October 11, 2017

By Michael Chiappa, NJIT Chapter President

Last fall, our chapter decided to enter the Can You Dip It Video Showdown sponsored by the American Galvanizers Association. I and fellow member Frank DeBlasio volunteered to co-lead the project because we thought the contest posed an interesting challenge and that the reward for our chapter would be well worth the effort.

Over the next several weeks, Frank an I had a blast heading the project and seeing it come together from concept through submission. It was a tremendous experience learning how to write, direct, and edit a film. For Frank and I, it was a chance to work together, combine our skills (both creative and technical), and learn from each other along the way. For our chapter, it was an opportunity for members to learn about galvanized steel and be seen on a national stage. It was also a great way to capture our school’s culture as well as the overall culture of architecture school.

Rarely in architecture school do students get the chance to explore filmmaking and projects such as these. Due to the prize money we received from winning last year, we were able to further our mission by sponsoring more than 35 members to attend last year’s Quad conference in Toronto. Entering the Can You Dip It Video Showdown is definitely an opportunity no chapter should pass up.


#DipThis 2017 Challenge

Think your school or AIAS chapter is the best?  Prove it by submitting your most creative video to the Can You Dip It Showdown for your chance to win $2,000 for your AIAS school chapter! Register and submit your video by October 31, 2017.

The top video in each Quad will receive $500.  One winner from each Quad will be chosen to be in the finals at Forum 2017 and the best video will win:

  • $2,000 for your AIAS school chapter
  • Galvanized Trophy (traveling trophy – passed on each year) 
  • Bragging rights as the best chapter and coolest quad at AIAS Forum​

Watch NJIT’s winning video submission for Can You #DipThis16.