Graphic design major Gabriel Oppenheim ’26 has earned a 2026 Clio Music Award for his work on the EMPIRE x NBA 2K Music to Ball To box set, a limited-edition vinyl collector’s release created in partnership between San Francisco-based EMPIRE and the NBA 2K25 video game franchise. Oppenheim, who interned at EMPIRE during the fall 2025 semester, served as a designer on the project.
”This project meant a lot to me because it combined everything I love: music, design, and culture,” he said. “Getting the chance to create something physical that people could hold onto for a long time was really special, especially while I’m still in college. On top of everything, I grew up playing NBA 2K and still play it today, so being able to contribute to a game like that was crazy.”
“When Gabe shared the news of his Clio Award, I was thrilled, but not surprised that with the grit, determination, and raw talent he’s shown these past few years, his work would earn him a prestigious award,” said Juan Carlos Morales, Professor of Graphic Design at Endicott’s School of Visual & Performing Arts.
Oppenheim’s relationship with EMPIRE began in 2023, when what started as occasional freelance assignments quickly grew into nearly weekly collaborations.
“After a great year, the Vice President of Strategic Marketing took me under his wing and gave me my first internship with the company, which I see as a real turning point in my design career,” he said.
During his most recent internship, Oppenheim led art direction across cover art, billboard campaigns, and static social content; created short-form music video edits; helped source and coordinate creatives; and collaborated closely with colleagues and stakeholders on overall creative strategy—experience and work that ultimately led to his Clio Award recognition.
“This is exactly what the Endicott Experiential Edge is about: turning classroom learning into real-world impact,” added Morales. “Age doesn’t define talent, curiosity does, and I genuinely believe that Gabe’s curiosity and talent push everyone around him to keep growing.”
The Endicott Experiential Edge is the College’s signature internship and career program, where Gulls complete three internships throughout their four years, graduating with a degree in one hand and a resume in the other.
“Being a Clio Award-winning designer as a senior in college is surreal,” Oppenheim said. “It feels like real-time proof that all the late nights, second-guessing, and sticking with it actually meant something. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at EMPIRE who believed in me early on and trusted my vision. This moment really changed how I see what’s possible for my future as a designer!”
Founded in 2014, Clio Music is one of five specialized programs of the Clio Awards, honoring creative excellence in music-driven marketing, advertising, and communications. Each year, leaders from across the global music industry evaluate entries to determine the recipients of the prestigious Grand, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Clio Music Awards.
The 2026 Clio Awards ceremony will be held on January 29 in Beverly Hills.