UMass wins Emmy for best commercial
Latest award reflective of University’s commitment to quality

The University of Massachusetts’ most recent television advertisement, “Truly World Class,” was the winner in the best commercial category in the Boston/New England Emmy competition.

The 30-second television ad was directed by Paul Canney, written by Robert P. Connolly, UMass vice president for communications, and produced by Eran Lobel of Element Productions of Allston and a graduate of UMass Amherst.

This is the second Boston/New England Emmy for this team, which won in 2006 for the UMass ad “Something to be Proud Of.”

UMass President Jack M. Wilson said the latest Emmy award was reflective of the University’s commitment to quality.

“We take pride in the fact that a television ad that focuses on the University’s world-class quality has itself been selected best in its class,” President Wilson said. “This ad captures the flavor of the University of Massachusetts and its many strengths and attributes, and I am pleased to see it honored in this fashion.”

The Emmy was presented Saturday night as the Boston/New England chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences held its 34th awards ceremony. Also part of the Emmy-winning team are UMass Amherst graduate Chris Santo, who edited the spot, and Kristen Kearns, who was the head of production and post-production.

The award-winning spot, “Truly World Class,” debuted last fall and is narrated by UMass Amherst alumnus and acclaimed film and stage actor Bill Pullman.