Announcement of the Distinguished Graduates for the Academic Year 2021-2022
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ten exceptional students were recognised for their achievements at the 2021 Outstanding Graduate Awards. The awards, given to graduates with an exceptional academic record, a strong portfolio, and notable contributions to the institution community, were chosen during the fall term of the 2021-22 academic year.
The selection process involved faculty and staff members of the institution, who looked for students who excelled in class and demonstrated potential for future success. Nominations were submitted by thesis advisors, dissertation advisors, readers, or department chairs, and letters of support from other faculty or relevant parties were also considered.
The winners were chosen from a wide range of programs offered by the institution, including Graphic Design, Web Design, Illustration, Digital Media, Advertising, and Digital Photography. James Warren was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Award in Digital Photography, Christine Lee won in Multimedia Arts, Charlotte Sidwell in Illustration, Paige Windus (second mention) and On On Lao (second mention) in Graphic Design, Kimberly Udall in Web Design, Robin Imse in Digital Media, Michelle Buck in Advertising Design, and Sruti Rajagopalan in Digital Arts. Kristin McKellar received the Outstanding Graduate Award in Graphic Design.
Each winner of the Outstanding Graduate Award receives a physical award and an academic recognition to help them in their future career. The goal of the awards is to identify talents that will shine brightly in the design world and inspire graduates to push forward in their careers and students to excel in their classes.
In addition to the monetary prize, the winners were announced in a formal ceremony, with the exact details varying by institution. For example, at Southern Connecticut State University, nominations must be submitted by February 20, 2025, and letters of support from other faculty or relevant parties are due by March 25, 2025. Winners are typically announced in late April, with an awards event shortly after.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, there was a high level of participation among talented students, demonstrating their commitment and dedication to their craft. The winners of the 2021 Outstanding Graduate Awards were from various creative professional fields, showcasing the diversity and excellence of the institution's student body.
The Outstanding Graduate Award in Graphic Design was presented to Kristin McKellar, demonstrating her exceptional talent in graphic design and its potential to shine in the design world. The winners' success in creative professional fields, including graphic design, illustration, and digital media, highlights the institution's role in fostering innovation and lifestyle integration with technology in education-and-self-development.
