Trustee Scholars

The Trustee Scholarship is awarded annually to one fourth year student who best exemplifies dedication, originality, brilliance, ambition, and talent in their field of study, as well as service to the College and to the community.

Each year, the faculty in each academic department and representatives from the Office of Student Life nominate two students from the junior class in their areas for consideration as Trustee Scholars for the following year.

Nominees are required to submit a written statement and a portfolio of their work for the Trustee Scholar Selection Committee, composed of members of the Board of Trustees to review and make a selection. The winners are selected based on:

Exceptional creative talent, communication skills, and distinction of mind
Contributions to the department, College, and/or community
Leadership, citizenship, mentorship

The nomination process is held each spring for the following academic year winners. The scholars are formally recognized at an awards ceremony each November.

Contact

Office of the President
2700 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL
officeofpres@ringling.edu

2023-24 Trustee Scholars

Congratulations to this year’s Trustee Scholars. This year’s winners will be recognized on Nov. 3 during the College’s annual Trustee Scholar Awards celebration.

A source of light, obtaining brilliant achievement and inspiring others. Individually, these 15 scholar artists and designers are uniquely talented, dedicated, and innovative. Together, and with the support of the College’s faculty, staff, trustees, friends, families, and supporters, these distinguished students are driven to pursue excellence and to be the spark that ignites a bright and shining future.

Read the news article
Watch the livestream (coming soon)
View the event program (coming soon)

Meet this year’s Trustee Scholars

Ellie Massing
Business of Art and Design

Elena Serenko
Computer Animation

Logan Faulkner
Creative Writing

Shellsea Coe
Entertainment Design

Milena Montero
Film

Christina Antoniou
Fine Arts

Laela Russell
Game Art

Sandra Lee
Graphic Design

Tako Pharsenadze
Graphic Design

Micah Eubanks
Illustration

Hannah Nguyen
Motion Design

Stephanie Varone
Photography and Imaging

Yuntian Dai
Virtual Reality Development

Ping Ho
Visual Studies

Alejandra Cintrón Rivera
Student Life

Meet the 2022-23 Scholars

Previous Trustee Scholars

2022-2023

2022-23 Trustee Scholars

Congratulations to this year’s Trustee Scholars. This year’s winners were recognized on Nov. 4 during the College’s annual Trustee Scholar Awards celebration.

Read the news article
Watch the livestream
View the event program

Video Recap

Play Video

2021-2022

2021-2022 Trustee Scholars

Get in Touch

We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.

Admissions Questions
(applying, portfolio, transfers, deadlines, events)
admissions@ringling.edu

General Questions
info@ringling.edu

Media Inquiries
communications@ringling.edu

Web Accessibility Inquiries
communications@ringling.edu

Ringling College of Art and Design

2700 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234
info@ringling.edu
941-351-5100

Office Hours:
M-F 8:30 am-4:30 pm EST

Business of Art and Design

Shpresa Mehmeti

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

I believe that creative problem solving is the answer to almost all of the problems in the world. I want to create solutions that are functional yet beautiful in nature.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

redefining new ways of approaching startup strategies, reinventing the way we view flowers as part of our ecosystem, and by creating mediums of self-expression that have never been explored before.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to be the CEO of my own company, Freya Flower Brand, spearheading my team to create flower strategies. In addition, I want to become a brand consultant to help brands achieve their highest potential.

Computer Animation

Hailey Bair

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

art plays an incredible role in telling breathtaking stories and evokes fantastic emotions. I believe the world would be dull without the impactful work of artists everywhere.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

creating a childlike sense of wonder through the stories I tell and the characters I bring to life. Leaving theaters feeling awestruck by animated films has left me wanting nothing more than to make that same magic for others.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to be a character animator for feature films. In addition, the more I learn about the animation pipeline, the more I have kindled a love for each step of the process— leading me to the dream of one day directing my own films.

Creative Writing

Jude Keifer

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

stories are a treasured form of communication. It is an exciting time to be dealing in stories because of the new methods within the industry.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

creating worlds that give my audience the freedom to not only express themselves but connect with others in unexpected ways.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to work in narrative design and one day, I would like to run an independent studio with peers who have shaped my education.

Entertainment Design

Bella Cicci

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

I have always been inspired by theme parks, immersive experiences and entertainment, and animated movies and shows. Creating these exciting experiences and powerful emotions for people has always been my dream.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

making entertainment and experiences accessible, inviting, and inclusive to all. I came to Ringling College with the intention of pursuing knowledge and skills to expand and bring more to the themed entertainment industry.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to serve as creative director or a member of a design and fabrication team on a major theme park, resort, stage shows, other immersive experiences around the world, or all of the above. I would like to experience as much of the industry as possible.

Film

Ana Brighton

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

art is the space where I feel the most comfortable. I have always been an artist and I never thought about anything else growing up. When I was introduced to film, it was like I immediately found my calling.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

expressing my thoughts and my perspective on various topics and situations through my art. I want to be able to make a difference in people’s lives with my work.

MY DREAM JOB IS

directing feature length films with scripts that I write.

Fine Arts

Lizi Budagashvili

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

this is what I am meant to be doing. I have felt the creative call ever since I was little. In recent years, I realized I could not waste what I have been gifted and have since dedicated my life to artmaking.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

reminding people of the power of love and honesty. I want to share my experiences and invite people to relate and see the beauty in the hardships of their lives; the beauty in imperfections.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to work with and for different galleries and museums and paint in my studio.

Fine Arts

Pao Chutijirawong

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

I was drawn to the potential of art as a form of mark-making and memorandum of the present context.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

making art to be experienced and appreciated by others. I want to tell stories of the environment and locations from perspectives which have not previously been remembered or noticed.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to work in the field of art by making works that can be used and appreciated by people of different cultural backgrounds.

Game Art

Payton Odierno

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

I cannot imagine my life without creating art. It is the main reason that I get out of bed every morning.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

providing quality visual storytelling and entertainment that allows the viewer to get lost in these fictional worlds.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to focus on environments in the game industry. There is so much to love about working in game art.

Graphic Design

Sam Grimm

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

having the knowledge and skills to create a better world through visual communication marries my love for design and our planet.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

helping individuals, communities, and businesses reach their goals through visual communication.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to start a successful design agency.

Illustration

Ale Ortega-Romero

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

there is no alternative to art in my life. Although I considered different avenues, I always returned to illustration as a source of comfort and self-expression. Despite starting off as a distraction, art became my entire center of attention.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

leaving a positive impact on a young audience that is also interested in art, showing them comforting characters and narratives they can relate to. Especially for kids in Central America, where I am from, to show them how to tell their own personal stories.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to work anywhere in the world in an animation studio with my friends, working alongside one another. I’d especially like to work in children’s media, creating visually appealing but also meaningful stories that can leave an impression on them.

Motion Design

Yael Bloom

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

art and design have always been topics of interest to me. I love finding creative solutions through design. Animation is a great outlet to experiment and really explore a full spectrum of mediums.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

exploring ways to communicate big ideas through visually engaging means. Motion Design is essentially an animation major with a focus on communication.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to work with a well-established studio that works mostly in advertisement and short form animation. I also really love stop motion and experimental animation. I really love that my field of interest allows for many smaller projects at once.

Photography and Imaging

Jesse Clark

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

out of the many hobbies and activities I’ve been a part of, art has been the one that has moved me the most. It has provided me avenues and platforms in which I could fully express myself while also shaping people around me.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

moving humanity closer together. Most of my artwork showcases the beauty of different identities and the importance of us acknowledging each other’s histories and existence. Change happens when we work together.

MY DREAM JOB IS

two-fold. The first is being a Fine Artist which I’m currently pursuing and working my way towards success with. That is where I see myself making the most change. And secondly, a photographer for Vogue magazine.

Virtual Reality Development

Ryan Wien

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

it has given me a voice and platform that I never had previously. Virtual reality allows me to interpret life in a three-dimensional world that simulates real world experiences and goes beyond the mainstream limits of other types of art.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

helping others grow and learn through technological means. This industry aids others in important areas including mental health and other medical-related needs.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to work in the medical virtual reality space. I want to aid prospective companies with new ideas on how to utilize virtual reality platforms.

Visual Studies

Mafer Bencomo Arevalo

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

creativity and systems thinking are vital when envisioning and building a more equitable world.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

creating spaces that facilitate healing, conflict resolution, and radical imagination.

MY DREAM JOB IS

in a think tank that accelerates the growth of startups and civil society initiatives in Latin America.

Student Life

Calvin “CJ” Callins

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

it allows a full life of creativity. As an artist, we truly have no limits and can really do anything through our art when we put our time, mind, and passion into it.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

showing everyone the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, does not have to be a singular answer. You can do, and you can be, as many things as you want.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to entertain and educate as a film director, disc jockey, actor, and event host.

BUSINESS OF ART AND DESIGN

TEKLA KHANTADZE

TBILISI, GEORGIA

41.714°, 44.826°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

it is the communication tool that is capable of evoking emotions deep enough to cause real, positive change.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

inspiring young people to chase after their dreams despite whatever doubts they may have. Realizing your self-worth is a difficult and lifelong journey that I aspire to make easier for others.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to create campaigns for brands that shatter the pre-existing boxes we as a society have created, and to help us move towards a more fair and equitable world.

COMPUTER ANIMATION

ANUSHKA NAIR

CLARENDON HILLS, ILLINOIS

41.797°, -87.954°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

I’ve been a storyteller my entire life, and I’m also passionate about representation and equity. I believe creating a narrative through art and design is the perfect opportunity to bring a voice to the stories we never get to hear.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

helping to represent the underrepresented and their untold perspectives in film by contributing to unique stories, character designs, and models. The more we get to see different communities and their personal journeys represented, the more welcoming and inclusive our world will be.

MY DREAM JOB IS

a 3D modeler for animation, visual effects, or games, and helping to make others’ visions a reality by bringing their dynamic characters and intricate worlds to fruition.

CREATIVE WRITING

KYKYE

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NEW JERSEY

40.681°, -74.431°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

art is anything that makes you feel; because tools make noise and instruments make music, and the world is noisy enough; because painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks and sometimes, even sings.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

promoting healing through feeling; to make humanity feel again. I once wrote in a poem, “There is no sobriety in this society. We numb ‘til we’re dumb, but the healing’s in the feeling and we’re all in need of some.”

MY DREAM JOB IS

to design and maintain a clear channel for words to come through me from collective consciousness. I dream of sharing stories that heal me as I write them, and heal my readers as they read them.

FILM

REESE BOBO

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

28.537°, -81.381°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

I have always had a love for storytelling. Growing up my parents shared countless stories, and the challenges of having dyslexia helped guide me into focusing on my strengths of working with a visual medium.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

paving the way for filmmaking by making movies my way, with my classmates… the newest emerging filmmakers.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to be a writer-director. I love to tell stories and my dream is to tell my stories on the screen.

FINE ARTS

MELVIN GOMEZ

SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR

13.693°, -89.217°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

art gives me hope and the motivation to move forward in life. Second, as an artist, I strongly believe we can make a positive impact in the world by taking action and using our talent to serve our community.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

sharing what I learned here at Ringling College nationally and internationally. I have grown as an artist. I have made friendships that I will keep for life and with my peers we can reimagine the world as it should be.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to allocate my paintings in the art world and find a gallery that can represent me. Second, I want to teach art in my country and abroad. Lastly, I would like to become a donor to Ringling College and give back to the institution that has given me so much.

GAME ART

GRANGER MARTIN

BETHESDA, MARYLAND

38,987°, -77.098°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

games are an emerging medium and the untapped potential is exciting to me. Fictional worlds were once confined to words on a page, but now for the first time in history, we can build and experience them.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

making players, regardless of their background, laugh and smile. Games are a digital reflection of our reality, so humor and fun make it feel more human. I don’t think technology will ever replace the human heart.

MY DREAM JOB IS

working with a creative, accepting team as an environment artist. Crafting architecture and interior spaces for games is especially interesting because you get to put yourself in the mind of the characters that build the spaces and inhabit them.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

ADAM MYERSCOUGH

PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA

28.087°, -82.753°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

creativity gives me a voice. Design has given me the power to tell beautiful stories and communicate inspiring messages that may otherwise go unheard.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

encouraging young people to learn about design and how it can be an enjoyable, fulfilling, and viable career path.

MY DREAM JOB IS

a user interface and experience designer for games.

ILLUSTRATION

OLIVER STEPHENSON

LAKELAND, FLORIDA

28.033°, -81.954°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

a career in the arts will leave me feeling fulfilled for the rest of my life. People always say if you love your job, you’re lucky and I know if I have a career that allows me to create, I will be happy.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

bringing people together. I want my work to show people that it’s okay to be yourself and express who you are in your own unique way. I want my work to be authentic and unapologetic, just like everyone who views it should be allowed to feel.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to be a freelance artist so that I may experience the wide field that is Illustration. I don’t like restricting myself so I like the idea of keeping my options open. I also hope to build my own small business focusing on my art one day.

MOTION DESIGN

MATTHEW LUPO

SPRINGVILLE, UTAH

40.165°, -111.612°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

creating art was the first way I found my voice. This became my connection to the world and my primary form of self-expression. I can’t imagine a future where I’m not entangled with art.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

making a positive impact through the power art has to communicate. If I don’t impart my work with my own unique point of view, no one else will, and that’s all we can do as artists.

MY DREAM JOB IS

one where I get to meet interesting people and keep pushing myself to continue learning. As long as I’m out of my comfort zone, I’ll know I’m in the right place.

MOTION DESIGN

AMANDA GODREAU

CAYEY, PUERTO RICO

18.112°, -66.163°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

being creative is an inherent part of who I am and something I am extremely passionate about. I believe the opportunities within the digital space will only continue to grow and expand. Pursuing creativity through digital mediums was the right choice for me and my future.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

asking a different question, because I am more interested in how the world impacts my work. No artist is separate from the world in which they exist. I am excited to see how our world continues to shape my artistic practice.

MY DREAM JOB IS

being in a position of constant growth and pushing the boundaries of both my profession and my skills. I would love to be surrounded by talented and creative people to collaborate with.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND IMAGING

MATTHEW TROYER

SUGARCREEK, OHIO

40.507°, -81.640°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

I have a passion for storytelling. There are stories I want to tell and photography has given me an outlet to share my own story and the stories of others in an impactful way.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

bringing to light the military experiences of veterans and combat trauma, as well as the family bond that these experiences and people create.

MY DREAM JOB IS

teaching photography and combining my two favorite things from my time in the military; working as a photographer and mentoring. My dream is to keep working on projects personal to me and to help teach the next generation of artists.

VIRTUAL REALITY DEVELOPMENT

JOSEPH JANSSEN

HARTLAND, WISCONSIN

43.104°, -88.342°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

I’ve always been enthralled by design and understanding the complexities of creating something that is considered visually captivating. The idea that design is a practical process that creates an aesthetic from an initial concept or idea is what intrigues me the most.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

producing engaging and powerful immersive experiences that stimulate a positive impact for all users. I want to bridge the gap between reality and our imaginations. The capabilities of virtual reality are limitless as we can design experiences tailored towards many different applications.

MY DREAM JOB IS

to be a technical artist and immersive media developer, who creates beneficial and profound experiences for various industry applications. Through a tactful blend of both technical and artistic skills, I aim to create stimulating, immersive user-interactivity.

VISUAL STUDIES

CHEYANNE WITTER

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA

30.422°, -87.214°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

every other field I looked into never felt quite right, and I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

working with either a magazine company creating video and photography content, or with a production studio creating works such as music videos and other types of experimental media.

MY DREAM JOB IS

STUDENT LIFE

SKYLAR STEWART

MOUNT STERLING, OHIO

39.719°, -83.267°

I CHOOSE A FUTURE IN ART AND DESIGN BECAUSE

growing up, I was always drawing, crafting, or as my mom would say, “making messes.” I realized my talent wasn’t just a gift but part of a legacy. I had the power to change lives at my fingertips or should I say, pencil tip.

I WANT MY WORK TO IMPACT THE WORLD BY

acknowledging the negatives of life while cherishing all the positives. I want to bring joy, laughter, and tears; teach valuable lessons and inspire every child (or the child within us). I want future generations to value art and recognize the potential to pursue it as a career.

MY DREAM JOB IS

working for a company that promotes personal growth and giving back; is a place I can use both my art and leadership skills to the fullest; that can fund my future family, Lego addiction, and farm full of countless animals.