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Inspiring Graduate: Opal Lawrence, B.F.A. Graphic Design & Interactive Media

giffeyt — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:40:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Opal Lawrence, B.F.A. Graphic Design & Interactive Mediagiffeyt December 23, 2025

Perfecting her portfolio, bringing thoughtfulness to design

Inspiring Graduate: Opal Lawrence (’25)

Hometown: DeForest
Degree: B.F.A. Graphic Design & Interactive Media
Concentrations: Communication and Interaction

Opal Lawrence ��. goal as a graphic designer is to make designs that consider the whole person and to work in a collaborative studio environment where thoughtful design systems and meaningful storytelling are valued.

“I want to contribute to work that feels human, not just polished. I care about how something works and how it feels. If the things I make can be visually pleasing while also being understandable and supportive to the person interacting with them, that is the kind of impact that matters to me,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence, of DeForest, earned her B.F.A. in graphic design and interactive media and crossed the commencement stage on Dec. 20 as one of 527 �� graduates. She is refining her portfolio as she works as a guest service leader at Kwik Trip.

Opal Lawrence receives her diploma from Chancellor Katherine Frank during the 2025 fall commencement.

“I’ve spent my time at Stout balancing school with multiple jobs, so I want to give myself the time and space to be intentional in my next step,” she said. “I want my portfolio to be something that feels true to the voice I’ve grown here at Stout, and I’m excited to step into design roles that allow me to bring thoughtfulness into my work.”

Lawrence graduated high school in 2021. Having spent her senior year at home during COVID, she wasn’t able to tour universities in person. She learned about �� . School of Art & Design from her high school media teacher, an alum.

“I enrolled without ever stepping foot on campus, not fully knowing what to expect. It ended up being the best decision I could have made,” Lawrence said. “Stout ��. focus on hands-on learning felt right. Stout gave me a place where I could grow creatively and personally. I am leaving with a community I care so deeply about. I am really grateful for that.”

How has �� prepared you to work in your field?

Stout prepared me by letting me learn through doing. The studio courses and the importance of critique in my courses taught me how to accept feedback, refine my ideas and communicate decisions clearly.

Working as a Graphic Design Lab Monitor and Tutor was an important part of my learning. Supporting other students and helping create a welcoming studio environment taught me that design is something shared. We wanted the lab to feel like a place where people could work together, not just pass through between classes.

I worked on campus at the Memorial Student Center Service Desk, where I helped students and faculty with printing and production. My design background made it easier to solve problems and talk through files, and the role helped me feel really connected to the campus community.

I also completed a remote design internship with ARC Community Services, a nonprofit focused on recovery support. The work shifted often, so I learned how to ask clear questions and adapt based on real needs.

These experiences showed me that design is not just about making something look good. It is about listening, communicating and creating with intention.

Opal Lawrence looks at students' graphic design creations.

What stands out about your �� experience?

One of the most meaningful experiences I had was studying abroad in Belgium and the Netherlands. We spent about a month moving through Antwerp, Brussels, Arnhem, Utrecht and Amsterdam visiting studios, museums and design schools. We worked directly with internationally recognized designers in multiday workshops.

Seeing how they approached form, language, and how integrated design was in their lives was so inspiring and changed how I think about my own practices.

That experience was closely tied to my work with Professor Alex DeArmond, who led the program and also oversaw my role as a lab monitor and tutor. Learning from him both in classes and abroad strengthened how I understand (and love) typography, publication systems and design history. His passion and guidance have helped shape how I work and what I want for myself in the future.

Other professors that majorly influenced and improved my time in the GDIM program were Robert Fraher, who taught my interaction courses and helped me understand design as something people use and move through. His teaching made me pay attention to how something feels to experience, not just how it looks. Katie Lupton helped me understand what I value in my own process. She encouraged reflection, clarity and intention in the choices I make. Rachel Bruya, my printmaking professor and advisor, reminded me that making can be tactile, imperfect and intentional. She created space for me to step away from the computer, to reflect on what it means to be a creative and use that as a guide of exploration and direction in my printing.

These professors did more than teach technical skills. They helped me understand how to make work with clarity, curiosity and care.

Student-created magazines, including Opal Lawrence's Catalyst, upper right.

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?

I was involved in American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), which gave me a way to connect with other designers outside of class and feel part of a larger creative community. I participated in the Mind to Mind Mentorship Program through AIGA Minnesota, where I was paired with an industry mentor whom I met with throughout the semester.

Those conversations helped me understand what I value in design and how I want to work.

Also, through AIGA I attended Design Camp after receiving the Emerging Creative Scholarship. It was an experience that broadened my understanding of what a design career can look like and helped me feel connected to the wider creative community beyond campus.

My publication design, “Catalyst,” was selected by Professor DeArmond for exhibit in “A Year in Design – An Invited Student Showcase,” at the Furlong Gallery. And my printmaking was displayed in “WALLS CAN TALK,” an exhibition in Gallery 209. Seeing my work displayed alongside my peers was meaningful and affirming of the time and energy I put into my work. It reminded me that creative work deserves to exist out in the world, in conversation with other people, not just on a screen or tucked away in a portfolio.

My experiences helped me see myself not just as a student working toward a degree, but as a designer who is part of a larger creative network. I am so grateful for how I was able to learn from and contribute to it in real ways.

Opal Lawrence while studying abroad. / Submitted photo

What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them?

Balancing coursework while working multiple jobs was a real challenge. There were semesters where I was stretched thin and had to learn how to manage my time and energy. I had to learn how to ask for help and how to be patient with myself. It was not always smooth but learning how to advocate for myself and how to find balance in my life are skills I’ll carry with me far beyond graduation.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I am proud of the person I have grown into while earning this degree. I kept showing up, even when things felt overwhelming, and I held onto curiosity and care in the things I made. I am also proud of the relationships and community I built here. This degree feels like something I earned, not just something I finished.

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Perfecting her portfolio, bringing thoughtfulness to design Opal Lawrence at 2025 fall commencement

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Student illustrations inspired by holiday songs showcased at Symphony, Dec. 7

goersab — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:37:34 +0000

Student illustrations inspired by holiday songs showcased at Symphony, Dec. 7goersab November 20, 2025

'Music in Motion' to feature pieces from 'The Polar Express,' classics like 'Sleigh Ride,' 'Sailing with Whales'

Abbey Goers

The comfort of holiday music will be paired with festive visual art at “Music in Motion,” presented by University of Wisconsin-Stout ��. Symphonic Band at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall.

The concert will feature music about various kinds of transportation, including a train ride with music from “The Polar Express,” an ocean voyage with Rossano Galante ��. “Sailing with Whales,” and a holiday favorite, “Sleigh Ride.”

Jay Holtz's illustration for "Sailing With Whales" / Erik Evensen

Each musical piece will be paired with illustrations created by �� students, projected on the screens in the Great Hall. The illustrations are a visual representation of the music, based on the composers’ theme or musical expression.

Purchase tickets at uwstout.universitytickets.com.

Kaleigh Kahl's illustration for "Sleigh Ride" / Erik Evensen

Illustrations inspired by music

The collaboration was developed by symphony Director Erika Svanoe and Professor Erik Evensen, program director of B.F.A. in illustration. The series of images were produced by illustration, animation and digital media and graphic design and interactive media students in Evensen ��. Digital Illustration class.

Featured student artists include Erin McKinley, Jay Holtz, Jenna Good, Kaleigh Kahl, Renee Smith, and Harper Leighton, whose piece is a tribute to her grandfather, a WWII veteran and �� alum.

Harper Leighton's illustration for "Moorside March" / Erik Evensen

When Leighton first listened to “Moorside March,” images of planes flying over the English moors flashed through her head. As she listened, she thought of her Great Grandpa Lee Roy Bedsted, a member of the 546th Bombardment Squadron in the United States Air Force.

“My great grandpa was the top turret gunner and engineer of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress airplane, 'Aces & Ates,'” Leighton said. The plane ��. name is reflected in her illustration. “On the last of his 28 combat missions, he was shot down over Germany. He spent 10 months as a prisoner of war, with three of those months on a 500-mile, forced march across northern Germany in the winter. If he hadn't survived his ordeal in WWII, I literally would not be here today. I am so thankful for his bravery and dedication, while serving this country.”

As a benefit of the GI Bill, Bedsted earned a Bachelor of Science in education from �� in 1950. He also met and married his wife, Beverly, a fellow student. He returned to �� to earn a master ��. in counseling in 1962.

“Lee Roy Bedsted was an incredibly kind and loving person, who did so much for his family and community. He also started a long family tradition of �� education; I will be the 11th person from my family to graduate from Stout,” said Leighton, an illustration junior from Excelsior, Minnesota.

Jenna Good's illustration for "Ride" / Erik Evensen

McKinley, a GDIM senior from Little Falls, Minnesota, chose to illustrate “Sleigh Ride” because it brings her a sense of nostalgia and comfort. “My family would listen to the song when visiting our extended family for the holidays,” she said.

Her artwork captures the joy and excitement of the winter season, even in the midst of winter flurries, rosy cheeks and foggy breath. She was inspired by the color palettes of artist and animator Mary Blair, intentionally selecting bright colors.

“Winter can be dark and gloomy. I wanted to balance the cool gray tones of the sky with magenta and warm greens,” McKinley said. “There is a joy and energy to the song. The horses emulate the energy, movement and intensity of the song. It ��. like they are dancing.”

Renee Smith's illustration for "Still Here" / Erik Evensen

Listening to “Sailing With Whales,” Holtz felt a powerful forward movement, he said, “along with the story behind the song, talking about sailing out for whale watching, specifically orcas. Somewhat inspired by ‘Treasure Planet,’ it ��. mainly an original concept from my head.

"I like the highlights from the sunrise, and the form of the clouds. I hope others can feel the movement and power of the song,” added Holtz, an illustration junior from Rhinelander.

Erin McKinley's concept art for "Sleigh Ride" / Erin McKinley

Introducing children to music

Seven members of the Symphonic Band performed for preschool students at the university ��. Child and Family Study Center recently in a short concert coordinated by Rachel Larson, an early childhood education major, with the help of Senior Instructional Specialist Marica Wolf, afternoon lead in the four-year-old classroom.

Symphony students gather at the Child and Family Study Center / Erika Svanoe

Larson, of Cameron, is in her second semester of lab experiences at the Child and Family Study Center, learning from the head teachers and teaching her own lessons, including playing her flute for the children. She also plays the alto saxophone and piano.

Symphony members played for preschoolers at the CFSC / Rachel Larson

“I hope to grow my musical talents and use them in my future classroom,” she said. “I think sharing music with the community is important, as it creates a powerful sense of connection — both within the band and beyond it. It brings us together as performers, forming our own supportive circle, while also inviting others to experience and celebrate our talents.

The small concert introduced children to different musical instruments / Rachel Larson

“I believe it ��. especially meaningful to introduce music to children early on, helping them explore their interests in a warm, inclusive environment that fosters creativity, confidence and belonging. I am incredibly grateful for Erika in devoting her time to being our conductor; she has made my experience in the �� band so fun, warm and inviting.”

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'Music in Motion' to feature pieces from 'The Polar Express,' classics like 'Sleigh Ride,' 'Sailing with Whales' Erin McKinley, Sleigh Ride

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In 2025-2026, �� is celebrating a Year of Design to highlight the innovation, leadership and impact central to Wisconsin ��. ��. Upcoming signature events include:

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m.: Stout Game Expo, western Wisconsin ��. largest game developer exhibition.
Thursday, Dec. 11, 1 to 3 p.m.: STEMM Student Expo will showcase more than 250 students’ research in nearly 100 projects across a dozen fields of study.
Friday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m.: School of Art & Design Senior Show, featuring the works of more than 200 graduating seniors.

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Hero Caption: Erin McKinley's illustration inspired by "Sleigh Ride" will be one of many featured at the Symphonic Band performance on Dec. 7.

Erika Svanoe

Dr. Erika Svanoe (b. 1976) is a conductor and composer for wind band, known for her lyrical melodies, nods to classic literature, musical deconstruction, humor, and pastiche. Her works have been performed by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, the United States Navy Band, the National Concert Band of America, featured at the Midwest Clinic, the American Bandmasters Association National Conference, and the Boston New Music Festival, and on Wisconsin Public Radio, in Bandworld's Top 100, and the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series. Her first major work, The Haunted Carousel, won the 2014 NBA Young Band Composition Contest. Her first album, "The Music of Erika Svanoe," was recorded by Andrew Boysen, Jr. and the University of New Hampshire Wind Symphony, and released in 2022.

As a conductor, Dr. Svanoe has held residencies with the Manhattan School of Music, USAF Heritage of America Band, the Atlanta Freedom Bands, and numerous universities. She has held collegiate appointments at Augsburg University, Bemidji State University, and the University of New Hampshire. She is active as a guest conductor and clinician, appearing with high school, university, All-State and festival ensembles across the United States.

She earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from The Ohio State University under Russel C. Mikkelson, where she served as conductor of the OSU Collegiate Winds, assistant conductor of the OSU Wind Symphony, and taught undergraduate conducting classes. Her DMA dissertation included a critical edition of Aaron Copland's El Salón México for wind ensemble. She holds a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.

Her music is published through Alfred Music, G.Schirmer/AMP, and self-published through Swan Maiden Press. She is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). She is also the creator and publisher of Marrying Mr. Darcy, the Pride & Prejudice card game, and occasionally advocates and speaks on the topic of arts entrepreneurship, with appearances at the XOXO Festival and in a variety of gaming-related media. Originally from Whitewater, Wisconsin, she currently lives in Menomonie, WI with her husband, designer and graphic novelist Erik Evensen.

Full Name: Erika Svanoe

Job Title: Lecturer

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Area of Expertise: Wind Band Literature Music Conducting Music Composition Music Education Arts Entrepreneurship

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: School of Art & Design Visual & Performing Arts Department

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Degree: D.M.A. Conducting

University: Ohio State University

Degree: M.M. Instrumental Conducting & Pedagogy

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Erik A. Evensen

Erik Evensen is Professor of Design and program director of the B.F.A. in Illustration. He teaches studio courses in illustration, design drawing, concept art, graphic design, and typography, and graduate seminars in design research and design education. In 2022, he was recognized with the College of Arts and Human Sciences Outstanding Teaching Award.

He began his career as a graphic designer and illustrator in coastal New Hampshire and the greater Boston area. His comics industry credits include the “Ghostbusters” and “Back to the Future” licensed comic series from IDW Publishing, and the original graphic novels “The Beast of Wolfe ��. Bay” and the Xeric-winning “Gods of Asgard.” He is also the art director, game artist, and co-producer for the tabletop games “Marrying Mr. Darcy” and “Distilled.” His work has variously been featured in Graphic Design USA, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.

Erik has presented at and regularly reviews for academic conferences sponsored by AIGA, IDSA, MODE, M+DEV: Midwest Game Developers Conference, the Design and Emotion Society, IASDR, KEER, and the Global Polytechnic Summit. A student of Design Research pioneer Liz Sanders, his academic research on educational board game design is a featured case study in her textbook, “Convivial Toolbox: Generative Research for the Front End of Design.” His creative work with myth and folklore frequently yields citations, appearances, and speaking engagements about history, culture, and comparative literature.

Erik holds an M.F.A. in Design from Ohio State University, graduating Phi Kappa Phi. He received a B.A. in Studio Art from the University of New Hampshire, and a Post-baccalaureate Certificate from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University.

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Degree: B.A. Studio Art

University: University of New Hampshire

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Graphic design alum creates exclusive Timberwolves basketball hoodie

goersab — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Graphic design alum creates exclusive Timberwolves basketball hoodiegoersab October 22, 2025

Kunes’ merchandise inspired by nature and teamwork on the trail

Abbey Goers

In their 2024-25 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves collaborated with nine local artists to launch a merchandise series that blended Timberwolves basketball with the creativity of the Twin Cities.

The Timberwolves Artist Series featured graphic design alum Matt Kunes, owner of Motelprint Studios in Minneapolis, whose game-day exclusive hoodie was dropped at the Dec. 19, 2024, home game versus the New York Knicks.

Matt Kunes exclusive hoodie design for the Timberwolves / Matt Kunes

Kunes discovered printmaking at ��, where Professor Brian Ritchie taught him the process of creating clean and precise detail-oriented prints. He developed a passion for screen printing and lithography during a study abroad trip to Germany.

His artwork is inspired by elements of the natural world and by outdoor activities.

“I like observing nature ��. interactions upon itself and then contemplating how I interpret those interactions. I strive to create abstract but realistic creatures by using striking lines and vibrant colors,” said Kunes, a 2002 graduate.

After a weekend mountain biking through granite hills and towering pines on the Iron Range in northern Minnesota, Kunes drew inspiration for his Artist Series hoodie from the pack mentality of a bike posse. “We take turns leading on the trail, which in turn makes everyone a stronger rider. Much like in basketball or any team sport,” he said. “If the leader is stoked, the whole team will rise up and jam just as hard or harder than the leader.”

That sense of connection and the thrill of being part of something bigger – much like a wolf pack – is something Kunes hopes fans feel when they wear his hoodie, which features the North Star on the front, symbolizing guidance and leadership. The back showcases a near-symmetrical collage of three wolves’ faces above a plain by trees. Splashes of navy, blue, light blue and lime green make the abstract scene pop like a stained-glass window.

Kunes grew up in Colorado as a Denver Nuggets fan and even saw Michael Jordan play. He gave basketball a shot in junior high school but then pivoted from organized team sports to skateboarding and snowboarding.

“The game has changed a bit – so many three-pointers. But I still watch the finals, and with the T-Wolves getting stronger every year, it ��. hard not to support your local hoops team,” said Kunes, an artisan and installer for Shea Makes, a branch of Shea Design, while maintaining his studio.

The graphic design and interactive media program is part of the School of Art and Design, one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest. It also offers bachelor ��. degrees in animation and digital media; game design and development-art; illustration; industrial and product design; interior design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; fashion design and development; and video production, and an M.F.A. in design.

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Perfecting her portfolio, bringing thoughtfulness to design

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Kunes’ merchandise inspired by nature and teamwork on the trail

October 22, 2025

Kunes’ merchandise inspired by nature and teamwork on the trail Matt Kunes' Timberwolves hoodie design

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University Partner Award: Great Northern Corporation

goersab — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

University Partner Award: Great Northern Corporationgoersab August 27, 2025

'�� . hands-on approach aligns with our values of innovation, collaboration and continuous learning.'

Great Northern Corporation received the University Partner Award in recognition of its longstanding and transformative partnership with ��, particularly in providing program funding and equipment that directly enhances the learning experiences of packaging students.

“Great Northern supports �� . packaging program because we believe in investing in the future of our industry,” said Zach Schmidtknecht (’99), general manager of Great Northern ��. Chippewa Falls location.

“�� . hands-on approach aligns with our values of innovation, collaboration and continuous learning. The university consistently produces graduates who are not only technically skilled but also ready to contribute meaningfully from day one. Supporting the program is a natural extension of our commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable packaging industry,” he said.

A team of �� alums at Great Northern, in Chippewa Falls / Great Northern

One of the most impactful elements of the partnership is the Great Northern Corporation Collaboration Experience course, a cross-disciplinary class where packaging and graphic design and interactive media students work in teams to design packaging for a Great Northern client, providing an experience that mirrors the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in the workplace. They also receive mentorship from Great Northern employees, who serve as advisors for their projects throughout the semester.

Great Northern provided $100,000 to fund the sponsored collaborative course. Schmidtknecht collaborated with team members Kris Johnson (’94) and Sarah Murawski (’00), and �� faculty Robert Meisner and Nagesh Shinde to develop the course.

Schmidtknecht thinks �� and Great Northern ��. partnership helps bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations.

“Through the collaborative course, we aim to foster cross-disciplinary teamwork, creative problem-solving and client-focused thinking. We want students to leave the course with a deeper understanding of how packaging and design intersect and how collaboration across disciplines leads to stronger, more innovative solutions,” Schmidtknecht said.

Schmidtknecht and the Great Northern team enjoy the energy and fresh perspective that �� students and faculty bring to the table. “Their curiosity and creativity challenge us to think differently and stay ahead of industry trends. In return, we benefit from a pipeline of talented, well-prepared graduates who are eager to make an impact. The partnership also reinforces our belief in ‘A Shared Future,’ one where education and industry grow together,” Schmidtknecht said.

Great Northern sees students bring cosmetics packaging, design ideas to life

Course sponsored by company provides concepts for Revolution Beauty of London

Great Northern also offers high-impact internships and cooperative education experiences, providing students with hands-on, career-building opportunities.

“We want our interns to feel like valued members of the team from day one. Our goal is to expose them to a variety of roles and departments so they can discover where their strengths and interests align. We aim to provide mentorship, hands-on experience and opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects. Ultimately, we hope they leave with a clearer sense of their career path, and ideally, return to Great Northern as full-time team members,” Schmidtknecht said.

Great Northern exemplifies what it means to be an engaged and visionary partner in higher education. It is an integral part of �� . learning community and a trusted partner in advancing the mission of Wisconsin ��. ��.

Schmidtknecht said Great Northern is honored to receive the University Partner Award and proud of the relationship it ��. built with �� over the past four decades. “This partnership is more than a recruitment pipeline – it ��. a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and community. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and helping shape the next generation of packaging and design professionals,” he said.

About Great Northern

Great Northern, which manufactures packaging and retail displays, is headquartered in Appleton and has operations in ﬁve states. It employs more than 1,700 people nationwide, including more than 40 �� alumni.

“Many alumni hold leadership roles or have grown their careers with us over time, which speaks to the strength of the university ��. programs and the alignment of our values,” Schmidtknecht said.

Great Northern exists to serve its customers and the communities in which it works by delivering innovative, sustainable packaging solutions through its three business units: packaging, instore and laminations.

For more than 60 years, Great Northern has led the way in recyclable packaging, protective components, and retail display solutions that help customers succeed while minimizing environmental impact. Its commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles is deeply rooted in the company ��. culture and reflected in everything it does, making a difference in communities and for the environment, its customers and its team members.

�� is one of only a few schools in the U.S., and the only school in the Universities of Wisconsin, which offers a B.S. in packaging program. The graphic design and interactive media program is part of the School of Art and Design, one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest.

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MicroWhat?: Student ��. social awareness campaign on microplastics wins Minnesota AdFed award

goersab — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:23:00 +0000

MicroWhat?: Student ��. social awareness campaign on microplastics wins Minnesota AdFed awardgoersab April 1, 2025

M.F.A. design, graphic design students receive several awards during annual regional competition

Abbey Goers

Plastic is the most prevalent type of marine debris found in the oceans and Great Lakes, with an estimated 33 billion pounds of plastic trash entering the oceans every year. And microplastics – those about the size of a pencil eraser and smaller – come in a variety of forms.

Microplastics are everywhere – in the air and water and even in the food we eat – posing risks to both the health of the environment and to people. To address this concern, University of Wisconsin-Stout Master of Fine Arts in design student Ashley Jandro created a social awareness campaign focusing on microplastics.

For her campaign “MicroWhat?,” she received a Student – Integrated Consumer Campaign Silver Pin Winner for her ad at the Minnesota AdFed awards, sponsored by the Advertising Federation of Minnesota on Feb. 28, at the Machine Shop in Minneapolis.

"MicroWhat?" won a Silver Pin award at the Minnesota AdFed awards / Ashley Jandro

“The amount of damage microplastics can do to our ecosystems and bodies is alarming. By notifying the public of their impacts, there is hope to cut down on plastics and find alternatives for material,” said Jandro, who is interested in sustainability.

Jandro entered the competition as part of an assignment in Professor Nagesh Shinde ��. Advertising Design class. She submitted “MicroWhat?” to the integrated campaign category, designing a campaign with multiple applications across different platforms.

She designed outdoor and indoor installations with animations of characters based on different types of microplastics, sharing statistics and details about how microplastics affect the environment and the human body. She also created magazine and Instagram ads and a corresponding app.

Kids can teach adults about sustainable practices

Geared toward a younger audience, “MicroWhat?” encourages learning through gamification. A QR code directs a user to a downloadable Monster app, which includes a game to “collect” monsters using augmented reality, similar to Pokémon-Go, and a mini-challenge to go “A Day Without,” bringing awareness to how much plastic the user actually uses in a day.

“MicroWhat?” encourages learning through gamification in the downloadable Monster app / Ashley Jandro

“I feel that educating the younger audience is where we lack a bit. Education is very focused on recycling, however, there are a lot of materials that are not able to be recycled,” she said.

“I think the information young people are given will help them make smarter decisions in the future. There is this ideology of kids teaching parents as they are having fun playing the game. They can inform the older generation of what they are learning and find better solutions or materials that they could be using rather than plastic.”

Jandro doesn’t normally create content for young adults. Her creative process relied heavily on research and visual storytelling.

“Honestly, it was a very fun journey. I played with a lot of color and tried to gamify the content to make it more interesting for that age group,” she said.

“I had fun creating the campaign, and the award was just the icing on the cake,” said Jandro, who earned her B.F.A. in graphic design and interactive media from �� in 2023. “In my undergrad, I loved the environment and thrived here. So, when I got the opportunity to continue my education at ��, there was no doubt in my mind of where I wanted to go for my master ��..”

The integrated consumer campaign included ads across multiple media platforms, including Instagram / Ashley Jandro

M.F.A. in design Program Director Erik Evensen is excited that Jandro received the accolade. “Ashley is an incredibly motivated student, with a diverse set of interests in the Graphic Design field. She has been diligently pursuing a research agenda focusing on packaging, sustainability and the user experience. She ��. a great designer,” he said.

Several �� graphic design students were awarded at this year ��. AdFed as well:

Regan Haack, of Minneapolis. Student – Integrated Consumer Campaign Silver Pin: “Posca: Everyone Can Paint”
Carly Kauffman, of Hanover, Minnesota. Student – Integrated Consumer Campaign Gold Pin: “Monkey Around with Sun Bum”
Hannah Kim, of Korea. Student – Outdoor and Transit Campaign Silver Pin: “Enough Deaths”
Alex Martin, of River Falls. Student – Integrated Consumer Campaign Bronze Pins: “Live’more” and “Live’more” television campaign
Clara Nicolai, of Bangor. Student – Integrated Consumer Campaign Gold Pin: “Experience the Purple”

"Experience the Purple" won a Gold Pin award / Clara Nicolai

Kauffman also received an American Advertising Federation District 8 silver ADDY® award. “Monkey Around with Sun Bum” will have the opportunity to move forward to the national AAF competition.

Nicolai ��. campaign “Experience the Purple” received an AAF District 8 Judge ��. Choice award. “Experience the Purple” shared the calming experience of lavender, while highlighting Pondview Lavender Farm, a small business, locally owned by operations and management Lecturer Bob Sworski.

“By inviting consumers to ‘Experience the Purple,’ the campaign highlights the farm ��. handcrafted products and experiences, connecting lavender to relaxation, wellness and everyday moments of tranquility,” Nicolai said.

“Enough Deaths” advocates for stricter gun safety measures and responsible firearm storage to protect children from gun violence. “Through education and awareness, we empower parents, caregivers and communities to create a safer future where kids can grow up without fear,” Kim said.

�� . School of Art and Design, one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest, offers bachelor ��. degrees in animation and digital media; game design and development-art; graphic design and interactive media; illustration; industrial and product design; interior design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; fashion design and development; and video production, as well as an M.F.A. in design.

�� . School of Engineering offers a B.S. in plastics engineering, ranked as a No. 1 Best Value Polymer and Plastics Engineering Schools in 2023. �� also offers minors in environmental health and sustainability.

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M.F.A. design, graphic design students receive several awards during annual regional competition MicroWhat grocery store interior ad. By Ashley Jandro

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Hero Caption: An interior grocery store ad for MicroWhat?, a social awareness campaign designed by M.F.A. in design student Ashley Jandro

Nagesh Shinde

Brief Biography: Born near Mumbai, India, Nagesh holds a BFA from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University and an MFA in graphic design from Fort Hays State University. He served as art director for J. Walter Thompson in Bombay and senior art director for both Leo Burnett and Virtual World Entertainment Group. During his tenure as Brand Design Manager at online education company Cardean Learning Group, Nagesh had the pleasure of working with cognitive and usability gurus Don Norman and Jakob Nielsen.

Teaching Interests: Courses Taught: Undergraduate- B.F.A  DES- 220 Computer Imagery;  DES- 360 Graphic Design I& II;  DES- 410 Product and Packaging Graphics;  DES- 386 Publication Design;  DES- 256-Interactive Design-Multimedia Design;  DES- 380 Advertising Design;  DES- 382 Information Design- Online;  DES- 480 Senior Project-Graphic Design;  DES- 456-Senior Project-Multimedia Design; Graduate Courses- M.F.A Des-725 Research Strategies in Design

Research Interests: - Brand Design management - Package Design - Experience Design - User Experience

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Full Name: Nagesh Shinde

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University: Fort Hays State University

Degree: B.F.A. Applied Art

University: Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University

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Erik A. Evensen

Full Name: Erik A. Evensen

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Area of Expertise: Design Drawing & Visualization Illustration Graphic Design Design Research Comics Graphic Novels

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Curriculum Vitae: Erik A. Evensen CV (617.93 KB)

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Degree: M.F.A. Visual Communication Design

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An Epic class: Graphic design students collaborate with Epic Systems to improve UX in healthcare software, apps

goersab — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:14:47 +0000

An Epic class: Graphic design students collaborate with Epic Systems to improve UX in healthcare software, appsgoersab March 19, 2025

Industry partnership with one of nation ��. largest healthcare software companies aims to impact patients’ quality of life

Abbey Goers

Graphic design and interactive media students at �� are collaborating with professionals from Epic Systems, one of the nation ��. leading healthcare software companies, to improve the user experiences of patients and healthcare providers.

Within Professor Nagesh Shinde ��. Healthcare User Experience Design course, students are working with designers at Epic Systems, who serve as mentors for students as they create web, mobile app or kiosk products and services.

“Building this partnership with Epic has taken immense effort, and promoting healthcare user experience – UX – on our campus is vital,” Shinde said. “It shows how an interdisciplinary collaboration can shape students’ experiences.”

Founded in 1979, Epic Systems develops software to help improve the way more than 325 million people receive healthcare. The Verona-based company is one of the biggest privately held U.S. tech companies, with reported revenue of $4.9 billion in 2023. Currently, 2,400 hospitals and 45,000 clinics in the U.S. use Epic software.

“The pairing of design and healthcare is an interesting emerging space,” Shinde said. “The healthcare profession didn’t always appreciate design, but it now recognizes the user experience as essential to the quality of accessible and meaningful service. There ��. a new shift in understanding that design has to be a part of everything we do.”

Over the last two years, Shinde has worked closely with Epic UX Design Team Lead Joshua Canale and UX Designer Adrienne Hoover to strengthen students’ experiences in the course.

“The healthcare sector used to place functionality first in software design. Usability was an afterthought,” Canale said. “Now, UX is at the forefront of design in healthcare, with a focus on efficient and intuitive software programs. UX is a powerful tool that can positively impact patient care, as well as empower doctors and clinicians.”

One recent graduate ��. capstone project is being referenced by a national nonprofit organization. Ceci Feldt ��. research and concepts for her MyVCP: Rare Disease Tracker are providing valuable insights for a new study app by Cure VCP Disease, driving research, support and education initiatives.

Ceci Feldt presents MyVCP at ��'s School of Art and Design Senior Show / Ceci Feldt

Although the collaboration with Epic began after Feldt graduated in 2023, the Healthcare UX Design course was a turning point for Feldt in her college career. It introduced her to the idea that her two passions — healthcare and design — could merge into a meaningful and impactful career.

“It opened my eyes to the vast opportunities where design can serve as a powerful tool, not just for aesthetics but for creating solutions that genuinely improve people ��. lives,” Feldt said.

“This course helped me recognize that design is everywhere, embedded in every profession and practice, and has the potential to drive real change. It reinforced my belief that my creativity could be used for more than just visual appeal — I could build tools that make a difference in healthcare,” she added.

The course is offered through �� . School of Art and Design and is one of the first courses of its kind to be offered among design departments.

Using design to impact care, empower caregivers

Canale has coordinated outreach activities for Shinde ��. class with Epic ��. software, UX design and artificial intelligence divisions.

“Josh ��. team has been an incredible pillar of support for our program. He has had a large impact on getting students excited about the healthcare space. I’m committed to strengthening our collaboration in the years ahead,” Shinde said.

Canale starts his conversation with students by having them think about a time when they struggled with a confusing app or website. He then asks them to imagine that same frustration happening in a hospital, where time and clarity are critical, and the risk is high.

“UX design in healthcare isn’t just about aesthetics. It ��. about making sure clinicians and patients can access the right information quickly and accurately. If they can't, it could hurt patient care. A well-designed system can literally help save lives,” Canale said.

Inspiring Graduate: Ceci Knudsen, B.F.A. Graphic Design & Interactive Media

'I can see the level of my work improve, and I will continue to be motivated to achieve what seemingly can’t be done.'

An example the Epic team shares with students is how even small design choices can have massive consequences in healthcare: Imagine a doctor entering a patient ��. weight for a medication dosage. If a system allows shorthand, such as "k" for kilograms and "l" for pounds, it creates a risk because the letters are next to each other on a keyboard.

“A simple typo could mean entering 80k (80 kilograms) instead of 80l (80 pounds) – a mistake that could lead to a drug dosage meant for an adult being given to a child, or vice versa. In extreme cases, that kind of mix-up could be fatal,” Canale explained.

To prevent this, Epic designed a system to require full unit names – such as “kg” or “lb” – instead of single-letter entries.

“Even though this adds an extra step in a workflow that is already time-crunched, it removes the risk of a life-threatening typo,” he added. “It ��. a clear example of how good UX isn’t just about efficiency, it ��. about making sure critical decisions are accurate every time, especially when lives are at stake.”

Shinde invites other working professionals to share input and feedback on students’ designs throughout the course and during their final presentations. In the future, the course may be open to students from other universities.

Creating solutions to improve people ��. lives

Feldt ��. drive for advocacy in healthcare, combined with her experience as a CNA, led her to develop an app as her senior capstone for patients with VCP disease, a rare neurodegenerative condition that can affect a person ��. muscles, bones, brain and nerves. There is no cure or treatment as of yet.

The core goal of MyVCP app closely aligns with Cure VCP ��. initiative for its study app. / Ceci Feldt

Her senior capstone project, MyVCP: Rare Disease Tracker, is a customizable app that helps individuals with VCP disease and caregivers track symptoms, health events and disease progression; take surveys to aid in research; discover trends based on symptoms to reveal triggers and remedies; and digitally share their experiences with their doctor and support system.

Cure VCP is developing the app through the CZI Rare as One grant in collaboration with 4YouandMe. It is currently in the testing phase, and patients will soon enroll in the study.

The core goal of MyVCP app closely aligns with Cure VCP ��. initiative for its study app – to leverage patient-reported outcomes and biometrics to empower patients and leverage their experiences for research, Feldt said.

Feldt ��. personal connection to VCP disease inspired her project. Both her family and her husband ��. family are affected by VCP disease.

“I see firsthand the difficulties of navigating this disease, and I wanted to develop a tool for patients and caregivers to have a voice and contribute to research,” said Feldt, who lives in San Diego with her husband, Brandon, the development and partner relations coordinator for Cure VCP Disease. They are caregivers for his mother, who has FTD caused by VCP disease.

Since 2022, Feldt has volunteered with Cure VCP Disease as an ambassador, assisting with the facilitation of conferences, networking, and contributing to marketing, social media, patient outreach, and design projects, including the I CAN MOVEment virtual Move-a-thon logo. Most recently, Feldt has been assisting in the launch of a new support group for young adults whose families are affected by VCP disease.

MyVCP helps individuals and caregivers track symptoms, health events, disease progression and more. / Ceci Feldt

“Through my volunteer work during my senior year, I built strong relationships with the VCP patient community — many of whom I now consider friends — and received valuable insights from patients, caregivers and researchers. Dr. Armelle Pindon, who was Cure VCP ��. chief scientific officer at the time, played a key role in helping me refine the goals and intended outcomes of my app. My hope is that my capstone project has planted seeds of encouragement in patients, demonstrating that technology can have a real impact on the future of this disease, and inspiring more people to participate in the Cure VCP Disease study app.” Feldt said.

She is eager to see the graphic design program at �� continue to emphasize the importance of design in healthcare and equip students through partnerships with companies like Epic Systems.

To other young designers looking to make an impact, Feldt said, “Utilize your gifts and leverage your life experiences to make lasting change. Find a need and merge that with your passion for design.”

View Feldt ��. MyVCP project to see her design iterations and research for her app.

The graphic design program also partners with Great Northern Corporation, which sponsors a collaborative experience course that brings together graphic design and packaging students’ education. Formed in 2021, students within the cross-disciplinary course design and develop products for GNC ��. national clients, with GNC representatives and mentors involved throughout the semester-long process.

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Industry partnership with one of nation ��. largest healthcare software companies aims to impact patients’ quality of life Ceci Feldt presenting her MyVCP app senior capstone display

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Search Keywords: Epic Systemsgraphic design degreeCeci Feldthealthcare user experience design

Nagesh Shinde

Research Interests: - Brand Design management - Package Design - Experience Design - User Experience

Professional Interests: AIGA Acadia

Full Name: Nagesh Shinde

Job Title: Professor

Include in Directory: Yes

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: School of Art & Design Design Department

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Curriculum Vitae: Nagesh Shinde CV (193.91 KB)

Website: Personal Site

Education:

Degree: M.F.A. Graphic Design

University: Fort Hays State University

Degree: B.F.A. Applied Art

University: Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University

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Video production, graphic design students win international award for Adobe Express Play

goersab — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 15:44:51 +0000

Video production, graphic design students win international award for Adobe Express Playgoersab March 17, 2025

Team receives D&AD New Blood Award for Gen Z ad

Abbey Goers

A crew of video production and graphic design students at �� won an international 2024 D&AD New Blood Award for their advertisement geared toward Gen Z, for which they built a unique mobile gaming app from scratch.

Designers were given a selection of briefs to create an innovative branding solution set by real clients, including Adobe, Airbnb, Coca-Cola, Google Fonts, IMAX, Kraft Heinz, Universal Music and more.

The �� team selected a prompt to “Make Adobe the Go-To Tool for Gen Z Creatives.” Within their one-minute video ad, they debuted the app, Adobe Express Play, a concept of their own design.

Adobe Express Play team members Cole Finn, Ella Johnson, Ava Hedlund and Doran Exline, with their Wood Pencil award / Cole Finn

Adobe Express Play aims to teach graphic design through interaction with the mobile app, while providing a fun introduction to learn Adobe Express and Photoshop toolsets. Players receive a random daily creative prompt to complete in a short amount of time, competing with friends, anytime and anywhere.

The international ad competition for students and aspiring designers is judged by the industry ��. top creatives. The Adobe Express Play team received the New Blood Awards’ Wood Pencil as the best of the year in advertising, design, craft, culture and impact. The students’ roles in the collaboration played off of their individual strengths:

Cole Finn: director, cinematographer and editor; Mondovi
Ella Johnson: writer, electric and graphics; Hugo, Minnesota
Ava Hedlund: electric, sound and color correction; Rochester, Minnesota
Doran Exline: electric, sound and graphics; Marathon

Watch the team's Wood Pencil award-winning ad for Adobe Express Play / Adobe Express Play team

“We needed to tap into what motivates Gen Z as creators and reach them by implementing Adobe Express and Photoshop in their culture and subcultures and build their awareness of Adobe ��. apps and products,” Johnson said.

“The directions we could take were endless in how we wanted to create this campaign. After going through the creative process, we decided to create a mobile game to be the center of our campaign. There was no game like Adobe Express Play before,” she said.

Adobe Express Play: Create anything, anywhere

After extensive brainstorming and research, they developed Adobe Express Play, born from more than 20 proposals. As members of Gen Z, the team had the advantage of being able to directly relate to their target market.

“We thought about what Gen Z does and doesn’t like in advertisements. They like relatability and being able to seamlessly add a fun and creative task in their everyday lives,” Hedlund said.

They also focused on one of Gen Z's main challenges in everyday life: finding cures for boredom.

A still frame from the ad, featuring Mia Hazen / Adobe Express Play team

“The idea that kept sticking with us was of being able to create anything, anywhere,” Finn said. “This soon sparked Ella ��. idea for developing an advertising campaign around an Adobe mobile game app, and she developed the script from the idea in her head.”

Finn and Johnson finalized the script and storyboard for the commercial, ultimately choosing one that functioned like Pictionary. Johnson designed the app interface and notifications, Finn animated the assets used by players in the commercial, and Hedlund and Exline provided audio effects to complete the overall experience.

“We outlined key details, including popular Gen Z locations, actor profiles, props and storyline. Using rough draft storyboards, we mapped out our advertisement, scouted locations and cast actors,” Johnson said.

Once they hit the greenlight for production, filming took three days to compete at three different locations, including Golden Leaf Café, and featured fellow students Mia Hazen, of Bloomington, Illinois; Kyle Mialkowski, of St. Michael, Minnesota; and Ana Kanzler, of Hayward.

Using the slider to film in the moving car / Ava Hedlund

Everyone had a role on set to keep things moving smoothly. Postproduction involved integrating visual effects and graphic design, editing, reshoots and additional graphic elements. “This collaborative process allowed us to create a relatable but also effective campaign,” Johnson said.

“For a lot of the project, we thought we were scrambling with creative ideas until we had the idea for Adobe Express Play. Even as we were actively working, we felt lost sometimes. Sometimes it was difficult, like when we made camera movements on two tripods in a moving car,” Hedlund said. “Working together and having effective meetings really helped push our project along. When someone needed help with something, we offered our time and skills. Filming days were long but productive.”

Finn and Johnson graduated in spring 2024 and were notified of the team ��. win a couple of days after graduation.

“The competition was an excellent opportunity to be provided with a professional creative brief and develop an advertising campaign from start to finish,” Finn said. “The award was the perfect way to close this chapter in my life – a five-year academic journey that was full of ups and downs. I feel it best represents what you can accomplish within a team of highly creative and motivated people in the best way,” Finn said.

Johnson thinks that as a creative person, it is important for her to take risks, develop a wide variety of unique and outside-the-box creations, and share them with those around her. “Doing this with my group during my last semester of college was rewarding, but it is also surreal to know people worldwide saw what we created and felt it deserved this award,” she said.

Power in collaboration proven in D&AD New Blood win

�� students have taken part in the D&AD competition for three years. Participation is a required assignment in the Advertising Photography and Video course. The 2024 New Blood winners were in a section taught by Assistant Professor Jonny Wheeler.

“As their instructor, I feel tremendously proud that their hard work was recognized by being awarded such a prestigious award,” Wheeler said. “Each of the group members contributed their unique skills to the project, working together to develop an advertising campaign from the whiteboard to the final screening. They’ve proven the undeniable power in collaboration.”

A still frame from the ad, featuring a daily 'play' notification / Adobe Express Play team

Video production Program Director Keif Oss called the team ��. recognition “impressive. Our students achieved the same award level as the Miami Ad School, one of the top 10 ad schools worldwide.

“The video production program provides students with applied experiences that result in portfolio work resembling the fields they may work in,” he added. “The New Bloods Awards provide a platform to legally use major brands’ IP and address-specific messaging goals through the audio/visual platforms of video and photography. Participating in the D&AD competition connects students’ work to the pipeline of a multichannel campaign spanning design and marketing fields.”

D&AD is a nonprofit advertising and design association founded in England and Wales in 1962. Its mission is to stimulate, enable and award creative excellence in design and advertising. Its awards are recognized globally as the ultimate creative accolade.

Unspooled Film and Animation Festival

�� will host the annual Unspooled Film and Animation Festival on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, in Harvey Hall Theatre. The two-day festival will feature incredible short films and animations, showcasing the talents of students and professionals from both near and far. Screenings will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and be inspired by creative stories from around the world. Tickets will be available online.

Emerging and seasoned storytellers are invited to submit their films for consideration. Films must be received by Sunday, March 30.

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Team received D&AD New Blood Award for Gen Z ad New Bloods Wood Pencil award

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Adobe Express Play

Students win international D&AD competition

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Jonathan Paul Wheeler

Jonny has a diverse and extensive background in stop-motion animation, photography, video production, graphic design, sculpture, and art/design education. Over the years, he has honed his skills across multiple disciplines, blending traditional techniques with contemporary technologies to create visually compelling and thought-provoking works. His work in sculpture, in particular, has given him a unique perspective on the intersection of physical and digital media, enabling him to explore how tactile, three-dimensional forms can enhance narrative storytelling in film and animation.

Jonny's formal education includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, where he developed his foundational skills in the arts. He later earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education, equipping him with the tools to teach and inspire others in the creative fields. His academic journey culminated in a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he further refined his expertise in design and creative processes.

In addition to his academic achievements, Jonny has dedicated much of his career to education, designing and hosting cinema workshops for secondary students, where he nurtures the next generation of filmmakers by guiding them through the creative and technical processes of filmmaking. He has also taught summer video production camps on campus, helping young students explore video production techniques and the power of storytelling through film. His ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging has earned him praise from both students and peers. He has also contributed to the Visioneers Design Challenge at the Peck School of the Arts, where he mentors students to develop innovative design solutions, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and problem-solving.

Jonny ��. educational journey also includes a transformative study abroad trip to Iceland, where he taught photography. Immersed in the unique landscapes of Iceland, he shared his expertise with students while also drawing inspiration from the country ��. dramatic natural beauty. This experience deepened his understanding of visual storytelling and enriched his approach to teaching and creating art.

Currently, Jonny ��. research is focused on the development of narrative cinema, with an emphasis on virtual production—a rapidly growing field that integrates real-time digital environments with live-action performance. He is particularly interested in how new technologies, including AI, can enhance storytelling, automate certain aspects of production, and open up new creative possibilities for filmmakers and animators alike. His work explores the intersection of human creativity and technological innovation, with a keen eye on the future of the film industry.

In addition to his research, Jonny is actively involved in the development of the Unspooled Film and Animation Festival. This festival aims to bring together emerging and established filmmakers, animators, and creators who are pushing the boundaries of storytelling through both traditional and digital media. By embracing AI-driven creativity, innovative techniques, and cutting-edge production methods, the Unspooled Film and Animation Festival celebrates the evolving landscape of film, animation, and sculpture while fostering a space for collaboration and experimentation in the arts. Through this festival, Jonny hopes to inspire a new generation of creators to explore the limitless potential of storytelling in the digital age, encouraging the integration of multiple artistic forms, including sculpture, into cinematic experiences.

Full Name: Jonathan Paul Wheeler

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College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: School of Art & Design Design Department

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Website: Jonathan Paul Wheeler

Education:

Degree: M.F.A. Design

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

Degree: B.F.A.

University: Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

Degree: B.S. Art Education

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

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Keif Oss

Keif has an M.S. in Career and Technical Education and an MFA in Digital Filmmaking. He is an Assistant Professor of video production and serving as Program Director for the B.S. Video Production degree. Keif teaches a variety of courses in video production and photography with both narrative and commercial aspects.

Keif has worked on a range of professional and commercial video projects as a senior video producer and owner/independent contractor of A Creative Advocate, LLC. His work includes television/web advertising, documentary, motion graphics and a variety of marketing-oriented materials. Keif ��. expertise and creative contributions include work for 100+ clients including Mayo Clinic, Seventh Generation, State Farm Insurance, Royal Credit Union and others.

Keif has also worked on short and feature film projects in various capacities including writing, producing, directing, camera operation and post-production/VFX.

Full Name: Keif T. Oss

Job Title: Assistant Professor / Program Director

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Area of Expertise: Video Production Cinema Production Photography Graphic Communications Cross-Media Graphics Technologies

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: School of Art & Design Design Department

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B.S. Video Production

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PHOTO ESSAY: A City Built of Art

goersab — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:15:00 +0000

PHOTO ESSAY: A City Built of Artgoersab March 7, 2025

Discover the far side of Chicago ��. history with students in a comics course

Abbey Goers

Photos by Erika Saindon and Mary Climes

Calvin and Hobbes. Batman. Snoopy. What comical, heroic or nostalgic characters spring into your mind with a * POW! * when you hear the word “comics?”

Does Chicago come to mind? If not, it should. Characters like Dick Tracy, Little Orphan Annie, Jimmy Corrigan and so many more were born in Chicago.

Between 1880 and 1960, the publishing industry in the Windy City played a large role in the development and transformation of comics as a legitimate art form.

To discover the rich historical and contemporary comics scene, 13 �� students ventured around the city as part of an inaugural faculty-led study away Comics in Chicago course, led by School of Art and Design Assistant Professor Mary Climes.

“My goal is for students to be immersed in the culture and history of one of the best comic cities in the world,” Climes said. “Each space we visit allows students to broaden their knowledge of comics, visual storytelling and illustration.”

Erika Saindon, of Albert Lea, Minn., has a concentration in comics and working in a Chicago gallery is her ultimate dream.

She joined her studio art peers, as well as graphic design, animation and illustration students on an eight-hour Amtrak ride from St. Paul to Chicago, spending a week in January visiting museums, cultural spaces, libraries, galleries and artist studios.

“When I first saw the city, I knew that this was the place for me,” Saindon said. “As a girl from a small town, you grow up realizing how undervalued art is.

“But in Chicago, there is art everywhere. Whether at different museums we visited, our daily outings or murals on buildings, like the nine-story mural of blues legend Muddy Waters. Chicago is entirely built of art and the artists in their communities.”

The class stayed in downtown Chicago, within walking distance of all their destinations, allowing them to take in the whole city, a new experience for Saindon.

They wandered through the Art Institute of Chicago, taking in centuries of artwork, including “Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica,” exhibiting more than 350 works by artists from Africa, the Americas and Europe, spanning nearly a century of art.

In the museum ��. Prints and Drawing Study Collection, they viewed original comic pages and were lucky enough to look at some drawings unprotected by glass, as well as unfinished works before going to print.

A walk to Wicker Park led the class to a cache of bookstores, including a huge Barnes & Noble and Quimby ��., a local indie comics store – a favorite to many. They read comics set in and by Chicago cartoonists, including Chris Ware, Emil Ferris and Ivan Brunetti.

They saw lithography, relief, etching and screen print examples at Hoofprint press shop, and attended a risograph workshop at Spudnik Press, a community print studio, creating their own risograph printed comic books inspired by the city.

As a studio course, each student kept a daily diary of comic sketches and scientific illustrations. They spent time studying the wildlife exhibits and the vast collection of scientific illustrations at the Field Museum.

Saindon painted birds, bison and more with watercolors as visitors watched and walked around the museum.

The subway in the Latinx District was the most colorful subway she had ever seen. “Going to this part of Chicago was my all-time favorite part of the trip. Mostly because this is my culture, and I love it being celebrated and recognized, especially throughout art,” Saindon said.

She stayed warm basking among the tropical plants at the Garfield Park Conservatory, taking time to smell the roses and paint the bright colored flowers.

At the National Museum of Mexican Art, they visited Cecilia Beaven ��. exhibition “Semilla” (Seed). “Semilla” incorporated elements of Aztec mythology and Mexican folk art, with magical beings created through many mediums, even comics.

The class was graced in winter sunlight under the Preston Bradley Hall Tiffany Dome in the Chicago Cultural Center, formally the first Chicago Public Library. The massive translucent dome, spanning more than 1,000 square feet, is the largest Tiffany glass dome in the world. Its glass panels are cut in the shape of fish scales, adorned by the signs of the zodiac at the dome ��. peak.

They also visited the Harold Washington Library, the Newberry Library, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Smart Museum of Art and the Renaissance Society.

Walking through Chinatown, they stopped for a bite to eat – steamed trays of dim sum piled high on the table was Saindon ��. favorite meal of the week.

They toured the neighborhoods of Hyde Park, West Town and Pilsen, visiting the Pilsen Arts and Community House.

Walking back to the hotel on the last night of their trip, the class stepped off the subway near the Chicago Theatre and strolled under the famous “CHICAGO” sign, illuminated in red and gold.

At Federal Plaza, they passed Alexander Calder ��. 53-foot-tall Flamingo sculpture – its red, elegant arcing neck sweeping downward to graze invisible shrimp off the pavement.

“Honestly, I don’t see how it would be a flamingo, but I guess it ��. up for interpretation. It was quite beautiful to see, especially at night,” said Saindon, who will graduate in spring 2027.

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Discover the far side of Chicago ��. history with students in a comics course Comics in Chicago course. Photo by Erika Saindon.

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Mary Climes

Full Name: Mary Climes

Job Title: Assistant Professor

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Area of Expertise: Comics Sequential Art Illustration

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: School of Art & Design Visual & Performing Arts Department

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Curriculum Vitae: Mary Climes CV (490.19 KB)

Website: Personal Website

Education:

Degree: M.F.A.

University: University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Degree: B.F.A.

University: School of the Art Institute of Chicago

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Art and Design Senior Show, Game, STEMM Expo invite public to hundreds of student showcases

goersab — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 18:56:52 +0000

Art and Design Senior Show, Game, STEMM Expo invite public to hundreds of student showcasesgoersab December 5, 2024

Capstone design projects in sustainable travel, consumer health punctuate signature polytechnic events

Abbey Goers

Nearly 400 �� students across art, design, science, technology and engineering programs will showcase their creative, collaborative and research endeavors at three of the university ��. signature events from Wednesday, Dec. 11, to Friday, Dec. 13.

Among the hundreds of students will be graphic design and interactive media graduating seniors Emma Johnson and Ellie Johnson, who will exhibit their sustainable travel and consumer health and safety capstone projects at the School of Art and Design Senior Show from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 13, in Applied Arts and Micheels Hall.

SOAD Senior Show celebrates students’ works in graphic design, video production and animation, industrial and product design, interior design, game design and studio art. Metals, comics, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking and photography exhibitions and sales by students will be throughout the building.

The School of Art and Design Senior Show, featuring students' works from across 10 disciplines, is on Friday, Dec. 13

The Furlong Gallery is featuring the SOAD Speaker Series Invitational Solo Exhibitions with artists Megan Jacobs and Danny Saathoff. The exhibition runs through Saturday, Dec. 14.

The Stout Game Expo, western Wisconsin's largest game developers’ event, will feature the works of about 250 students from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 11, in the upper level of the Memorial Student Center.

During SGX, first-year to senior students in game design and development-art; and the game design concentration in computer science debut original, playable tabletop games, board and card games, conventional video games, virtual reality experiences and rhythm games.

Stout Game Expo, Wisconsin's largest game developers' event, is on Wednesday, Dec. 11

And at the STEMM Student Expo, hundreds of science, technology and engineering students will display their first- to senior-year projects from 1 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 12, in the Memorial Student Center.

From research to prototypes to solving problems for an industrial or community partner to creative activities, it is an opportunity for students across the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management to collaborate on projects and discuss their research with each other, faculty, industry partners and university and community members.

SOAD capstones focus on sustainable travel, healthy living

Emma and Ellie will exhibit their app and publication, TREUSE and PURE, along with more than 100 of their peers at the SOAD Senior Show.

Emma has always been artistic, and with a family full of artists and designers, she felt constant support and encouragement to pursue a design career.

“As for graphic design, I was always mesmerized by poster design, typographic systems and web design. When I found out there was a field that allowed me to work with all of that and more, it was a no-brainer for me,” she said.

Ellie Johnson and Emma Johnson prepare Emma's TREUSE exhibit for SOAD Senior Show

Emma designed TREUSE, a sustainable travel app that connects users with eco-friendly experiences and local vendors. Her app TREUSE focuses on promoting conscious tourism by highlighting activities that support the environment and community.

“Users can explore options like guided tours, workshops and events. The app features interactive sustainability scores, allowing travelers to understand vendors’ commitments to green practices and make informed choices that align with their values,” she said.

Emma, of Farmington, Minn., has a concentration in interactive design concentration. She includes research, sketching, and mind-mapping in her creative process before pulling her ideas down into something that is attainable and realistic, she said.

TREUSE, a sustainable travel app, developed by Emma Johnson / Emma Johnson

“I hope TREUSE encourages people to think more about the way they travel and live their everyday lives,” she said. “I have been able to learn more about sustainable living and traveling and plan on holding myself more accountable.”

Ellie created PURE, a publication focused on the health and safety of personal care products, particularly PFAS chemicals.

She aims to empower consumers to make safer product choices by raising awareness of harmful substances they may contain.

“Harmful substances, which accumulate in the body and cause serious health issues, like cancer and fertility problems, are often hidden in consumer products,” she said.

Ellie, of Sturgeon Bay, has a communication design concentration. She developed a brand identity for PURE and used mood boards to shape the project ��. aesthetic, then refined and selected her strongest ideas.

PURE, a publication focused on the health and safety of personal care products, developed by Ellie Johnson / Ellie Johnson

“For Senior Show, I hope to demonstrate the attention to detail and design system cohesion that I’ve incorporated into my work, showcasing the skills I’ve developed throughout my studies,” she said.

Ellie and Emma both transferred to �� . graphic design program after starting their college careers elsewhere. They each had family and friends who’d gone to school here.

Ellie chose �� . GDIM program for its structured approach and problem-solving opportunities after visiting with her brothers, who are current students.

Knowing the reputation of the university through her family, “Stout was always one of my top choices,” Emma said. “When I met with Program Director Alex DeArmond and learned more about Stout ��. program, I knew it was the right fit. I transferred the next semester. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Ellie and Emma will graduate on Saturday, Dec. 14. Ellie plans to travel to Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam for two months before pursuing a career in design. She is also considering graduate studies.

In the new year, Emma will start her full-time position as a graphic designer at Kasco, a manufacturer of decorative and aerating fountains and systems in Prescott, where she completed her internship last summer.

“Kasco provided me the opportunity to continue working for them part-time while finishing this semester. I’ve learned so much since working there, and I’m grateful for the Kasco team for being so supportive and welcoming,” she added.

�� . School of Art and Design offers bachelor ��. degrees in animation and digital media; game design and development-art; graphic design and interactive media; illustration; industrial and product design; interior design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; fashion design and development; and video production. It has a master ��. in design and design, entrepreneurship and sustainability.

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Capstone design projects in sustainable travel, consumer health punctuate signature polytechnic events Emma Johnson and Ellie Johnson, graphic design seniors

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School of Art & Design Senior Show

Capstone projects by approximately 100 graduating seniors will be on display, providing a chance to talk with the artists and designers.

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Develop the principles, practices and portfolio to engage audiences in any medium through visual communication solutions.

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Students in engineering, dietetics, construction, design receive national, regional honors

polingj — Mon, 13 May 2024 15:45:23 +0000

Students in engineering, dietetics, construction, design receive national, regional honorspolingj May 13, 2024

Awards include U.S. Department of Defense Smart Scholarship, student of the year, Best in Show

Sixteen students at �� in four career fields have been recognized this spring nationally, statewide and regionally.

Heidi Benningfield, mechanical engineering, received a major scholarship from the U.S. Department of Defense; Jordyn Springer, dietetics, was named state student of the year; a team of seven construction management students took first in a regional competition; and seven graphic design and interactive media students received awards at the annual Minnesota AdFed regional advertising competition.

The students’ success reflects in part �� . emphasis on applied learning, with Benningfield, Springer and the construction students benefiting from industry internships and the graphic design students’ campaigns judged by professionals.

Department of Defense Smart Scholarship

Heidi Benningfield, a �� mechanical engineering major, has received a U.S. Department of Defense Smart Scholarship. / Contributed photo

Benningfield, a sophomore from Mokane, Mo., applied for and received the Department of Defense Smart Scholarship.

The award will cover her tuition until she graduates, provide a stipend for room and board expenses and paid internships with the agency. This summer, she will work at National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Denver.

She will be hired and committed to working for the department for two years upon graduation in 2026. Her job will be at the Army ��. Redstone Arsenal space and missile defense technology center in Huntsville, Ala.

“I still can’t believe it,” she said of the award. “It ��. exciting to get all these big opportunities.”

Benningfield recently worked on a project with Sierra Space in Madison, an aerospace and space technology company, machining a combustion chamber component. She hopes to get her master ��. degree and become an aerospace engineer, working on design or research, with a possible interest in space systems.

Benningfield, a member of the Blue Devil gymnastics team that took fifth place in the nation this past season, loves �� . applied learning focus and individual attention from faculty and staff.

“I like the hands-on work in the machine shop. Most engineers don’t know how to operate machines. The professors and lab assistants are always willing to help and take their own time to help. The professors want you to succeed,” she said.

Dietetics student of the year

Jordyn Springer, �� dietetics senior, receives the Wisconsin Dietetics Student of the Year award from the Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. / Contributed photo

Springer, a senior from Florence, was named Dietetics Student of the Year by the Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and was honored recently at the WAND annual conference in Oshkosh.

The award recognizes achievement and leadership. Springer, who graduated May 4 with academic honors, served as co-president and public relations officer for the Stout Student Dietetic Association, was active as a community volunteer, was part of a faculty-led research project and was a social media manager for WAND.

She also completed 320 hours of field experience, required for the program, with the Florence County Health Department through the Area Health and Education Centers Community Health Internship Program — CHIP.

“The award recognizes that I am already a contributing representative of the profession, and that means everything to me. I’ve stepped into leadership roles, spent countless hours volunteering and gained valuable work experience in the field. It ��. a wonderful feeling to be recognized by the Wisconsin Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,” Springer said.

She is excited about her career opportunities. Along with clinical nutrition, community nutrition and food service she hopes to explore private practice that could combine her passion for digital marketing and design. “There are truly so many opportunities in this field, and I can't wait to keep exploring them,” she said.

In June, Springer will begin the Master of Science program in dietetics at �� and apply to an internship program while preparing to become a registered dietitian.

“Jordyn has proactively prepared for her courses and planned for her future,” said Assistant Professor Karen Ostenso, program director. “She seeks opportunities to enhance her skills outside the classroom through volunteer work, leadership and work experiences.”

Construction management champions

Students who won the Ryan Companies Pursuit competition are, from left, Mason Fischer, Ryan Hazzard, Jayden Boero, Andrew Ernstmeyer, Logan Baribeau, Leif Triller and Matt Grady. / Contributed photo

The construction management students won an invitational competition against eight other universities. Ryan Companies of Minneapolis sponsors the annual event, called the Pursuit.

Students worked all semester on a detailed RFP — request for proposal — for an actual project that the company recently developed. It was two, 150,000-square-foot precast warehouses in Brooklyn Center, Minn., with a six-month completion schedule. Then, students gave a 15-minute presentation of their RFPs at Ryan Companies headquarters, followed by Q&As.

“Not only did these students do a great job with the information in the RFP, but they also put a significant amount of effort into their presentation skills, which is what truly separated them from the competition,” said Lecturer Jim Bunkelman, their adviser.

The �� team first had to compete internally against four other student teams to represent the university in the event.

Team members were Logan Baribeau, of Cameron; Jayden Boero, of Burlington; Andrew Ernstmeyer, of Hixton; Mason Fischer, of Jordan, Minn.; Matt Grady, of Menomonee Falls; Ryan Hazzard, of Oconomowoc; and Leif Triller, of Oconomowoc.

Ryan Companies is represented on the advisory committee for �� . construction management program.

For the actual Brooklyn Center project, a �� alum, Jack Houlihan, was the project manager.

Graphic design Minnesota AdFed awards

�� graphic design student Kylie Ganther won Best in Show for her multifaceted advertising campaign promoting a Play Doh festival. / Contributed photo

�� students won four gold, two silver and three bronze awards from the Advertising Federation of Minnesota.

The event, called the Show, is juried by accomplished creative directors, writers and designers from across the country. Along with the student competition, professionals from the region received awards.

Kylie Ganther, a senior from Chili, Wis., won gold and Best in Show from the local Minnesota chapter and a gold medal from the regional chapter, which includes the Upper Midwest. She created a consumer campaign promoting a Play-Doh festival at Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Her entry included ads for print, commercials, virtual reality and social media.

It ��. the third time in the past four years that a �� student has won Best in Show.

Evan Pope, a junior from Brillion, won two golds, from the Minnesota and regional chapters, for a consumer campaign and magazine campaign for Hello Goodbye, a sustainably based whitening, anti-plaque toothpaste.

Other �� winners were:

Mercy Berglund, a senior from Alexandria, Minn., silver, a consumer campaign for Surely, a wine-tasting truck
Alex Martin, a senior from River Falls, bronze, consumer campaign for Forget About It, a golf ball that when lost in the water is biodegradable
Niamh Sass, a junior from Hugo, Minn., silver, a website campaign compatible with a desktop or mobile device for Mid-Century Modern Illustration
Addy Spaeth, a junior from Rochester, Minn., a consumer campaign for Anything Goes, a social media influencer
Grace Walz, a junior from Maple Grove, Minn., bronze, consumer campaign for Design on Tap, which would bring together designers and brewers.

Professor Nagesh Shinde congratulated the students on their “well-deserved” awards.

“Congratulations on winning regional and national advertising awards. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to your hard work, creativity and dedication. Your innovative ideas and exceptional skills have set you apart, showcasing your potential to significantly impact the advertising industry,” he said.

“We are incredibly proud of your success and eagerly anticipate the groundbreaking contributions you will continue to bring to the profession. Keep pushing the boundaries of creativity and excellence.”

###

Sixteen students at �� in four career fields have been recognized this spring nationally, statewide and regionally. Jordyn Springer

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Karen Ostenso

Biography

Karen Ostenso is a registered dietitian (RD) with over 20 years of clinical experience in both the inpatient, outpatient setting. She was a certified diabetes educator (CDE) for 15 years. Karen enjoyed working one on one with clients and now enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with students who want to be future dietitians. Karen also enjoys involvement in projects related to community nutrition, health, and wellness.

Teaching Interests

Undergraduate community and older adult nutrition; general nutrition, professional development; and experiential learning; graduate clinical nutrition; older adult nutrition; and experiences in community practice.

Research Interests

Development of evidenced based public health interventions or initiatives promoting successful aging; community health promotion; dietetic student education; success in the classroom and career development; school-aged nutrition

Professional Interests

Program leadership; student professional development; UG and graduate research; community connection building

Full Name: Karen Ostenso

Job Title: Assistant Professor

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College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: Kinesiology, Health, Food & Nutritional Sciences Department

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Curriculum Vitae: Karen Ostenso CV (182.8 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Public Health

University: Walden University

Degree: M.S.

University: Drexel University

Degree: B.S. Community Health Education

University: Temple University

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Vincent M. Wheeler

Full Name: Vincent Wheeler, Ph.D.

Job Title: Associate Professor / Program Director

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Area of Expertise: Energy Technologies for the Built Environment Solar-Driven Thermochemistry Transport Phenomena Radiative Transfer

College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: Engineering & Technology Department

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B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Website: Google Scholar ORCID

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering

University: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Degree: M.S. Mechanical Engineering

University: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Degree: B.A. Mathematics

University: Saint John's University

Location: Collegeville, MN

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Construction management champions

Graphic design Minnesota AdFed awards

More than 100 outstanding students recognized at annual Leadership Awards ceremony

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Creating solutions to improve people ��. lives