From the Nominator

Each year, Trinity Western University (TWU) produces a Christmas video celebrating the birth of Jesus. In 2023, the student group TWU Worship Collective arranged, performed, and, together with university staff, produced a cover of Lauren Daigle’s “Light of the World.” Along with showcasing student talent, the video embodied TWU's Christ-centred tenet and acted as a unifying factor for various other year-end university pieces. The focal location in the video is a beautiful campus pavilion with timber frame and a stone fireplace that complements TWU’s stunning British Columbia surroundings. Known as the Ubuntu Pavilion, it evokes deep significance; the Zulu word “ubuntu” means “I am because we are,” highlighting the value of community and giving the video an even stronger validation as students call on Emmanuel—God with us. The song played a multifaceted role, as TWU had just launched an enrollment campaign called “Be the Light.” With that in mind, the Christmas video begins with a student humming “This Little Light of Mine.” This familiar song is also used in the “Be the Light” campaign videos, creating a recognizable theme. We had a broad internal and external audience for the Christmas video. It was shared on social media and emailed out to students, staff, and faculty, as well as alumni, parents, donors, and friends of the university. Responses made it clear that the message of hope was well received.

From the Judges

The students and alumni shine brightly in this video. It was visually and musically beautiful. It had a strong sense of togetherness and joy, as it showed the musicians greeting each other and enjoying each other’s company in an inviting holiday setting. The video was also part of a cohesive communication strategy that tied in nicely with the theme of the university’s new enrollment campaign.