Eastern Michigan University's “Come as you are” advertising campaign wins gold award in 2023 Educational Advertising Awards

A screenshot from one of the "Come As You Are" campaign advertisements, featuring an EMU student being their authentic self.

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s “Come as you are” advertising campaign, which features six students in individual thirty-second videos, has won a top gold award in the 2023 Educational Advertising Awards. Eastern received the gold award in the category of Television Advertising – Series.

The Educational Advertising Awards is the largest educational advertising awards competition in the country. This year, more than 2,000 entries were received from more than 1,000 colleges, universities and secondary schools from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries.

(Watch all six commercials here.)

“These outstanding videos were designed to reflect the individuality, diversity, and distinctive characteristics of the Eastern Michigan University student body,” said Walter Kraft, vice president for communications. “The spots showcase the students’ authentic selves by integrating their social media presence, musical preferences, and their academic and personal interests in fun, lively and meaningful video presentation. The authenticity demonstrated in the videos highlights the unique journey of every Eastern Michigan University student as they pursue their degrees and careers.”

Kraft credited Eastern’s Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications Darcy Gifford for helping lead the project along with marketing partner Real Integrated, which worked with the University to produce the videos. Real Integrated has worked with the University since 2018.

“The students are the stars at EMU,” said Real Integrated Chief Creative Officer John Ozdych and Chief Operating Officer Crystal Ceo. “These spots are an authentic expression of the deeply personal journey of discovery students embark on. They also celebrate the extraordinarily diverse student body at the University and are a testament to how EMU supports each student and their unique passions.”

Judges for the Educational Advertising Awards consisted of a national panel of higher education marketers, advertising creative directors, marketing and advertising professionals.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

March 15, 2023

Written by:
Walter Kraft

Media Contact:
Walter Kraft
wkraft@emich.edu
734.487.6895