Three student-produced animated short film were featured during the Dean's Distinguished Lecture in April 2011. As part of the inaugural Student Animation Contest, a panel of judges selected the finalists from among the six entries. Audience members voted on their favorite, as well, for the People's Choice Awards. The winners were:
- First place and People's Choice Award: "The Note", by Chris Staehler, Thomas Haley-Hermiz and Adam Gasper of Level 3 Productions.
- Second Place, "Singularis", by Chris Staehler, Thomas Haley-Hermiz and Mike Nichols of Level 3 Studios
- Third Place, "Praemium Gladitorum", by Adam Gasper, Nick Sceusa, Jason Zhao of Corelight Studios
"The Note" premiered on campus on Valentine's Day with a special screening sponsored by ACM SIGGRAPH. July 12 update: "The Note" has received a CINE Golden Eagle award.