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Interior design program partners with Helping Hand pantry to highlight ‘essential campus resource’

goersab — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:16:07 +0000

Interior design program partners with Helping Hand pantry to highlight ‘essential campus resource’goersab December 16, 2025

Student design team reimagines pantry space to ensure peers have comfortable, warm experience

Abbey Goers

Two interior design students at �� are working to ensure their peers have a more efficient, comfortable and warm experience at Helping Hand Food+ Pantry, the university ��. student pantry.

Emma Walstra and Klaire Johnson – project co-leads who form the EWKJ Interiors team – reimagined the pantry space to create an “atmosphere that reflects the care �� places in serving its students.”

Jacqueline Bonneville, Emma Walstra, Lindsy Tomski, Klaire Johnson and Karrin Ruch

Their three-week-long project was part of Lecturer Lindsy Tomski ��. Educational, Civic, and Cultural Interior Design Studio course, which partnered with the pantry to simulate a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Students analyzed site conditions; met with pantry co-directors Associate Dean of Students Jacqueline Bonneville and Dean of Students Executive Assistant Karrin Ruch; and developed full design service proposals, including budgets, timelines and general design strategies.

“Our partnership with the pantry is a great opportunity for students to practice flexible design solutions. It provides students with invaluable, real-world design experience, while highlighting an essential campus community resource. We’re proud to support their mission and look forward to the continued impact of our collaboration,” Tomski said.

Among the studio course proposals, EWKJ Interiors’ design was selected for the redesign of the 480-square-foot pantry, which offers food, personal hygiene items, winter coats, school supplies and other items.

“Klaire and Emma ��. work reflects the heart of our interior design program and marks the beginning of many meaningful contributions ahead,” Tomski said.

A mood board and layout from Klaire Johnson and Emma Walstra's design proposal

When the official design and implementation process begins, Walstra and Johnson will gain meaningful experience in project management, coordination, and client relations, and will follow common practice in commercial architecture. Tomski also hopes the team will be able to collaborate with other disciplines across the School of Art & Design – such as graphic design to revisit ideas for a new panty logo and construction for any building needs.

With a cross-disciplinary approach, Walstra and Johnson can “help direct and deliver a truly holistic refresh for the pantry space. My role will be to guide them – not direct them – as they navigate the stages of this collaboration,” Tomski said.

Walstra and Johnson are excited to work on a real-world project with real clients, expanding their skills, refining their design process and working on their professional development. “This opportunity has been the most engaging project so far since we will be able to see tangible results and assist the food pantry with creating something bigger than ourselves,” Johnson said.

Helping Hand, which opened in 2018, is open to all �� students. It is located at University Services room 111 and operates with the support of volunteers from the Dean of Students Office and the Stout Student Association.

Donations can be made to Helping Hand Food+ Pantry during pantry hours or by appointment. The pantry is funded through the �� Foundation. Monetary gifts are also accepted. All funds go to purchasing food or supplies.

“The pantry does not exist without the student volunteers and the incredible generosity of our faculty and staff and the �� Foundation,” Bonneville said.

A welcoming space, designed for students

The project began last summer, when Bonneville reached out to School of Art & Design Director Aaron Durst to share the collaborative idea with faculty, in hopes that students or classes would wish to elevate the pantry space, allowing it to continue to meet the ever-increasing needs of students. Tomski jumped at the opportunity for her students to participate in the real-life proposal project.

EWKJ Interiors’ design was inspired by the pantry ��. request to create a more welcoming space, one that incorporated �� . visual identity and polytechnic spirit.

A flexible storage solution from Klaire Johnson and Emma Walstra's design proposal

“We chose a color palette that featured the Stout blues from the university logo. Our color and material palette also incorporates light wood, seen throughout the university ��. public spaces, such as our classrooms and the Memorial Student Center,” said Johnson, of Wabasha, Minnesota.

“The pops of orange complement those blues and are incorporated through signage or decorative plants to add color. By introducing biophilic elements, such as potted plants, we can create a more natural, welcoming and comforting environment,” said Walstra, of Waupun.

The small space and tight budget were the most challenging aspects of the design. The space limited the furniture and shelving configurations. EWKJ Interiors explored multiple layout options and considered circulation and accessibility before landing on a final floor plan. Their proposed design solutions “reimagined a space without breaking the bank, so the food pantry can use its funds for resources for the students,” Johnson said.

“The location is also subject to change, so it was challenging to make the space feel permanent while also using temporary design solutions, such as peel-and-stick tile, portable shelves, and decorative fixtures that are easy to install and uninstall,” added Walstra.

Walstra and Johnson also teamed up for the 2024 Fashion Without Fabric, when they won first place for their design “The Prime Divine.

Improving lives through creativity

Growing up, Walstra enjoyed playing Minecraft and creating structures within the game. “When I was looking into careers, I figured that interior design would be something I would be really passionate about because I could be creative while making an impact on people ��. lives and on the environment,” she said.

Johnson was always drawn to arts and crafts and wanted to incorporate that creativity into a future career. “In middle school, I was researching different career paths I could pursue. Architecture and interior design instantly caught my eye because I could combine creativity with making the built environment better for everyone in terms of aesthetics, accessibility and health,” she said.

A layout and flowchart from Klaire Johnson and Emma Walstra's design proposal

Both students will graduate in spring 2027. Walstra would like to work with a firm that focuses on restaurant design, earn sustainability certifications, and possibly take the NCIDQ exam, the industry ��. leading credential. “I hope to make an impact in the field by bringing new ideas and innovative thinking that will create meaningful and sustainable spaces,” she said.

Johnson plans to pursue a career in workplace and hospitality design, with a focus on retail, restaurant and office environments.

“I am especially interested in creating spaces that foster community and reflect the culture of the people who use them, while supporting the employees who bring them to life. My goal is to contribute to professional organizations that help spread resources and knowledge about the field to aspiring designers, as communication, opportunities and connections are the foundation of the career,” said Johnson, who hopes to someday start her own business.

“I like to have the freedom of creating spaces that feel my own and contribute innovative, sustainable and accessible design solutions that really take projects to the next level with an excellent support team by my side,” she said.

�� . School of Art & Design is one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest. It 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, and an M.F.A. in design. �� also has a new program in game and media studies.

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Student design team reimagines pantry space to ensure peers have comfortable, warm experience Interior design, Helping Hand Pantry project

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Lindsy Tomski

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Jacqueline Bonneville

Jacqueline has been working in the areas of student affairs since graduating with her bachelor degree in 1994 from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

She worked at South Dakota State University, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and now the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She has worked in the areas of housing, counseling, first-year programing, academic advising, orientation, conduct and dean of students office.

Jacqueline coordinated orientation at �� from 2000-2003. She then worked at UW-Eau Claire in advising, orientation and as their Assistant Dean of Students until returning to �� in 2017.

Jacqueline is involved in the Menomonie community in a variety of ways. She enjoys time with her family and dog, playing tennis, traveling, and time with friends.

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Students collaborate across degrees in community project for The Neighbors

goersab — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Students collaborate across degrees in community project for The Neighbors goersab November 20, 2025

Construction, interior design, technology education majors build garden products for senior living home residents

Abbey Goers

In a cross-disciplinary collaboration, four groups of students in Lecturer James Bunkelman ��. Light Construction Methods class are designing and building two raised garden beds, one raised tool bench and one raised tool holder for a senior living home.

The project is part of a service-learning activity, as their final products will be delivered to The Neighbors of Dunn County for the residents to use and enjoy in their garden.

The project was launched last summer during a new STEAM camp for high school students. The Blueprint for Success: Construction Career Camp, led by Assistant Professor Janelle Skoyen Hestekin, blended practical construction skills with community engagement, thanks to a partnership with Junior Achievement and The Neighbors.

Madelyn Pretzer, Tanner Schauf, Brandy Wolf and Erika Rivolta build a tool bench for The Neighbors

The high school students built prototypes of the garden beds and benches after meeting with The Neighbors residents to learn about their needs, laying the groundwork for the �� students’ projects.

When Bunkelman ��. university students took the project on, “I told them to have fun. I told them what they were to build, but not how to do it. They have free rein in their research, designs and building processes.”

A group of four students is completing an ADA-compliant raised tool bench, built with treated two-by-four pine boards and capable of holding 200 pounds, they estimate. The cross-disciplinary team is:

Madelyn Pretzer, interior design, of Rochester, Minnesota
Erika Rivolta, interior design, of Comerio, Italy
Tanner Schauf, technology education, of Sparta
Brandy Wolf, construction management, of Le Sueur, Minnesota

Brandy Wolf nails pine boards in place on the tool bench frame

Wolf enjoys smaller-scale construction projects and has experience in the building process. “Applying the skills we’ve learned in class to turn our design into reality for a client is very fulfilling,” she said.

The team believes it ��. extremely important to know a client ��. wants or needs before beginning a design. They designed the tool bench to be ADA compliant, considering the needs of The Neighbors residents. The height is designed so that a person in a wheelchair may sit at the bench comfortably.

Madelyn Pretzer cuts a two-by-four pine board on a band saw.

“We’re all bringing our own skills into the project,” Pretzer said. “Erika and I have design experience. Next semester, we have a Residential and Senior Living class. This project gives us an early perspective on senior living needs and their possible preferences.”

As a future teacher, Schauf believes collaboration and community involvement are essential. “For teachers, there ��. an expectation to be a pillar in the community,” he said. “I hope to connect my classroom with the programs like this at Stout through similar projects that bridge the gap between technology education and field experiences.”

Tanner Schauf cuts a two-by-four pine board on a band saw.

Social responsibility is a fundamental component of the Stout Core curriculum, a series of foundational classes that enhance students’ applied learning while building the soft skills in high demand by employers.

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Inspiring Graduate: Shannon Peskie, B.F.A. Interior Design

goersab — Wed, 14 May 2025 17:55:53 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Shannon Peskie, B.F.A. Interior Designgoersab May 14, 2025

‘�� has given me all the technical and soft skills needed to be successful.’

Inspiring Graduate: Shannon Peskie (’25)

Hometown: Marshfield
Degree: B.F.A. Interior Design
Minors: Project Management; Studio Art

When Shannon Peskie was looking into interior design degree programs, she found that �� was a CIDA-accredited school and a polytechnic university.

“I knew that learning at Stout was exactly what I was looking for,” she said.

Shannon Peskie receives her diploma from Chancellor Frank.

Peskie, an Honors College student from Marshfield, earned her bachelor ��. and crossed the commencement stage on May 10, along with 1,174 �� graduates.

Peskie has been accepted at the University of Minnesota for architecture and is also interviewing for interior design positions with companies outside of Minneapolis.

“These have felt like the fastest four years of my life. But being able to look back and see how far I have come, I am proud of the whole experience. Every assignment, every mistake, every opportunity taken has helped me grow to the person I want to be,” she said.

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

I completed my year-long design internship at Continua Interiors, in Plymouth, Minnesota. I oversaw ordering material samples, setting up for client meetings, red-lining documents and prepping furniture packets for going out for bids.

The hands-on learning here at Stout has prepared me. Through my projects, I have learned different software and soft skills and was encouraged to push my designs to be the best they can be.

Shannon Peskie in the Interior Design Lab.

By pushing my designs, I can be the best designer I can be. I found that trusting my gut and going with what I drew inspiration from helps me with colors, materials, furniture and mood boards. Going back to the basics also helps to further push my designs.

What stands out about your �� experience?

�� has given me all the technical and soft skills needed to be successful when entering the field. I have been able to be as creative as possible and always found a way to make something new and exciting.

My professors have been a huge part of my success here: Nicholette Brehm, Julie Peters and Leanne Larson. They have taught me, pushed my designs and gave me confidence for entering the workforce. Their passions and experiences are motivating.

My favorite lab experiences were the printmaking classes with Rachel Bruya. The intermediate class is a very individual class. But the community we built in open labs, working together and everyone going through our own creative processes was fun. Throughout this class, we did multiple things, from a gallery show to a steamroller printmaking project.

Shannon Peskie and University Housing Staff

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?

I served on the board of the Student Interior Design Organization for three years and have overseen planning all the events. I’ve built a strong networking connection by talking with business professionals.

With University Housing, I started as a resident assistant my freshman year, and finished my junior and senior years as a hall manager. Through this opportunity, I have gotten to know so many students here at �� and learned how to manage a group of students.

I was also a student coordinator for the annual School of Art and Design Senior Show for three years.

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‘�� has given me all the technical and soft skills needed to be successful.’ Shannon Peskie, Commencement

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Inspiring Graduate: Khendra Thompson, B.F.A. Interior Design

giffeyt — Wed, 14 May 2025 15:31:46 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Khendra Thompson, B.F.A. Interior Design giffeyt May 14, 2025

‘Stout emphasizes applied learning and encouraged us to pursue industry experiences.’

Inspiring Graduate: Khendra Thompson (’25)

Hometown: River Falls
Degree: B.F.A. Interior Design

Khendra Thompson said her �� education has helped her think more deeply, and holistically, about interior design.

“For many, when they think of interior design, they only think of HGTV, but Stout has helped us to create a vision that goes far beyond that,” said Thompson, of River Falls. That vision, she explained, encompasses both the built environment – where humans spend most of their time – as well as the earth itself.

This focus on functional, healthy design led �� faculty to encourage Thompson and several other students to study and become WELL Accredited Professionals several summers ago. The certification, from the WELL Building Institute, signifies advanced knowledge of health and well-being in the built environment, Thompson said.

Khendra Thompson crosses the stage during ��'s spring commencement.

“Based on medical and scientific research, we learned principles and best practices for design and construction,” she said. “This has drastically impacted the way I think about design and will help me to make a positive impact in my field of study.”

Thompson received her B.F.A. in interior design during �� . commencement ceremonies May 10. Earlier this year, she was also honored as winner of the Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition, which drew 1,600 competitors from the United States and Canada.

And before graduation, she was hired by Minneapolis-based ESG Architecture and Design – a job she says that comes as a result of connections created at ��.

What brought you to ��?

This is my second bachelor ��. degree with ��. I first attended Stout for art education, and now I am back finishing my degree in interior design. I had a great experience the first time through, which ultimately brought me back.

Stout is the best of both worlds. It has one of the largest art and design schools in the Upper Midwest, with students who are nationally recognized and go on to lead inspiring careers, but it also feels like a small town where your professors know you personally and you build lifelong friendships. Additionally, I have friends who have gone through the interior design program at Stout and have spoken highly of their education that prepared them for their career.

Khendra Thompson holds her diploma during ��'s spring commencement.

What ��. next after you graduate?

After graduation I will be working with ESG Architecture and Design in Minneapolis. I am thrilled to work with their team and have my program to thank for introducing me! Stout ��. Student Interior Design Organization hosts many meaningful opportunities to get involved in the industry, and one of those is holding professional panels where students can learn and connect with leaders in the surrounding area. One of ESG ��. designers was on the professional panel that I attended and inspired me to get connected with their company.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

I am passionate about people. I want to help design a world that is functional, healthy and beautiful for people to live in. We spend about 90% of our lives indoors and interior design has such an impact on how we experience that.

We are stewards of people and the earth and have the responsibility to care for the people who occupy the built environment and the earth on which it rests – and we get to do this through design!

�� interior design senior Khendra Thompson poses with a display of her winning entry in the Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition.

How has �� prepared you to work in your field? Did you have a favorite lab or internship or field experience?

Being a polytechnic university, Stout emphasizes applied learning and encouraged us to pursue other industry experiences outside of what is require. An example of that is my internship.

I’ve interned with Jodi Gillespie Interior Design for the past two years and have gotten the chance to apply my learning in a real context. Through my role I have been engaged in multiple residential projects, developing conceptual work, making furniture and material selections, working with vendors and contractors, building spaces in 3D modeling programs, and developing construction documentation and specifications packages.

What stands out about your �� experience?

What stands out are the people. Not only is Stout a polytechnic university but they have professors who have worked in the field and can teach from the lens of real-world experiences. I am grateful for that, and for all of the professors and mentors that I have had who have encouraged, inspired and challenged me to be the best version of myself.

Khendra Thompson, center, poses with other participants in the Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition. / Steelcase

How did your involvement on or off campus impact your experience?

I had the privilege of being involved in a variety of organizations during both of my bachelor ��. degrees from Stout and to receive a few awards along the way. One of the most recent and impactful awards was being recognized as the 2025 winner of the Steelcase NEXT Competition.

This was a design competition built into Stout ��. curriculum that our class – along with students from 88 other schools in the United States and Canada – participated in. They tasked us with designing a 16,000-square-foot advertising agency in Chicago using an actual building shell from the Fulton Market District. Four Stout students were selected to continue to the next phase of the competition, and earlier this year, I was notified that I was a semi-finalist. I got the opportunity to fly out to Steelcase headquarters to present my project to Steelcase and leading professionals in the industry from around the nation. It was an incredible experience!

Interior design student tops international field to win Steelcase competition

Interior design majors who entered the 12th Annual Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition faced a lofty challenge.

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

I think one of my biggest challenges in earning my second degree was being a commuting student. Stout ��. got such a fun culture, and it ��. hard not to be fully integrated into that. Although the great thing about Stout is that they have so many opportunities to get involved and stay connected. Even though being a student looked a little different this time, I’ve still had a great experience!

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

I am proud and grateful for the experiences that I have had while at Stout and the relationships I have made along the way! I am Stout Proud!

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‘Stout emphasizes applied learning and encouraged us to pursue industry experiences.’ Khendra Thompson crosses the stage during ��'s spring commencement.

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Interior design student tops international field to win Steelcase competition

giffeyt — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:10:00 +0000

Interior design student tops international field to win Steelcase competitiongiffeyt March 13, 2025

Thompson impresses with detailed, professional-quality submission

Tom Giffey

Interior design majors who entered the 12th Annual Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition faced a lofty challenge: designing a 16,000-square-foot workplace spread across two floors in a Chicago office building. Their designs would have to meet the evolving needs of a global advertising agency ��. employees and clients, from private offices and shared workspaces to a monumental staircase connecting the two floors.

University of Wisconsin-Stout interior design senior Khendra Thompson rose to this challenge with a creative, detailed entry that wowed a professional panel of judges, beating out four other finalists from a field that began with 1,600 students from across the continent.

Jerry Holmes and Denise Calehuff, co-organizers of the competition and design alliances principals at Steelcase, said Thompson emerged from a talented field of finalists on the strength of her detailed design concept as well as the skillful way she presented it to the judges.

“You might have the best design, but if you can’t communicate it to your client, you’re not going to get hired for the project,” Holmes said, referring to the competitive nature of the industry. “And that ��. where Khendra was exceptional. She was outstanding in how she presented her project.”

�� interior design senior Khendra Thompson looks at samples in the interior design lab at �� . Applied Arts Building.

Calehuff noted that Thompson ��. submission looked like something a professional design firm would produce, a fact that was amplified when she presented it to the judges in late February. “What really came to light was when she talked about the concept, she talked about the research, and she really thoughtfully expressed how the concept wove into everything that she did,” Calehuff said. “That was the ‘a-ha moment’ that the judges had.”

The competition has been sponsored since 2013 by Steelcase, an international maker of furniture, storage, seating, and other products for offices and other spaces. Thompson and the other finalists from universities across the United States and Canada were flown to Steelcase ��. headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in mid-February for their final presentations.

�� interior design students have taken part in the Steelcase competition for several years, and in 2023 then-senior Sidney Franz earned an honorable mention for her entry.

An office mezzanine designed by Khendra Thompson as part of her winning competition entry. / Khendra Thompson

Winner praised for client relations skills

The project brief that students received as part of the competition was extremely detailed and accurately depicted the kinds of projects they will encounter as professionals, Tomski said. In the scenario, the judges acted as clients from a fictional advertising agency called NEXT who sought designs for a new corporate office on two floors of a building in the Fulton Market District of Chicago ��. Near West Side.

Delivering what these theoretical clients asked for in a thoughtful, creative way is what helped Thompson win the contest. “One of the reasons Khendra is such a fantastic young designer is because she ��. a really good listener,” Tomski said. “If we’re doing it right as interior designers, we craft with empathy.”

Listening carefully prompted Thompson to go the extra mile for her client. For example, at her instructor ��. suggestion, Thompson created a logo for the fictional business. Latching onto this idea – as well as the client ��. mantra of “Being More Human” – Thompson crafted a logo based on the triple bar symbol that represents “identity” in mathematics. The logo features parallel bars of color, each with a specific meaning, and is reflected in the parallel layers of design in the physical space. These include layered furnishings, a layered benching system in a collaborative area, and the layers created by a mezzanine overlooking a monumental staircase connecting two floors. “There ��. this transparency between the floors, speaking to your identity being transparent,” Thompson said.

An office entry staircase designed by Khendra Thompson as part of her winning competition entry. / Khendra Thompson

The “Being More Human” theme dovetailed with Steelcase ��. own people-centered corporate culture, Thompson said. “They put people at the front of what they do, and I really kind of grabbed that and drew from it. My concept was based on identity – the identity of the company, the people who work there, the brands that they serve,” she said.

Thompson ��. design also included a game space, which would allow workers to relax together. This aligns with research that Steelcase has promoted which says gaming spaces in the workplace can help inspire creativity. Other design elements include a fireplace, yoga and relaxation rooms, indoor gardens, and a space to display clients’ work.

Thompson spent six to eight weeks preparing her 40-page contest entry. Working from basic floorplans for the Chicago office, Thompson drew inspiration from the metropolis and the neighborhood, including elements such as Chicago ��. “Garden City” nickname and Prairie Style architecture. These inspirations are reflected in the colors, textures, spaces and other design elements that she used to create more detailed floorplans of a dynamic office that offered a variety of workspaces. Next, these floorplans were brought to photorealistic life with the help of 3D modeling software.

�� interior design major Khendra Thompson, center, with other Steelcase NEXT competition finalists. / Khendra Thompson

Thompson ��. attention to detail wasn’t lost on the judges or contest organizers. “We thought that someone could actually work in a space like that,” Calehuff said. “It looked like a real project that a design firm would potentially do.”

Thompson is hopeful the competition victory – which included a $2,500 scholarship as well as $2,500 for �� . interior design program – will help open doors in her future career. In fact, she said, the competition has already allowed her to make connections in the industry.

“The biggest thing I’ve taken away from this experience is confidence in the different skill sets that I have,” she said.

The interior design program is part of �� . School of Art and Design, which offers six Bachelor of Fine Arts, two Bachelor of Science programs and a Master of Fine Arts in design. It is one of the largest public art and design schools in the Upper Midwest with nearly 1,300 students.

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Interior design program partners with Helping Hand pantry to highlight ‘essential campus resource’

Student design team reimagines pantry space to ensure peers have comfortable, warm experience

December 16, 2025

Students collaborate across degrees in community project for The Neighbors

Construction, interior design, technology education majors build garden products for senior living home residents

November 20, 2025

Interior design student tops international field to win Steelcase competition

Interior design majors who entered the 12th Annual Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition faced a lofty challenge.

March 13, 2025

Interior design majors who entered the 12th Annual Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition faced a lofty challenge. Steelcase NEXT Competition winner Khendra Thompson

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Hero Caption: �� interior design senior Khendra Thompson poses with a display of her winning entry in the Steelcase NEXT Student Design Competition.

Shelley Pecha

Shelley Pecha is a professor of interior design and currently serves as the chair of the Design Department and the program director for the interior design program. She is proud of the growth and strength of all the design programs within the department.

Shelley is a first-generation college student who graduated from the UW Stout interior design program. After graduation Shelley started her career as an interior designer in Minneapolis, MN working on retail, hospitality and large-scale workplace projects before heading down to Austin, Texas for graduate school. Shelley received her MFA in interdisciplinary design at The University of Texas at Austin, College of Fine Arts, Art and Design Division. After working a year in Austin at an architecture/interior design firm, she joined the faculty at The University of Wisconsin - Stout.

Shelley has presented at various art and design conferences, collaborated on books and continued client work. She is a maximalist with a passion for concept creation and color and has expertise in construction documentation and construction management.

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Students recognized for leadership, academic excellence in packaging, social science, food technology, interior design

goersab — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 16:41:38 +0000

Students recognized for leadership, academic excellence in packaging, social science, food technology, interior designgoersab February 11, 2025

Competitive industry-sponsored scholarships positively impact graduate, undergraduates

Abbey Goers

Paying for college can be stressful. But as a Money Magazine 2024 Best Colleges in Wisconsin, �� understands. Noted for its focus on affordability and student outcomes, �� has resources to help alleviate some of that financial pressure.

From offering on-campus jobs through Career Services’ Handshake app, providing one-on-one guidance at the Financial Wellness & Literacy Center, and coordinating hundreds of �� Foundation scholarships and external industry-sponsored scholarships, Wisconsin ��. �� makes sure Blue Devils reach their graduation goals.

This academic year, more than 1,000 students have been awarded nearly $3 million in external and Foundation scholarships, reflecting their dedication to their fields of study and promise in their future careers.

Packaging senior Makenna Lowell / Makenna Lowell

Scholarships impact students’ education, allowing them to focus on their degree programs, applied research and creative endeavors at Wisconsin ��. ��, as well as motivate students to continue to strive for excellence in their fields through professional development opportunities.

“With this support, I can dedicate more time to hands-on projects, collaborate with peers and faculty, and participate in industry-related events. This will enhance my skills and knowledge in packaging, preparing me for a successful career,” said packaging senior Makenna Lowell, of Frederick, Md.

Lowell was recently awarded two industry-sponsored scholarships: a $5,000 Mark C. Garvey Scholarship by PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, and a $500 scholarship from the Institute of Packaging Professionals Minnesota Chapter.

Other recent external scholarship recipients include:

Packaging senior Elaina Marxen, of Rochester, Minn.: $5,000 Cindy Finley Memorial Scholarship, on behalf of the Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Association.
Applied social science senior Sophia Moore, of Redwing, Minn.: $3,000 Tommy G. Thompson Leadership Scholarship, sponsored by the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership.
M.S. food science and technology graduate student Meghana Maske: $3,000 Food Safety Scholarship, sponsored by the FMI Foundation in partnership with the Safe Quality Food Institute.
Interior design senior Lindsey Phillips, of Eden Prairie, Minn.: $7,500 Network of Executive Women in Hospitality ��. Icon of Industry Scholarship.

In addition, 48 students received $1,500 scholarships from Mayo Clinic Health Systems, for a total of $72,000; and five students received $2,000 each from the Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Minneapolis for pursuing careers in commercial real estate and building management.

Gaining professional development opportunities in packaging

Marxen and Lowell enjoy how broad the packaging industry is and the opportunities for students and careers in the field, yet how tightly knit the professional community feels.

“It is a growing industry that is pertinent to the function of daily life. I hope to develop and design creative packaging solutions that benefit sustainability efforts and positive consumer experiences,” Marxen said.

Packaging senior Elaina Marxen

Lowell added, “There are tons of opportunities in niches of packaging that most people have never even thought of. I am excited by the idea of so many possibilities for my future and many career paths to choose from.”

Marxen, who has minors in graphic media and print management and global perspectives on engineering, has completed two co-ops: one with Starbucks’ global research and development and engineering team in Seattle and one with Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

“I see the major advantage to my Stout education when interacting with engineering students from other universities. Stout requiring a co-op not only encourages me to test out different areas of my field but also gives me related job experience I can talk about in interviews and bring forward into my career.

“These co-ops made me more confident than ever that I made the right decision to attend ��. The polytechnic education and career-focused program give me the tools and knowledge I need to be able to exceed expectations in my future endeavors,” added Marxen, who will graduate in May 2025.

Lowell, who has a minor in sustainability, has completed a seven-month co-op at Kimberly-Clark in Appleton, working on real-world projects that resulted in her contributions being featured on store shelves.

Packaging students Griffin Reisman and Makenna Lowell, IOPP scholarship recipients / Mary Paz Alvarez Valverde

“During this time, I honed my professional communication skills and learned extensively about project management and work timelines,” she said. “I have accepted a second seven-month co-op with Ocean Spray in Lakeville, Mass., and I am excited to collaborate with a new team and deepen my knowledge of the food packaging industry.”

Lowell will graduate in May 2026. She ��. interested in working for a consumer goods company on the East Coast, closer to her hometown.

“The packaging industry is so broad, and I have had so many memorable experiences with fellow packaging students from other universities and with industry professionals. I am excited for what the future brings and the many great people in the industry that I have yet to meet,” she said.

Moore is leading the way in public service

Moore has known from a very young age that she wanted to work in public policy and law. Within her applied social science degree, she ��. concentrating on history and politics.

Applied social science student Sophia Moore at the State Capitol Building / Sophia Moore

Moore is one of 15 students across the Universities of Wisconsin to receive the Tommy G. Thompson Leadership Scholarship, awarded for their spirit of tackling big problems through teamwork and determination to make Wisconsin a better place.

Last summer, Moore interned with AmeriCorps as a Housing Stability Fellow for a local domestic violence and homeless shelter.

“My experience there was completely life-changing,” she said. “Having an understanding of nonprofits and legislation regarding social welfare programs definitely enhanced my experience while on the job.”

Moore ��. on-campus leadership includes serving as a student senator for the Stout Student Association, later becoming a vice chair, and now, director of Legislative Affairs. She is a civic engagement student lead at the university ��. Involvement Center, a student orientation leader for incoming first-year students, and sits on committees, like the Student Retention Committee, all charged with maintaining a student-driven campus.

“Our campus is uniquely full of leadership opportunities, and our faculty and staff are so incredibly helpful in equipping you with the skills needed to become a great leader,” Moore said.

“The leadership scholarship will allow me to continue my undergraduate education at a lower cost, alleviating me of some financial burden as a low-income college student and leaving me able to put my all into my studies and leadership responsibilities,” she said.

Moore will graduate in winter 2026 and hopes to continue her journey into public service as an intern or staff member for a legislator before applying to law school.

Maske awarded for addressing challenges in food product development

Maske is passionate about advancing food safety protocols and leveraging her skills in quality management to enhance product integrity and sustainability.

Meghana Maske, M.S. food science and technology graduate student / Meghana Maske

She is one of 15 recipients from across the U.S., Canada and Mexico to receive the FMI scholarship, which recognizes outstanding food safety scholars based on academic ability, leadership potential, motivation and initiative.

Her thesis research, “Development of 3D Printed Fish Analogs with Enhanced Omega-3 Fatty Acids,” uses extrusion-based 3D printing technology to create plant-based fish analogs.

Maske has researched plant-based ingredients and is refining formulations to optimize texture and nutritional composition and to replicate the muscle fiber structure of fish.

“An ongoing focus of my research is enhancing omega-3 fatty acid levels from plant-based sources, an essential aspect of nutritional benefits. This project aims to contribute to sustainable food innovation and provide viable alternatives to traditional fish products,” she said.

“My research has greatly enhanced my technical and analytical capabilities, allowing me to systematically approach challenges in food product development. This structured and methodical approach has strengthened my collaborative skills and problem-solving mindset to enable me to contribute effectively to advancing food innovation, particularly in the development of sustainable food products,” she said.

Her research is funded by �� . Student Research Grant.

Maske will graduate in May 2025. She plans to work in food safety and quality assurance and thinks her research and internship as a food safety and quality intern at Bunge, in Danville, Ill., have prepared her for a career. At Bunge, Maske gained experience in conducting audits, developing standard operating procedures and managing food safety documentation.

Maske is grateful for the opportunity to receive the FMI scholarship.

“Meghana ��. strengths are her positive thinking and proactiveness in everything she does. This is an important virtue for personal success and for successfully leading a team,” said Program Director Eun Joo Lee. “Meghana ��. case is a good example of the snowball effect of success, showing how student's small successes lead to big successes continuously. I am very proud of her.”

Maske and FMI scholarship recipients are invited to attend the SQF Unites Conference, March 2-5, in Orlando, Fla.

Phillips creates perfect spaces for her clients

Phillips enjoys creating functional, beautiful and inspiring environments. “I have always been someone who loves puzzles, so solving problems with design, space planning and budgeting was a good fit for me. Turning a space with infinite possibilities into the perfect space for the client is what inspires me to design,” she said.

Interior design student Lindsey Phillips / Lindsey Phillips

She thinks her classes and studios have opened her eyes to what being an interior designer truly means. She has designed workspaces, retail, libraries, residential spaces and more.

“With courses like lighting design, construction documents, contracts and codes, my projects have developed to be the most successful and realistic products I can design,” said Phillips, who worked as a sales intern with Southern Lights, in Burnsville, Minn., last summer.

Phillips NEWH Icon of Industry scholarship covers almost all her senior year tuition.

“It has been very helpful since I pay for all my expenses by myself. I have been taking out loans and working multiple jobs while staying a full-time student. This scholarship not only helps me financially but also confirms that my hard work has paid off,” she said.

Phillips, who has a minor in project management, will graduate in May 2025. She plans to work for a commercial design firm that focuses on hospitality design.

NEWH Inc. fosters leadership development, scholarships, advancing education, mentorship and networking in the hospitality industry.

“This is a wonderful accomplishment for Lindsey, and we are all very proud of her. NEWH is a great organization and has supported our students for years,” said Program Director Shelley Pecha.

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Career-connected learning: SkillsUSA brings nearly 400 middle, high school students to ��

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Computer science senior hired as a hardware developer before graduation

February 4, 2026

�� marketing and business education students apply learning to make DECA conference succeed

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January 20, 2026

Competitive industry-sponsored scholarships positively impact graduate, undergraduates Packaging student Elaina Marxen

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Inspiring Graduate: Riley Henk, B.F.A. Interior Design

goersab — Mon, 13 May 2024 16:45:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Riley Henk, B.F.A. Interior Designgoersab May 13, 2024

‘Every assignment, every mistake and every opportunity I was provided helped me to grow as an individual.’

Inspiring Graduate: Riley Henk (’24)

Hometown: Amery
Degree: B.F.A. Interior Design
Minor: Business Administration

�� provided Riley Henk with a safe environment that made her feel comfortable asking questions.

“It can be nerve-wracking to attend college. It is a lot of work. Never be afraid to ask for help,” she said. “Staying motivated can be a challenge, and it ��. important to have supportive people in your life to push you forward. Most of all, I learned how to be curious.”

Riley Henk receives her diploma from Chancellor Katherine Frank / ��

Through classroom and lab experiences, student organizations, collaborations with real-world clients and internship opportunities, Henk explored her interests and expanded her network of support.

Henk received the Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year award for her internship at Fluid Interiors, at �� . annual Leadership Awards this spring.

She earned her B.F.A. in interior design on May 4, along with 1,037 graduates, and is looking forward to her interior design career in the Twin Cities, possibly in furniture design.

Riley Henk in an interior design lab at �� / ��

What stands out about your �� experience?

�� allowed me to gain the most out of my college experience. It has provided me with both technical and soft skills to succeed in any field I might end up in.

I learned software that would aid me in my interior design career but also software that would allow flexibility in my career and to excel in whatever I choose.

Interacting with classmates, professors and professionals improved my communication skills and expanded my network.

How well has �� prepared you to work in your field and why?

My internship was by far one of my most favorite experiences through ��.

This opportunity allowed me to explore the real world and make lifelong connections with experts. It gave me confidence about my future and reinforced my excitement towards my interior design degree.

I also had amazing professors who were passionate about teaching, experts in their field, and approachable and supportive. I really enjoyed having one-on-one opportunities with them, as it strengthened my ability to learn.

�� interior design students help reimagine local teen group home, with safety and comfort in mind

Positive Alternatives to begin remodeling next spring, fundraiser Feb. 29

In my Design Studio II course Program Director Shelley Pecha and Assistant Professor Nicolette Brehm, I helped develop remodeling ideas for the living spaces at Positive Alternatives in Menomonie, a nonprofit group home that provides resources for at-risk youth ages 12 to 17.

My group and I drew design inspiration from studies of colors, materials and lighting that would aid behavioral health and create a calm atmosphere within the space.

We really wanted our space to feel like a home instead of a behavioral center, while still providing the appropriate furniture, finishes and layout to keep residents and staff members safe.

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?

I was involved in the Student Interior Design Organization, Women in Construction student organization, intramural volleyball, and I was a student coordinator for the 2022 Fashion Without Fabric show.

Riley Henk is looking forward to her interior design career in the Twin Cities / ��

These organizations introduced me to a lot of great people who made me step out of my shell and gave me a sense of responsibility and support. They helped me explore my interests and get great feedback on my education.

It ��. always a good feeling to be a part of something and stay connected to things that interest you as an individual. They also are great on resumes.

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

These were the fastest four years of my life, but it ��. exciting to look how far I’ve come from my first year. I’m proud of everything, really.

Every assignment, every mistake and every opportunity I was provided helped me to grow as an individual.

Inspiring Graduates

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Supporting campus community through the Dean of Students Office

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Automation Displays procurement engineer aims to deliver measurable value to organizations

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‘Every assignment, every mistake and every opportunity I was provided helped me to grow as an individual.’ Inspiring grad Riley Henk

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Commencement scheduled May 4 for 1,037 graduates

Spring commencement will be held for 1,037 graduates on Saturday, May 4, at ��.

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�� interior design students help reimagine local teen group home, with safety and comfort in mind

goersab — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 20:25:50 +0000

�� interior design students help reimagine local teen group home, with safety and comfort in mindgoersab November 29, 2023

Positive Alternatives to begin remodeling next spring, fundraiser Feb. 29

Abbey Goers

In just a few short months, with fresh coats of paint, a few walls removed to open communal spaces, and with safety and comfort in mind, a local nonprofit will unveil a new look with a more inviting, homier feel. The remodel has been three years in the making.

Last spring, 34 interior design students at �� worked in small groups to develop remodeling ideas for the living spaces at Positive Alternatives in Menomonie, a nonprofit organization and group home that provides resources for at-risk youth ages 12 to 17.

The Design Studio II students, instructed by Program Director Shelley Pecha and Assistant Professor Nicolette Brehm, worked closely with Positive Alternatives administrators and staff to outline their needs and wants for the remodel, assessed the existing floor plan and developed potential solutions.

While physically unable to visit the building ��. interior for the sake of residents’ privacy, students were provided pictures and room measurements of the approximately 2,400-square-foot building. Brehm and Pecha acted as liaisons between staff and students throughout the design process.

Positive Alternatives staff attended critiques in the studio on campus to give the 10 groups feedback on their designs and joined the final presentations at the end of the spring semester.

A digital rendering of a kitchen redesign, proposed by Sidney Franz, Jaid Havey, Riley Henk and Meghan Miller.

Positive Alternatives remodeled its offices in 2018, working with Anne Olson, adjunct instructor and 1999 interior design alum, who volunteered through the design stage and to the start of construction. Olson suggested the remodeling of the living spaces would be a good class project and connected Positive Alternatives President and CEO Kelli Kamholz with faculty.

“This was in 2021, and we stayed in touch until it was good timing for both of us,” Kamholz said.

The newly selected remodel design was created by Sidney Franz, of Fountain City; Jaid Havey, of South Milwaukee; Riley Henk, of Amery; and Meghan Miller, of Andover, Minn.

Creating a homier feel, with safety and budget in mind

Kamholz and Program Coordinator Laura Clark think the students’ design met their needs in a way that was creative and minimized the amount of construction required to achieve a new look.

“We are very excited to have a homier feel with more space for the youth to relax. The changes in storage and organization should help make things more efficient by creating space for items in areas where they are most used,” Clark said.

The group drew design inspiration from studies of “colors, materials and lighting that would aid behavioral health and create a calm atmosphere within the space,” Henk said. “We really wanted our space to feel like a home instead of a behavioral center, while still providing the appropriate furniture, finishes and layout to keep residents and staff members safe.”

Positive Alternatives selected the remodeling design created by interior design seniors Meghan Miller, Jaid Havey, Sidney Franz and Riley Henk (pictured left to right).

“We put ourselves in the shoes of the residents who are away from home and going through a tough time. Through calming colors and thoughtful design features, we created a sense of serenity and control,” Miller said.

“This was also the most realistic project we have done in school in terms of working with a team and on a real building,” she added. “I am grateful for the unique opportunity; our professors worked extra hard to make this a reality for us.”

Residents will continue living at the group home during the remodel. Much of the existing structure needs to remain in place, for financial reasons and for daily operations.

“Although this was the most challenging part, it was also the most rewarding, as we were able to produce a realistic solution for Positive Alternatives,” Henk said. “We focused on altering things that would positively impact efficiency, usability, safety and creativity.”

Henk and Miller will graduate in spring 2024. Henk would like to work in furniture design and Miller in residential design. Franz and Havey will graduate in fall 2024. They would like to work in hospitality design.

Another group of student designers also studied color theory and how it can affect people ��. moods; and attention restoration theory and biophilic interior design based on nature to restore the senses and improve focus. Mareike Christianson, of Edgar; Lexi Vrieze, of Stevens Point; and Elise Holzinger, of Waukesha, were inspired by the geography of Menomonie, namely the Devil ��. Punchbowl.

Their design included elements of safety, durability, acoustics, visibility and privacy for community and individual spaces, ease of replaceability and maintenance, and ADA compliance.

A digital rendering of a living room redesign, proposed by Mareike Christianson, Elise Holzinger and Lexi Vrieze.

“We wanted to create a reflective space, where the residents could feel safe and be themselves,” Christianson said. “The original space felt outdated. We wanted the new space to feel like home, even if only a temporary home. The project was a good opportunity to work with real clients and share our expertise.”

Holzinger and Vrieze agreed. “Working with real clients is beneficial. It was a good learning experience. Knowing what questions to ask so we can understand our client ��. needs,” Holzinger said. “We were fortunate to have the opportunity and practice of a real-world job. Not a lot of schools offer opportunities like this.”

“We had to make considerations we hadn’t made before in other projects, like working more closely with a budget. This was our first group project we’ve worked on our interior design program,” Vrieze added.

�� students and graduates from several majors work with Positive Alternatives, including Human Resources interns from the psychology program and marketing interns, as well as interns and staff from the human development and family studies and criminal justice and rehabilitation programs. Kamholz is a 2003 human development and family studies alum.

Positive Alternatives, which has five locations in western and central Wisconsin, will host a virtual raffle on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, to raise funds for new furnishings and décor at its Menomonie locale. Details will be posted on its social media accounts closer to the event date. Remodeling by contractor Market & Johnson is scheduled to begin after the first quarter of 2024.

The interior design Senior Studio II class next spring will work on cabin and classroom remodels for another nonprofit organization, North Lakeland Discovery Center, an environmental education center in Manitowish Waters.

��'s interior design program blends fine art, design and technical disciplines. Students study art and architecture, while practicing lighting design and sustainable design, managing budgets and materials specifications.

Graduates lead careers creating meaningful, life-enhancing and safe interior environments for residential, corporate, retail, hospitality, health care spaces and more. Graduates of the program are 100% employed or continuing education within six months of graduation, according to �� . Career Services 2021-22 First Destination report.

�� . School of Art and Design, with six Bachelor of Fine Arts, two Bachelor of Science programs and a Master of Fine Arts in design, is the largest in the Upper Midwest with nearly 1,300 students.

Interior Design

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Inspiring Graduate: Shannon Peskie, B.F.A. Interior Design

‘�� has given me all the technical and soft skills needed to be successful.’

May 14, 2025

Positive Alternatives to begin remodeling next spring, fundraiser Feb. 29 Meghan, Jaid, Sidney and Riley

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Hero Caption: A mood board for the Positive Alternatives' remodel design by Sidney Franz, Jaid Havey, Riley Henk and Meghan Miller.

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Nicolette Brehm

Nicolette Brehm is an Assistant Professor of Design in the program of Interior Design. She began her career practicing Residential Interior Design working for a small, award-winning design firm. After that, she moved in commercial architecture working on K-12 Education, Healthcare, and Senior Living Projects. Nicolette is an NCIDQ certified Interior Designer.

Her graduate studies combined experiences and interests from both residential and commercial design fields. Her work focused on Adaptive Reuse, Wellness in Interior Design, and 3D visualization software as it relates to design communication.

Nicolette currently teaches Interior Design Studios and Courses in Building materials, sustainability, and specifications. Her research focuses on Wellness in Design and recently became a WELL accredited professional.

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Game design students take chess to next level with Checkmight

goersab — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 16:11:01 +0000

Game design students take chess to next level with Checkmightgoersab December 8, 2022

Stout Game Expo, Senior Show to feature nearly 370 student projects for public to try, see

Abbey Goers

Ready for battle? A team of �� game design students has added a twist to the classic game of chess with Checkmight, one of many projects that will be on display by School of Art and Design students as the fall semester wraps up.

Two of the university ��. biggest public events, the Stout Game Expo and SOAD Senior Show, are culminating events for students to share their hard work and creative endeavors.

The Stout Game Expo is western Wisconsin's largest game developers' event and will feature the creative works of about 250 students. SGX is from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, in the upper level of the Memorial Student Center.

SGX is from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, in the upper level of the Memorial Student Center. / ��

First-year to senior students in game design and development-art; and the game design concentration in computer science will share their virtual reality, interactive experiences and indie games. A Master of Fine Arts in design graduate student will also share their thesis game. All digital games will be available to play online after Dec. 14.

SGX is an opportunity for students from both university colleges – the College of Arts, Humanities and Sciences; and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management – to come together and showcase their creativity and joy of games with the public. Students also have the opportunity to collaborate with other university students from across the state.

Cole Nugteren, a junior with a double major in GDD and computer science, worked with five other students to design Checkmight, a party game for people who are bad at chess. But there ��. a twist – the pieces fight back.

Checkmight, a game developed by a team of six students, will premiere at SGX on Dec. 14. / Cole Nugteren

Players can test their skills in classic chess or on one of the custom chess boards. It is a two-player, controller-compatible game that can be played on a computer keyboard, with controllers or both. They’ve shared a tutorial on YouTube.

“My favorite thing about the GDD program is getting to work with cool people to make games,” said Nugteren, of Minneapolis, who worked on the game ��. art, animation, engineering and sound.

Team members who designed Checkmight with Nugteren are:

Q Bryant, a GDD senior from Shakopee, Minn.: Lead, design and animation
Elliott Duffy, a GDD junior from St. Paul: User interface art and typography
Anthony Klotz, a CS junior from Waterloo: User interface engineer
Sam Mayer, a CS junior from Chaska, Minn.: Fighting engineer and sound
Mitchell VonEschen: Music. VonEschen is a junior studying jazz piano, composition and math at Lawrence University, in Appleton. This is the second SGX game he has collaborated on with �� students.

“The inspiration for Checkmight was an indie game called Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate, as well as fighting games like Guilty Gear and Street Fighter,” Bryant said. “The best part of the program is its project-oriented nature, as it helps me learn specific skills that I’m interested in.”

Duffy and Klotz both enjoy the freedom to solve problems, to “make changes on the fly” and work on any part of a game experience. “I like being able to look at something and ideate how to make the concept a reality,” Duffy said.

The School of Art & Design Senior Show will feature capstone projects by nearly 120 graduating seniors from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16. SOAD students will display their creative works in exhibits throughout Applied Arts and Micheels Hall:

Video production: Capstone creators and select animators will premiere their work in room 210, on the biggest screen on campus. Screening will loop throughout the evening.
Graphic design and interactive media: room 221E.
Industrial design: rooms 216 and 217.
Interior design: room 220. A lighting design show will be in room 219.
The Studio Art Exhibition will be on display in Gallery 209. The show is based on a wide variety of media, from comics to sculpture to photography.

SOAD students will display their creative works in exhibits throughout Applied Arts and Micheels Hall from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16. / ��

Metals, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking and drawing exhibitions and sales by students will be throughout the building. And “To Freedom,” an exhibit representing the music, art and culture of Estonia, Poland and Ukraine is on display in Furlong Gallery.

The School of Art and Design ��. BFAs in animation and digital media, and game design and development-art are ranked nationally by the Princeton Review and Animation Career Review. MFA in design was ranked No. 6 in the nation last spring for game design among public universities and colleges.

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Join us at the next Stout Game Expo (SGX) to explore and play student-created video games and tabletop advetures.

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

Hero Caption: The Stout Game Expo and SOAD Senior Show, are culminating events for students to share their hard work and creative endeavors.

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Travel opens broader world to students as they prepare for careers, college life

goersab — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 15:53:33 +0000

Travel opens broader world to students as they prepare for careers, college lifegoersab September 26, 2022

Summer study abroad experiences include Sweden, Hawaii, Scotland and Botswana

Abbey Goers

While discovering different cultures or their own heritage, gaining hands-on experience for their future careers or preparing for college life, 64 University of Wisconsin-Stout students traveled abroad to 12 locations this past summer.

Through programs coordinated by the Office of International Education, they studied in Botswana, Costa Rica, Denmark, England, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa, Spain and Sweden, as well as Hawaii.

Students participated in hands-on experiences in business, ecotourism, environmentalism, sustainability, design and more. They were also able to tour cities and regions, gaining perspective on how vast the world is, yet understanding the interconnectedness of people.

�� students may participate in any one of OIE ��. more than 200 study abroad programs, regardless of their degree.

Entrepreneurship and innovation abroad

Entrepreneurship and Innovation students in Sweden. / Mary Spaeth

Seventeen students experienced the intersections of art, innovation, culture and the economy in a cross-disciplinary program in Scandinavia.

�� Assistant Professor Mary Spaeth, business department; and Lecturer Karl Koehle, design department, led a two-week course on the Principles of Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Technology and Gamification in Sweden.

Students learned innovation and entrepreneurship principles while travelling through five cities in Denmark and Sweden from Copenhagen to Stockholm.

They visited game design firms such as Massive Entertainment/Ubisoft and Starbreeze, went to the Nordic Game Conference, pitched their work to professionals, met with start-up companies and attended art classes.

They also visited medieval ruins, museums, the National Visualization Center, and enjoyed a Middle Eastern feast prepared by recent immigrant families from Syria, Somalia, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. They kayaked, hiked, shopped, and saw a live musical performance at the Malmö Opera.

One student even received a remote summer internship while in Sweden. Howie Ramaley, a game design and development-art major from Maple Grove, Minn., created environmental art for Beartwigs, a start-up game studio based in Linköping.

“When working in my GDD classes, now I have some things from industry that I want to implement, such as different workflows,” Ramaley said. “Getting to intern for Beartwigs made a world of difference in what I am expecting when I graduate.”

Sustainability on the Hawaiian Islands

Students tour a traditional fishpond in Hawaii. / Julie Beston

�� biology Professor Julie Beston led eight students in a three-week Environment Science and Sustainability course in Hawaii.

Beston thinks the program gave students a unique perspective on sustainability as they learned about the local ecosystems on the islands, including taro farming and a restoration project at Paepae O He’eia fishpond.

“The remote island setting can make environmental problems more acute and obvious, and at the same time, native Hawaiian culture has a deep reverence for the natural world that can facilitate initiatives to improve sustainability and conservation,” she said.

The group also took side trips to see an active volcano at night, swim at a waterfall, and try cliff jumping and surfing.

“Before this trip, I only thought about the academic definition of sustainability or restoration, and now my definition has definitely expanded,” said Erin O’Brien, an applied mathematics and computer science major from South Haven, Minn.

JUMPSTART: Scotland

Jumpstart Scotland students visit the Scottish Highlands. / Danielle Clarizio

JUMPSTART: Scotland is a unique three-week, precollege experience held in Dalkeith, outside of Scotland ��. capital of Edinburgh.

Twenty-three incoming first-year students earned six general education credits while experiencing Scottish culture by touring the city, the Highlands and the surrounding area.

For G Paracha, a GDD student from Eden Prairie, Minn., this was his first time traveling to Europe. “I got a lot of perspectives when it came to going to Scotland,” he said. “My big perspective shift was having to take care of myself for the first time in a long time. I was able to gain a lot of confidence in myself.”

Matthias Van Horn, a GDD student from Madison, joined JUMPSTART to prepare himself for living away from home. He enjoyed the food and making new friends, but most of all the experience of running around on the rocks at the Waters of Youth in the Highlands, he said.

“What was most difficult for me was simply how little time we had in the day. I was always trying to do more,” Van Horn said. “I fully recommend studying abroad for anyone. I was able to do more sightseeing in one week than I would have in a month by myself, on top of taking two incredibly engaging and interesting courses.”

Peyton Cunningham agreed. She enjoyed having a “snippet of college life. I definitely recommend studying abroad to other students. It was such a fantastic, eye-opening experience. I know I will for sure be doing it again,” she said.

Cunningham, a graphic design and interactive media major from Sun Prairie, has a strong Scottish heritage. She joined the program to see “part of my roots, and because I thought it would be a great opportunity to finally do my own thing and experience something for myself.”

Wildlife conservation in Botswana

Olivia Aschebrook, first row, left, and students at University of Botswana. / Olivia Ashebrook

Interior design senior Olivia Aschebrook traveled to Gaborone, Botswana, in southern Africa. She earned 10 credits in an eight-week program at University of Botswana, completing three courses in wildlife, ecology and conservation relating to her sustainability minor.

She chose to study abroad because she knew the experiences would stay with her for the rest of her life.

“I knew the opportunity to travel to an African country may not ever come again, and I wanted to make sure that I got the chance to learn and explore a completely different part of this beautiful world we live in,” she said.

Aschebrook learned about sub-Saharan wildlife conservation and the job opportunities that ecotourism offers people in the communities surrounding the wildlife reserves. She camped for a week in the Okavango Delta and researched animal populations there.

Elephants in the Okavango Delta. / Olivia Aschebrook

She also spent three days with the Leopard Conservation Research Group, tracking leopards using radio telemetry in the Khutse Game Reserve, part of the Kalahari Desert.

“The world is as big as you make it. This trip opened my eyes to a place I only ever imagined,” she said. “It gave me a whole new perspective on what life is like on the other side of the world. I was able to experience a new and welcoming culture and meet new people willing to help make this world a better place for themselves, their families and future generations.”

Aschebrook, of Black River Falls, will graduate in May 2023.

The Office of International Education was awarded an American Passport Project grant that supports 25 first-year students to obtain their U.S. passports, one of the first steps in preparing for study abroad.

During the 2021-22 academic year, 119 �� students studied abroad. This fall, 14 students are studying abroad in Australia, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Japan, Scotland and South Korea, and approximately 20 inbound students will be studying at �� on exchange.

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Taking your education abroad is a great way to distinguish yourself and your resume.

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