WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – A video showcasing Pennsylvania College of Technology’s unique educational brand and hands-on, applied technology approach to learning has earned accolades in a renowned international competition sponsored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
The 60-second “Looking Good” spot – produced by Public Relations and Marketing at Penn College in conjunction with Philadelphia-based creative agency 160over90 – captured a Silver Award in the Video/Student Recruitment-Short category of the 2020 CASE Circle of Excellence Awards.
The peer-selected-and-adjudicated awards highlight superior accomplishments that have lasting impact and demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, while delivering exceptional results in the fields of advancement services, alumni relations, communications, fundraising and marketing at colleges, universities, independent schools, and affiliated nonprofits.
“We loved the modernity of this video,” the judges commented on the Penn College entry. “The movement from shot to shot was fast-paced, which is necessary to engage younger viewers (a target audience). We also felt that the message of ‘made by hand’ is a good one, as students yearn for hands-on professions where they are doing things and making a difference vs. ‘cubicle professions.’ It looks like an exciting place to learn!”
Penn College’s “Looking Good” submission represents the culmination of two years of close brand-marketing collaboration with 160over90. Students and faculty in welding, forestry, architectural technology, graphic design, physician assistant, culinary arts, automotive, aviation, diesel and automated manufacturing were instrumental in the preparation and filming and served as consultants and skilled talent.
Key members of PRM’s production team for the project include Carlos Ramos, director of strategic marketing; Tina M. Miller, director of public relations and marketing; Megan L. Ripka, assistant director of marketing for academic programs and special projects; and Christopher J. Leigh, video producer. Aerial videography was shot by Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer.
“Our tomorrow makers are indeed ‘looking good’ at Pennsylvania College of Technology. The production is beautiful, authentic and very rock 'n' roll, and this validation by the CASE Circle of Excellence – essentially the Oscars of collegiate marketing communications – is well-earned,” said Patrick Marty, Penn College chief of staff. “It is a testament to the remarkable talents of our partners at 160over90 who help us tell – so elegantly – the story of our best-in-class experiential learning model across more than 100 STEM degree programs.”
“For some schools, making you look good on paper is enough,” said Patrick Macomber, executive creative director, 160over90. “Build the resumé, get the certificate, etc. That’s all important, but Penn College provides so much more. It’s about enriching our minds and getting our hands dirty. Creating a future made by hand. This work helped showcase the very real outcomes of that educational philosophy, so we can show students how to look good where it matters most – under the hood, on the plate and anywhere the future might take us.”
For the 2020 CASE Circle of Excellence Awards, the organization received 2,752 entries from 587 institutions in 28 countries. Entries in 100 categories were judged by 416 volunteers, who selected more than 400 for recognition.
“These awards demonstrate our members’ success in advancing their institutions through their remarkable and varied work across all advancement disciplines,” said Sue Cunningham, CASE president and CEO.
Previously, Penn College’s efforts to market and brand the institution’s unique educational mission to a national audience were recognized with a Bronze Award in the 2020 District II Accolades Awards sponsored by CASE.
For more about Penn College, a special mission affiliate of Penn State and a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.eduor call toll-free 800-367-9222.