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Too Far Away to Attend Graduation? Social Work’s Live Feed Solves Distance Problem

Too Far Away to Attend Graduation? Social Work’s Live Feed Solves Distance Problem

May 26, 2016

No one wants to miss a loved one’s graduation, but what if you’re on the other side of the country or across the ocean?

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The Ohio State University College of Social Work solved that problem for those faraway guests wishing to attend its annual pre-commencement ceremony known as the Evening of Recognition. More than 60 guests from all over the United States—17 states to be exact and as far away as Hawaii—streamed live to watch their graduating family and friends recognized, receive honors and walk the stage. In all, about 412 students receiving BSSW, MSW and PhD degrees were recognized at Mershon Auditorium. Onlookers, both in person and via the live feed, were also invited to tweet shout outs and well wishes to the graduates on a 12 x 16-foot screen displayed above the stage.

The college, known for being technology-forward, added live streaming and tweeting during the ceremony several years ago. The ceremony, unofficially themed “Look out world, here comes help!,” was a perfect blend of celebration, technology and social media at their best.

To watch the ceremony, click here.