Best of CASE District V Award
 

Institution: Kent State University

Title of entry: Mascot Reveal

About this entry: The video "Four years went by in a Flash! Meet the man behind the mascot" was created by Kent State’s Social Media Team to celebrate and humanize Flash by introducing AJ, the student behind the mascot, as part of commencement coverage. It aimed to engage students, new alumni, and prospective students by showcasing the personal story behind a beloved campus symbol.

Viewers get a glimpse into AJ’s four-year journey as Flash, highlighting his experiences and the role’s impact, culminating with a special reveal for AJ's commencement ceremony. This approach not only fosters school spirit but also strengthens community bonds by revealing the dedication behind the mascot.

The goal was to showcase student success, connect with the university community, and leverage a trending mascot reveal style content by using a story unique to Kent State. By sharing authentic, relatable content, the university reinforced school pride and encouraged engagement.

The video received nearly 190,000 views, 14,000 engagements, and over 600 new followers across TikTok and Instagram.