The University Libraries and the College of Fine and Applied Arts welcomed Council members, friends and donors to the second annual Apparel Design and Merchandising Showcase VIP reception on Saturday, April 25. The event debuted last year as a collaborative effort between the University Libraries, the College of Fine and Applied Arts, and the Hayes School of Music. This year’s reception highlighted student work in the Applied Design Department.
Dean Sue Polanka announced that the Dr. Anthony Wilson archives, introduced at last year’s reception, are now available to the public. Attendees were provided a link inside the event program to explore the collection, along with an article about Dr. Wilson from Appalachian Today, and a commemorative gift bag from the University Libraries Makerspace.
The event concluded with a champagne toast led by Dean Polanka and College of Fine and Applied Arts Dean Lou. In their remarks, they emphasized the shared commitment to student success and collaboration across the University Community.
“We are all here because we believe in our students and their goals of a college degree with the skills and experience needed to work in their field of choice. We are excited to see their accomplishments today. We are partners and collaborators in that support - and we are faculty, staff, donors and friends, parents, administrators, departments, colleges, libraries, and most importantly, we are all colleagues. Let us toast to collaboration, the support of our students and to a successful Showcase event.”
Adding a celebratory note to the evening, Dean Polanka also appeared on the runway during the showcase, modeling a custom design by Anthony Wilson made from imported fabric purchased in Montmartre, Paris during Dean Polanka’s travels.
Top Left: Dean Sue Polanka, Dr. Anthony Wilson, Chancellor Heather Norris, Dean Shanshan Lou; Top Middle: Dean Sue Polanka and Donna Fiori; Top Right: Dean Sue Polanka on the runway
Bottom Left: Hank Foreman, Lynn Patterson, Margaret McKibbin, Dean Sue Polanka, Ann Wolf, Nanci Tolbert Nance, Kay Borkowski, Tracey Ford
Photo of Dean Sue Polanka and Interim Dean ShanShan Lou
