Cornerstone University is a non-profit, non-denominational university nestled in the heart of West Michigan, Grand Rapids. With three distinct operating school divisions, each with its own perspectives and focuses, all under the title banner, the University oversees the development of its students’ minds and hearts in both their traditional undergraduate, seminary, and professional graduate studies programs. Their mission of empowering students to excel as influencers in the world for Christ is achieved by their student-focused learning community, where Jesus Christ is kept central.

Throughout our time partnering with the University, we have had the opportunity to develop dozens of series, commercial spots, and other various media content to help the University achieve this mission. This collection of work, produced for numerous departments and divisions across the organization, reflects an authentic approach to telling the stories of the students of this University and their growth that has been motivated and propelled by the University as a whole.

Commencement Series

2014 - 2019

In the spring of every year, Cornerstone celebrates the graduating classes of its traditional undergraduate, seminary, and professional graduate schools. Over the course of 6 graduating classes, we documented the stories of 3 students from each of the three schools, reflecting on their time while at CU and highlighting their achievements and growth while attending the University. These stories would be showcased during each of the three commencement ceremonies, as all students prepared to begin the next chapter in their own stories
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Commercial Spots

2017 - 2019

These commercial spots were crafted and designed to reach prospective students interested in Cornerstone’s traditional undergraduate and professional graduate studies programs. In 2017, two division-specific spots were developed to promote and feature two of CU’s newest programs, their Nursing and Engineering programs.

CU Experience Series

2014 - 2020

Before the start of the 2014-2015 school year, the Cornerstone Admissions department approached us with an ambitious concept: follow the story of an incoming student from Welcome Day to Graduation Day. This is Emily’s CU Experience. From arriving on campus for the very first time, meeting new people, making friends, excelling in her classes, graduating with a Bachlor of Science in Social Work, and now pursuing her dream career, we documented every step of her journey and are honored to share her story.

Culture Narratives

A collection of short-form narrative spotlights designed to highlight the unique culture and community of Cornerstone’s undergraduate campus life. Commissioned over the years, these pieces focused on both the success and growth of CU students, as well as highlighted the many ways that students are able to engage with the community and world at large

Christ Chapel Collection

2015 - 2016

One of the foundational aspects of the CU experience is Chapel. For decades, students, faculty, and staff would gather in various places across the city, and eventually the campus itself, to worship together. In the early years following its founding, this was the Wealthy Street theatre. In the 1980’s as the campus continued to expand, this looked like gathering in the student commons, the small chapel space in the Seminary building, and eventually in Mol Arena.

This was the norm for numerous years, a tabernacle-in-the-wilderness type of experience. Never having a true, dedicated space to worship, learn, and grow together. This was until former University President, Joseph Stowell, had a vision and passion to bring a permanent structure and space to campus where all could come to be fully immersed in the act of worship.

Together, he, the board of trustees, and the university’s advancement team began a multi-year journey of campaigning and fundraising for this space, a space that would eventually become Christ Chapel. This addition to the campus marked a pivotal milestone for the community, and to dedicate and honor the holiness and reverence of the space, a series of works were commissioned. From the orientate rugged cross sculpture, the vast and immersive stained glass series, and a video series, we set out to tell the story of Christ Chapel.

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