By Vince Slomsky and Tina Meketa, University Communications and Marketing
The University of South Florida’s Be Bold commercial has been honored with a 2025 national gold Telly Award – placing USF among just four universities across the nation to win the General-Educational Institution for promotional video category.
The 30-second commercial – part of the university’s brand campaign that aired on television, streaming and digital platforms – showcases USF students and faculty who represent the heart of USF. Working in collaboration with Diamond View Studios, each person featured in the campaign was asked to describe, in their own words, what being bold means to them.
Featured in the video:
- Julio Blanco is the first in his family to attend college. He graduated with a degree in biomedical anthropology in May and is on his way to becoming a pediatrician.
- Libby Royer is conducting doctoral research focused on the impacts of hurricanes to Tampa Bay coastlines and how residents can better prepare for future storms.
- Associate Professor John Licato is helping pioneer the launch of the new Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.
- Dr. Yael Bensoussan is leading a multi-million-dollar national research project that uses AI analysis of the human voice to diagnose and treat diseases.
- Sean Atkins is a former walk-on USF football player who shares his journey of persistence and grit.
“Bulls Nation has embraced the Be Bold campaign because these individual and collective stories showcase the incredible impact that USF and our people have on Tampa Bay, our state and our nation,” said Dan Caterinicchia, vice president and chief marketing officer. “President Law has encouraged Bulls everywhere to ‘Be Bold,’ and this recognition only happens because we embrace innovation, creativity, collaboration and the joy that comes from having the privilege of telling meaningful stories every day. I could not be prouder of our team.”
Established in 1979, The Telly Awards has received more than 13,000 entries from across the world. This year’s theme, “Stories Take Shape,” underscores how today’s creators are blending traditional storytelling techniques with emerging formats to explore the full spectrum of what video can be.