HOUSTON, TX — October 2025 — The University of Houston Student Housing and Residential Life (SHRL) Marketing and Communications team, part of the Division of Student Affairs, has achieved a remarkable milestone by earning runner-up for Overall Campaign in the 2025 ACUHO-I Annual Marketing Awards for its Graduation Photo Shoot campaign.
This recognition marks the team’s first-ever submission and first win, underscoring UH’s creativity, innovation, and commitment to enhancing the residential student experience. The award was presented last week at the ACUHO-I Business Operations Conference, a premier housing conference that brings together professionals from around the world to explore innovative practices in campus housing operations — from assignments and IT to marketing and financial management. The event also highlights some of the most creative marketing solutions from the past year through the annual ACUHO-I Marketing Awards, recognizing outstanding work that transforms and elevates the student living experience.
The Graduation Photo Shoot campaign stood out among 203 submissions across 13 categories from 199 higher education institutions worldwide. The initiative beautifully captured the excitement and pride of graduating residents, transforming an ordinary photo opportunity into a vibrant, community-centered celebration that highlighted Cougar pride and the emotional journey of student life at UH. By turning moments of achievement into lasting memories, the SHRL Marketing and Communications team demonstrated the power of visual storytelling in building connections and belonging within the campus community.
The success of the campaign reflects the collective creativity and dedication of the SHRL Marketing and Communications team, led by Diandra (Dede) Ellis, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, with key contributions from Munni Alexander, Senior Graphic Designer; Anuraag Shah, Photographer and Videographer; and Berenice Villarreal, Marketing Manager.
“We’re really proud of this recognition because it reflects the heart behind our work — celebrating our students and the moments that matter to them,” said Dede Ellis, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications.
This award highlights the Division of Student Affairs’ ongoing commitment to inspiring engagement, fostering belonging, and celebrating student success. Through thoughtful campaigns like the Graduation Photo Shoot, SHRL continues to redefine how marketing can bring stories of student life to the forefront — not just within the UH community, but on an international stage.
Congratulations to the SHRL Marketing and Communications team for this outstanding achievement and for showcasing the spirit of Cougar pride worldwide!
Written by Dhivyadharshini Selvaraj – Marketing Communication Coordinator at Division of Student Affairs