May 28, 2008

California State University, Fresno received a Gold and a Silver ADDY Award at the Fresno Advertising Federation’s 29th Annual Central California ADDY Awards. The ADDY Award competition is one of the most challenging advertising competitions in the world. Held annually, these awards recognize all forms of advertising.

Fresno State won a gold award in the category Interactive Media—Online Campaign for the “I am Fresno State!” project. The “Powering the New California” newspaper ad campaign earned a silver award.

“I am Fresno State” was launched last spring featuring a portal (www.iamfresnostate.com) linked to the interactive platforms MySpace™ and YouTube™. In addition, an on-campus video contest was conducted with winners receiving cash prizes.

“The ‘I am Fresno State!’ project has been an amazing and worthwhile project,” said Dr. Peter Smits, Fresno State’s vice president for advancement. “It’s also a first for academic circles from coast-to-coast.”

The “I am Fresno State” MySpace™ site has more than 2,300 “friends” and the top four videos on “I am Fresno State” YouTube™ site have been viewed more than 14,700 times. The project has also has attracted national and international news coverage.

Due to last year’s popularity, “I am Fresno State” video contest is being held again this year. The deadline for submissions is April 21, 2008. Details online at www.iamfresnostate.com.

The print ad series that won a silver award is part of a multimedia campaign to promote the academic heart of the university and its importance in the future growth of the region. This “Powering the New California” campaign also includes radio and television ads that showcase the faculty and staff as they describe the importance of their programs.

Both winning entries now advance to district-level ADDY competition.