Showcasing what can happen when creative potential leads to professional accomplishments, Ringling College of Art and Design’s Alumni Honor Wall gives guests to the campus an inspiring look at what Ringling alumni have accomplished in their professional careers. It also encourages current students to envision where their own careers might lead.
For three years, this on-campus installation in the Keating Center has paid tribute to award-winning Ringling graduates who have made positive impacts in their career fields. On Jan. 24, Ringling President Dr. Larry R. Thompson led the annual ceremony for the 10 honorees of 2020. Now, year-round, passersby can learn about some of Ringling’s most accomplished graduates by visiting the Honor Wall, which was designed by Graphic Design Department Head Jeff Bleitz.
“It’s inspiring for our current and prospective students to be able to see some of the top alumni of the College. I’m so glad that they have such a high-traffic, highly visible space on campus to be honored,” said Susan Borozan, Ringling’s director of alumni relations and engagement. “We have a treasure trove of alumni and this is our way to recognize them.”
The work of this year’s recognized alumni spans the creative spectrum.
Jessica Sances Torres (’02), a Computer Animation major, has contributed animation to films including “Toy Story 3” “Brave” “Inside Out” “The Good Dinosaur” “Coco” and “Incredibles 2.”
Film major Kate Fail (’11) has worked on The Academy Awards, The Emmy Awards and The Billboard Music Awards, as well as on shows including “Stranger Things” and “The Crown.”
Fine Arts major Jeffrey Scudder (’11) is an assistant professor of emerging digital practices at Southern Oregon University. Scudder has given more than 65 lecture-performances during his career.
Game Art and Design major Michael Marra (’16) has done video game work for “Call of Duty: WWII” “Battlefield 1” and “Diablo IV.”
Graphic Design major Mark Unger (’02), is a partner/chief creative officer at Push (an Orlando-based branding and advertising agency) and has collaborated with Disney, Buffalo Wild Wings, Red Lobster, The House of Blues and Publix, among other clients.
Edward Kinsella, III (’06) is an acclaimed illustrator whose clients include The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal, Scientific American, The Washington Post and The New York Times.
With a photography and imaging background, Hadar Pitchon (’09) shoots for high-end editorial publications including Vogue, W, SID Magazine, Client Magazine and L’Officiel.
Motion designer Brianne Gagg (’18) has produced content for Apple, Facebook and Google, among others.
Interior designer Angela Rodriguez (’05) has designed luxury resorts with global giants RTKL and WATG.
Alexandra Tibbe ’14, Business of Art and Design alumna, landed an internship on a film set that led her to pursue a thriving multimedia career. “That experience taught me about the hard work and long hours I was destined to live, but also the joy that comes from doing something you truly love,” Tibbe said. “I have been fortunate enough to apply the skills gained in the business program in my work on commercials, television, and film,” she said.
See their stories here.
The knowledge and skills gained at Ringling College have translated into impressive real-world success for these and other graduates, as the Alumni Honor Wall serves to remind us.
By Abby Weingarten