Today@Sam Article
Graphic Film Supports Women In STEM
April 24, 2019
SHSU Media Contact: Hannah Haney
Written By: Brianna Smith
The Department of Art at Sam Houston State University is making their mark on the Graphic Design industry in 2019. The department brought home the award for 'Best Group Project' at The National Student Show and Conference in Dallas, Texas in March. This accomplishment follows the announcement of their program being named Top Ten Graphic Design School Programs in Texas for 2019 by Animation Career Review.
With advisement from Cesar Rivera, assistant professor of Graphic Design, four students: Precious Lord, Ayana Atha, Guadalupe Martinez-Urbina and Brandie Lafleur, were honored for their short motion graphic film, “Girls Who Code.” The short animation sheds light on the percent of women who currently hold computer science positions. The short film was created with hopes to start a movement to improve the amount of tech related jobs held by women in the future.
“Girls Who Code was a project that was very important to me,” Lord said. “I believe that teaching girls that they can do anything, even code, is an important message to share to everybody.”
Among 1,500 submissions entered into the show amongst a wide range of categories, only 150 pieces were accepted into the DSVC show, making this a great success for the department.
“The award is a wonderful event for recognition of the students’ hard work, the direction of the graphic design program, the Department of Art, and helps raise the visibility of SHSU,” Rivera said. “The project also supports the university’s motto.”
With the generous funding from student services, 52 student entries were submitted to the National Student Show and Conference.
Six projects out of the 52 submitted were selected for the show in Dallas, which is the first time SHSU has had this many student pieces in the show, doubling last year’s submissions.
The projects selected included work from Lord, who has been accepted into the show two consecutive years in a row.
“When the project got accepted, I felt honored to be included in such a talented collection of students. At the Gala, when it was announced that my group won the project I was in complete shock, I almost cried," Lord said. "So much hard work, sacrifices and dedication went into creating this motion graphic. In that moment, I felt like it all paid off. It felt so good to be awarded for our work."
To see the short animation “Girls Who Code” click the link below.
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