Posted on Nov 7, 2006

Video still of the Class of 2010 from President Ainlay's inaugural video DVD.


The Union campus, a backdrop in 1973's classic, “The Way We Were,” shares top billing in a new video that debuted this week in Boston.


“Welcome Back to Union College” stars President Stephen C. Ainlay and features countless shots of the majestic campus, with members of the College community in supporting roles.



The 24-minute film is helping introduce the new president to alumni throughout the country and to showcase new programs, buildings and other changes on campus.



A film crew from Double Jay Creative spent 10 days in September shooting more than 40 hours of footage, beginning with first-year students'orientation and wrapping up with the three-day weekend of events to mark Ainlay's inauguration as the College's 18th president.


Still image from an interview with Stephen Ainlay on the 18th presidential inauguration video DVD.


The Knoxville, Tenn.-based film company has its own Garnet tie to Union: Adrian MacLean Jay '98 owns the company, along with her husband, Larsen Jay. Adrian is the daughter of Mary Ann MacLean, a member of the College's Board of Trustees.



Julie Solomon from the College Relations department oversaw the project, which involved months of pre-production planning and cooperation from the entire campus community.


“It's been well-received so far,” said Solomon of early versions screened by some Trustees and President Ainlay and his wife, Judith. “The footage is all shot in HD (high definition). There are some amazing shots of campus, and in particular, the Nott. It just takes your breath away.”


The Union College Club of Boston gave the video two thumbs up when it premiered at a reception Wednesday. It was shown at recent alumni gatherings in New York and Philadelphia.


Crowd shot from President Ainlay's inauguration.


Early next year, the film will be presented at other alumni gatherings in places like Florida and Texas, and Solomon said plans call for a screening on campus sometime soon. 


Solomon's already in award speech mode. Besides the film crew and Ainlay, she gives special thanks to the entire campus community, especially the faculty and folks from Campus Safety and Facilities, for allowing cameras to capture all that is Union. She also gives props to Lis Bischoff-Ormsbee, director of the Parents Program at Union, who provided the film's voiceover.


“It truly was a team effort,” Solomon said.


Pass the popcorn.