Wilkes University Marketing Communications was recently recognized by CUPRAP (College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals) at the 18th annual CUPPIE Awards and Spring Professional Development Conference held from March 12 to 14 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Over 440 entries spanning nine different categories were received from colleges, universities and agencies from around the country. Judges for the awards include experts in the field of communications, marketing and media. Wilkes received a gold award for its 2024 holiday video and an honorable mention for its updated design of admissions travel materials used in recruitment of future students.
The 2024 holiday video was produced entirely in-house, featuring filming, voiceover work, animations and post-production effects by Marketing Communications with the help of student volunteers. Its initial concept was developed throughout the fall, led by Brad Barry, director of creative services.
“It was fantastic to be recognized for our team’s amazing work. Every year, our campus really gets excited about getting involved in this process,” said Barry. “This year’s heavy focus on animation was challenging but the end product speaks for itself. I can’t wait to get started on this holiday season’s creative.”
Using a blend of live action and animated features, the video showcased a variety of University updates and achievements in academics, athletics and student life. The video, which was released to the campus community in December, received thousands of views on YouTube and across University social media channels.
The admissions travel kit, developed for fall 2024, includes a number of branded pieces to spark conversation with prospective students and families at college fairs and on admissions visits.
“We really looked at this project holistically. In the past, we had done many individual pieces and given them to our counselors to make their displays. Putting it all together and making it more cohesive made a big impact,” said Jacki Eovitch, associate director of communications, who led the project in partnership with admissions counselors. “It was important to make sure our table stood out to students and that we could draw them in with our brand and strong visuals.”
To advance this project, Marketing Communications made updates to existing pieces, produced a new quad-fold brochure that makes it easy to learn about Wilkes on the go, and developed a series of stickers and accompanying prompt cards to help counselors and students connect.
“I’m in awe of our team and what we’ve been able to achieve with our brand in the past year and while the recognition is wonderful, it’s truly our passion for Wilkes that guides us,” said Kerianne Geist, associate vice president of marketing communications. “As we look forward to the future, I’m excited to see what else we can do to help raise the University’s profile and continue to promote the promise of Wilkes education to all the audiences we serve.”