UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s brand commercial, “This is a Place,” has received six highly competitive international awards, including being named a People’s Telly Gold Winner in the “general - promotional video category” in the 47th Annual Telly Awards — the premier award honoring video and television across all screens, with more than 13,000 entries globally. ‘This is a Place’ debuted on Aug. 30, 2025, during the nationally televised football season opener and is continuing to run in 2026.
Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications creates a new brand anthem commercial every few years for use during televised athletic events across ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX and the Big Ten Network. These broadcasts provide a powerful platform to reach Penn Staters wherever they are, showcasing the University’s impact during high-profile programming and reinforcing connection, pride and affinity for Penn State. For the first time, the commercial was filmed, edited and produced entirely in-house by the Penn State Office of Strategic Communications.
People’s Telly Gold Award
"This is a Place” was selected from among all entries and shortlisted by judges to compete in the promotional video category for the coveted People’s Telly Award, which is determined by ratings from a global audience of online public voters.
“Recognition in the People’s Telly category is earned purely on merit and selection from a global audience. Having Penn State’s brand commercial be recognized by renowned expert judges is a significant honor, and positive ratings from audiences around the world highlight our team’s agency-caliber talent as we showcase Penn State’s reputation and reinforce the positive impact the University has across Pennsylvania, the nation and the world,” said Rachel Pell, vice president for Strategic Communications. “This video — a unifying representation of who we are and what we value — earned recognition across six competitive international awards, which demonstrates the immense power of the Penn State network and indicates a high level of brand recognition for the University from across the globe.”
"This is a Place” also earned a Silver Telly in the “promotional video – educational institution” category, as chosen by the Telly Awards Judging Council comprised of more than 250 experts across the world of video.
CASE Gold Circle of Excellence Award
“This is a Place” also received a Gold-level 2026 Circle of Excellence Award in the Marketing: Advertising Broadcast Category from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
The global annual recognition program celebrates colleges, universities and independent schools whose outstanding work in advancement services, alumni relations, communications, fundraising and marketing demonstrate exceptional ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness. It is recognized as the premier recognition program in the world for the advancement sector. This year, more than 4,000 members in 33 countries submitted entries.
On the CASE website, judges wrote of the commercial: “This spot is amazing, and it shows that moments of calm and brilliance can happen in one place. Each detail was perfect and distinctively Penn State … Also, the in-house team's ability to create this spot was super impressive.”
Muse, Hermes and Viddy awards
“This is a Place” also received:
- A Gold Muse Creative Award (highest) in “Video – School/Universities.” The MUSE Creative Awards program recognizes excellence in advertising, design, and digital media worldwide. Celebrating agencies, brands and creative professionals, MUSE honors work that sets new standards, strengthens brand presence and delivers real-world results.
- A Platinum Hermes Creative Award (highest), in “Digital Advertising and Promotion.” Each year, the Hermes Creative Award competition judges evaluate the creative industry’s best publications; branding collateral; websites and videos; and advertising, marketing and communication programs.
- A Platinum Viddy Award (highest), in “Commercials | Broadcast / Non-Broadcast / Web Commercials.” The Viddy Awards, an international competition honoring excellence in the video production field, is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.
The commercial celebrates the people that shape the Penn State community — including members of the national championship-winning women’s volleyball team, School of Theatre students, scientists conducting groundbreaking research and Penn State Extension experts — whose varied contributions and experiences reflect the University’s distinctive “We Are!” spirit.
“The most rewarding part of this brand spot is that it shines a light on what truly makes Penn State special: our people,” Pell said. “It highlights the extraordinary faculty and staff who dedicate themselves to teaching, discovery and service, and the impressive students whose energy and potential inspire us every day. Together, they form a unique community that is defined by excellence, purpose and a commitment to making a difference. That sense of community is what sets Penn State apart, and we're proud to share this story with audiences across the country.”