The typical graduation experience at University of Virginia is a unique and long-standing tradition. Graduates, faculty, even the president of the university all participate by walking the historic lawn. In 2020 and 2021 however, the global pandemic disrupted that tradition, canceling the event entirely in 2020.

In early spring of 2021 as it became possible to safely hold a graduation event, Advancement Communications worked with the Office of the President to help give the graduating students a slightly different experience, one that celebrated them and their journey. Even though the graduates would receive their diplomas socially distanced in the nearby football stadium, as opposed to sitting shoulder to shoulder on the historic lawn, we wanted them to remember that experience.

We created a series of environmental graphics and signage to highlight the half-mile procession route from the historic lawn across Grounds and into the stadium. We utilized everything from sidewalk decals, to banners, balloon arches, and even pop-up DJ music stations along the route.