The University of the West Indies’ 75th anniversary launch campaign earned ‘gold’ at the 17th AVA Digital Awards and the 39th Annual Educational Advertising Awards. Both prestigious international industry awards were bestowed on The UWI’s “Rooted Ready Rising” campaign.

Kicking off the awareness of The UWI’s 75th anniversary celebrations, the digital campaign included the reveal of the anniversary theme, logo and a video launch package.

The development of a three-pronged theme ‘UWI @ 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.’ gave equal emphasis to three essential aspects—celebration, reflecting upon The UWI’s historical journey and all it has achieved in the last 75 years; inspiration, articulating the essence of what The UWI means and represents to the Caribbean community; and aspiration: expressing The UWI’s forward-focused journey.

It’s the sixth Gold Award for The UWI, having won global accolades for redesigning the University’s central website, www.uwi.edu in 2022, special Climate Action Report and COVID-19 Website in 2021.

The University Marketing and Communications Office, responsible for the institutional promotion of the regional academy, led the 75th anniversary launch campaign and the 75th anniversary logo, and the anniversary launch videos were all developed by in- house talent.

Commenting on the international recognition, University Director, Marketing & Communications, Dr. Rhonda Jaipaul-O’Garro said, “In addition to our innovative and creative marketing and branding strategies, this award acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our system-wide marketing and communication teams at the Vice Chancellery and across our campuses. We at The UWI have proven our capability to create powerful and compelling brand stories as a global brand of excellence by winning this award.”

University Registrar, Dr. Maurice D. Smith who served as Chair of the Central Planning Committee for the 75th anniversary celebrations noted, “As the curtains close on the yearlong celebrations, and news comes of these awards, I am delighted that our University Marketing and Communications Team has once again been recognised for its excellence and diligence. These awards certainly serve to underscore the expertise that not only is theirs but also the University’s given its invaluable contribution to the region and beyond. I am sure my colleagues are encouraged and remain even further committed to serving with the distinction for which they are known.”