May 19, 2009
To
further student engagement on the Web while encouraging
contribution of student-generated content to its new University web
site, St. John’s University gave students the opportunity to
showcase their video production skills and share with the world
what they love most about being St. John’s students.
The Capture the Storm contest, co-sponsored by Student Affairs and
the Office of Marketing and Communications, was a huge success with
a total of 27 video entries. During the month-long contest in
April, undergraduate students submitted YouTube videos on topics
ranging from their best moments throughout the school year to
highlights of a study abroad semester in Rome.
“I appreciate having the opportunity to showcase my musical talent
and creativity on the St. John’s web site. I really love music and
I love being a St. John’s student so I thought the perfect thing
would be to make a music video,” said Tyler Herwick, creator of the
“I Want to Go There” video.
The first group of winners was selected by a panel of
administrators and students and the second group was chosen by
students, faculty and administrators through a people’s choice
vote. The videos were judged for their originality, storytelling
and overall message. The winning students were all awarded cash
prizes and an opportunity for their videos to be displayed on the
University Web site.
James Salnave, Associate Dean for Student Development and Director
of Academic Service-Learning was one of the administrators who
selected the winners, “The Capture the Storm initiative was a huge
success. The overwhelming response that we received from our
student population presented their talents and love for St. John’s
University through a variety of lenses. We look forward to
expanding it even more in the years to come.”
The first-place winner of the administrators’ vote was “A Journey
to Success” commercial by Kenneth Sheahan; in second place, “I Want
to Go There” music video by Tyler Herwick; and in third place, “St.
John’s from a Track Perspective,” a glimpse into the life of a St.
John’s track star by Lauren Wynter.
For the people’s choice vote, first place was “What Do You Love
About St. John’s?” a collection of man on the street interviews by
Michael Hefferon; in second place, “ A Journey to Success”
commercial by Kenneth Sheahan; in third place “St. John’s Through a
Performer’s Eyes,” a look at St. John’s from a dancer’s perspective
by Rachelle Ocampo.
“I was ecstatic to hear that I won,” said two-time winner and
creator of the “Journey to Success” video Kenneth Sheahan. “I
wanted to convey the confidence I have as a St. John’s student that
once I graduate I will become successful. My goal was to capture
the transformation of a student who enters college and then comes
out prepared for the world.”
The student-produced videos offer an inside look at St. John’s from
a student’s perspective and are a great way to promote the spirit
of St. John’s University. We invite you to take a look at our winning
submissions.
For more information about St. John’s Student Life please visit the
Student Life Web
site.