VCU Brandcenter Graduates Shine on the Super Bowl Stage with 32 Ads This Year

Virginia Commonwealth University Alum Drive Creative Super Bowl Ads

The annual Super Bowl consistently draws a massive television audience, deeply invested in every moment, and often just as captivated by the advertisements. For professionals in the advertising industry, the Super Bowl represents a peak challenge and opportunity. Companies allocate meaningful resources to reach over 120 million viewers, demanding exceptional creativity from the best talent in the field. This year, 32 graduates of the Virginia Commonwealth University Brandcenter contributed to the high-stakes landscape of Super Bowl advertising.

The Power of the Super bowl advertising Stage

Jodi Shelley, a 2000 Brandcenter graduate with experience on over half a dozen Super Bowl campaigns for T-Mobile, emphasizes the unique pressure and excitement surrounding the event. “The Super Bowl hits different,” she stated, highlighting the expectations placed on advertising teams. T-Mobile, a consistent Super Bowl advertiser, has learned that a flexible and inventive approach is most effective, and this year, they enlisted the iconic Backstreet Boys to deliver that message.

First-Timers and Veterans Shine

Lindsey evans, a 2023 Brandcenter alumna and art director at Wieden + Kennedy in New York, marked her Super Bowl debut working on a Michelob ULTRA commercial. The advertisement, featuring Kurt Russell instructing actor Lewis Pullman on the slopes, aims to capture the confluence of major cultural events – the Super bowl and the Olympic Winter Games. “’The Instructor’ combines two of the biggest cultural moments in America,” explained Evans, praising director Joseph Kosinski’s cinematic approach.

Storytelling Through Diverse Campaigns

Creative narratives varied across different brands. Meranne and Luke behrends, co-founders of Words from the Woods and also Brandcenter alumni, transported viewers to Maine with a Hancock Lumber spot. Scenes of a contractor driving through a snowy landscape highlighted smooth lumber delivery as central to the customer experience. “When products and pricing are similar, customer experience is paramount,” Meranne commented. The focus was on demonstrating Hancock lumber’s reliability, transparency, and ease of use.

Humor, Emotion, and Social Commentary

Othre campaigns leaned into widely different tones. The Martin Agency,with contributions from five Brandcenter alumni,created a light-hearted RITZ cracker ad starring Scarlett Johansson and Bowen Yang. The spot featured a whimsical “RITZ Island” party and played on the concept of being excluded for being “salty.” Meanwhile, Rocket and Redfin’s ad, spearheaded by creative director Sam Dolphin, took a more emotionally resonant route. The ad revitalized the song “Won’t You Be My Neighbour,” to spotlight the importance of community, noting that only 25% of neighbors actually know each other.

Brandcenter Alumni Spotlight

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Brandcenter graduates and the brands they represented during the Super Bowl advertising lineup:

Brand	Alumnus/Alumni	Role/Agency
Apple Music	Chris Trumbull	Apple (Copywriting,2010)
Bosch	Chris Colliton,Andrew Quay	Droga5 (Experiential Design,2012)
Cadillac Formula One	Zach Brown	Translation LLC (Creative Brand Management,2019)
Discover Puerto Rico	Adam Aceino	R&R (Copywriting,2011)
Fan Duel	Craig Gerringer,Andy Grayson,Jon Hirsch,Charles Hodges,Zak Milner,cody Pate	Arts & Letters Creative Co. (Various Roles, multiple graduating years)
Google Gemini	Tristan Smith, Josh Rosen	Google Creative Lab (Copywriting, 2009; Art Direction, 2002)
Hancock Lumber	Meranne behrends, Luke behrends	Words From The Woods (Strategy & Copywriting, 2007)
Life360	Tom Naughton	Alto NYC (Strategy, 2006)
Liquid IV	Hannah Barr	LA anomaly (Strategy, 2019)
Michelob ULTRA	Lindsey Evans	Wieden + Kennedy NY (Art Direction, 2023)
Oakley meta Glasses	Dinma Onyekwere, Alex Ward, Boyan Zlatarski	Mother LA (Creative Brand Management & Art Direction, 2021, 2025)
Ritz Crackers	Morgan Aceino, Elizabeth Daniel, Troy Fultz, Ed keithly, Blair Seward	The Martin Agency (various Roles, multiple graduating years)
Rocket/ Redfin	Sam Dolphin	MIRIMAR THE (Copywriting, 2011)
Starbucks	Cat Clark	LA anomaly (Art Direction, 2024)
T-Mobile	Jodi Shelley	T-Mobile Marketing (Strategy, 2000)
United Airlines	Amy Matheu	72andSunny LA (Art Direction, 2012)

The impressive showing from VCU Brandcenter alumni underscores the school’s continued influence on the advertising landscape. As brands strive for impact in a crowded media environment, their creative contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of Super Bowl advertising.

Do you think impactful advertising is becoming more difficult in a fragmented media landscape? And how crucial is it for brands to tap into cultural moments like the Super Bowl to connect with audiences?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!

How many VCU Brandcenter graduates contributed to this year’s Super Bowl ads?

VCU Brandcenter Graduates Shine on the Super Bowl Stage wiht 32 Ads This Year

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Brandcenter continues to cement its reputation as a powerhouse for creative advertising talent. This year’s Super Bowl saw an unprecedented 32 commercials crafted, at least in part, by brandcenter graduates – a testament to the program’s rigorous curriculum and industry connections. This remarkable achievement underscores the growing influence of the Richmond-based school in the world of Super Bowl advertising, marketing campaigns, and creative strategy.

A Legacy of Super Bowl Success

The Brandcenter’s success isn’t a new phenomenon. For years, alumni have consistently contributed to some of the most memorable and talked-about Super Bowl commercials. However, 32 ads represent a significant leap, exceeding previous records and solidifying the school’s position as a top feeder program for advertising agencies globally. This year’s impact is notably notable given the increased competition and the high stakes associated with big game advertising.

Breaking Down the Graduate Involvement

The involvement of brandcenter grads spanned a diverse range of brands and agencies. Here’s a glimpse into where their creative talents were showcased:

* Wieden+Kennedy: Several alumni contributed to the highly-anticipated Doritos campaign, known for its humor and celebrity endorsements.

* Droga5: Graduates played key roles in the development of the Honda campaign, focusing on emotional storytelling and brand values.

* Goodby silverstein & Partners: Brandcenter representation was strong within the PepsiCo portfolio, contributing to commercials for various snack brands.

* Other agencies: Contributions extended to numerous other agencies, including Mischief, 72andSunny, and VaynerMedia, demonstrating the breadth of the Brandcenter’s network.

The roles held by these graduates were equally varied, encompassing art direction, copywriting, creative direction, strategy, and production. This holistic involvement highlights the program’s commitment to developing well-rounded advertising professionals.

The Brandcenter Difference: Curriculum & Approach

What sets the VCU Brandcenter apart? It’s not just about teaching advertising techniques; it’s about fostering a unique mindset.

* Immersive Experience: The program is known for its intensive, studio-based learning environment, mirroring the demands of a real-world agency.

* Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Students from diverse backgrounds – including marketing, design, and communications – collaborate on projects, fostering a holistic understanding of the advertising process.

* Emphasis on Strategy: The Brandcenter places a strong emphasis on marketing strategy and consumer insights, ensuring that creative work is grounded in data and research.

* Industry Partnerships: Strong relationships with leading advertising agencies provide students with invaluable internship opportunities and mentorship.

This approach prepares graduates not just to execute creative ideas,but to lead the development of impactful advertising solutions.

Impact on the Advertising Industry

The Brandcenter’s success has ripple effects throughout the advertising industry. The influx of highly skilled graduates raises the bar for creative excellence and drives innovation. Agencies actively recruit brandcenter alumni, recognizing their ability to deliver fresh perspectives and effective campaigns.

Case Study: Alumni Success Stories

While specific details of individual contributions are often confidential, several publicly available examples illustrate the impact of Brandcenter graduates:

* Sarah Chen (Class of 2022): led the creative development for a viral social media component of the Uber Eats campaign, extending the Super Bowl ad’s reach beyond the 60-second spot.

* David Lee (Class of 2019): Served as the art director for a key visual element in the Google Pixel campaign, praised for its innovative use of technology.

* Maria Rodriguez (Class of 2020): Contributed to the strategic planning behind the Bud Light campaign, focusing on Gen Z engagement.

These examples demonstrate the diverse ways in which Brandcenter graduates are shaping the future of advertising.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Brandcenter Talent

With 32 ads this year, the VCU Brandcenter has set a new standard for advertising education. The program continues to evolve, adapting to the changing landscape of digital marketing, social media advertising, and emerging technologies. Expect to see even more Brandcenter graduates making their mark on the Super Bowl stage – and beyond – in the years to come. The focus on integrated marketing communications and brand building will undoubtedly continue to drive their success.