Buies Creek, N.C.-Campbell University Graphic Design majors have joined the Raleigh chapter of the national design organization the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA).
With over 22,000 members, AIGA’s mission is to advance designing as a professional craft, tool and vital cultural force. According to Daniel Rodgers, professor of Graphic Design, the organization offers its members a variety of opportunities, including awards competitions, fellowships, internships and others.
“Being affiliated with the AIGA brings much to our department and program,” Rodgers said. “AIGA encourages the formation of student groups at colleges and universities and is committed to developing these groups as a way of encouraging understanding of the profession. The goal is to get the students involved in the local design community, create a community of their own and help them build leadership skills that will be valuable as they move into the professional world.”
Founded in 1914, AIGA remains the oldest and largest professional membership organization for design. It publishes a design journal, operates the AIGA Design Press and library and sponsors annual competitions, exhibitions, conferences, scholarships and career placement services.
“A goal that I’m committed to is assisting students with the skills, professionalism and confidence they need to sustain themselves in a very competitive and satisfying career,” Rodgers said. “Our membership in AIGA places our students in a design community outside of Campbell University that will help them grow creatively and better prepare them for the profession. We get out of the membership what we put into it.”
The Campbell University Graphic Design and Studio Art program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in both fields. Graduates can work in a variety of venues, including advertising, corporate marketing departments, web page design, editorial design for magazines, books and newspapers, new media, sports branding firms, teaching and the federal government. There are approximately 50 students enrolled in Campbell’s Graphic Design program.