On day one of classes this spring, one UW–Oshkosh class was tasked with a surprising assignment: use the power of storytelling to save a library in need of renovation.
A new behind-the-scenes video titled Mission to Polk Learning Commons gives viewers a peek into the creative process behind Nightmare on Elmwood Avenue, the campy zombie short video produced by UW Oshkosh students to support the long-overdue revitalization of Polk Library.
The project is part of the spring Quest III course Telling Stories for Fun, Profit and World Peace, led by instructor Grace Lim. None of the students are journalism or radio TV film majors, yet they dove headfirst into advocacy storytelling from day one, using humor, horror and heart to make a case for investment in what will be known as the Polk Learning Commons.
The new video is as much about the students’ learning journey as it is about the library’s future.
In just four days, the class went from concept to final cut, working collaboratively to bring their vision to life. Mission to Polk Learning Commons highlights their teamwork, their learning by doing and the deeper message: without action, the deterioration of Polk Library could have scary consequences. Their work supports UW-Oshkosh’s broader efforts to rally support for the renovation, which has been recommended in Governor Tony Evers’ 2025-27 capital budget.
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