Announcing the largest gift in UNI’s history—a transformational $25 million donation from David Wilson—was more than a press release moment. The challenge was to unveil this historic naming gift in a way that elevated the prestige of the newly named Wilson College of Business, honored the donor, energized students and alumni, and sustained momentum for the ongoing Our Tomorrow fundraising campaign. The announcement needed to be both unforgettable and deeply strategic.
We orchestrated a high-impact, surprise reveal during Homecoming that brought together over 300 students, alumni, faculty, and community members. The announcement featured a confetti-filled press conference, 5-foot-tall ‘Wilson’ letters, and immediate media buzz. To carry the celebration forward, we hosted a student party complete with a mechanical bull, music, games, and 2,000 iconic branded t-shirts—culminating in a concert that carried excitement into the night. National media picked up the story, generating $150K in earned media value and over 11 million impressions. The campaign not only captured attention but cemented the Wilson College of Business as a bold new chapter in UNI’s story.
Project Team
Adam Amdor
Asst. Director of Communications, University Relations
Jordan McNamara
Marketing & Communications Manager, Wilson College of Business
Sarah Parsons
Director of Marketing, University Advancement
