When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, thousands of schools were forced to pivot: live classes became virtual instruction, and graduation commencements moved online. In light of the crisis and need to switch gears, schools put on their creative thinking caps by collaborating with alumni associations and booster clubs to form a commemorative, virtual experience.
What is a Virtual Commencement Package?
Virtual commencement packages, or graduation boxes, provide a great way for educational institutions to make this milestone special, particularly for grads and their families who are disappointed to miss out on an in-person ceremony. Over the past two years, hundreds of thousands of graduates around the U.S. have enjoyed the experience of opening a customized “treasure box” filled with a variety of fun gifts, meaningful materials, and practical items.
What Goes into a Virtual Commencement Package
There is no limit to the types of products or materials you can place into a graduation package within the space constraints. West Coast University’s graduation box is a pristine example of what Eagle Print Dynamics can do.
We developed a specially designed, fully customized box that was sent out to 3,000 graduating students nationwide in advance of their virtual graduation in September 2020. Inside was a range of impactful print materials and useful branded items, including: a letter from the university’s president, a commencement program, virtual graduation details, a school logo backpack, alumni association materials and an alumni license plate frame.
For more details about Eagle’s award-winning WCU graduation box, read our case study.
Get Creative with Graduation Boxes
Virtual commencement package containers (typically a sturdy cardboard “pizza-style” box–but way classier) can be customized in size and shape to hold as much memorabilia as the school or alumni association wants to bestow upon its graduating students. Logo merchandise items that schools have placed into their virtual commencement boxes include:
- Backpacks
- Water bottles
- T-shirts
- Luggage tags
- License plate frames
- Stickers/decals
- Pennants
- Pins and pens
- Baseball caps
- Custom socks
- Wallets
- Business card holders
Don’t forget a sheet with details on how to download and order materials, watch the virtual commencement ceremony, submit a photo and content for their online slide, customize a front yard sign, provide T-shirt sizes, and other important information.
Is There a Future for Virtual Commencement Packages?
Although some schools returned to live graduations with limited attendance in 2021, we believe that virtual commencement packages serve an important need and are here to stay! Even students with in-person graduation ceremonies appreciate receiving a “care package” of heartwarming and useful treasures that remind them of their academic years and identify them as proud alumni of that institution.
Build Your Virtual Commencement Package with Us!
The Eagle Print Dynamics team would love to brainstorm and create the perfect grad box for your next commencement, whether virtual or live. Our professionals will use your school’s logo or seal to design and print a meaningful commencement gift that will make a lasting impression on each graduate. We’ll also assemble and ship all of the packages promptly, so you don’t have to.
Get the conversation started! Contact us online or call 714-978-2200 to schedule a free consultation and estimate.
