UW-Whitewater’s Web site hosts five new videos
Released: May 16, 2008
Want to see wheelchair basketball in action or find out what happens on a dramatic social work field trip? Just visit www.uww.edu.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is one of the first campuses in the nation to integrate interactive video programming into its Web site homepage. Five interactive mini-documentary reports created by StoryBridge.tv showcase the university’s core strengths. The videos also link to additional information including blogs from video participants, a comments section and links to related Web sites.
"These videos tell just a part of the overall UW-Whitewater story, but they are each compelling pieces that reflect the core values of this institution," said Sara Kuhl, director of University Marketing and Media Relations. "These mini-documentaries are beautifully told by StoryBridge.tv’s Katy Sai and videojournalist Jay Olsen. I think these stories will go far in communicating what UW-Whitewater values."
Sai and Olsen are veteran Madison broadcast journalists who launched the online media company StoryBridge.tv last year. The company produces interactive documentary-style video reports for advocacy and outreach.
"We wanted to use compelling video storytelling to make an emotional connection," Sai said. "This partnership is a perfect fit for us because UW-Whitewater has a wealth of powerful stories. Plus, they’re truly innovative in their prominent use of the videos. You’ll be able to see key programs and professors in action, right on the university’s homepage. They’re showing other organizations how to use interactive, compelling video stories to reveal who you are and what you care about."
The series looks at campus learning, discovery, integrity, diversity and outreach.
The video for learning focuses on art professor Xiaohong Zhang’s unique merger of the ancient art of Chinese paper cutting with the new multimedia arts. Under the link for discovery, the video looks at biology professor Jeff McKinnon’s passion for research and the impact UW-Whitewater’s undergraduate research program has on students. Student-athlete Justin Beaver is highlighted in the integrity segment and talks about his quest for a spot on an NFL team. The Warhawk Wheelchair basketball team is the focus of the diversity segment and that piece talks about the entire team but also tells the compelling stories of players Jay Baker and Matt Scott. For outreach, the video takes a look at the Student Social Work Organization’s urban experience at Shalom High School in Milwaukee.
- Sara Kuhl,kuhls@uww.edu
