The University of Toledo’s Office of University Marketing and Communications and a UToledo alumna were recognized recently at the Toledo American Advertising Federation’s 2025 American Advertising Awards.
UToledo received bronze in the Film, Video and Sound category for the 30-second commercials created with BVK, a Milwaukee-based marketing firm, as part of The Power To Do branding campaign launched in July. The Power To Do refreshes the brand in a way that highlights the transformational impact of UToledo and UToledo Health on our community today and our relentless pursuit of excellence toward a brighter future.
UToledo alumna Crystal received the Toledo American Advertising Federation’s 2025 Mosaic Award for Most Promising Multicultural Student for her classroom work on a podcast and the UT10 student broadcasting news program.
Crystal Smith, who graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in media communications in December, received a Mosaic award for Most Promising Multicultural Student for her classroom work on a podcast and the UT10 student broadcasting news program.
“I was super shocked when I won the award. There were a lot of talented individuals there and to win Gold was such an amazing feeling,” Smith said, adding that the award “validates” her hard work. “There were so many highs and lows, but I know I am on the right track and I’m getting reassurance each time.”
A transfer student from Owens Community College and a single mom who is now pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communication and social media at Bowling Green State University, Smith said her time at UToledo pushed her out of her comfort zone and set her up for success.
“I had no idea what I still wanted to do with my life,” she said. “The transfer advisor was like what do you see yourself doing for the rest of your life? I said I could see myself on TV and from then on, I fell in love with media communications.”
Words from Tisha Mays, assistant lecturer, inspired her: “Take advantage of everything while you’re here; join everything, do everything — you just never know what you might love.”
Mays said Smith has the “passion, drive, and skills that employers are looking for.”
“She lights up any room with her encouragement and brings a positive energy that inspires those around her,” Mays said. “It has been an honor to be part of her educational journey, and I am so proud of her.”
