ODU Graphic Design Students Win Awards at Prestigious Richmond Ad Show
April 20, 2017
ODU award winners Alex Salas, Galina Karasoy, Rachael Round and Mandi Vollmer
Old Dominion University graphic design students won several awards in the prestigious Advertising Club of Richmond show in early April.
Four graduating seniors took awards at the competition, which features submissions from colleges and universities around the state. Rachael Round won two golds (the only two awarded in the competition), while Mandi Vollmer won a silver and Galina Karasoy and Alex Salas took home bronze medals.
The Department of Art funded the trip to Richmond for the show. Ivanete Blanco, associate professor of graphic design, said the opportunity to be in that environment is invaluable for aspiring professionals.
"Students attending these professional gatherings take away not only awards, but recognition and contacts that will greatly facilitate their transition into the profession," Blanco said.
Peter Eudenbach, chair of the Department of Art, was happy to provide the opportunity.
"It is very impressive to have so many students from a single graduating class winning awards, and we are tremendously proud of them," Eudenbach said. "This is an excellent demonstration of the rising reputation of ODU's graphic design program."
Blanco added that the strong performance in this year's show will help future ODU students taking part in the competition or seeking careers.
"This kind of investment in support of our students builds invaluable networks, exposure and recognition that will bolster ODU's efforts in the future. In short, they know we mean business."
The Department of Art's graphic design concentration revolves around a carefully constructed curriculum leading to a competitive portfolio for entry into the profession.
The graphic design classrooms and production labs are in brand new facilities in the Barry Arts Building and Hixon Art Studio Building and Annex. They provide access to state-of-the-art tools and processes.
Current and former students work in design studios and advertising agencies in both the local market and such cities as Baltimore, Chicago, San Diego and Dallas. Their work has been recognized in professional venues like Communication Arts magazine, the National Student Show, the Adobe Design Achievement Awards, the Flux Student Design Competition and the American Advertising Awards.
For more information about Old Dominion University's graphic design programs, see the University website.
