University News

The Western Illinois University Office of Communications and Marketing and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions earned a Gold Award for the "WIU Hits Different" postcard.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU earned a Bronze Award for its "Your Potential Unleashed" commercial.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU earned a Bronze Award for its "Turn Around: WIU is Here" TikTok.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU Earns Gold in Educational Advertising Awards

April 3, 2025

Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL - - The Western Illinois University Office of Communications and Marketing and the Office of Undergraduate Admissions recently were granted multiple Educational Advertising Awards, with awards across five categories.

WIU was recognized with a prestigious Gold Award for its "WIU Hits Different" postcard, while earning multiple awards for its "Your Potential Unleashed" campaign, as well as its social media and video productions.

WIU's marketing and recruitment materials are the result of coordinated efforts between University Marketing and Undergraduate Admissions, with support from the Photography Design and Production office and University Television. University Marketing works with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to design and produce the University's recruitment publications each year.

The Educational Advertising Awards give a "Best of Show" winner to each of their 13 categories, followed by Gold Awards, Silver Awards, Bronze Awards and Merit Awards for the more than 1,000 institutions who submit entries.

WIU's full list of recognition:


  • Gold Award - Publication/External: "WIU Hits Different"

  • Bronze Award - Digital Video Ad-Less than 2 min: "Your Potential Unleashed"

  • Bronze Award - TikTok Content: "Turn Around: WIU is Here"

  • Merit Award - Integrated Marketing Campaign: "Your Potential Unleashed" WIU Marketing Campaign

  • Merit Award - Student Viewbook

"Receiving these awards highlights the exceptional creativity and collaboration of our team," said Alisha Looney, director of Communications and Marketing. "Our in-house talent continues to produce high-quality marketing and recruitment materials that effectively showcase WIU's strengths. These recognitions reaffirm our commitment to innovation and excellence in telling the WIU story."

The Educational Advertising Awards recognize excellence in advertising, marketing and promotion efforts among educational institutions across the United States and Canada. A panel of industry experts selects winning entries based on criteria such as creativity, messaging, design and overall effectiveness.

The full list of winners can be found at bit.ly/4iYSfa4.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing