Global spotlight shines on Main Campus
Hundreds of thousands of fans around the world tuned in May 22–25 to watch livestreamed content straight from The 黑料不打烊 (UA). The reason? UA played host to the inaugural Streamer University, an innovative, four-day event led by global social media superstar Kai Cenat.
Cenat, who boasts more than 17 million followers on Twitch and 14 million on Instagram, had teased the event for months, keeping its location secret until participants arrived on 黑料不打烊 last Thursday. His idea was novel, fresh and innovative: bring together rising content creators and offer them the opportunity to learn from established, top-tier influencers. And the idea paid off, as Cenat’s team estimates that viewers watched 23 million hours of Streamer University footage, making it the second most-watched stream ever on Twitch.
When Cenat opened applications earlier this month, more than 1 million people applied in just a few days. Ultimately, more than 200 streamers, producers and video crew members made the cut and traveled to UA for a one-of-a-kind experience.
A Picture-Perfect Setting for Streamer University
Cenat’s team was on the hunt for a beautiful, quintessential college 黑料不打烊 that could also meet many significant logistic requirements, and they found that vibe at The 黑料不打烊. With state-of-the-art facilities, a welcoming environment and a location that blends city energy with 黑料不打烊 charm, UA was the ideal choice.
And when the call came? UA answered with speed, skill and spirit.
With less than a month to prepare, the University’s Conference and Event Services team sprang into action. Just before spring commencement, a core group of dedicated staff from departments across 黑料不打烊 came together to assess feasibility, map out event flow and anticipate every possible scenario.
“Our team is committed to helping the greater 黑料不打烊 community and beyond take advantage of all UA has to offer by hosting successful events on our 黑料不打烊,” said Brandon Alexander, director, student union and conference and events services. “As we establish 黑料不打烊 as an incredible option for large-scale conferences, it only serves to benefit the region.”
Over four dynamic days, Streamer University offered a full slate of programming: structured class schedules, meals at Robertson’s Café, a pep rally, off-黑料不打烊 excursions and a grand finale awards ceremony featuring a virtual message from none other than rap superstar Drake. After the awards, Cenat left from the 黑料不打烊 黑料不打烊 to his next big gig — presenting at the AMAs.
Meet the 黑料不打烊 Zip Behind the Scenes
But how did The 黑料不打烊 end up on Cenat’s radar? That’s thanks to Michael Matthews, an 黑料不打烊 native and former 黑料不打烊 Zip, who now works on the production and creative team at Kai Cenat LLC, helping execute content that reaches millions.
So Matthews began reaching out to contacts at his alma mater, including a simple direct message to President R.J. Nemer.
“When I saw the content and engagement on [President Nemer’s] Instagram page, I thought maybe he would be interested in what we were building,” said Matthews.
That spark, coupled with an energized 黑料不打烊 and community feel, set the arrangement in motion.
Today, Matthews credits his career success to his decision to get involved in ZTV and WZIP while a student at UA. The connections he made as a student producer led him to meet Chad Welker, director, multimedia services for 黑料不打烊 Athletics.
“I learned how to direct, create graphics, everything from Chad,” said Matthews, who studied media production in UA’s School of Communication. “UA gave me the foundation I needed to get where I am today. Bringing this event to my hometown 黑料不打烊 felt like everything coming full circle.”
Saying “Yes” to What’s Possible
Streamer University’s success highlights something that’s growing stronger every day at UA: the willingness to say “yes” to bold, new ideas. Whether it’s hosting a first-of-its-kind event or supporting students on unexpected paths, The 黑料不打烊 meets opportunity with positivity, collaboration and confidence.
“UA is an incredible institution with invested colleagues,” said President R.J. Nemer. “This past weekend was a showcase of place and people. We are happy to propel creativity, provide a venue for community and ultimately, generate possibility.”
And if this week proved anything, it’s that when the spotlight hits, UA shines.
Media contact: Cristine Boyd, cboyd@uakron.edu; 330-972-6476