Coordinator, Videography
University Relations
Kent Campus
The work Jon Jivan put forth to create the virtual May 4 50th commemoration video is an excellent example of the quality and creativity he brings to Kent State. The virtual 50th commemoration was derived out of necessity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The content that was originally planned for the May 4 50th commemoration had to be completely re-imagined. Within just a few weeks, Jivan had to take videos, photos and music from various sources and combined it all to make a compassionate, honest and heartfelt remembrance of the tragic events of May 4,1970. Jivan combined a wide variety of materials, from low quality cellphone videos to high quality studio performances, as well as arranged and filmed new video interviews into an amazing virtual commemoration.
Jivan worked closely with the May 4 committee to figure out ways to produce the video within the constraints he was under. He spent countless hours selecting clips from what was contributed and edited them into a seamless, well-crafted story. Throughout the process, he worked tirelessly to meet each deadline and review without delay. The final piece was beautiful, thoughtful and honored the four students lost, as well as their families, those who were wounded and those who were there that day. Jivan’s video was viewed by well over 20,000 with the initial release of the video.