From the Nominator

When asked about their favorite campus tradition, many students would quickly respond, “Light up the Lake.” Founded over 15 years ago by Ohio Staters Inc., a student service organization, Light up the Lake is a holiday tradition where lights are hung around Mirror Lake, an iconic campus location. Each year, students gather in the nearby outdoor amphitheater for festive performances and then the lights are illuminated for the first time as students light candles and sing Carmen Ohio. This year, The Ohio State University Alumni Association partnered with OSI to offer a special version of this event for Buckeye families. Nearly 1,100 people registered to attend, and we were touched to see generations of Buckeyes returning to campus to partake in this special tradition.

From the Judges

This is a really good example of taking an existing event and really maximizing all of its possibilities through partnership and imagination, re-purposing an already fond tradition. A non-campaign/campaign event that was effective in engaging alumni and creating lasting effects with student organizations. Welcoming, fun, and well thought out.