Tag: Videos

  • College holiday videos feature mascots, movie references

    College holiday videos feature mascots, movie references

    It’s been another challenging year in higher ed, and colleges are unsure what 2025 could bring, especially with the Biden administration coming to an end and former president Trump returning to the White House. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing for them to celebrate this holiday season, whether it’s increased enrollment, new awards and recognitions, a close-knit campus community—or just the fact that there are students on campus willing to star in a silly holiday video.

    Here are Inside Higher Ed’s favorite greetings of this holiday season, including five presidential cameos, four mascot stunts, three live music performances, two Die Hard references … and a partridge in a pear tree.

    University of Wisconsin–Superior

    Since when can yellowjackets ice-skate? Google tells me that wasps need to find somewhere warm to hide away when temperatures drop below 40 degrees—but Buzz the Yellowjacket, the University of Wisconsin at Superior’s mascot, appears to be the exception. In this holiday greeting video, Buzz not only makes an impressive ice hockey goal but also displays some figure skating prowess, pulling off a top-rate arabesque. Could Buzz become the nation’s first ever apian Olympian?

    Riverland Community College, Austin, Minn.

    In this video from Riverland Community College in southern Minnesota, different groups of students wish viewers a happy holiday in turn. Their greetings give glimpses into the unique programs, clubs and spaces on campus, from cosmetology students giving pedicures in a salon to handy welders- and electricians-in-training showing off their skills.

    Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa

    Iowa State’s Cyclone Marching Band comes together in perfect harmony in this artfully choreographed video, marching across campus to provide some brassy musical accompaniment for the campus’s tree lighting. From what I could find in my research, the group first plays the university’s alma mater, “The Bells of Iowa State,” which was written in 1931 by Iowa State English professor Jim Wilson, followed by a rousing rendition of ISU’s fight song.

    Georgia State University College of the Arts, Atlanta

    Coniferous trees spring from sidewalks and dance studios in this collage-like animation by a GSU alumnus, featuring background music by a current undergraduate student. The video concludes with punny well-wishes for the holidays: “May the arts spruce up your season with good cheer!”

    Eastern Washington University, Cheney, Wash.

    This sketch from Washington’s EWU opens with the university’s president, Shari McMahan, jokingly bemoaning the fact that she had run out of acorns on which to use her large collection of nutcrackers. But the campus community takes that joke seriously and shifts into high gear, with each department researching how to help her get her hands on more “nutcracker food.” I hope those math students were able to finally solve for the numeric value of acorn!

    Howard University, Washington, D.C.

    Howard president Ben Vinson III highlights the university’s 2024 achievements in this holiday message, including the D.C. university’s record-breaking freshman class and its 100th homecoming. “As we prepare for the holidays, I look forward to all that lies ahead. I wish everyone a joyful and restful break and a successful start to the new year,” Vinson said.

    Whitman College, Walla Walla, Wash.

    Rhythmic choral music rings out through Whitman College’s Memorial Building before the singers are eventually joined by an instrumental septet in this distinctive holiday video. What makes this video so unusual is the choice to use not a well-known holiday carol but a choral song by living composer Jeff Newberry with lyrics by Malcolm Guite, a poet and Anglican priest, that nevertheless speak to the gratitude and peace of the holiday season: “Become an open singing-bowl, whose chime / Is richness rising out of emptiness, / And timelessness resounding into time.”

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass.

    MIT’s video this year is a short animated sequence that shows what happens after it magically begins snowing inside one of the university’s academic buildings. A student walks through the snow-dusted hallway, eventually happening upon an atrium where her classmates are playing instruments crafted from ice, sledding and crafting a snow beaver in the image of the institution’s mascot.

    University of North Carolina at Charlotte

    What a beautiful message for this holiday season: the importance of friendship across differences. When Norm the Niner, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s gold-mining mascot, orders goose on a food delivery app, he’s expecting dinner to arrive. But instead, he finds a live goose at his door at ready to move onto UNC-Charlotte’s campus. At first, the goose only wants to cause chaos, but eventually he mellows out, learning to enjoy college basketball, fine art and taking selfies before eventually departing south for the winter.

    Tarrant County College, Tarrant County, Tex.

    In this heartfelt video from one of Texas’s largest counties, members of the Tarrant County College community join together at a beautifully set table for what looks to be a homemade holiday dinner, reminding TCC students that they will always “have a seat at the table.” Joining them is college chancellor Elva Concha LeBlanc and Toro the Trailblazer, the college’s blue bull mascot, which is dancing in the background.

    Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Okla.

    Hot takes abound in this video of Oral Roberts students answering Christmas-related questions, like their favorite holiday songs and films. Is Home Alone 2 superior to the original? Does the Phineas and Ferb Christmas special really qualify as a Christmas movie? Does anyone actually know the words to “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”? If you and your family don’t have enough to argue about this holiday, these are some questions you could bring up to really cause a ruckus.

    Yale University, New Haven, Conn.

    Why does it seem like there’s a trend this year of rebuffing all the classic carols in favor of introducing new songs to represent the spirit of the season? I’m not complaining; apparently the song in this video is from Frozen 2, a movie I have never seen, but Yale’s student performers make it sound as loved and lived-in as a warm woolen sweater. This video also features Handsome Dale, Yale’s bulldog mascot, and Angus, the university’s First Puppy.

    Clackamas Community College, Oregon City, Ore.

    One of two institutions returning to this list from last year, Clackamas Community College in Oregon is back with another parodic holiday heist. This year, the college took inspiration from Die Hard. It stars Adam Hall, a math instructor at the college, in the role of John McClane, having to fight against a plot to “encrypt the digits of pi to ruin their holiday joy.” I’ve never seen Die Hard, but I have to assume that’s extremely accurate to what happens in the movie.

    Oakland Community College, Oakland County, Mich.

    Oakland Community College is the second to make another appearance on this list from last year. In this year’s self-aware video, chancellor Peter Provenzano decides to use ChatGPT—one its few, if only, appearances in any of these videos!—to gather ideas for a Christmas movie parody that Talon, OCC’s owl mascot, could star in. The AI spits out It’s a Wonderful Life, Die Hard, A Charlie Brown Christmas and more, but none satisfy Provenzano. The moral of the story? “There are a lot of stories Talon can tell to capture the season’s joy, but none better than the story we tell at OCC,” he says. (And stick around to the end for bloopers!)

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  • Top 10 School Holiday Videos

    Top 10 School Holiday Videos

    Reading Time: 8 minutes

    It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season represents the perfect time to reflect on all that your school community has accomplished and celebrate it. What better way to look back on 2024 with your staff, students, and families than a highlight video? 

    For years now, we’ve been compiling lists of our favorite holiday highlight videos from schools, sharing fun and compelling ideas that you can try to connect with your audience. Keep reading to discover the benefits of creating and distributing a holiday highlight video for your school and get inspiration from our list. Let’s get started! 

    Why Create a Holiday Highlight Video in 2024?

    Creating a holiday highlight video for your school this year can be a fun project but also a strategic way to strengthen your connection with your community, showcase your school’s unique culture, and leave a lasting impression during the festive season. Here’s why it’s worth the effort. 

    1. Build Stronger Community Connections

    A holiday highlight video allows you to bring your entire school community together. You highlight the collective spirit that defines your school by capturing moments from seasonal events, concerts, classroom celebrations, or volunteer initiatives. 

    Sharing these moments with parents, alumni, and local supporters creates a sense of belonging and pride, reinforcing that your school is a vibrant, supportive learning environment for students. 

    2. Showcase Your School’s Values and Culture

    What better way to showcase what makes your school unique than through a professionally crafted holiday highlight reel? A holiday video can encapsulate those values in action whether your school emphasizes creativity, inclusivity, or academic excellence. 

    It’s an opportunity to demonstrate how your students and staff embody the spirit of giving, kindness, and celebration during the holidays, making your school stand out to prospective families and partners.

    3. Engage Your Audience in a Memorable Way

    Videos are one of the most engaging forms of content, especially on social media. A holiday highlight video captures attention far more effectively than static posts or written updates. 

    By combining visuals, music, and heartfelt moments, your video can evoke emotion, spark joy, and encourage viewers to share it with others, amplifying your school’s reach and impact.

    4. Celebrate the Achievements of the Year

    The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on the milestones your school has reached throughout the year. 

    A holiday highlight video can incorporate achievements from sports teams, academic competitions, or memorable events. This celebrates success and motivates students, staff, and families to look forward to what’s to come in the new year.

    5. Create a Lasting Keepsake

    A holiday highlight video can become a keepsake that students, parents, and staff can look back on for years. 

    These videos preserve memories of special moments that might otherwise be forgotten, becoming a cherished reminder of the holiday magic your school creates every year.

    6. Boost School Spirit and Morale

    For students and staff, a holiday highlight video can be a source of pride, reinforcing the positive energy and teamwork that make the school a great place to learn and work. It’s a morale booster that helps everyone end the year on a high note.

    Investing in a holiday highlight video this season isn’t just a creative endeavour—it’s a meaningful way to connect, celebrate, and share the heart of your school with your community. Whether you’re looking to attract new families, strengthen existing relationships, or simply spread holiday cheer, a video is the perfect way to make your school’s message resonate this holiday season.

    Wondering how to take your school’s digital marketing strategy to the next level with video content? Reach out to learn about our customized services. 

    How to Create a Holiday Highlight Video

    Now, you might be wondering: how do I create a holiday video? Be sure to check all of these boxes: 

    • Remember to plan ahead 
    • Involve your school community in the process
    • Use high-quality visuals and audio
    • Add a festive, celebratory touch 
    • Edit for quality and interest 
    • Share your school’s holiday video on multiple platforms

    What platforms are best for sharing a holiday video? Or, if we’re thinking of cost efficiency, what is the best app to create holiday videos for free? YouTube and TikTok are favorites among schools looking to use video content to communicate with their existing student body and boost enrollment due to their huge audiences and ease of use. 

    By planning thoughtfully, fostering collaboration, and putting a creative twist on your school’s holiday celebrations, you can create a video that delights your community and leaves a lasting impression. Now, for what you’ve been waiting for. Let’s see what schools all over the world have come up with.

    The University of Louisville – Get the Whole Community Involved 

    The University of Louisville made a great holiday video this year. The star of the show? Their mascot Louie the Cardinal handed out Christmas cards to several members of the school community (Get it? Louie… Cardinal? We love a good pun!) The video wrapped up with a heartfelt holiday message from a school administrator, reflecting on the year’s achievements and sharing an inspiring outlook for 2025.

    The key to an impactful school holiday video is involving as many members of your community as possible. Why is that? First of all, the holiday season is all about coming together. Including students, staff, and faculty members is both an excellent way to celebrate and an effective way to showcase your close-knit community to current and prospective students. 

    Remember that a strong school community garners trust and credibility, and encourages online engagement which in turn broadens your reach, humanizes your brand, and instills a sense of pride. 

    YouTube videoYouTube video

    Source: University of Louisville | YouTube

    GSU Arts – Add a Creative Touch With Animation and Editing 

    This year, true to its identity as an art school, Georgia State University College of the Arts delighted its viewers with a festive animation project created by its very own current and former students. 

    Your holiday video highlight does not have to be complicated–just a joy to watch. It’s an excellent idea to leverage the talent within your student body, providing students with the opportunity to add something to their resumes and encouraging them to do their best work. 

    YouTube videoYouTube video

    Source: GSU | YouTube

    University of Vermont – Foster Inspiration, Gratitude, and Excitement for the New Year

    This year, the University of Vermont went for a reflective, meaningful message, highlighting the positive impact that each department has on the planet. 

    Your school community members like to know that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Give them a sense of belonging by reminding them of all the amazing things they can accomplish now as your students and in the future as graduates. 

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    Source: University of Vermont | YouTube

    Trent University – Remember to Infuse Some Holiday Magic!

    Trent University’s holiday video is full of holiday magic starring students and faculty members across various departments who open an enchanted book that sparkles brightly, creating a whimsical visual effect. 

    The use of a powerful slogan  – “Bright minds gather at Trent University” fits perfectly with the theme of the simple yet festive subject matter within the video. Remember that a little bit of effective video editing can create a magical holiday feel.

    YouTube videoYouTube video

    Source: Trent University | YouTube

    University of Toronto – Provide Some Needed Support During Exam Season

    Though holiday cheer is in the air, so is the stress of exam season. Here, the University of Toronto acknowledges this stress and provides a solution! This TikTok video features fellow students assembling Exam Ready Kits for stress-free studying.

    A video like this, particularly for post-secondary institutions, showcases a caring, supportive learning environment, which is appealing at any time of the year. Show how you care for the needs of students in your holiday highlight video. 

     

    @uoftstudentlife We’re stuffing, sorting, and prepping your FREE #ExamReadyUofT study kits to help you de-stress and thrive this exam season! Look out for our pop-up booths across campus starting next week 💙📚☕✏️ uoft.me/examreadyuoft Get ready to tackle your exams with everything you need in hand! [Text Description: Getting for exams? We’ve got you! Assembling your FREE Exam Ready Study Kits. Made with Care. Ready for you! Good luck on your exams!] #ExamReadyKit #uoft #uoftstudentlife #studentlife #universityoftoronto #lifeatuoft #uoftlife #utsg #uoftsg #uoftstgeorge #examseason #studyessentials #examde-stress #university ♬ Happy with ukeleles – Royaltyfreemusicforvideos

    Source: University of Toronto| TikTok

    Glenbard North High School – Share Highlights From Holiday Spirit Week

    Leading up to the holiday break, many schools, particularly K-12, invite staff and students to participate in holiday-themed spirit weeks. 

    Glenbard North made a short, fun TikTok video where students and a staff member introduced the themes of each day: cozy, candy cane coloured, family photo themed, Grinch vs. Whos, and festive. How fun! Try fun short videos like this on TikTok to create excitement. 

    @north.panthers Coming next week! #holidayseason #winterspiritweek #schoolpride #gift #santa ♬ original sound – Glenbard North

    Source: Glenbard North High School | TikTok

    University of Michigan – Highlight Holiday Events for a Good Cause

    The University of Michigan shared heartwarming highlights from their annual tree lighting ceremony. The guests of honour were the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital’s ‘calendar kids’ who enjoyed special guest appearances from Batman and Captain Marvel. 

    Think about how your school gives back to the community and showcase that to demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact as an institution. How fitting for the season of giving. 

    YouTube videoYouTube video

    Source: University of Michigan | YouTube

    McTavish High School – Give Students Something to Look Forward To! 

    The holidays are a time for celebration! Many schools host dances and events around this time. Make a fun video providing the details of your upcoming winter celebrations to give students something to look forward to. 

    In their video, McTavish High School provides essential event details in the video content and the description and creates hype around the upcoming dance with a high-energy mini-skit performed by students. 

    @mctavishstudentcouncil Marauders, we are having a Winter Wonderland Dance on December 5th 2024 from 7-9pm at École McTavish! Make sure to register and sign up for your friends from other schools in the learning commons before December 2nd! #studentcouncil #winterwonderland #fyp #trending #winterformal #emhs #schooldance ♬ original sound – McTavish Student Council

    Source: McTavish High School| TikTok 

    University of Bristol – Show off Your Holiday Decorations 

    Just the sight of a well-lit tree can elicit excitement for lovers of the holiday season. Have you been decorating on campus? If so, why not show it off? 

    This simple video by the University of Bristol puts their beautiful tree on display and encourages students to stop and appreciate the beauty of their campus in the winter time. Your holiday highlight video is the perfect opportunity not only to display your decorations but also to show off amenities on campus. Take advantage of this! 

    @uwebristol First snow on campus 🥹 #university #takeabreakfromscrolling #christmas2024 #snowday #campuslife #unicampus ♬ Im In Love Im Obsessed Rihanna x Casa Di Remix – CasaDi

    Source: University of West England Bristol | TikTok 

    University of Essex – Showcase the Diversity Within Your Community

    One of the most beautiful parts of the holiday season is learning about the many traditions kept across the world. 

    Particularly as a diverse school community like the University of Essex, highlighting the diversity of your student body can be a heartwarming and interesting way to celebrate as an institution. Try an authentic interview-style video like this one to learn more about the individuals that make your community special. 

    @uniofessex How are you celebrating Christmas or the New Year? Our students share a snippet of their traditions #UniversityofEssex #StudentLife #Traditions #Celebrate ♬ original sound – University of Essex

    Source: University of Essex | TikTok 

    The holiday season offers schools a unique opportunity to celebrate their community, showcase their values, and engage with their audiences in meaningful ways. Whether through heartfelt messages, creative animations, or exciting event highlights, a holiday video can capture the essence of your school while fostering pride and connection. 

    By drawing inspiration from the examples we went through and tailoring your approach to reflect your school’s spirit, you can create a memorable and impactful holiday highlight video that resonates with your students, staff, and families. Here’s to celebrating the achievements of 2024 and setting the stage for a bright and inspiring 2025! 



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