AU commercial earns prestigious award
There were countless reasons to celebrate Athabasca University’s 50th anniversary in 2020, and now we have one more: the commercial we created and launched last year has earned a prestigious award!
As a part of the overall Beyond 50 celebrations, we wanted to tell the story of AU in a way we had never done before. For half a century, AU has offered flexible and open options so that learners all over the world can access university-level education.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary and showcase why AU has been, and continues to be, the right choice for so many, the university produced a commercial showing why learners should choose AU for another 50 years and beyond.
Grand Gold!
The commercial recently won the Grand Gold award for a Commercial or Public Service Announcement through the Council for Advancement and Support of Education‘s District VIII Awards.
About the commercial
A Long-Distance Relationship That Works is a medley of learners’ diverse experiences highlighting the trials and triumphs they face while balancing life and school. The video draws a strong comparison between distance learning and long-distance relationships—making references to the partnerships formed between learners working on projects together online and the time commitment required to study.
It also demonstrates the connection all learners have with regards to the different stages of long-distance education, from the application process to balancing their obligations while they complete their program or course.
Evolution of Beyond 50
There’s no doubt 2020 was a tumultuous year. Being faced with a global pandemic meant our lives were turned upside down, sideways, and everything in between; we faced challenges that we didn’t even know existed. No one will ever forget how the world was before, or the monumental shift that took place over the year.
While our plans for Beyond 50 had to evolve over the year, and as the shift to online touched nearly every part of our lives, it also elevated what AU has been doing best for the last 50 years. As a leader in open and online education, we thought creatively and were able to find new ways to celebrate our 50th anniversary.
We are so excited that a panel of our peers recognized the excellence of this commercial.
Transforming Lives
The commercial was not the only work that was recognized in this way! AU received an honourable mention in the competition for Best Practices in Communications and Marketing: “PowerED™ by AU’s Brand Launch” Athabasca University and earned a Bronze in the Writing for the Web category for the the series Transforming Lives, which is powered by AU’s learners and alumni. This recognition is testament to the fact our AU learners and alumni are out there transforming lives and transforming communities. We couldn’t do it without such an incredible AU community. Thanks to everyone who contributed!
It’s not too late for you to share your story with us! We’re looking for submissions for Transforming Lives: Learners at AU. You never know who will be inspired by your story!
