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Alumni Spotlight

     Alumni Fun Facts

  • Public Art Success: Many UNF sculpture alumni have gone on to create public art commissions across the U.S., with some even securing major projects for cities and universities.
  • MOCA Jacksonville Ties: UNF has a direct partnership with MOCA Jacksonville, and several alumni have had their work exhibited or have taken on professional roles at the museum.
  • International Impact: Some UNF graduates have participated in residencies abroad, from Italy to Japan, expanding their artistic practice globally.

A mural of a cow beside a train bridge over a river, with shipping containers visible on the train.

     Data & Outcomes

  • Internships Leading to Jobs: Many Graphic Design students transition from internships to full-time roles at agencies, companies, or startups.
  • Seaside Sculpture Park: UNF is one of the only universities that allows undergraduate students to create large-scale public art, giving them a competitive edge.
  • Entrepreneurial Artists: Graduates have launched successful Etsy stores, custom fabrication shops, and graphic design firms, contributing to Jacksonville’s creative economy.
  • Graduate School Placements: Art & Design alumni have been accepted into top MFA programs including SCAD, Pratt, RISD, University of Florida, University of Tennessee Knoxville, University of Mississippi, University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University.

Jaguar logo featuring a fierce-looking leopard head with prominent facial features and bold colors.

From Studying Graphic Design at UNF to Pursuing a Career with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional football team in Jacksonville, Florida that has a passionate fan base within Jax culture. They bring unity and pride to the community, while also delivering fierce competition and strong performances in the NFL.

With a curriculum that emphasizes both artistic expression and technical skills, the UNF Graphic Design program equips its students with the tools needed to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. The focus on real-world applications ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to make an impact in industries like sports, where design and branding are crucial to connecting with fans and fostering team loyalty.

 

UNF Sculpture Alumni create a local success: Main Made Studios.

In Atlantic Beach, David Main’s alumni-owned business has been a full-service metal fabrication shop for almost nine years, crafting everything from custom metal signs to large-scale installations for many of your favorite Jacksonville businesses.

     Outstanding Graduates

The Art, Art History, and Design Department has a tradition of honoring graduates each Fall and Spring with our Outstanding Graduate Awards. The nominations come from faculty in the discipline and honor students who excel in each area. Beyond excellence in academic and creative work these students are often selected for a wide range of intangible aspects. Characteristics related to empathy, determination, focus, and humility, are the reasons these students are truly outstanding.

Fall 2024 Outstanding Graduates

  • Adele (Peri) Manwell - Art History
  • Karina Ocasio Irizarry - Art History
  • Kori (Gigi) Novaton - Art History
  • Isabella Clary - Graphic Design
  • Javon Williams - Graphic Design
  • Noelle Matthews - Painting/Drawing
  • Jared Shaw - Painting/Drawing
  • Rachel Brown - Printmaking
  • Grace Pulak - Printmaking
  • Dustin Sims - Sculpture
  • Patricia Muñiz - Sculpture
  • Emily Timmons - Sculpture
  • Shelby Stiehl - Sculpture

Spring 2024 Outstanding Graduates

  • Olivia Wall - Art History
  • Justin Luong - Graphic Design
  • Kenny Eckstein-Shoemann - Painting/Drawing
  • Sage Cleary - Photography
  • Elysa Adams - Printmaking

Fall 2023 Outstanding Graduates

  • Lauren Allen - Art History
  • Lindsay Bowyer - Art History
  • Madeline Marcy - Art History
  • Ainsley Padrick - Graphic Design
  • Morgan Janota - Painting/Drawing
  • Ty Raderstorf - Painting/Drawing
  • LaJoyce McGrew - Printmaking
  • Ethan Harmon - Sculpture
  • Seph Trask - Sculpture 

Spring 2023 Outstanding Graduates

  • Haley Blair - Ceramics
  • Lanie Riedeburg - Graphic Design
  • McKenna Martin - Graphic Design
  • Sun Aggarwal - Painting/Drawing
  • Stephanie Hall - Painting/Drawing
  • Autumn Weaver - Photography
  • Noah Constantino - Printmaking
  • Hanna Hadzic - Sculpture

Fall 2022 Outstanding Graduates

  • Kodie Mahone - Art History
  • Virginia Murray - Ceramics
  • Tyler Burt - Graphic Design
  • Madeline Catton - Painting/Drawing
  • Kayla Smith - Printmaking 
  • Jordy Bowen - Printmaking