KINGSTON, R.I. — May 9, 2007 — The University of Rhode Island has launched a new series of spirited television commercials to showcase some of the changes that have taken place during the last 15 years, as well as some of the best things that have remained the same at the University.

The fast-paced 30-second spots show and tell viewers that “We’ve changed the way we look, learn, and act. But as much as URI has changed, in some important ways we’ve stayed the same…”

Link here to preview the spot (using Windows Media player).

One of the spots will be aired in the Rhode Island-area TV market on Channels 6, 10, 12 and on the COX Communications cable system. The commercial will run May 11 through 20 and the entire series will air in the fall. The spots will also be featured at University events such as Commencement and new student orientation.

The ads show entertaining, fun images, with footage of students and faculty engaged in the teaching, research and outreach missions of the University. They also include recent aerial footage taken of the Kingston campus and show the University’s progress in rehabilitating and rebuilding the campus.

Three slightly different spots were developed focusing on students, faculty and alumni. They all end with the University’s tagline, “…Where tomorrow’s leaders learn today.”

“We’ve produced these commercials to instill pride and positive feelings about the University today,” said Linda A. Acciardo, director of communications at the University. “People who have seen the commercials already are very excited and can’t wait to see them aired on TV, or to download the clips from our website to show their family and friends.

Acciardo said the commercials were developed from some of the footage included in a new five-minute video on URI’s capital campaign.

“The video is part of the broader communications for the ‘Making a Difference’ capital campaign, which will be publicly launched in October,” said Acciardo. “These pieces will be also be helpful for student recruitment.”

The video and ads were produced by the Department of Communications, Division of University Advancement, in conjunction with R. J. LaChance Advertising, LLC//Tin Can Alley Studios in East Providence.

Watch the 30-second spot.

Watch the 5-minute complete “Making a Difference” video.