91,608 and
counting.
That's how many
Facebook users "like" the Duke University fan page. Now, with Duke
men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski's record 903rd NCAA win, Duke
is hoping to engage and build on that online community with a contest that
leverages its growing social media presence.
The "Show Us How You 903" contest, sponsored
by Duke Athletics, invites Blue Devil fans to submit videos,
photos or other digital media celebrating what the 903 milestone -- and Coach K's career -- means to them. Contest
winners can net a variety of prizes, including game tickets, a signed Duke
jersey, Nike Duke gear, autographed posters and more.
The contest
builds on Duke's growing success in engaging the Duke community through social
media channels such as Facebook and Twitter, said Cara Rousseau, Duke's social
media manager.
In addition to
the Facebook fan page,
Duke has more than 100 official school Twitter accounts, as well as sites on
YouTube, iTunesU, Foursquare and Flickr.
Duke is
increasing the presence of student bloggers across campus, including efforts by
Duke Engage, the Nicholas School of the
Environment, and the Office of
Undergraduate Admissions to highlight student stories. Earlier this month, the university's Office of
News & Communications conducted a workshop for faculty interested in
exploring social media.
Rousseau said she
noticed increased "buzz" about Duke on Facebook and Twitter even
before the Blue Devils' 74-69 victory against Michigan State.
Social media
offers new channels for anyone who loves Duke to share their spirit with a huge
audience, she said.
"We're
reaching out to alumni, students, staff, fans everywhere and asking them to
contribute to the celebration and show their creativity," Rousseau said.
Duke Improv produced a video in support of the contest, as a
way to inspire fans, she said.
The contest has already
drawn some creative responses, including various photos of Coach K, the number 903
in a pumpkin carving and spelled out on a house in Duke blue Christmas lights, and
903-related graphics in social media profile pictures.
"Duke has an
uncommon global support base and alumni network so a social media-driven
contest open to everyone seemed like a natural fit," said Dave Bradley, Duke
basketball's recruiting/communications coordinator. "We hope this contest encourages
Duke fans all over the world to have some fun in support of the greatest coach
in sports."
Bradley helped put together the viral "Buckets
2.0" video," which has been viewed more than
800,000 times to date, making it one of the most-viewed videos on YouTube.
Find out more about the contest at http://www.903andcounting.com/how-do-you.