Our favorite videos of 2011 range from entertaining to educational to inspiring. They reflect the personalities of our institutions and are just plain fun to watch. View them from the YouTube playlist — which includes the first 14 of the 17 videos listed below, or click on individual titles.

"St. Thomas in photos"
This compilation showcases the work of the Photo Services Department at the University of St. Thomas.

"Leaf Me Alone"
This video was the winner of Bethany Lutheran College's 2011 Red Eye Film Festival. Students were given a weekend to write, shoot and edit short films.

"All's Well That Ends Well"
The Department of Theatre & Dance at Saint Mary's University presented Shakespeare's "All's Well That Ends Well." Before the curtains closed, the audience was treated to a very special encore presentation.

"Our Trash"
Multiple College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University groups and departments collaborated to produce a meaningful display revealing the amount of recycled waste generated by a small community in a short amount of time while showcasing student art work made from trash.

"Raft U: Welcome"
At Raft University — an oh-so-small branch campus of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University — we ask, "What are you going to do at R.U.?" This video, which was shot at Lake Sagatagan at Saint John's, is just one component in a series of Raft U Admission marketing materials for the campuses.

"Augsburg College Interfaith Scholar Program"
Augsburg College is honored to be part of President Obama's Interfaith Community Service Campus Challenge. This video provides insight into the college's involvement with the initiative and the students who are bringing it to life.

"Katies at Star Studio"
The Music Theater Department at St. Catherine University partners with Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota to produce a television show for adolescent patients.

"Becoming leaders"
Hamline University students grow as leaders through a multitude of opportunities available at Hamline and beyond.

"Gustavus Homeless Sleepout 2011"
Gustavus Adolphus College students and faculty along with local high school students raise awareness of homelessness with the college's annual SleepOut event.

"Mind and Matter"
Macalester College professors and students talk about the course "Mind and Matter" — a team taught class that brings together English and Neurobiology.

"Orientation 2011: Hands for Change"
Concordia College sent approximately 804 beanie-clad first-year students into the Fargo-Moorhead community to complete 39 different service projects in the area. This was the 18th annual Hands for Change event.

"Carleton College Traditions"
Carleton president Steven G. Poskanzer participates in college traditions, including aerobics with famed campus instructor Russ Petricka, baking cookies at Dacie Moses House, playing Frisbee, and Carleton's oldest and original tradition — giving. The video was sent as a thank you to those alumni, parents and friends who donated to Carleton's alumni annual fund during the 2010-11 school year.

"2011 Concordia University Volleyball Championship"
Highlight clip of Concordia's fifth straight NCAA Volleyball Championship win over Cal State San Bernardino on Dec. 3.

"CSS Lighting a Tradition 2011"
The College of St. Scholastica held its 15th annual Lighting a Tradition holiday tree lighting ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 5. The event comes after an Advent service in Our Lady Queen of Peace chapel.

"Student life at MCAD"
With 24-hour access to facilities, student life at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design never stops.

"Bethel University Welcome Week 2011"
Highlight video of move-in day for over 600 new students at Bethel University in St. Paul, MN.

"St. Olaf Jazz Wins Big"
In early 2011 Downbeat magazine named the St. Olaf Jazz I student ensemble the best large undergraduate ensemble in the country. Hear what faculty member Dave Hagedorn and students have to say about the honor.