Best of CASE District V Award
 

Institution: Kent State University

Title of entry: Marcello Fantoni in Paris

About this entry: As recipient of the 2022 Sen. Paul Simon Award for America's top university for international activity, Kent State strategically amplifies its Global Presence brand pillar through authentic storytelling direct from international settings. University Communications and Marketing (UCM) transformed a 2024 content-gathering trip to France into a powerful multi-channel advocacy campaign for global education, showcasing the visionary behind Kent State's international success.

While documenting the revival of Kent State's Paris American Academy following a devastating 2022 fire and capturing alumni interviews for an Olympics sponsorship, UCM recognized an extraordinary opportunity when schedules overlapped with VP for Global Education Marcello Fantoni. As the only American academic serving on the Scientific Board of the Palace of Versailles, Fantoni provided UCM withunprecedented access to this iconic landmark.

UCM's team pivoted, creating a content strategy that leveraged Fantoni's unique position and the magnificent Versailles backdrop. The resulting assets powerfully connected Kent State's international mission to one of the world's most recognized cultural symbols. This agile response yielded compelling broadcast and digital advertisements, an innovative episode of President Todd Diacon's research video series, and a rich multimedia feature for the university magazine.

Highlight outcomes include: An Olympics broadcast advertising audience well above expectations; nearly 10 million impressions of the Marcello Fantoni spot alone; Kent State Today and Kent State Magazine pieces on Fantoni, each including the 60-second Fantoni spot achieved above-standard engagement; a "What's the Big Idea?" video from Versailles garnered more than 8,500 views on owned channels and organic social. Engagement details in support material.