Having graduated with a 3.83 grade point average, Melissa Levenduski ‘07 not only excelled at graphic design, but also in her minor, digital design.  As a senior in Associate Professor of Graphic Design Frank Baseman’s design workshop during the spring of 2007, Levenduski and her classmates were presented with the opportunity to design a holiday card for the president.  Levenduski’s design stood out because of its whimsy and creative incorporation of Philadelphia University’s brand identity.

“The design process for the holiday card included drafting, drawing and illustrating, and meetings with the University’s Office of Public Relations. The final product turned out great,” she said.  Inspired by the University’s mascot, Levenduski’s design, a three-dimensional ram boasting a winter scarf, bears a message of holiday cheer from the President (pictured right).  “I felt honored to have Dr. Spinelli send out my card to the University community and I am flattered by the positive response it has received,” she noted.

“It is very exciting to have literally hundreds of compliments come in from friends and colleagues across the country about the unique holiday card Melissa designed,” Dr. Spinelli stated.  “People really felt it was fun and very clever.  I am very proud of how well it represents the talents of our students and the Philadelphia University brand.” 

Innately creative, Levenduski researched several types of design before deciding to study graphic design at Philadelphia University.  “When I began looking at colleges, I looked into digital and multimedia design; video production; interior design; culinary arts; and communications,” she said.  “I knew I wanted to do something creative, and graphic design allows me to do just that.”

“Melissa was a highly-motivated, very talented student that brought a lot of determination and concentration to her work,” said Prof. Baseman.  “She was a joy to work with, and a very reliable, hard worker.”

Balancing a demanding academic schedule and life outside of classes, during her time at the University, Levenduski also played on the Women’s Varsity Field Hockey team.  As a forward, she assisted her team members in a number of victories.

In early 2006, she became a partner in design and Internet company InverseParadox, which she helped expand into a full-service LLC offering clients not only web design, but also graphic design, Internet-technology services and creative-management services.  With InverseParadox, she and several other young, talented designers are enjoying great success meeting the creative challenges of regional businesses.