Tuesday, January 26, 2027
2:00 – 3:30 pm ET

Create Modern, Student-centered & Meaningful Recognition Experiences

Celebrations like commencement events remain one of the most powerful tools institutions have to strengthen persistence, reinforce belonging and honor student achievement. Unfortunately, many institutions are facing a reality of shrinking budgets and rapidly shifting expectations from students and families. As pressures intensify, celebration events and the professionals who coordinate them are often the first to face cuts. You must be creative in how to deliver that milestone moment without overspending, overextending staff or compromising accessibility.

Join us January 26, 2027, as our expert presenter shares her insight and experience into the art of commencement production on today’s campus. This webinar will give you insight into the new opportunities available to create a program that embraces creative approaches for both on-campus and at off-site locations, while maintaining the emotional impact, the necessary tools to capitalize on the use of technology, and strategies to overcome challenges to create the most memorable event of the year.

Ensure your ceremonies and recognition feel personal. Explore modern, meaningful, inclusive, and cost effective approaches that prioritize student experience, strengthen institutional pride, and support persistence and retention.

Topics Covered

Gain crucial, actionable strategies that allow you to:

• Put the student at the center of every celebration strategy ensuring recognition feels personal, authentic, and memorable.
• Honor meaningful traditions while reducing ceremony length striking the right balance between institutional heritage and modern expectations.
• Expand access for learners and families through thoughtful accommodations, flexible formats, off-site locations and cost conscious planning.
• Design positive, impactful touchpoints from registration to the final applause, ensuring graduates and guests feel valued at every step.
• Incorporate new trends in the emerging needs of special populations of graduates and guests to ensure inclusion and accessibility, and to uphold the values and traditions of your institution.  
• Embrace technology and utilize it to create new traditions and rituals that
  value the history and mission of your institution – leave your graduates and their guests with a “wow factor”, smiles on their faces and a great experience that keeps everyone talking.
  

Presenter

Deanna Zanella currently serves as the Associate Vice President, Ceremonies & Protocol Officer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).
Click here for full bio.