Skip to main content

CASE

CASE

Main Menu

  • Learning
      • In-Person Events
      • Online Events
      • Past Events
      • CASE Learning Center
      • Onboard Into Advancement
    • Scholarships
    • CASE@Campus
    • CASE Academy
    • Present at a Conference

    CASE Academy

    CASE Academy

    Join us at CASE Academy and unlock the leader within you. At this exclusive online course,  you’ll embark on a learning journey alongside colleagues from diverse advancement disciplines.

  • Resources
    • Library
      • Advancement Resource Catalog
      • Subject Guides
      • CASE Files
      • Sample Collections
      • Sample Submission Guidelines
    • Currents Magazine
    • Bookstore
    • Educational Partners Directory
    • Newsroom
    • Public Policy
    • All Resources

    Advancement Resource Catalog

    ARC

    Visit the CASE Library's database and search through more than 15,000 articles, books, and white papers. Start your search.

  • Insights
    • Getting Started
    • Today’s Opportunities
    • Building Strategy
    • Surveys
    • CASE Global Reporting Standards

    CASE Global Standards

    Global Standards

    Learn about the common set of standards, guidelines, and definitions for reporting the results of educational philanthropy activities at schools, colleges, and universities across the globe.  

  • Awards
    • Circle of Excellence
    • Global Individual Achievement Awards
    • Independent School Awards
    • Individual Achievement Awards
      • Distinguished Service Awards
      • CASE Leadership Award
      • Previous Winners
    • CASE District Awards
    • CASE Commonfund College and University Foundation Award
    • Award Recipients

    Circle of Excellence Awards

    COE

    CASE’s annual Circle of Excellence Awards showcase outstanding work in advancement. Meet our exceptional award winners.

  • Connect
    • Regions
      • Africa
      • Asia-Pacific
      • Europe
      • Latin America
      • US/Canada
      • Regional Councils
    • Districts
    • Communities
    • Schools
    • Community Colleges
    • College and University Foundations
    • U.S. Advocacy Action Center
    • Volunteer
    • Educational Partners
      • Engage with CASE
      • Marketing Opportunities Available with CASE
      • Industry Advisory Council
      • Educational Partners Directory
      • CASE Standards Champions
      • CASE Media Kit
    • CASE Multi-Cultural Network

    Educational Partners

    Educational Partners

    Meet CASE's Educational Partners - industry thought leaders working with CASE to strengthen schools, colleges, and universities.

  • Talent
    • Career Central
    • CASE Advancement Internship US-Canada
      • Become a Host Institution
      • Intern Spotlight
    • CASE Graduate Trainee Programmes
      • Asia-Pacific
      • Europe
      • US and Canada

    Career Central

    Career Central

    Visit CASE's Career Central to build your team or look for new career opportunities. 

  • About
    • Championing Advancement: CASE Strategic Plan
    • Celebrating 50 Years
    • What CASE Stands For
    • The Evolution of CASE
      • Board Leadership
      • Volunteer Leadership
      • President's Page
    • Offices & Staff
      • Washington D.C.
      • London
      • Mexico City
      • Singapore
      • Senior Staff Listing
    • Membership
    • Giving to CASE
      • Giving Opportunities
      • Impact of Giving
      • Legacy Giving
    • Online Newsroom
      • CASE in the News
      • CASE Experts
      • CASE Media Kit
    • Careers at CASE

    CASE Future Fund

    CASE Future Fund

    In celebration of CASE’s 50th anniversary, CASE is proudly establishing the Future Fund – a visionary philanthropic initiative poised to support and shape the future of the advancement profession. Support the Future Fund. 

  • Membership
    • Create/Manage My Account
    • Become an Institutional Member
    • CASE Membership Primary and Secondary Coordinators
    • Explore Membership Benefits
    • Membership Directory
    • Membership Tutorial Videos

    Member Benefits

    Member Benefits

    Strengthen your advancement operation, including the latest research and trends in advancement, career and professional development programs, and publications. 

    See all membership benefits and contact us today! 

  • Give to CASE
  • Log in
  • Alerts
  • Search
  • Shopping Cart

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. CASE Awards
  3. Circle of Excellence
2020 Drive-Thru Commencement

2020 Drive-Thru Commencement

Year: 2021
Award Level: Gold
Award Winner(s): Texas Woman’s University
Award: Circle of Excellence
Category: Special Events | In-Person - Multi-Day Events
From the Nominator

When COVID-19 forced the university to scratch plans for an in-person graduation ceremony in spring 2020, Texas Woman’s University’s commencement committee developed a one-of-a-kind graduation celebration held Dec. 11-12. Graduates from May, August, and December 2020 took a victory lap at Fort Worth’s Texas Motor Speedway as part of the university’s two-day drive-thru commencement ceremonies. At the finish line, graduates exited their cars, then crossed the racetrack’s checkered stripe, hoisting their diploma covers while cameras flashed. It was an exhilarating experience for the nearly 1,300 pandemic-weary graduates and their families, who were invited to participate.

The idea for this event was conceived when university officials, after hearing from spring graduates disappointed with the virtual May commencement, searched for a way to accommodate requests for in-person ceremonies. Priorities included having families involved, while following COVID-19 social distancing and mask-wearing protocols.

Each student was permitted two carloads, and organizers separated each day’s events into specific times by college, allowing for students to visit with their peers in the parking lot after leaving the track. Additionally, the event was livestreamed, so family and friends who could not be at the event could watch from home.

Social media and news coverage of the event exceeded expectations, with the news story picked up by media outlets across the country, resulting in more than $75,000 in earned media for the university. The event proved so popular with graduates and their families that the university plans to repeat the event for May 2021’s commencement.

From the Judges

The overall unique style of this event made a lasting impression on the judges. It wasn't just “uniquely Texas,” but unique in general. They carried out the idea and creativity through every element (checkered flag, promotional materials, etc.) which brought the event to life. It was a large effort, and lots of moving pieces that required a great deal of organization, while maintaining a smaller end budget. The engagement with audience views, social media, and overall attendance was impressive, given the switch from an in-person graduation to a COVID-friendly experience.

Congratulations 2020 TWU Graduates!

CASE

CASE
  • CASE Communities
  • Member Login
  • Careers at CASE
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Statement
  • Staff Intranet
Connect with CASE
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram

CASE Member Support
+1-202-328-CASE [2273]

CASE

CASE
Close

Search

Popular Searches
Books Advancement events Articles Fundraising Resources CASE Insights Resources Awards CASE Library CURRENTS Talent