University of New Haven Earns Five Awards in Collegiate Advertising Awards Competition

Over the last 10 months, since the University of New Haven officially launched its “Power On,” brand, that two-word phrase and the vision it captures have been integrated throughout the University of New Haven experience.

This is what has made it such an overwhelming success.

“We’ve integrated the new brand into all aspects of our marketing strategy and associated collateral,” explained Sue Pranulis, senior executive director of marketing and communications, who helped spearhead the development and launch of the brand working alongside senior leadership and DiGo, a renowned New York City-based creative agency with whom the University collaborated.

‘The story of the University of New Haven’

The success – and impact – of the new brand led to the University receiving three awards in the Collegiate Advertising Awards competition for materials connected to the brand.

The University earned a gold award in the special video production series for its “Power On” student video series; a bronze award for its branding campaign video; and a bronze award for its Power On billboard campaign.

“The story of the new brand is, at its core, the story of the University of New Haven,” said Pranulis. “So what’s most important is how we continue to tell those stories that reinforce what we stand for.

“And this is where I keep coming back to our students and how central they were to the development of the new brand,” continued Pranulis. “We, and the University, may provide that spark, the fuel, maybe even ignite the flame. But it’s our students who are tending that fire, forging new paths, and stepping into the futures they’ve built for themselves using the skillsets they’ve gained during their time here. And these success stories all become part of the larger story of the University of New Haven. That collective energy and collective achievement is at the center of what it means to Power On.”

‘Speaks volumes’

In addition to the three awards recognizing Power On collateral, the University received a gold award in the crisis management category for a University-wide email then Interim President Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., wrote last November amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, examining a sensitive topic during a challenging time.

The University also received a bronze award in the external publication category for its Fall 2023 issue of the Alumni Magazine “Born to Lead.” Spearheaded by editor in chief Elizabeth Rodgers, the magazine featured a cover story about leadership and Power On brand messaging throughout the issue.

“These Collegiate Advertising awards speak volumes about the talents and commitment of the Office of Marketing and Communications and everyone we collaborate with to tell the story of the University of New Haven.

Ultimately, the work of continuing to embody the Power On brand in all the University does is an ongoing – and never-ending process – that involves everyone.

“We want our faculty and staff to be and feel a part of this process,” said Pranulis. “We welcome feedback and are constantly fine-tuning our offerings and looking to see what else we might be able to create.”