Bolstering a Capital Campaign with Concordia St. Paul

Concordia St. Paul isn’t just a private university — it’s a place that tailors education to fit every student’s unique goals, needs, and lifestyle. (Fun fact: it’s also our principals’ alma mater!) For nearly two decades, Upswing has proudly partnered with Concordia to bring their story to life. From stunning aerial campus footage and animated videos to print magazines and donor recognition installations, we’ve done it all. So, when their development office needed standout materials for the “Elevate the Promise” campaign, they knew exactly who to call — Upswing.

The CSP team brought “Elevate the Promise” to life as a powerful fundraising campaign centered on two key ideas: the incredible potential of its students and Concordia’s unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality education in a supportive, goal-driven community. With a hopeful and heartfelt vision, we set out to create a compelling video that captured these emotions and inspired action. By weaving together impactful storytelling and a clear call-to-action, the campaign aimed to spark generosity and drive donations to help shape the future of Concordia’s students.

We had the incredible opportunity to create a hero video showcasing the diverse stories of Concordia students—their unique backgrounds, ambitious goals, and inspiring academic journeys. At the same time, our design team brought the “Elevate the Promise” campaign to life with a bold, dynamic visual identity that shined on both page and screen. With a deep commitment to the campaign’s message and years of expertise in development and alumni relations, we delivered campaign materials that truly elevated “Elevate the Promise.” Since launching the anthem video and logo, the campaign has raised an additional $3 million to fund scholarships, endowments, and so much more!