From the Nominator

LeeRoy, Trinity University's Bengal tiger mascot, is an instantly recognizable presence across campus and for Trinity alumni. Every fall semester on Move-In Day, Team Trinity, made up of upperclassmen students, faculty, staff, and alumni, assembles on what is usually a scorching hot mid-August San Antonio summer day to unload the luggage of new first-year students and take all of their belongings to their dorm room. This volunteer opportunity tangibly demonstrates the welcoming, supportive community that Trinity is to the newest members of the Trinity family. The first-years and their families are always pleasantly surprised and grateful that they don't have to lift a finger upon arriving on campus. To increase alumni participation in Team Trinity, we filmed a video of LeeRoy wearing a Team Trinity t-shirt training for Move-In Day in the gym and around the first-year residential area as a fun way to promote Team Trinity. We edited the video and added music similar to "Gonna Fly Now" from "Rocky" on Shotcut, a free, open-source video editor. The finished product was uploaded organically as a Reel to the Trinity Alumni Association's social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads). The Reel performed well on social media and helped increase alumni participation in Move-In Day with Team Trinity by almost triple from the previous year, showing new Tigers that alumni remain engaged with the university even after graduating and supporting the Office of Alumni Relations's goal of showcasing Tigers helping Tigers.

From the Judges

This video stood out to us as it delivers an engaging and complete story arc that resonates with the desired audience, combining humor and thoughtful execution, proving that creativity and storytelling, not budget, can drive action and connection.