NORMAL — It’s almost heresy that Alabama A&M has Alabama State to thank for an award, but this is an unusual circumstance and one that is welcome on The Hill.
The Bulldogs’ rivalry with Hornets was the subject of an A&M marketing campaign last year – the Magic City Classic Rivalry Week Series – and received six Telly Awards for the production.
Also, Alabama A&M was the Gold Winner for educational institutions in the Telly Awards.
The university’s 2025 institutional commercials – which launched in select markets during Super Bowl LIX – earned the top honor which highlighted multiple wins.
AAMU’s Rivalry Week Series earned the following honors: the Silver Award for Film & Shorts, the Silver Award for Lighting, the Silver Award for Production Design, the Silver Award for Character Design, the Silver Award for Directing, and the Bronze Award for Culture & Lifestyle category.
“The relevance of the Rivalry Week Series is a testament to the special nature of our traditions,” said Assistant Vice President Aaron J Thompson. “Alumni, fans, and newcomers to the brand alike enjoy and find connection to the storytelling. That’s something that has reverberated into awards season, and we’re happy to bring recognitions to The Hill through these projects.”
Titled “Heartbeat on the Hill”, the institutional commercials also celebrate the 150th anniversary and have earned industry-wide applause since launching in February.
“Authenticity was the top priority in the development of our new institutional spots,” said Thompson. “Our students, staff, and amazing partners at UWG were all locked in on not producing just another University commercial, but one that conveyed the true spirit of Alabama A&M. The spots strike that tone while centering our vibrant student-life and beautiful campus in the storytelling process.
“It’s always rewarding when that approach is recognized on a platform like this.”
More awards are up for grabs for the Office of Marketing, Communications and Advancement this week.
Alabama A&M is a finalist in three categories at the Shorty Awards this week in New York City: Education, Video Series, Diverse Businesses.
Next month, AAMU is up for an Emmy at Southeast Emmy Awards ceremony in Atlanta.
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