Sharing Their Story

One of the things I enjoy about it most about attending the conference is the opportunity to travel, take a break from the daily grind, and be able to communicate, collaborate, share stories and learn new things from other designers across the country who are facing the same challenges that me and my department face on a day to day basis.

—David Bishop, Clemson University

When I attended my first UCDA Design Conference I was welcomed and felt immediately at home, and over the years since have increasingly benefited from sharing frustrations, triumphs, and solutions with a true peer group that feels like family.

—Randall Cole, Scenes from the Sidewalk

I’ve had awesome occasions to meet amazing designers doing awesome work around the country. That’s the beauty of UCDA—getting to rub shoulders and share insights with exceptional people who care deeply not only about design, but also great causes of import and the vitality of the institutions they represent.

—Rick Bailey, RHB

UCDA is a great way for me to connect with other designers in higher education as well as see what other universities are doing so I can stay on the cutting edge.

—Laura Shriver, UC San Diego

I’m a UCDA outsider. As an editor, writer, creative director, but definitely not a designer, I am not the majority in UCDA. And that is perhaps what I love the most about our association. We don’t limit ourselves to only those who narrowly do exactly what everyone else does. We embrace the others, the outsiders. And more often than not, we find parallels and commonalities in communication that make everyone stronger.

—Kirsten Ruby, University of Illinois

UCDA has been a part of my life for almost 30 years. Some of my best friends and mentors came by way of UCDA. I know I’m better because of UCDA. The organization paved the road for my career progression. It gave me confidence, provided inspiration, rejuvenated me when I most needed it and taught me that what I do creatively on behalf of my university does make a difference... it does matter.

—David Dryden, Clemson University

The UCDA Design Conference gave me tools to bring back home and implement in my work and at my school. The speakers taught us invaluable information. From up and new coming design trends to marketing for new generations to work with others across campus, we were given inspiration to grow and develop as an artist and professional. After that first conference, I knew that these were my people and UCDA was where I belonged.

—Kelley Matthews, Millsaps College

I’ve now been to three conferences and each one has given me a renewed energy, new ideas to bring to the job and introductions to folks that I’m happy to call friends.

—Laura Vogt, UC Berkeley

Although there are many things I have learned and taken back to my university, it is the memories of late nights, dinners around the table, and meaningful conversations with the people of this organization that will stay with me forever. Thank you UCDA!

—Adam Perry, Taylor University

I was a shy young designer looking for an opportunity to connect and learn when a colleague from another institution referred me to UCDA. The conference marked a creative and professional launching point for me. The conference, and the participants, held a creative energy that was welcoming, supportive and instructive. Some 30-years later I can honestly say I am a better designer, better manager, and better facilitator, because of the people I have met through UCDA and the professional opportunities provided to me by the organization.

—Richard Jividen, Ten2design

I was nudged to get involved with UCDA, and after doing so, I felt like UCDA confirmed what I was doing with my life, and that it had meaning, and that I had found a professional “home.” I steadily grew more involved and it has added so much to my journey. In turn, I try to nudge others to get involved as well—to give back—so that others may garner the same positive experiences. Get involved. Give back. You will find you get more than you give in return and you just might positively impact another person’s adventure along the way.

—Tina LeMay, Clemson University