Convocation is an annual celebratory right of passage designed to officially welcome incoming college students to their academic career. The spirited events, which are held annually on college campuses across the United States, fell victim (like so many other endeavors) to the pandemic. Unwilling to cancel this important event, North Carolina State University responded with ingenuity and contracted with Contrast Creative to help reimagine the program and take it online.
In the past, NC State’s Convocation brought together new students and their families at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, North Carolina. The marching band and live speakers greeted guests with energy and flair. While COVID-19 ended the live gathering, we were determined to help the University create a program strategically designed to inspire, motivate and engage new students.
“All of us at NC State University certainly wish were were holding this important event in person like we have in the past, but your safety remains our top priority for us all, “said NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson to incoming students. “And we appreciate your resilience and agility as we unite in this apart but together way.”
“Failure is not an option with the folks at Contrast Creative.”
Justin Hammond, Director of Marketing and Communications, Division of Academic and Student Affairs
The 2020 Convocation brought together new Wolfpack students virtually and through vibrant, authentic and timely storytelling designed to build a true connection between new students and NC State.
The 2020 Convocation program combined recorded presentations with multiple speakers, including Chancellor Woodson, as well as videos featuring campus life and athletic achievements. It also included a newly created Wolfpack Unity video infused with NC State’s mission, vision and values as shared by students and faculty alike. The program offered students an additional spark of excitement with an engaging scavenger hunt that promised the more than 1,000 students who chose to participate an array of fun prizes.
While a virtual convocation is not ideal under normal circumstances, we, along with our NC State partners, successfully practiced the three P’s: patience, positivity, and the willingness to pivot.
“Failure is not an option with the folks at Contrast Creative,” said Justin Hammond, Director of Marketing and Communications, Division of Academic and Student Affairs. “Their creativity and project management expertise helped make NC State’s New Student Convocation a dynamic and engaging online event, and they delivered with time to spare.”
What Challenges Are You Facing?
If you’re facing a challenge with an upcoming event or need some creative brainpower, enlist the help of Contrast Creative. We offer clients full-service creative agency solutions and capabilities spanning video, digital, and print media. Send us information about your upcoming project. Download and fill out this multimedia request form, and let’s schedule a time to talk.