When the KSU Foundation asked Jessica Tracz, junior in mass communications, to create a video for its e-newsletter, she expected to gain nothing but experience.

Instead, she gained much more.

Tracz, a member of the K-State Marching Band, helped the Foundation earn a nationally recognized award and raise funds that resulted in new uniforms for the entire band.

"I never saw it going this far — I mean, I didn't even know the video was up for an award until I was contacted that it had won that award," Tracz said, in an e-mail interview. "It kind of made me laugh that I had won an award for something I didn't even know was submitted to be judged, but it was a great surprise."

The nationally recognized award was a bronze award in the "fundraising video/DVD" category from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, which is an association that serves colleges by assisting their efforts in alumni relations, marketing and other areas.

Though the video was not the only reason for the Foundation's receipt of the award, Julie Lea, vice president of communications for the Foundation, said the video was a key part of the campaign.

"She did a great job with the video; she captured the professionalism and the passion of the band, and I think that really appealed to potential donors when we did the email appeal," Lea said. "She did a fantastic job."

While Tracz said she was honored to contribute to an award for K-State, she was especially excited to know she played an integral role in getting new band uniforms.

C.J. Longabaugh, senior in music education and member of the marching band, said he is thankful for the new uniforms because the old ones had several issues — from not fitting the students to items falling off.

Beyond showing alumni, students and friends of K-State the need for new uniforms, Longabaugh said the video also showed something about Tracz herself.

"The way a person reacts when something happens defines who they are, and I think this video helps define Jessica," he said. "It shows how important the marching band is to her, not just at the football games, but in any atmosphere where there's that school spirit involved."

Tracz said she wanted to thank everyone who assisted with the video, from throwing out ideas to volunteering their acting skills.

"Never in my life have I been a part of something where I've seen so many people come together and figure out how to fix a problem and then follow through with it the whole way," she said. "I'm just glad my video could be another contributing factor in that success."

To watch Tracz's video, visit http://www.found.ksu.edu/email/Band/band_video_bg.html.