Gold Awards

Two projects completed by Philadelphia University students received Gold Awards in the prestigious 2010 Graphis Design Annual. The projects will be published in "Graphis New Talent," an internationally competitive, annual publication that highlights only the most promising student talent from around the world.

Fashion design student Anfisa Sokolova, a senior, received $10,000 as a finalist in the YMA's Geoffrey Beene National Scholarship Award competition. In addition, fashion design student Natalie Simmons, a junior, and fashion industry management seniors Lauren Nelson and Terniqua Osborne each received $5,000 from the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund.

Kristin Bigness '08, who majored in graphic design communication, was recognized for a piece, entitled "Burlesque Brewery," which is a playful microbrewery 6-pack inspired by the showgirls of Las Vegas. The project was completed in her package design course taught by Maribeth Kradel-Weitzel, assistant professor of graphic design communication.

Also receiving a Gold Award is a piece developed as a collaborative project between graphic design communication and industrial design students. The project, "Modern Teatime," is a contemporary tea kettle and packaging systems for specific target markets. It was designed by Meghan Gibson '08, who majored in graphic design communication, and Aodh O Donnell '12, an industrial design major. Faculty advisors for the project included Kradel-Weitzel; Mike Leonard, associate professor of industrial design; and Josh Owen, former faculty member in industrial design.

"The design students at Philadelphia University have consistently been achieving wonderful success in competition at the international level," said Kradel-Weitzel. "This is a great testament to the dedication of the students and the level of rigor demanded by the professors across the University. The bar seems to get higher with every graduating class."

"Graphis is well known and highly regarded in all areas of design, and to be recognized as a talented designer by this institution is a huge honor," noted O Donne

Click here to view a full list of winners and more information about the Graphis Design Annual.