Best of CASE District V Award
 

Institution: Miami University

Title of entry: Your Giving Matters: Scholarship Donor Dave Dafoe

About this entry: This video tells the inspiring story of Miami University alumnus Dave Dafoe, whose life was transformed by a scholarship. It highlights his financial struggles, the mentorship he received from Sandy Shoenberger, and the emotional full-circle moment when he unknowingly provided a scholarship to Sandy’s granddaughter.

The primary audience includes Miami University alumni, donors, and prospective scholarship supporters. The strategic goal was to demonstrate the profound impact of scholarships and mentorship, on Dave as an alumnus, and on Ava as a current student. The video is mean to foster a deeper emotional connection with potential donors and encourage financial contributions to scholarship programs.

We crafted a compelling narrative that intertwined personal storytelling with a powerful message about the long-term impact of giving. Through interviews and visual storytelling, we highlighted Dave’s journey, emphasizing gratitude, mentorship, and the ripple effect of generosity. The video was designed to resonate emotionally and inspire action.

The video successfully engaged Miami University’s donor community, reinforcing the value of scholarships and mentorship. It sparked meaningful conversations among alumni and donors, strengthening Miami’s fundraising efforts. While qualitative impact is most evident in audience feedback and emotional responses, the video contributed to Miami’s ongoing donor engagement strategy by emphasizing the real-world impact of giving.