Northwestern showcases comprehensive student life experience through first-person view drone video

ST. PAUL – A football game, praise chapel, kayaking on Lake Johanna, and a view from the top of Nazareth tower, all in a continuous four-minute video?

The University of Northwestern-St. Paul premiered a first-person drone video on Wednesday, showcasing various segments of student experience that contribute to the overall UNW experience. The aerial view begins above the Mel Johnson Media Center, home to UNW’s Communication department and Northwestern Media before crossing Lydia Avenue to give viewers a look into several of the university’s athletics and recreational sports programs. After a scenic flight to the north side of Northwestern’s 117-acre campus, viewers are introduced to praise chapel—an anchor in the weekly chapel schedule, community dining in the Billy Graham Community Life Commons, and the Northwestern Choir singing their token piece, Jesus I Adore Thee, in the iconic Nazareth Chapel.

The production was done in concert with Minneapolis-based Sky Candy Studios. Sky Candy’s 2021 videos featuring organizations and locales such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Target Center, and Bryant Lake Bowl have attracted millions of views. Michael Welsh, who piloted Sky Candy’s drone at Northwestern, was also behind the virtual reality goggles for a segment on HBO’s Hard Knocks series in August of this year, which featured the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and their practice facility in Frisco, Texas.

Student experience is an important part of Northwestern’s integration of faith and learning. At UNW, spiritual and social growth are emphasized; in-person community is a part of the university’s DNA. In addition to attending classes, worshipping in chapel, sharing meals, and living side-by-side with fellow Christians, UNW students have many opportunities to engage in a variety of clubs and activities, several of which are captured in the video.

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University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW) is a nondenominational Christian university in St. Paul, Minn. With a biblical worldview integrated into all programs, UNW provides a unique educational experience for students who want to combine faith and education. Northwestern offers 75+ areas of undergraduate study, seven master’s degrees, and online and early college programs. Northwestern Media, a ministry of the university, owns and operates 21 Christian radio stations throughout the Midwest with a total listenership of more than 1.35 million listeners. Visit unwsp.edu for more information.