In March 2018, the University of Virginia launched an augmented reality, 3D version of the university’s mascot, Cav Man, to coincide with the ACC and NCAA basketball tournaments. Using the university’s logo as the digital target, a 3D Cav Man appears dancing to the school’s alma mater song on the user’s mobile device. This emerging digital technology allows alumni to physically interact with our mascot by taking photos and videos with Cav Man, and then sharing them on social media.
From the Judges
This program showed a strong and fast adoption of new technology used to successfully expand engagement through a broad market. The use of the Cav Man mascot was taken beyond just athletics, and engaged alumni in their own preferred ways, and in their own settings. A key component that helped this entry to stand out was the large number of volunteers involved and the strength of cross-campus collaboration required to make the program successful.
