Gecko realizes virtual graduation ceremony for the University of Bern
For the first time in the history of the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences at the University of Bern, the doctoral graduation ceremony was held virtually. The Bern-based agency Gecko Communication, in collaboration with magician Christian Bischof, put on an emotional and entertaining event.
The graduation ceremony marks an important event for graduates of bachelor's, master's or doctoral studies, the confirmation of having achieved an important goal in life. However, due to the current situation surrounding the coronavirus, this occasion was in danger of falling through.
Together with the Bernese agency Gecko Communication and Christian Bischof, Swiss master of magic, the university therefore created a magical virtual promotion party.
Promotion celebration by zoom
Instead of an invitation to the graduation ceremony at the Casino Bern, the 220 graduates received an invitation to a Zoom meeting. The event, which lasted about an hour, was moderated by Christian Bischof and enriched with live magic moments. Prof. Dr. Artur Baldauf gave the ceremonial speech to the camera in front of empty seats in the university's auditorium, and congratulations from personalities from business, politics and science were delivered via video.
The graduates at home at the screens were interactively involved. Despite the physical distance, a very special closeness was created. Relatives, acquaintances and friends were also able to participate, namely via live stream on the landing page set up especially for the ceremony or via YouTube.
Promotional salt as a parting gift
The following day, all graduates received by mail as a surprise a "Berner Promotionssalz", a spice mixture that had played a magical starring role in the magic during the ceremony.
A summary of the event has been posted online for review. "The celebration was a complete success, I am very satisfied. With this virtual form, we have also expressed that we are a modern and innovative university," said the happy Prof. Dr. Baldauf after the premiere.
Responsible at the University of Bern: Prof. Dr. Artur Baldauf (Dean WISO Faculty University of Bern); Beatrice Rüfenacht (Head of Administration IMU University of Bern). Responsible at Gecko Communication: Matthias Kuratli, Pascal Schütz, Nicole Walker (partners); Sven Allenbach (content creation).
