Institutional Commercial, Rivalry Week Series Earn First Telly Awards for AAMU

Alabama A&M University was named the Gold Winner for educational institutions in the 2025 Telly Awards, Tuesday. The honor was just one of seven (7) awards earned by AAMU in this year’s competition. The University’s 2025 institutional commercials – which launched in select markets during Super Bowl LIX – earned the top honor which highlighted multiple wins. 

AAMU’s 2024 Magic City Classic Rivalry Week Series also earned the following honors: the Silver Award for Film & Shorts, the Silver Award for Lighting, the Silver Award for Production Design, the Silver Award for Character Design, the Silver Award for Directing, and the Bronze Award for Culture & Lifestyle category. 

“The relevance of the Rivalry Week Series is a testament to the special nature of our traditions,” said Assistant Vice President Aaron J Thompson. “Alumni, fans, and newcomers to the brand alike enjoy and find connection to the storytelling. That’s something that has reverberated into awards season, and we’re happy to bring recognitions to The Hill through these projects.”

Titled “Heartbeat on the Hill”, the institutional commercials also celebrate the 150th Anniversary and have earned industry-wide applause since launching in February.
 
“Authenticity was the top priority in the development of our new institutional spots,” said Thompson. “Our students, staff, and amazing partners at UWG were all locked in on not producing just another University commercial, but one that conveyed the true spirit of Alabama A&M. The spots strike that tone while centering our vibrant student-life and beautiful campus in the storytelling process. It’s always rewarding when that approach is recognized on a platform like this.” 

More awards are up for grabs for the Office of Marketing, Communications and Advancement this week. Alabama A&M is a finalist in three categories at the Shorty Awards being held in New York City, May 21. AAMU is a finalist in the following categories: Education, Video Series, Diverse Businesses. Next month, AAMU is up for an EMMY® at Southeast EMMY® Awards ceremony to be held June 14 in Atlanta, Ga.