University of Delaware Visual Communications BFA Show 2021

UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS CLASS OF 2021

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THE INTRO MEET THE CLASS SOPHIE POINDEXTER JULIA PODEST STEPHANIE GENSBURG LAUREN HAIMERL SARAH TURTURRO GIOVANNA NEEL SNAPSHOTS OLIVIA GRUBB RACHEL GOERKE KEYONDRA WAYMAN LUKE WAGNER MARYBETH O’HANLON CHIARA FIORI VC PROFESSORS RACHEL SCHEETZ JORDYN GELFAND ANNA SEFIL JACQUELINE HALL ANDREW WITCHER MOLLY O’DONNELL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CREDITS THE OUTRO

We’re used to the confused stares when people try to comprehend what Visual Communications means. We’re used to explaining what we do, even when we don’t even know what we’re doing (hahahaha)...

We have that explanation rehearsed; it’s routine. Yet, there’s no script that can convey how it has affected us. It’s the “who’s up??” texts at 3am, the battles with the printers, the Robyn Experience™. The late nights and long hours may have been dreadful at times, but we all know they’ll be missed. We have been pushed to limits previously unknown and learned to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. We truly would not have wanted our lives to be completely consumed by anything else.

VC, we love you, we hate you, annnd we love you again.

SOPHIE Art has always been a form of expression and communication for me. As a freshman, I had the opportunity to sit in on a VC presentation from the seniors at the time. It was in that meeting that I realized design was what I wanted to do. I have gone on to do just that, with a lot of help from some late night coffees and strawberry mentos. I have found my perfect way to get exactly what I want out of this beautifully challenging major. Art is a form of communication we are so lucky to understand and VC is another branch on the ever growing tree.

SOPHIEPOINDEXTER.COM

SPOTIFY X JUNETEENTH

A music festival for Juneteenth created

by Spotify celebrating music discovery, history, Black American music, and its impact on American Culture.

SP 7

BEFORE AND AFTER

A photographic zine documenting how the consumption of music has been altered since quarantine. The contrast of concert pictures from 2019 to ones taken in 2020 showcase the stark reality of the year we all endured.

SP 9

AKA JUJ

JULIA VC taught me that you actually don’t need sleep to function and that coffee is a girl’s best friend. Correction, coffee and pizza... couldn’t have survived college without that iconic duo. They have really supported me throughout my creative process. I often find myself experimenting with layers of information to create depth, bold color palettes, and abstract textural elements. I love creating pieces that appeal to your sense of touch and have the ability to evoke feelings of familiarity, discomfort, or joy. I am a true experimenter and a firm believer in happy accidents.

JULIAPODEST.COM

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OVERCOMING THE STIGMA

Female college students often experience a heightened sense of anxiety. Many times, this demographic struggles with obstacles of body issues and self-esteem. I believe that raising awareness and spreading knowledge about this topic can have the power to chip away at the stigma.

SWEET BALLISTIC

Sweet Ballistic is a band that brings hardcore punk rock to a new level with their aggressive and chaotic music style.

JP 13

GOOD+PLENTY

We all have those days where we need a little pick-me-up to take the edge off. Good and Plenty is rebranded to do just that; the pill-shaped candies appeal to a younger audience within its euphoric user experience.

Good Oasis, the brand’s own music and arts festival, celebrates its licorice bliss.

In collaboration with Rachel Scheetz.

STEPH I am a music fanatic. Guitarist, drummer, vinyl-collector, and grunge-loving Deadhead. My work reflects my love of music, pulling elements from the collaged, hard-edged, bold nature of grunge culture. I find myself creating work that immerses myself in that world. Tribute calendars, album redesigns, and collages of my favorite artists allow me to showcase my love for all that classic rock and grunge music emulates.

STEPHGENSBURG.COM

THE 27 CLUB

The 27 Club consists of a group of groundbreaking musicians who all died coincidentally at the age of 27. Each signature card pays tribute to a different member of this infamous group.

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THE FEAST

The Feast is my cinematic debut. A man’s hunger is exaggerated way beyond reason as he waits for what feels like hours for his meal to be cooked. The viewer catches a glimpse inside the main character’s head in a comedic manner through aggressive scoring and contrast between the audio and visuals.

VOLTAGE GROUND

Alternative rock band inspired by the Seattle grunge sound. A beer line entitled “Bees Knees Honey Beer” accompanies the band’s hit album, Beeswax.

SG 17

LAUREN I find that going on a walk outside always brings me the most mental clarity and helps get me out of a creative block. I am incredibly connected to nature, which seeps into my work through photography, hand lettering, and my use of color. Throughout my time in VC, I’ve realized that no matter how busy you are it’s important to remember to not stress too much.

LAURENHAIMERL.COM

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FLOURISH

A cafe that believes in the power of plants. Each meal is made from scratch, with love, to nourish the body and soul. The food is sourced ethically from local farms, using organic plants, and wholesome ingredients.

WITH THE GIRLS

A zine created as a celebration of women and my own personal expression of femininity.

LH LH LH-21WW - 21 21

AKA CHURRO

SARAH Sometimes you just have to step away. Forcing ideas to happen doesn’t always work; be ok with letting them show up when they’re ready. It’s scary, but “trust the process” as they say. It’s been a ride these last four years and I’ve definitely learned some wisdom in that time... so freshman Sarah, if you’re listening: You don’t need to do everything. Find time for what you really care about; your schedule doesn’t need to be packed back-to-back for you to be involved... you psychopath.

Just go to the freaking party.

SARAHTURTURRO.COM

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BREAKFAST

I’m in a bit of an ironic relationship with breakfast. It may be my favorite kind of food, but as a VC college student, I rarely get to eat it. Most of the time, “breakfast” consists of an ungodly amount of coffee… my body may hate it but it sure is tasty!

RAINFOREST

Rainforest Coffee was created to help raise funds for ACEER, a nonprofit organization aimed to educate people about conserving the Amazon. Social media campaigns and a coffee hour podcast bring the serenity of a coffee shop right to your breakfast table.

In collaboration with Sophie Poindexter.

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GIA

When my parents decided to tell me that I could not live out my dreams of becoming a tattoo artist, I had to find another way to pursue a creative career.

VC became the perfect fit. This major has pushed me to become a better artist, designer, and creative than I could have ever dreamt. It has pushed me to find my style, one that is unique to me. As of late, a lot of my work follows a futuristic Brutalism aesthetic. I’ve always been drawn to the more edgy things in life, like snowboarding and motocross. It is only natural that my work is often inspired by these interests that are connected to Brutalism design.

GNCREATIVE.SQUARESPACE.COM

GNU SNOWBOARDS

For as long as I can remember, I’ve ridden GNU boards. I redesigned their snowboards along with their landing page to accurately represent the brand as I see it.

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AVANT GARDE

A zine paying homage to Herb Lubalin through design and typography.

FLUID WRENCH

Driven deep into the nu-metal music scene, the up and coming band Fluid Wrench captures a unique mixture of heavy metal, techno, and 90’s grunge music. Get ready, join us for a stellar lineup of concerts all around the globe.

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AKA OLIVE

LIV One thing I learned quickly about VC is that late nights become mornings more often than I could have imagined. I’ve also learned how pretty the sunrise is.

My sleep-deprived eyes still manage to serve me in seeing those beautiful colors as I come to the realization that my project isn’t done but is still due in six hours. Wouldn’t have made it without my trusty ramen and the roommates that stay up with me to make the process just a little bit smoother. Here’s to the friendships...and the noodles <3

LIVGRUBB.MYPORTFOLIO.COM

IV I XCIX

An emblem representing my South Korean roots and my upbringing in the USA. Each aspect is directly symbolic of my birth, family, and connection to these countries.

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MATERIAL CLOUD

An electric-pop band guaranteed to bring everyone to the dancefloor. Fans gain a closer look into the band’s story through On The Road Again, a live concert digipak from Material Cloud’s second tour.

TRADER JOE’S + FOOD SAFETY

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On World Food Safety Day, Trader Joe’s will be implementing protective gear into their packaging to remind consumers about the importance of practicing proper food safety guidelines.

RACHEL The last few years have exponentially changed who I am in many ways. From the timid little freshman who didn’t speak in her ceramics class, to taking charge of photoshoots senior year, I have learned that there is nothing I can’t conquer if I give it my all and trust myself in the process. There are things that never change though, like my love of Disney, or my floral doodles, or my Volkswagen Beetle named Phoebe.

RACHELGOERKE.COM

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WHEN LIFE GIVES ME LEMONS

An exploration in video, image, composition, and storytelling that conveys a part of my personality. I explored different angles in the video, manipulation of light, and challenged myself to use food and film entirely on an iPhone. I like to turn around situations in my life and use them as a chance to better myself and reframe my mindset. Getting hit on the head with lemon could be the start of a beautiful day.

THE FASHION OF FACE COVERINGS

Within the confines of this zine lives a photo study dedicated to the hottest new accessory: the face mask. I have pushed this necessary safety precaution of wearing face coverings during the COVID-19 global pandemic into the realm of high fashion, editorial style photography. All masks are hand-made and designed by myself and Kate Neff.

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GIVERNY “ET PLEIN AIR”

Giverny “Et Plein Air” inspires and entrances the wearer of this delicate fragrance. Envisioned to mimic the scents in Monet’s very own garden in Giverny, France. Notes of fresh water and blooming irises paint a bright scent on the skin. Water lilies, the muse of many works, infuse a lemony aroma.

AKA KEY

KEYONDRA I’ve had some time to figure out a few tricks when it comes to my creative process. After realizing the first idea is never the right one, I stumbled upon winestorming... You’ve been ideating for hours, yet you are stuck in this mental quicksand and all seems bleak. With all that built up frustration you want a break. You pour a partial glass, not even a full cup, and call a friend. You take that first sip of wine and soon your frustrations fade. A wave of relief comes over you. Ideas start to pour out of you. The good, the bad, and the ugly. But you have finally broken the wall and escaped the quicksand, continuing your process journey. That is winestorming… If you know you know.

KEYONDRAWAYMAN.WORK

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I’M COMING OUT

Campaign for my friend, Ms. Petunia Juanita Rebel-Rocket Cortez, a newcomer in the world of drag.

GIFFGAFF

Breaking up with your tech isn’t easy, but using GiffGaff is. Their recycling service is explained through comedic animations, illustrating the ease of ending a relationship over text.

In collaboration w/ Beaux LaFontaine.

TWITCH

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Women often face gaming intimidation in what is a highly male dominated environment. No Gaming Intimidation is a movement within the Women Are Playing campaign, aka WAP, created to empower new and upcoming female gamers streaming on the Twitch platform.

In collaboration with Anna Sefil.

LUKE

It’s never the medium that drives my happiness. It’s when an impossible idea comes to life in an unexpected way. Late one stormy night at 2:39 am, I was contemplating what I could film for an experimental self-portrait video. After a thunderous crack of lightning, I had the idea of hammering a 6-inch roofing nail into my nasal cavity. Three days later, my film “Why Fear the Unknown’’ was born. My excitement had never been higher, and my nose had never been so damn sore. My love of cinema continuously inspires me. There’s always one word that seems to arise when someone is describing my work… dramatic.

LUKEJAMESWAGNER.COM

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WHY FEAR THE UNKNOWN

A weight...a burden...a never-ending battle fought until we’ve drawn our last breath. Fear has consumed me and controlled me. No longer will I stand idly by in my own mind. Fear is a mindset, a hurdle, a river with an unknown depth.

Why not cross that river? Why not hammer a 6-inch roofing spike into my nasal cavity. Why fear the unknown?

DINGY THE DOGFISH

Through many hours of...research, I started to wonder what an actual Dogfish would look like. Thus, Dingy the Dogfish was born. A fun, quirky mascot who roams the murky Delaware waters guarding his sunken treasure.

HARRY HOUDINI

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Key art and teaser trailer for a series focused on the vulnerability Houdini endured risking his life in front of audiences.

MARYBETH My competitive spirit drives me to be detail oriented in all aspects of life, especially in my creative work. It pushes me to find new ways of thinking and creating. Through experimenting in various media and my time as an art & design student, I have found my passion for experience design. The functionality aspect of UX, my clean and concise style, and my drive to perfect the details have allowed me to thrive in VC and find my voice within my work.

MARYBETHOHANLON.COM

Sideways ignition is an indie-rock band where both my love for music and nostalgic imagery came together. A Spotify video animation plays behind the song as you experience the music.

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SIDEWAYS IGNITION

REMEMBRANCE

A series born from my interest in my dad’s old photographs from the 80’s where I screen printed my favorites in CMYK. Combining them with his most used phrases, I continued this project and further explored this idea of nostalgia and remembrance.

SPOTIFY

Your World Wide Stage is a Geopositioning feature within Spotify that makes it easier to see what others are listening to and connect all around the globe.

In collaboration with Anna Sefil.

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CHIARA We were told freshman year that “if you aren’t thinking about art and design all day every day, you shouldn’t be in this major”. In that moment I knew that I had made the right choice. I love art and design to its core and do not know where I would be without it. It has been my constant source of sanity & insanity, therapy & stress, yet there is nothing I would rather do day in and day out.

CHIARAFIORI.COM

070 SHAKE LAYOUT

For this project, I drew inspiration from 070 Shake’s song, Under the Moon. I created an illustration and layout design that features an article by Sophie Kemp for Vogue. The indie song is represented through the hazy feelings that can be pulled from the cycle of the moon, the color palette, and the playful type.

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FLEETWOOD MAC’S GREATEST HITS

As a fan of Fleetwood Mac, I took it upon myself to redesign their Greatest Hits Album. I intended on reviving the cover art to have a timeless feel- mixing modern techniques with vintage style.

I curated my seven favorite songs and created a poster for each, all visually representative of my interpretation of each song.

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AKA REETZ

RACHEL A lesson I’ve learned in VC is START IT EARLIER. You may think you thrive off of staying up until 4 and waking up at 10 when the melatonin is still hittin’, but your body actually hates you. Speaking of learning things in the world of college... hey freshman Rachel, you really do not need to carry your entire portfolio case and toolbox across campus. You look like the biggest dweeb walking down the green. Embarrassing. Good news is that it gets better and you look Very Cool going to class now. Bad news is that it gets worse and you only have two days a week to show off in your in-person classes. Life is weird.

XX, Reetz circa 2021

REETZ.STUDIO

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DISNEY. HE’S BACK.

A world tour of Walt Disney’s once cryogenically frozen, now thawed head will kick off in 2023 to celebrate the company’s centennial. People around the world will be able to get a glimpse of the man behind the Disney legacy and see just how honest and transparent their well-loved company truly is…as clear as ice.

In collaboration with Mathea Madsen.

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JORDYN Being a perfectionist has its downfalls...and a few benefits. As someone who focuses on all the details, I know when I need to step back and tap into my perspective, and when I need to push myself to new limits. As a creative, I also know, it is almost impossible to achieve “perfection”. Yet, that is what drives me; the constant hours of working, the nit-picking, and the ability to adapt to changes at a moments notice. I know there is a constant evolution to the creative process, but I also know when I have reached the end of the journey. It is the most satisfying and most rewarding part of being a creative.

JORDYNGELFAND.COM

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QUARANZINE

Reminiscing on simple moments prior to quarantine. Using personal photography and hand written elements to emphasis the human aspect that we were so suddenly stripped of.

TOOTSIE

It’s not always easy to express yourself when it comes to your romantic and sexual interests. Whether out with friends or casually roaming the streets, Tootsie’s socks will set the stage for your first impressions. See another person wearing them?

You already know if you’re compatible or not. Saves you time and the looming disappointment that they are not the one for you.

In collaboration with Rachel Scheetz.

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ANNA

I have always been interested in the unknown. When creating a logo for myself, I was inspired by the infinite cosmic dark that is space. While carefully crafting a star from an A, I came up with something that will always remind me of my curiosity & my drive. All of the 5am nights, last minute stresses, and the feeling of the cycle continuously repeating itself will consistently be worth the reward of watching something you have once imagined come to life. Design, although the most trying at times, will consistently be the most rewarding.

ANNASEFIL.COM

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STELLAR: A PARALLEL PERSPECTIVE

A series of abstract 3D animations and visual posters that explore themes of the future within the existing universe. I created a cohesive piece that explored my interest in the vast universe and simultaneously challenged myself by binding elements of creative code, 3D animation, and design.

PNC MOBILE

A creative campaign stunt that promotes a safe and convenient interaction with PNC’s ATM machines. This contactless experience eliminates the concern of ever having to touch an ATM ever again.

In collaboration with Keyondra Wayman.

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KIT+KAT

With the debut of the mascot pair Kit and Kat, KitKat wants you to express your affection and stay connected with your loved ones. Send your loved ones a Kit+Kat Seasonal Gift Box to let them know you are thinking of them. Create a new season of sharing moments with KitKat.

JACQUELINE As I have developed as a creative, I have continuously watched my work become more whimsical and unique. I find it important to push the limits of my imagination in my work, pulling inspiration from nature to create designs from the depths of my subconscious. I am constantly creating new characters, illustrations, and playful designs.

JACHALLDESIGN.COM

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SEEN ABSURITY

A typeface inspired by whimsical aspects of the world around us and within our imaginations.

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SUPREME X EARTH

A t-shirt collection created in collaboration with Supreme, an American skateboarding and lifestyle brand. The designs explicitly define factors of the climate crisis at hand in the hopes of influencing people to be more weary about the current situation of our planet.

AKA WITCH

ANDREW Growing up, I always loved getting to do hands-on projects. I knew I would make a career out of art, I just didn’t realize in what capacity I would do so. It clicked in college when I started throwing events and working with awesome people that making videos would launch me into the industry. Between the hate mail in my Canvas DMs and my eyes playing tricks on me in the endless hours spent in Recitation (cockroaches may look like ghosts, but they in fact are not), I have truly found my passion during my time here.

ANDREWWITCHER.COM

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MIXTAPE VISUALIZER

Progressing through the different energy levels of this introspective tech house mix, this mixtape visualizer progresses through a theme of rebirth and introspective exploration. Designed for a 64’ x 36’ LED wall, even the smallest visual elements make a huge impact.

THE LAST HUNTERS

Documentary about the Hadza’be tribe, touching on lifestyles in relation to environmental and conservation efforts.

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PORTRAITS

Amanda Tutschek Cole Hutzler Maddy Crum Bran Movay

MOLLY

I’m a designer who loves working across multiple disciplines including graphic design, illustration, animation, and content creation for social media.

The design industry excites me because there are always new avenues for creativity and I can always dip my toes into something new. I love to show my outgoing, bubbly personality through my work by using vibrant colors and lively typography. My style is consciously representative of trends, pop culture, and has a retro flair.

MOLLYODONNELL.SQUARESPACE.COM

FUNKY LITTLE SHACK

Funky Little Shack is a diner inspired by the B-52’s song, Love Shack. I created the typeface, “A Little Funky,” which compliments the iconic shapes of mid-century design and the overall style of the retro establishment.

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MO 81

HALO TOP

Halo Top plans to reopen their Scoop Shop in Los Angeles, CA and other major U.S. cities. Each shop will have packaging based on the location. The first 100 people in line will have the chance to win free ice cream for a year!

THANK YOU There was something surreal about being stuck at home and having to pause our typical never-ending schedules. Being forced to take a look at ourselves and reevaluate the things we find important was a gift. The reworking of this past year’s VC’s structure was a challenge, but we found the good within the bad.

We were shifted online and distanced from our close-knit community. Still, we grew closer through the strangeness. Being connected to one another, though virtually, lent a hand at quicker turnaround times, more efficient work days, and a faster reaction time. We have made connections across the nation and across the pond. Our eyes have been opened to endless possibilities.

And for that, we are thankful. We are thankful for the professors that spent tireless hours adjusting to a new way of teaching. We are thankful for having to adapt to change, relearn our daily routines, and step out of our comfort zones.

We are thankful for being a part of the unexpected.

To our VC parents, Robyn Phillips, Ashley Pigord, Jia Rey Chang, Colette Gaiter, and Bill Deering; thank you for all that you do. You have seen it all, heard it all, and dealt with it all. We would not have made it these last few years without you supporting and challenging us. You have shaped us into the creatives we are today. We appreciate you endlessly for guiding us through this experience.

Sometimes it’s hard to remember that life is more than an InDesign file or an ad campaign. Our Fine Arts professors never failed to remind us of that. Thank you to Aaron Terry, Amy Hicks, David Brinley, Ian Sampson, Rene Marquez, Abby Donovan, Jon Cox, David Meyer, Priscilla Smith, Lance Winn, and the graduate students and other faculty in the department. You never failed to provide us with a breath of fresh air. Your classes allowed us to explore the depths of our creativity and remember why we started.

In between the classes and critiques, we had an incredible team working to ensure we printed our posters just right, made it to New York, and had any supplies we needed. Thank you to Cindy Delaney, Amber Bosnall, Nate Sherman, Peter Schwenk, and the site monitors and cage attendants for making it all a smooth run.

The immense amount of support from this team is unfathomable. We will never think the same, create the same, or be the same. Thank you for bringing out the best in this messy year and the best in each and every one of us. J

THE TEAM ADVISOR ASHLEY PIGFORD

LAYOUT ANNA SEFIL CHIARA FIORI JORDYN GELFAND JULIA PODEST RACHEL GOERKE RACHEL SCHEETZ SOPHIE POINDEXTER

COPY JORDYN GELFAND RACHEL SCHEETZ

PHOTO ANDREW WITCHER LAUREN HAIMERL LUKE WAGNER RACHEL GOERKE

PUBLICATION ANNA SEFIL JULIA PODEST

SOCIAL GIOVANNA NEEL KEYONDRA WAYMAN MOLLY O’DONNELL

If you asked us 4 years ago what we thought the outcome of our college experience would be, no one could have ever guessed it would turn out this way.

No one asked for zoom classes, cancelled trips to London, no more in-person meetings.

No one wanted to be stuck at home, creating art from our quiet bedrooms. No one foresaw our last glimmer of college to be the antithesis of all the movies. Frankly, this year was one for The Book...

But we did make the best of it, and even better things are to come.

We look forward to sharing a drink with Bill, running into Robyn in New York, and joining Ashley’s backyard soirées. We look forward to seeing where our creative journeys will take us. We look forward to making a difference.

Despite the heartbreak for the experience we didn’t have, we will forever cherish the one we did. Here’s to the future. One with more hugs, less zoom, and more grand celebrations.