University of Sydney campaign celebrates 175 years of leadership for good via Today the Brave

The University of Sydney is marking 175 years since its founding in 1850 with a new campaign developed by Today the Brave, that celebrates its legacy and the ongoing commitment to leadership for good.

The campaign marks another significant collaboration between the University of Sydney and Today the Brave, continuing a partnership that has produced several major campaigns in recent years.

The new campaign celebrates 175 years of the University of Sydney by shining a light on the student experience across generations. Told through the eyes of students past and present, it captures what it feels like to be part of the University across generations and disciplines.

Blending archival footage with contemporary moments, the work shows how each generation of students has shared the same drive to learn, to lead, and to make a difference, embodying the University’s enduring idea of Leadership for Good.

Working closely with the University’s archival team, the creative explored thousands of images to uncover defining moments, carefully matching perspectives and locations to create a seamless connection between past and present.

Says Johanna Lowe, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, University of Sydney: “Our 175th year is an opportunity to recognise the generations of students who have been part of the University’s story. Students are at the heart of everything we do, and it’s a privilege to celebrate them. The experiences they have here and the impact they go on to make across society continue to define who we are and remind us that leadership for good starts here, and with them.”

The campaign will come to life through 45 and 30-second hero films, supported by 15 and 6 second cutdowns and a suite of out-of-home placements.

Says Jade Manning, Creative Partner at Today the Brave: “It’s been an honour to help tell the story of Australia’s first university, a brand with such a deep legacy and heritage. A project like this only comes to life through true collaboration, and we were lucky to work with clients and partners who were every bit as passionate and invested as we were.”

The campaign builds on the University’s enduring idea of Leadership for Good – a belief that universities exist to serve the public, advance knowledge, and empower people to shape a better future.

Creative Agency: Today the Brave
Vince Osmond Creative Partner
Jade Manning Creative Partner
Jaimes Leggett, Managing Partner
Alistair Pratten Head of Production
Jimmi Fenton Director/Editor
Louise Brugman Group Account Director
Anika Berkelouw Account Executive
Rose McEwen Graphic Designer
Lucas Trotman Social Content Manager

Director Jimmi Fenton
Line Producer Nicholas Margerison
DOP Jake Ward
First AD Brendan Donoghue
Gaffer Ben Sanford
Photographer Milos Mlynarik
Wardrobe and Props Kara Kyne
Hair and Makeup Beth Halsted
Grade and VFX Luey Conway – 3P Studios
Sound Mosaic Sound Studios
Music The Temper Trap – Mushroom Group

Client: University of Sydney
Johanna Lowe Samantha Campbell Head of Brand
Andrew Brettell Head, Creative
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Trish Tzannes Head, Social Media & Content
Harbinder Kaur Grace Hall Campaign Coordinator
Senior Manager, Marketing Strategy & Planning