From the Nominator

"A poetically stylistic video that expresses why we love Syracuse University. Graceful, featuring the true spirit and personality of our campus. Gritty. Not pejorative or disparaging, but still reflecting the realness of living in an Upstate New York city. The video language is casual, authentic and, most importantly, very candid. The voiceover is bold and poignant (and unapologetic). And it is matched with visuals that are forward and unfiltered. The rich natural sound between the voiceovers is just as important to the story as the visuals. 

The goal was to tell a story about Syracuse as a complex feeling… in sense memories by someone who has lived, learned, and loved here. The audience is meant to feel that Syracuse University is a place of both traditions and innovations, and a place where they can become part of the story.   

The video is narrated by celebrated actor and voice artist Kevin Michael Richardson, who graduated from Syracuse University in 1988."

From the Judges

Overall, from start to finish, we were hooked. This entry had a strong justification and description narrative and the video produced good results and strong social media engagement. Confident, compelling, no-nonsense narration and clever writing elevates a brilliant and engaging video. The music and video direction match that, and the drone footage is beautiful. The execution of the video was spot on, with broad content depicting multiple aspects of the history and student experience. It had personality. You could feel the Syracuse University vibe shine through.