It was while flipping through a magazine in the old Rapson Library that David Krummel (B.Arch ’84) stumbled across the field of set design for the first time. Although he no longer remembers the magazine, the article on production design for the Terry Gilliam movie Brazil stuck with him, sparking an interest he’s never lost.
After two years of pursuing a degree in engineering, Ben Leibham (B.S. ’18, Product Design) knew that something was missing. In search of a field that would combine his interests in art, engineering, and business, Ben spoke with an industrial designer who encouraged him to pursue a degree in product design.
Growing up, there weren’t many picture books where Meenal Patel (B.S. ’06, Graphic Design) could see herself, a lack of representation that persists to this day. After witnessing first hand the impact picture books had on her nieces, this alumna decided to pursue her dream of becoming a children’s book author.
As a child, Brianne Fast (Landscape Architecture) was captivated by stories of polar expeditions. It’s a fascination she’s incorporated into her studies and, in part, one that led her to spend a semester abroad in Norway at the Oslo School of Architecture (AHO) investigating the United Nation’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) program in the Lofoten Islands.
Judy Olausen (B.S. ’67, Related Arts) entered the University of Minnesota intending to study architecture. But a twist of fate and a full class led her to enroll in a photojournalism course taught by Dr. R. Smith Schuneman. It was a decision that would change her life.
Supported by funding from the Minnesota Legislature, the Minnesota Futures Pilot Project is working with the communities of Grand Meadow, Wabasha, and Spring Grove to help position each one for a 21st-century future.
Learning abroad is one of the best ways to expand your horizons and differentiate yourself in an increasingly globalized market. Whether through a may term trip, a semester abroad, or through a seminar class, design students are encouraged to take advantage of the many learning abroad opportunities available at the University.
When Professor Emeritus Karen LaBat (Apparel Design) met medical doctor Karen Ryan (M.S. ’06, Apparel Studies) in 2002, they found that they shared a passion for improving the design of wearable products so that all people can enjoy safe, fully functional, and innovative products.
Published in October 2018, Seattleness: A Cultural Atlas explores the nature of place through the lens of Seattle, one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Co-authored by three people, the writers include landscape architecture alumna Natalie Ross (MLA ’11)
After receiving more than 180 submissions from the international design community, the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission unanimously selected The Clearing by Ben Waldo (B.D.A. ‘12) and Daniel Affleck of SWA Group as the design for the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial, which will honor the 26 victims of the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
