From the Nominator

The NYU All-University Commencement Celebration 2020 is a bold reimagining of the commencement experience. Like many universities, NYU was unable to hold our 2020 in-person ceremony due to the coronavirus. Looming large was the question of what to do instead, in order to provide a meaningful experience for our graduates from 18 colleges as well as their families. In response, NYU created a video “special” that captured the excitement and dynamism of our in-person event, while at the same time taking full advantage of the medium and distribution platforms employed last year.

The video we are submitting is a 10-minute compilation from the full 27-minute show. For the 10-minute compilation we selected the powerful opening animation, the message from NYU President Andrew Hamilton, a segment on NYU's response to the pandemic, and the closing montage celebrating the graduates. Featured in the original video (which you won't see in the 10-minute version) are the student speaker, alumni messages from journalist Yamiche Alcindor, and actors Billy Crystal and André DeShields, a student tribute video with students from every NYU school, a message from NYU Board Chair William Berkley, and an animated Zoom call (not an actual one) with congratulatory messages from every dean.

From the Judges

Nicely paced, great footage, enthusiastic message. It's long, but it is capturing a 30-minute experience. Didn't gloss over the challenges and the sadness of 2020. Very authentically about courage and stepping up in a crisis as an organization of individuals whose education is connected to the world. Inspiring. If you have this as a keepsake and view it in a few years, you might feel proud.