On May 19, 2025, Marquette University in Milwaukee celebrated a significant achievement. The university’s Office of Marketing and Communication won two awards in the Collegiate Advertising Awards, a national competition that honors excellence in marketing and advertising for higher education.
The team earned a gold award for their “Connections” commercial. This ad showcases the supportive community at Marquette, emphasizing that there’s a place for everyone. It airs during Big East sporting events and is also used in various digital campaigns to boost brand awareness and attract more students.
Marquette also received a silver award for updating its website design. The refresh improved user experience, notably on the homepage. Initially applied to key pages that draw significant traffic, the redesign eventually extended to 10,000 pages, marking the biggest website update in the university’s history.
Lynn Griffith, the university’s chief marketing and communication officer, expressed pride in the ongoing effort to enhance communication strategies. “Higher education is about continuous learning and improvement,” she said, highlighting the importance of staying ahead of trends.
In the past two years, Marquette has collected six Collegiate Advertising Awards, showcasing its commitment to quality and innovation in marketing. Tom Pionek, the assistant vice president of marketing, noted that their team has earned 17 awards in eight years, reflecting their hard work and dedication.
According to a recent survey by the American Marketing Association, universities with strong branding and marketing efforts see a 20% increase in enrollment. This underlines the importance of effective communication and outreach in today’s competitive educational landscape.
The Collegiate Advertising Awards program honors marketing talents in higher education. It allows universities to compete and be recognized in a variety of categories, from social media campaigns to fundraising efforts, providing valuable benchmarks for success.
Marquette University itself is a respected Catholic institution with a focus on developing leaders who are prepared to make a difference. With over 11,000 students, it ranks highly for job placement and innovative teaching.
By winning these awards, Marquette not only highlights its achievements but also reinforces its commitment to providing a supportive environment where students can thrive.
For more information on Marquette’s marketing efforts and achievements, you can visit their official site: Marquette University.