College of Design students teamed up with the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE) to create a refreshed design for the group's signature graduation stoles.
This fall, students in Alex Newby’s Graphic Design class (GDes 4312) were given an opportunity to design something that plays an important part in a graduating student’s experience. The challenge? Designing a graduation stole (the long, narrow cloth typically worn during a graduation ceremony) for members of the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE), a community-based space that focuses on the academic experiences of first-generation students, students of Color, and American Indian students.
Each year the MCAE holds a Celebration of Achievement, a graduation celebration that brings together undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who are a part of the MCAE community. Each student in GDes 4312 created a unique stole design, with one winning design selected for use in the actual ceremony. This year’s winning design was created by Averie Hillyer (BFA '26, Graphic Design)
The MCAE’s original stole, created in 2005, was patterned after traditional African Kente cloth and was hand-woven to reflect the values represented by their graduates: interconnectedness, unity, and wisdom. With this year’s redesign, MCAE staff members hope a new generation of students will feel seen, valued, and appreciated. “Our students asked for a stole that was unique and represented who they are and their connection to MCAE, “ said Terra Brister, MCAE Assistant Director of Holistic Support.
College of Design faculty and staff were excited to collaborate. Steve Yang, Assistant Dean for Student Services, worked to connect the MCAE with Alex Newby, a lecturer in Graphic Design who specializes in surface pattern design, textile design, and drawing. “Being able to provide students with a project for design work outside of the studio space was invaluable," said Alex Newby. "I think all parties learned a lot from the project—I know that I did. It was exciting to support the MCAE community in this way and I feel grateful for the opportunity.”
Graphic Design major Averie Hillyer drew inspiration for her design from multiple sources. “I was immediately inspired by the Kente cloth pattern that was on the stole a few years prior ... I thought it would be powerful to have multiple countries represented through various textile patterns.” Avery researched fabric samples from countries around the world. “I sorted through the collection and did my best to choose samples from different continents and groups to try and make sure everyone felt represented in some way. I traced and colorized the fabric patterns in a cohesive color palette to bring connection between the different samples."
Members of the MCAE had the difficult task of picking a winner. “The hardest part was picking our top three,” said Terra Brister. “About 230 students voted and shared their thoughts. Working with the College of Design students and faculty ... quickly blossomed into a beautiful experience. They took the MCAE team’s words and turned them into beautiful visuals that represented our community.”
Averie Hillyer hopes that her design has a positive impact on graduating students. “I hope that my stole will contribute ... by allowing students to feel represented and acknowledged during a momentous time in their college career. I want students to be able to look at the stole as a reminder of the hard work that they put in, of the community that exists within MCAE, and remind them that their heritage is something to be celebrated and treasured.”
The Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence (MCAE) supports the academic experiences of first-generation students, students of color, and American Indian students. While MCAE focuses on these communities, it welcomes all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, or national origin. For more information, visit the MCAE website.
