Marquette University

Summary: Event to celebrate new library at Marquette University was not the typical ribbon-cutting ceremony

Strategy:

• Leverage media interest in actor Martin Sheen as guest speaker at ceremony to tell bigger story of the library’s innovative design & advanced technology
• Execute communications campaigns for both internal and external audiences to drive attendance to the ceremony and awareness of Marquette’s library resources

Tactics:

• Personal outreach and media materials were distributed to media prior to opening
• Informational tours with local media prior to opening
• Gave the student newspaper “special access” to certain parts of the facility to ensure students were engaged and excited.
• Working with Mr. Sheen’s publicist we were able to give local media access to the actor in a personalized press event after the ceremony.

Results:

• Media coverage included:
  o Front-page story with large photo in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
  o Two different TV stations broadcasted Martin Sheen’s speech live
  o Regional coverage, including Chicago media
  o Story was picked up nationally by hundreds of newspapers, including USA Today, many included a photo of Mr. Sheen in academic regalia in front of the MU insignia.
  o Celebrity-focused media coverage included US Weekly, People Magazine and Inside Edition.