EMU Today

YPSILANTI -- Eastern Michigan University‘s “Come as you are” promotional video campaign received silver and bronze awards in this year’s Telly Awards, considered the world’s largest recognition of excellence for video and television across all screens. Founded in 1979, Telly Awards winners this year include some the most prominent global brands including Netflix, Disney Parks, Paramount and National Geographic Society.

The video campaign earned a silver award in the category of Local TV – Campaign Branding, and a bronze award in the category of Local TV – Campaign Not-for-Profit. The campaign features six students in individual thirty-second videos that highlight their academic pursuits and their personalities, while incorporating posts from their social media channels.

“The campaign is designed to display the individuality, diversity and distinctiveness of Eastern Michigan University students,” said Walter Kraft, vice president for communications. “We are highlighting the welcoming, supportive community students find when they enroll at Eastern Michigan University.” 

(Watch commercials here)

The awards were judged by members of the Telly Awards Judging Council, a group of more than 200 working industry leaders.

In March, the campaign also received accolades in the Educational Advertising Awards – earning a top gold award.

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.

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.