In fall 2024, our social media coordinator noticed a Facebook discussion among alumni eagerly anticipating the reveal of Miami University’s newest limited edition holiday ornament and wondering how they might find older ones. One participant mentioned that he had tracked down every ornament ever produced. Recognizing a potential story, I contacted the alumnus, Cullen Chadwick, about profiling him for the Fall 2025 issue. The goal of the piece was to share with our alumni audience, 113,581 subscribers to the university’s monthly digital newsletter, the story of a super fan whose dedication reflects the emotional connection many alumni feel toward Miami traditions. Through interviews, I discovered Cullen’s deep love not only for the ornaments but also for Christmas itself. To capture that spirit, I structured the profile around the classic holiday poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (commonly known as “The Night Before Christmas”), using its familiar rhythm and imagery as a narrative framework for his collecting journey. The resulting story celebrated alumni enthusiasm for a uniquely Miami tradition and highlighted how shared rituals help sustain lifelong connections to the university. Of the 18 stories published on the Exposure web platform in 2025, this profile was the third most popular article. Only the university’s commencements and family weekend, two large-scale events, received more enjoyment clicks.
From the Judges
The article stands out for its form, voice, and clear understanding of Miami alumni culture. It turns a modest subject—collecting university ornaments—into a warm story about memory and legacy. The overall execution is clever, emotionally resonant, and audience aware.
