From the Nominator

"Everyone wants to be part of a success story. For the thousands of students at Kean who are the first in their families to go to college, that story starts with a scholarship. We wanted to create a thank-you video for the donors that make such stories possible through The Kean University Foundation and showcase the real-world impact of their gift, with the hopes that inspires future donors and prospective students alike.   

We produced a short profile on Tricia Cenit, a design alumna whose work recently appeared in a full-page spread in the New York Times. Tricia knew early on that design was her destiny, but as an immigrant to the United States, she grew up feeling that her dreams were too expensive, too great a risk. The video traces what happened after Kean gave Tricia a chance and empowered her with the resources to match her ambition, a space for her to experiment and find her path, and a community to support her dreams.   

We follow Tricia from her small New Jersey hometown to the art design studios, blackbox theaters, radio booths, concert halls, and art classrooms that shaped her years at Kean, and finally see her in her element, as she gains recognition for her work."

From the Judges

Our panel appreciated the creativity and powerful storytelling. Viewers of the video are taken on a journey that draws you into the heartwarming and compelling message that all things are possible through philanthropy—a very effective use of budget. Well done and deserving of the Grand Gold award!