Students Win at Annual Portfolio Review

The library of Villa Maria College hosted 30 area visual communications students who displayed their work at another successful Portfolio Review. The event sold out in advance to sophomores, juniors and seniors from 6 area collegiate institutions. Students were more prepared than ever with collections of work from Daemen, UB, Buffalo State, Canisius, R.I.T., and Villa Maria.

Nearly 25 accomplished professionals from the advertising, communications, and design fields volunteered to offer insight to each student in timed intervals. It was a soirée of networking and encouragement with lunch provided at the midpoint. The pros then voted for the most effective portfolios.

The format was revised this year with positive feedback, and an increase in scholarships was awarded. Every student worked hard and presented themselves professionally, but the following students received the most accolades from the judges.

1st Place Laura Hoerner, RIT Junior
2nd Place Grace Gruarin, Villa Maria Junior
3rd Place Jay Fleckenstein, RIT Junior
Honorable Mention (tie) Carl Hunley, Villa Maria Sophomore
and Samantha Watson, RIT Junior

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the event. And, thank you to the many professionals who gave up their Saturday to offer valuable feedback. We look forward to seeing more terrific design work next year!