Communications and Marketing.
Other university winners this year include Stanford, Syracuse, UMass, Tennessee and Rutgers.
UCM is made up of more than 30+ professionals who serve as a treasure house of knowledge on Kent State University and its brand identity. These individuals bring with them extensive experience from the private sector, not-for-profit organizations, agencies and media. This team advances the university's brand and drives marketing and communications initiatives that deliver on the university's Roadmap to a Distinctive Kent State Strategic Plan.
"It’s great for our team to get recognized for the work they do," said Bob Louis, assistant vice president, new media communications. "The team is quite passionate about Kent State. They truly love what they do and work very hard at it. The awards are much appreciated."
Receiving MarCom's Gold Award were:
- Kent State Magazine - Climate Change Issue
- Julie's Day In The Life at KSU - Social Video
- Study Abroad Paris: TV spot
- Kent State's Welcome Page
- Forever Brighter Website
Receiving MarCom's Honorable Mention were:
- College of Podiatric Medicine Educational Video
- Happy Thanksgiving - Social Video
- Study Abroad Italy: TV spot
- DKS Welcome Kit Direct Mail
- Coronavirus Dashboard Website
Like what you see? View more of UCM's award-winning work.