From the Nominator

Every December, mailboxes and inboxes are filled with year-end messages from universities that, regardless of how well-intentioned, often end up strangely similar and lost in the noise. In 2023, the added challenge of global crises and tensions on campuses related to violence in Israel and Gaza rendered the standard “happy holidays” message inappropriate. This year, the Sam Fox School at Washington University shifted to use the year-end message to reinforce our core values of creativity, collaboration, and community in a way that could offer solace, hope, and a breath of fresh air during a turbulent time. We partnered with alumnus Noah Jodice, BFA ‘17/MFA ‘22, to create a custom animated holiday card telling a mini story from campus. The result is a 35-second animation featuring quiet moments from well-known places around the school and a custom guitar track with a warm melody. The story is “Here and Next,” inspired by Washington University’s strategic plan. Each scene is from a different time of day on campus (“here”), featuring creative activity and work in our art, architecture, and design studios and the campus museum. The closing message displays over a dark sky at just before dawn (“next”). The final animation was shared via email and social media and was well-received. The resulting Instagram Reel was played over 6,000 times, reached nearly 2,200 non-followers, and had 315 interactions. The end-of-year animation became a brand awareness tool that resonated with audiences during the height of the recruitment season.

From the Judges

The concise messaging effectively conveys a serene and hopeful atmosphere, celebrating aspects of life like process, creativity, and collaboration. The card fosters community during challenging times, particularly fitting during holidays that may not be celebrated by everyone. The illustration and composition greatly contribute to the visual appeal of the entry, enhancing its overall impact.