From the Nominator

For Bowling Green State University’s 2025 holiday video, the Marketing and Brand Strategy team created a mockumentary-style piece inspired by the shows like "The Office" and "The Paper." The concept centers on a relatable holiday experience that families share: trying to get one perfect photo together. Because students and alumni describe Bowling Green State University as a “home away from home,” the team felt this familiar family moment would resonate strongly with the BGSU community. The creative approach also helped connect with multiple audiences. "The Office" remains popular with students, and millennial alumni grew up watching the show. "The Paper," which premiered this year, is set in nearby Toledo. The inspiration felt relevant, as actor Rainn Wilson, who played Dwight Schrute on "The Office," was scheduled to speak at BGSU in the spring. The video featured a range of campus personalities and programs. These included the Falcon Marching Band, one of the largest marching bands in the country; the growing nursing program; President Rodney Rogers and his wife Sandy Earle; the cheer team; mascots Freddie and Frieda Falcon; club sports; and the band director. The video also featured viral campus personality Pudge the Cat and his owner, BGSU football player George Carlson. Through humor, storytelling, and recognizable campus figures, the video delivered a festive holiday message, while celebrating the people and experiences that make BGSU feel like home.

From the Judges

This creative parody is fun, comedic, and lighthearted. Its mockumentary format and family photo concept stood out. The video was timely, as an actor from “The Office” was scheduled to speak on campus, and its other inspiration, “The Paper,” takes place in a nearby city. Judges also valued the range of participants and that the university used entirely in-house expertise.