Graduation Got a Digital Upgrade — And It’s Putting Money Back in Students' Pockets

Redesigning the Graduation Announcement for the Future

For too long, graduation has come with a cost. Gowns, announcements, and fees can quickly add up, placing the burden on students and families during what should be a moment of joy. At Tassel, we believe in rewriting that story.

This spring, we partnered with Utah Valley University to test a new approach: digital graduation announcements that are free, shareable, and designed to support students. The result was a more modern, inclusive, and meaningful graduation experience.

Introducing a New Kind of Announcement

With Tassel’s announcement tool, students could:

• Upload a photo
• Write a personal message (or get a little help from AI)
• Share a custom link with friends and family
• Accept digital gifts through Venmo or PayPal

In just a few clicks, graduates created a page that celebrated their story and invited others to be part of it. But this wasn’t just about convenience. These announcements became moments of recognition, connection, and in many cases, meaningful financial support.

Results That Speak for Themselves

From launch to early May:

• 538 announcements created
• 792 messages shared
• 118 monetary gifts sent
• $6,701 total in gifts
• Visitors from 51 countries
• Messages in over 10 languages

The average gift was $56.79, with many students receiving more than $250. One student earned $675 through their page alone.

The Power of Personal Stories

What stood out most wasn’t just the engagement, it was the voice of the students themselves. We saw stories from first‑generation graduates, working parents, immigrants, and others whose paths to graduation were anything but typical. With Tassel, they got to tell their own story, in their own words.

“What struck me most was the authenticity,” said Stephanie Albach, UVU’s Ceremony Coordinator. “It made our graduation season feel more human, more inclusive, and more personal than ever before.”

Driving Participation Through Innovation

Many students said the support they received helped them celebrate in ways they wouldn’t have otherwise, like going out to dinner with family or buying flowers to mark the occasion.

This wasn’t about replacing the stage—it was about expanding what celebration can look like.

UVU also saw a rise in student registration and engagement with the graduation process. Giving students something to share—and a reason to participate—transformed the entire experience.

What’s Next

This pilot was more than a product launch. It was a glimpse into what graduation can become:

• Mobile‑first and global
• Emotionally meaningful
• Financially supportive
• Inclusive by design
• Led by students

“We’re proud of what this represents,” said Chase Rigby, CEO of Tassel. “A graduation experience built around the student—and one that reflects the world we live in now.”