For the annual Chef’s Evening fundraiser next March, the university has reached out to graphic design students and asked them to create the fundraiser’s posters, invitations and more.
The class chosen for the project was Professor of Graphic Design Gary Keown’s Art 361 class.
“We wanted to get the students involved as much as possible with Chef’s Evening,” said Jackie Bellairs, director of annual giving. “We had the idea to come to one of the design classes and get in touch with Gary to see if the students could produce something for us. We gave them all of the copy and told them what we’ve done in the past. They treated us a lot like clients; we were very impressed.”
All students in the class, about 15, submitted their work to a committee made up of five University officials, who narrowed the selection down to three. President John L. Crain then selected the winning design. The winner overall was graphic design senior Andre Ladegaillerie, who also won $100 for his design.
“I’m pretty shocked actually but I’m happy that my work will be displayed and that it will be the brand for Chef’s Evening,” said Ladegaillerie after the announcement. “I was going for something that was timeless, something that wouldn’t be outdated too quickly. I wanted a white table cloth theme, and for it to be very bold and recognizable when people come to Chef’s Evening for the food and company.”
According to Bellairs, the committee and Crain were very impressed with the work of the students.
“We are absolutely thrilled,” said Bellairs. “We only wish that there could be more winners. We were blown away with how professional and creative these students have been.”