What's new
.jpg)
DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS UPDATE
Earlier this month, we announced three Brandcenter endowed scholarships aimed at expanding opportunities for diversity at the Brandcenter, as well as within the creative industries that Brandcenter students go on to impact.
The support shown by our community of alumni and industry partners has been remarkable. We’ve received nearly $50,000 in donations towards the 2020 Vision for Social Justice and Agent of Change scholarships, both of which are primarily alumni-funded. We’re also finalizing upwards of $125,000 in contributions towards the industry-supported VCU Brandcenter & Rising scholarship. These funds will go a long way in making the Brandcenter education accessible to a more diverse student body.
To those who have given a gift, we thank you for your generosity and action. If you’re interested in supporting diversity at the Brandcenter and beyond, please consider a contribution to the 2020 Vision for Social Justice Endowed Scholarship (created by Professor Berwyn Hung) or the Agent of Change Endowed Scholarship (created by Professor Caley Cantrell). Any amount will make a lasting impact in our creative community.
Agencies and industry partners are encouraged to support the VCU Brandcenter & Rising Scholarship. Please contact Angela Bartee, Assistant Director of Development, to discuss donation options.
RETURN TO BRANDCENTER - FALL 2020
As is the theme in 2020, things looked a little different as students returned to campus for classes. Orientation on August 17 was held in smaller groups by concentration, allowing us to follow social distancing protocols. Each new student was greeted with a copy of SIXTY v.23, as well as a supply kit containing hand sanitizer, face coverings, and cleaning spray.
This semester, Brandcenter classes are being held both in-person and virtually. We’re utilizing our large, open spaces in the lecture hall and basement to allow for social distancing. Masks are required at all times inside the building. No doubt this semester will require extra flexibility and creativity on everyone’s part, but we’re confident these cohorts will emerge stronger and more prepared because of it.
WELCOME BACK, HOLLY HESSLER
Brandcenter’s newest copywriting professor is no stranger to the #BrandFam.
After more than a decade at agencies like 72andSunny, Chiat LA, and McCann, Holly Hessler (CW, 2009) is stepping back into the Brandcenter classroom this semester, this time as a professor of creative.
Alumni spotlight
AWARD-WINNING STUDENT WORK
VCU Brandcenter second year Isabel Kerr (CW, 2021) was awarded “Best in Show - Student Show” for her powerful Alzheimer’s Association film at the 2019 Richmond Ad Show. Brandcenter students were awarded a total of 10 awards at the Richmond Show, and also earned recognition at the D&AD New Blood Awards and The One Club’s Young Ones Student Awards. Congrats to these rising stars!
Richmond Ad Show - READ MORE >>
D&AD New Blood Awards - READ MORE >>
The One Club Student Awards - READ MORE >>
.jpg)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP TAKEOVERS
In July and August, we handed over our Instagram account to a few rising second years so they could share their summer internship and work experiences. Included in the mix was the team from The Carriage House, Brandcenter’s first student-run creative co-op.
Alumni spotlight
JFK LIBRARY // #NEWNEWFRONTIER
In a new campaign for JFK Library, Cecelia Parrish (CBM, 2015), John McClaire (XD, 2011) and their team at The Martin Agency explore how JFK’s stirring depiction of a “New Frontier” in the 1960s draws parallels to our world today.
JANSPORT // #LIGHTENTHELOAD
Popular backpack brand JanSport made a strategic pivot for back-to-school this year, focusing on Gen Z mental health instead of school supplies. Congrats to Jay Kamath (AD, 2007), Hunter Kelly (ST, 2018) and their team at HAYMAKER on this important work.
NBC NEWS // PLAN YOUR VOTE
Election season is upon us. In a smart new PSA campaign for NBC News, alums Andy Grayson (ST, 2003), Charles Hodges (CW, 2009), and their team at Arts & Letters are helping to inform viewers across the U.S. about how they can vote in their state. The interactive "Plan Your Vote" tool details each state's COVID-19 restrictions, mail-in ballot information, early voting, and other key details.
PROGRESSIVE // DR. RICK
This month, Progressive Insurance introduced us to Dr. Rick: a life coach on a mission to prevent people from becoming their parents. Watch the hysterical spots by alums Zac Milner (CW, 2013), Thomas Hair (AD, 1999), and their team at Arnold, complete with too many throw pillows and submarine nonfiction.
New Alumni Freelancer Directory
In case you missed it, we created an Alumni Freelancer Directory featuring our alums who freelance full-time. If your company or agency needs freelancers, it’s a great resource.