Austin Community College is now unveiling the latest phase of its multi-year “i am acc” public awareness campaign with a fresh look, featuring new testimonials from neighbors, relatives, and friends who are proud to be ACC. The stories focus on the college’s vision for the future, its unique role in the community, and, perhaps most significantly, inspiring students and future students to complete their education goals.
Yvonne VanDyke of Seton Hospital shoots her "i am acc" TV commercial.
A highlight of the new campaign is the TV commercials. Together with Big Look Productions and two interns from ACC’s Radio-TV-Film Department, the college produced six 30-second spots – scheduled to air in both English and Spanish on local affiliates. They include personal accounts from an orthopedic surgeon who credits ACC with giving her the foundation she needed to tackle medical school; a veteran who is the first in his family to go to college; employers who benefit from career training programs that produce the backbone of Central Texas’ local workforce; and more.
Here are just a few of the testimonials you’ll find in the commercials:
“We’ve been very impressed with the graduates from ACC. When they come to Samsung they know what to do. Those ACC students – keep them coming!” - Tom Murtha, Director of Innovation, Samsung Austin Semiconductor
“Austin Community College is a place that changes lives and allows people to change their lives.” – Dr. Constance Elko, ACC Math Professor
“At big universities you’re a number, and at ACC you certainly don’t feel that way.” – Dr. Christina Sheely, local orthopedic surgeon/ACC graduate
The original awareness campaign launched in 2007; since then, the campaign has generated hundreds of self-submitted testimonials on the “i am acc” webpage. Some of those stories have given rise to the latest round of TV commercials.
“The beauty of this campaign is that we’ve never had to hire actors. We get to use real people and real stories,” says Brette Lea, executive director of Public Information. “This campaign is a good platform to show the community what those of us who work here and attend classes here already know – ACC is an exceptional college producing extraordinary people.”
Visit austincc.edu/iamacc to see the new spots, ads, and billboards featuring ACC’s extraordinary people. While you’re there, submit your story. Who knows? You might be the campaign’s next star.
“i am acc” themes:
Vision for the future
ACC is committed to providing affordable access to a college education, enhancing student success through support services and innovative learning programs, and expanding community partnerships that will ensure students have the knowledge and skills required to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year university.
Unique role in the community
More area high school graduates choose ACC than any other college or university for a reason. The college’s diverse offerings cover the whole higher education spectrum, from Early College Start and university transfer to workforce training in high-demand career fields and professional development. ACC is a leader in Adult Education, providing GED, English as a Second Language and developmental courses that get students college-ready.
Student Success
Earning an associate degree is an important step for entering the workforce fully prepared or for transferring to a four-year university. Two-year degrees are the fastest growing workplace credential required by local employers. Plus, students who earn an associate degree are more likely to succeed at earning a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Student success is a top priority. College-wide goals include increasing retention and completion, increasing graduation and transfer rates, and improving success equity for all students. It takes a college.
By Delfino Ortiz November 1, 2012 - 1:01 pm
I love hearing testimonials of students across ACC. ACC has been a big part of my education career and now my professional career now that I teach at the college. I love being part of the team.
By Emily Thorne December 2, 2012 - 12:21 pm
I love watching this, it is so inspiring. It gives me the confidence to pursue my goals.