CLEVELAND - At its 2026 convention from June 7-10, the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) announced that the University of Colorado was the recipient of the NACMA Unity Award for the 2025-26 academic year.
 
In its fifth year, the Unity Award recognizes the efforts in creating a marketing campaign or initiative that is associated with diversity and inclusion.
 
Colorado was selected from a group of three finalists that also included the University of Kansas and Utah Valley University.
 
"Thank you to everyone who voted for us in this year's Unity Award. Between being an honorable mention last year and winning this year, it is validation that we are doing right by our communities in Colorado," said Marcos Rael, Colorado's Director of Marketing & Fan Experience. "Celebrating and showcasing different cultures and backgrounds are meaningful to our student-athletes, coaches, fans, and staff, and our Marketing team is proud to be part of that impact. Gracias a todos. Vamos Búfalos!"
 
Outside of the three finalists, the University of Delaware, the University of Hawaii, UNC Pembroke, and Western Michigan University collected honorable mention honors.
 
The selection committee was made up of the NACMA Awards Committee chair, two Awards Committee members, two past Board members, and two Personal & Professional Development Committee members.
 
"Congratulations to Colorado for earning NACMA Unity Award honors during the 2025-26 academic year," said NACMA president Zach Dayton. "It is critical that NACMA spotlight the work being done by marketing departments in communities around the country."

The Colorado Buffaloes set out to create a gameday experience that authentically honored the Latin and Hispanic community; not through surface-level gestures, but through immersive, first-of-their-kind moments woven throughout the entire event. The CU vs. BYU matchup became a convergence of cultural celebration, athletic energy, and creative innovation that fans and administrators will remember for years.

Our Primary Goals:

- Honor Latin & Hispanic Heritage Month with genuine cultural programming.

- Introduce elements never before seen at a Colorado Football game.

- Drive engagement across every fan touchpoint from gate to final whistle.
 
About NACMA
NACMA provides the tools, training and network for collegiate sports marketers to successfully generate revenue, manage brands, and develop fans. For more information about NACMA, please visit https://nacda.com/sports/nacma.
 
NACMA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 61st year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 affiliates that fall under its umbrella, please visit https://nacda.com.