From the Nominator

“It Starts Here” is the anthem video for UT’s 10-year, $6 billion What Starts Here fundraising campaign. It premiered at the public launch in March 2022 and serves as the primary brand asset until campaign close in 2026.   

The video’s concept—illustrating the quiet grind that world-changers undertake across the Forty Acres every day—plays on the university’s beloved tagline, “What starts here changes the world.” Forty-three students, 18 professors, 76 staff members and two Longhorn steer gave generously of their time, either through an on-camera feature or behind-the-scenes support, to help our team represent the range of world-changing work happening across the university. Close friends and other insider viewers will recognize UT superstars like Dr. Jason McLellan, whose research made the COVID-19 vaccine possible, and programs like the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, as examples of what UT donors have made possible.     

The video resonated with Longhorn Nation in powerful and unexpected ways. In addition to its original purpose—introducing the campaign at events, across our digital outreach and in meetings with donors—a 30-second cut of “It Starts Here” now serves as the university’s highest-profile brand message: our NCAA television commercial.

From the Judges

Phenomenal transitions in a video that really draws in the viewer. Quite inspiring. Choice of music was good; repetitive strings to keep things moving. The various campus shots are probably a good hook for U of Texas alumni. etc. The messaging matches the imagery. It is technically so solid it deserves a gold.