With York’s new brand at the heart of the work and built around the six key priorities outlined in the 2020-25 University Academic Plan (UAP), compelling marketing and creative, design and storytelling, accompanied by exceptional execution, have been recognized with four top international awards.
Every year, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) 2021 Circle of Excellence Awards highlight the best submissions from the post-secondary sector around the world. These annual awards acknowledge superior accomplishments that have lasting impact, demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and deliver exceptional results. This year, CASE received submissions from 530 institutions in 27 countries, and York’s Communications & Public Affairs Division (C&PA) brought home two golds and two silvers, locking in a second-in-Canada standing.
This recognition highlights York University as a community of changemakers, working to create a better future.
“In launching York’s first-ever brand strategy in Fall 2020, we have been laser-focused on ensuring that all of our communication and marketing work projects our shared sense of purpose and identity,” said Susan Webb, chief communications and marketing officer at York University. “Our brand aligns closely with the UAP and shines a light on the values we embrace as a community, through the work that is being done by students, faculty, researchers, instructors and staff alike. In a year like no other, the C&PA team has continued to deliver outstanding work, which was no easy feat. I am very proud of the many ways the team continues to create and shape powerful stories and visuals that represent our community.”
York’s brand is reflected throughout all communications work and is a strong representation of York as a leading international teaching and research university and a driving force for positive change.
“The work and awards are impressive and important in communicating York’s unique identity,” said Lisa Philipps, provost and vice-president academic. “I am particularly pleased that our UAP website was recognized and that the judges highlighted York’s UAP as an example of how complex content can be captured through a best-in-class web experience.”
The awards include:
- Gold: Building a Better Future: York University Academic Plan 2020-2025 Website;
- Gold: “Right the Future” Brand Campaign, series of 15-second ads in tv and video format;
- Silver: “The Drake Effect” (The York University Magazine article); and
- Silver: “Right The Future” Brand Campaign, Spotify 30-second spot.