Marquette University receives two global CASE Circle of Excellence awards for video marketing

MILWAUKEE — The Office of University Relations at Marquette University has received two Circle of Excellence silver awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for recent video productions: “Reflections,” the university commercial, and “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” the 2020 Christmas video.

“Reflections” won a silver award in the “University Commercial” category, while “Let There Be Peace on Earth” won a silver award in the “Holiday/Year-End Video” category. In 2022, CASE received more than 4,500 entries from institutions in nearly 30 countries for its awards, which showcase outstanding work in marketing, communications, advancement services, alumni relations and fundraising. Entries were original work produced between July 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2021.

“CASE awards are recognition of excellent work as judged by our peers in each category,” said Tom Pionek, assistant vice president of marketing at Marquette. “This is a testament to the tremendous work behind the scenes to create compelling visual storytelling to promote Marquette University. Congratulations to Lauren Burke, our director of video, for her outstanding leadership in producing both videos.”

“Reflections” is Marquette’s current 60-second commercial. “The idea of personal transformation is what I wanted to convey,” Burke said. “From acceptance to graduation, being a Marquette student is an emotional journey and our goal was to tell that story that in just 60 seconds.”

“Great story and visuals,” wrote the judges. “Accurate display of student life throughout the video. Great video and concept to capture the whole four years in 60 seconds. Tugged at the heart strings.”

An annual tradition, Marquette’s 2020 Christmas video was produced during the height of the pandemic—an emotionally and logistically challenging time. “We needed to strike a balance: how do we celebrate the Christmas season while also recognizing what we were all going through together?” Burke said. “I wanted ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’ to be a comfort, and Ariana’s voice coupled with the serenity of the cinematography does just that.”

The judges agreed: “Simply stunning. It’s on brand, moving and brilliant in its simplicity. The black and white treatment is over-the-top good.”

CASE’s Circle of Excellence Awards are the premier recognition program for educational advancement. These peer-selected and adjudicated awards honor colleges, universities, and schools worldwide whose talented staff have advanced their organizations with resourcefulness and ingenuity.

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education is the global association for professionals in advancement—alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services—who share the goal of championing education to transform lives and society.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.