Project Overview:
I created a retirement tribute video for Professor Hodges, a beloved SMAD (School of Media Arts & Design) faculty member, as a way to honor their incredible impact on the JMU community. From start to finish, I led the project independently: producing, filming, directing, and editing the piece to capture meaningful reflections from students whose creative lives he shaped.

Objectives and Strategy:
To celebrate Professor Hodges’ retirement in a genuine and heartfelt way, I reached out to students across different graduating years, inviting them to share video messages, memories, and personal notes. I wrote the outreach script and interview prompts, collected submissions, and wove together these diverse voices into a cohesive story using video, photos, and quotes. This was all tied together with music and pacing that reflected the tone of gratitude and legacy.

Production Details:

• My Role: Sole producer, director, videographer, and editor

• Tools: Black Magic, Adobe Premiere Pro

• Additional Media: Student video messages, photos, quotes, and memories

Outcome:
The tribute was shared with faculty, students, and the broader CHBS community, receiving heartfelt feedback and gratitude for honoring Professor Hodges’ years of service. It was not only a rewarding creative challenge, but also a meaningful opportunity to give back to a professor who had made a lasting impact on so many.