Best of CASE District II Award
 

Institution: York University

Title of entry: #PeopleofYU

About this entry: York University is a community of changemakers. Our #PeopleofYU campaign showcases the unique and inspiring ways our students, staff, faculty, alumni and retirees are creating positive change within our community and beyond. #PeopleofYU, which is now in its second year, was originally inspired by the viral sensation “Humans of New York.” York University is a leading teaching and researching institution, with a diverse and empowered community working together to right the future. Each of our profiles is designed to showcase powerful personal stories and moments of triumph through emotionally driven content, which stands out from regular news stories. The profiles live on a visually appealing webpage and include captivating photography and/or videography and a 300-500-word short story from the perspective of the individual. Content varies between faculty research, stories of overcoming adversity, reasons for pursuing education, a moment that changed their life, and much more. These first-person narrative stories, are featured on our social channels by creating both a hashtag to accompany all social posts and aligning the various people featured with our brand’s emotional and functional benefits, as well as our values. The initiative is part of pan-university communication and marketing strategy that strengthens relationships, humanizes the institution and celebrates our diversity.

Target audience: students, faculty, prospective students, parents, the general public