"The Great Blazer Bake-Off was launched during the pandemic in December 2020 as part of our increased online/virtual alumni engagement strategy. We took a cue from the pandemic baking trend and inspiration from the Great British Bake Off, but started with early 20th-century Hood recipes developed by storied college dietician Martha Carson (who served the college from 1914 through 1948).
Alumni were invited to put new twists on those old recipes and submit photos of their creations. Those photos were published on social media and voted on using "likes." Three recipes were posted over three weeks in December, each recipe having it's own "contest." Winners received bragging rights and a Hood College apron as their prize.
The results were an increase in clicks and participation on Hood alumni social media and increased engagement of multi-generational alumni (for example, mother and son baking teams, alumni siblings or classmate "rivalries," etc). The feedback was so positive that we have repeated the bake-off each December since, well beyond the spirit of virtual togetherness and Hood nostalgia during the COVID lockdown itself.
This contest has created its own micro-community of alumni that share a love of baking and an amusement with Hood recipes from yesteryear ("Bread Patty Cases," anyone?)."
From the Judges
Innovative tie to the history of the university to develop a fun and engaging activity. Very low budget, but good use of resources, good social media engagement, and good engagement from alums.
