From the Nominator

"The "For Alaska" campaign anthem served to announce and promote the University of Alaska's first system-wide fundraising campaign. This video is part of a series of videos promoting this $200 million campaign. We created this dynamic anthem video to communicate two primary messages:  

1) Recognizing Alaska's past and tradition—including that of its Indigenous peoples—along with its exciting growth into emerging industries: "Committed to honoring Alaska's yesterday by strengthening its tomorrow."  

2) Calling attention to the importance that the UA system plays in the entire region. It not only benefits academics, but also drives the economy, research, and job growth: "A vibrant, bold tomorrow for ALL Alaskans."  

We carefully crafted the script to highlight and balance all three universities, their amazing student contributions, and their impact on the region—specifically within the four campaign priorities—as well as to honor Alaska's Indigenous peoples. The video is narrated by an Alaska Native elder and university professor, whose voice and dialect—paired with the music and awe-inspiring landscapes—make this piece distinctly Alaskan. 

We immediately juxtapose the grand and small wonders of Alaska, creating a sense of awe and pride. It grabs your attention from the start. Playing on the idea of growth, resilience, and emergence of Alaska and the UA system, the music begins soft and builds throughout, with a crescendo into the drums, again alluding to Indigenous heritage. It briefly drops out before coming back stronger each time to reinforce the critical points, culminating in "We are the University FOR Alaska.""

From the Judges

A clever video featuring Alaska's gorgeous scenery and the narrator added an authentic touch to the message. The strengths of the campuses within the university system were revealed in the video. Well done!