From the Nominator

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused Mizzou to pivot to remote operations, and postpone in-person graduation ceremonies and many year-end traditions. The abrupt timing of this shift forced colleges and universities across the nation to quickly get creative and innovate new ways to mark commencement for their graduates—with many holding remote, virtual or even drive-thru ceremonies. 

At Mizzou, we took a slightly different approach. Keenly aware that nothing could replace the physical experience of convocation for our dedicated students, MU leaders and a team of campus communicators reframed Mizzou’s traditional graduation weekend as a “Virtual Celebration of the Class of 2020,” with the promise to welcome graduates back for an in-person graduation experience at an appropriate time.

On May 15 and 16, 2020, professionals from the central communications team, every school and college, and other campus units worked together to pull off a first-of-its-kind 24-hour social media blitz celebrating #MizzouMade graduates and showcasing Mizzou’s commitment to its core values of respect, responsibility, discovery, and excellence. 

The virtual celebration provided a way for MU to globally address its graduates, with messages from campus and student leaders, but it also gave students, families, and schools and colleges ways to customize the celebration for their graduates.

The result was a stunning amount of content that flowed through the Mizzou community’s social channels. Because of this, we had the opportunity to showcase our students and our brand to a broader audience than we would usually reach during a traditional commencement weekend.

From the Judges

Strategic, creative, and effective, which lead to outstanding results. Captured the unique spirit of their audience, and made even the judges feel the Mizzou pride.