At GradComm, we don’t just create marketing—we craft campaigns that connect, inspire, and drive real results for community colleges. And while student engagement and enrollment growth are always the ultimate rewards, we’re honored when our work gets recognized by some of the biggest names in the industry.
In 2024, GradComm helped our clients win a wide-variety of awards from NCMPR and CCPRO celebrating standout work in digital, video, print, and out-of-home advertising.
But we also won a stunning 15 awards from such regional and national advertising competitions as the Davey’s, Addy’s, and Telly’s. Given that we only made 17 entries, that’s not a bad success rate!
Not only do I love celebrating the success and hard work of our creatives, but these wins also prove that community college marketing can be just as bold and creative as any big-brand campaign when given a chance.
They also contain important lessons about how to make good marketing great.
In this blog, we reflect on a handful of winning projects and ask ourselves not only why we think they won, but why they’re good marketing.
To see more of our award-winning work, take a scroll through our newly updated portfolio!
Citrus “Generations” TikTok
Awards: Silver CCPRO Award, Gold NCMPR Medallion
Why We Think It Won
“We do a lot of TikToks, but I think this one stood out because it authentically and heartwarmingly showcases three generations from one family pursuing their educational dreams. The content is presented in a lighthearted and engaging manner, resonating with audiences by highlighting the power of education across generations.” -Coleen Fisher, Marketing Director
Why It’s Good Marketing
“This video has an incredibly motivating story and students can see themselves in the students in the video. It’s real and relatable.” – Jamie McNinch, Client Services Director
“Seeing generations of college graduates in a community college marketing campaign is a powerful reminder that education is a legacy—one that transforms families, uplifts communities, and proves that opportunity grows when knowledge is passed from one generation to the next.” – Cheryl Broom, CEO
Orange County Community Colleges Career Education Future BUILT Campaign “What is Career Education?”
Awards: Gold Davey, Silver Telly, Silver Addy
Why We Think It Won
“Not only does it look amazing, but it tells a great story. This could be a very boring and typical explainer video. But by building it around characters with clear needs and challenges, the animation can shine and do what it does best—tell a story.” -Michael Mahin, Creative Director
Why it’s Good Marketing
“It makes something hard to explain seem so easy. Maybe it’s the cartoon nature of it that attracts. You don’t see quality animation of this level in college marketing very often.” Jamie McNinch, Client Services Director
“Statistics inform, but stories inspire. A well-told story doesn’t just present facts—it ignites emotions, builds connections, and captures imaginations in a way that numbers alone never could.” – Cheryl Broom, CEO
Southwestern Brand
Award: Bronze Addy
Why We Think It Won
“I love this design and how it takes the sun from Southwestern’s logo and incorporates it into the new tagline wordmark. Not only does this deploy a design element that can be used to create consistency across all materials, but it creates a perfect visual metaphor for the themes that their tagline ‘Keep Growing’ seeks to capture.” -Michael Mahin, Creative Director
Why it’s Good Marketing
“A well-crafted tagline isn’t just words—it’s a bridge between a community college’s mission and its visual identity. When designed to complement the logo, it reinforces purpose, sparks recognition, and leaves a lasting impact on students and the community alike.”- Cheryl Broom, CEO
Long Beach City College North Campus Mural
Award: Gold Davey
Why We Think It Won
“LBCC’s ‘Keep Your Future’ mural is a prime example of breathtaking artistry and vibrant storytelling, which beautifully capture the spirit of the community. The mural’s intricate details and masterful use of color create an inspiring visual experience that resonates with students and visitors alike. Its ability to blend history, culture, and creativity into a single masterpiece truly sets it apart as an award-winning work of public art. It’s truly worth your while to go see it in person.” – Chris Carroll, Art Director
Why it’s Good Marketing
“Art, community and college collide with a relevant, unique but impactful installation that makes a splash about what the college brand is about. Like the college itself, it will become a permanently recognizable piece of the community, something that people will remember. And if they’re remembering it, they’re remembering the college. That’s the best kind of marketing. Plus, it’s cool and different!” – Cheryl Broom, CEO
Orange County Community Colleges Career Education Future BUILT Campaign “Break the Box” Billboards
Awards: Silver Addy, Silver Davey
Why We Think It Won
“These fun and eye-popping billboards really stand out and take command of your visual attention. It’s not every day that you see a billboard break its rectangular confinement to inspire and motivate you to achieve your goals like the person that you see in the story before you. The way they “break the box” combined with eye-catching visuals really make these stand out.” – Chris Carroll, Art Director
Why It’s Good Marketing
“Billboards are great because they provide high visibility, broad reach, and strong brand reinforcement. Especially in areas where there are multiple colleges and service areas are tight. They are a great way to make a bold value proposition to your audience and claim that territory as your own. The more boards you can run in a given area, the more viewers will come to see that locale as yours.” -Michael Mahin, Creative Director
