St. Mary’s College of Maryland has once again proven its creative strength, earning four major recognitions at the 13th Annual Educational Digital Marketing Awards organized by the HMR Publications Group. The honors include two golds, one silver, and one merit award, an achievement that highlights the college’s growing reputation for excellence in communication, creativity, and community engagement.

The Educational Digital Marketing Awards celebrate outstanding work in digital media among colleges, universities, and schools across the United States. With more than a thousand entries this year, only the top 20% of submissions received gold awards, placing St. Mary’s among the best in the field.

Celebrating Gold: Creativity that Connects

The college received two gold awards, one for its “Honors for All” digital video ad and another for the complete digital marketing program for the 2025 Mulberry Music Festival. Both campaigns stood out for their storytelling, visual appeal, and ability to authentically represent the college’s spirit.

The “Honors for All” campaign emphasized inclusivity in academic excellence, reminding students that achievement is not limited to a select few but is accessible to everyone willing to explore their potential. Meanwhile, the Mulberry Music Festival campaign captured the excitement and cultural vibrancy of campus life, drawing both current students and alumni into the celebration.

Silver and Merit Awards: Honoring Creative Vision

In addition to the gold awards, the college earned a silver award for its “2025 Mulberry Music Festival” hype video, a short piece under two minutes that showcased the energy and joy surrounding the annual event. The video successfully translated the festival’s lively atmosphere into a compelling digital experience that resonated with viewers.

The merit award was given for the video “Celebrating the Legacy of President Tuajuanda Jordan,” which ran over two minutes. This piece paid tribute to the leadership and impact of President Jordan, capturing her journey and lasting influence on the institution. The film’s emotional storytelling and visual elegance stood out to the judges.

Teamwork Behind the Success

Chuck Steenburgh, assistant vice president of integrated marketing and communications, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort behind the recognition. “These efforts represent the work of many individuals on the marketing team, within the Institutional Advancement unit, and across campus,” he said. “Ultimately, it is the enthusiasm of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members for St. Mary’s College that provides the foundation for our work.”

His words reflect the college’s belief that marketing success is not just about campaigns but about people, those who bring life to the institution’s story every day.

National Recognition and Future Aspirations

Entries for the Educational Digital Marketing Awards were judged by a panel of seasoned education marketers, creative directors, and advertising professionals from across the country. Their recognition reaffirms St. Mary’s College’s commitment to combining creativity with purpose.

These awards are more than trophies; they symbolize how the college continues to evolve in how it connects with its audience. Through thoughtful storytelling and a genuine reflection of its community, St. Mary’s College of Maryland is setting an inspiring example for higher education marketing nationwide.