The story of Western Sydney University Alumni and Sudanese ex-child soldier, Deng Adut, has inspired people all around the world with more than two million views across social channels since its September launch.

Wednesday it was the focus of the infamously hard to please Gruen panel, but won hearts and minds through the powerful emotion of its subject matter; transformation and hope.

Gruen panellist and Leo Burnett Australia CEO Todd Sampson said, “It’s an incredible story. Alumni stories have been told many, many times, by many universities. But, what they focused on here was the trajectory of success, and that is a universal story about ambition, drive, hope and determination. I think they cracked it. It is one of my favourite ads of the year.”

The 90 second TVC launched alongside two other Alumni stories as part of a wider re-brand and re-positioning for the University, just ahead of its best ever Open Day at the end of August this year.

Commenting on the positive response to the work from Gruen panellists, Professor Barney Glover, vice chancellor, Western Sydney University, said, “Deng Adut’s story is truly inspirational and alongside our other long-form ads enabled us to tell the story of the University in a non-traditional way. While this is just the start of a three year campaign focusing on inspiring and supporting our students, the leaders of tomorrow, to realise their greatest potential, the response to our ‘Unlimited’ campaign from the community, industry and also from marketing experts such as those on Gruen, has been phenomenal and has elevated pride in this great University.”

Parties contributing to the ‘Unlimited’ campaign include:

• Western Sydney University – client
• We Collective – creative direction
• Finch – advertising production
• Red Agency – PR and social amplification
• Match Media – media buy
• The Leading Edge – market research
• Citizen – brand identity and architecture