From the Nominator

A Message From Home is a heartfelt storytelling project that captures the emotions of move-in day at Wake Forest University. As first-year students take their first steps into college life, their family members are invited to pick up a vintage gold rotary phone and leave a recorded message—sharing well wishes, encouragement, and dreams for their student’s future. This project was designed to create a meaningful keepsake for students while reinforcing Wake Forest’s commitment to personal connections and community. Our goal was to turn what seems like a fleeting moment into a lasting memory, bridging the transition between home and college in a unique, nostalgic way. Using minimal resources—a simple rotary phone, an audio recorder, and a quiet space—we captured dozens of messages filled with love, wisdom, and pride. The video was shared on Wake Forest’s main social media channels and earned over 70,000 video views. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Families embraced the opportunity to express their emotions in a tangible way, while students found comfort in hearing their families’ voices during this major life transition. The project resonated beyond campus, generating engagement on social media, and reinforcing Wake Forest’s reputation for fostering close-knit, personal connections. By blending tradition with innovation, A Message from Home transformed move-in day into something more—a moment of warmth, reflection, and lasting impact.

From the Judges

What a sweet and emotional production. It’s beautifully simple, with a concept that delivers big on heart while using minimal resources. The opening and closing moments were especially powerful. A thoughtful and memorable piece that reflects great storytelling and an impressive return on investment.