Warhawk Weekly 3-24: Graphic Design Showcase; Graduate Preview Night
AUM students turn basic shapes into bold storytelling for Graphic Design Showcase
AUM graphic design students will showcase their creative work in an upcoming exhibition that blends award-winning designs with interactive, hands-on experiences.
Presented by AUM’s Department of Fine Arts in collaboration with CTRL ART DESIGN, the Graphic Design Student Showcase will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 26, in the Cason McDermott Art Gallery in Goodwyn Hall.
The curated exhibition will highlight the work of AUM students, including Addy Award-winning designs, showcasing the creativity and talent emerging from the university’s graphic design program. Among the featured works is a bold piece by graphic design major Karla Guedez, who used Adobe Illustrator to create a vibrant composition of six robots in her Digital Foundations class taught by Associate Professor of Graphic Design Nikhil Ghodke.
“Her experimentation with bold color blocks and intricate shape-layering transforms standard vector tools into a charming exploration of character and form,” Ghodke said. “Her artwork is a study in how ‘basic shapes’ can lead to complex, imaginative storytelling.”
Designed as both a showcase and an interactive experience, the event will include hands-on design activities that invite attendees to engage with creative prompts and explore the critical thinking and strategy behind everyday visual communication.
Open to students of all majors as well as the public, the free event aims to bridge disciplines across campus by demonstrating how creativity and problem-solving are essential tools in every field, from the arts to business and beyond.
The exhibition will include a reception with refreshments and attendees can take home limited-edition design buttons as a keepsake.
Take the next step at Graduate Preview Night
If you’ve been wondering whether grad school is your next move, AUM is making it easy to explore your options.
Graduate Studies Preview Night is set for Tuesday, March 31, from 5-7 p.m. in Taylor Center 221-223, offering prospective students a chance to connect with faculty, explore programs and get real answers about what comes next.
To help break it all down, Ashley Warren, graduate admissions program coordinator, answered a few common questions in a Q&A:
A: Anyone in the community who seeks to further increase their job possibilities, perhaps gain the edge that will garner a promotion at work, or maybe wishes to explore new career fields by working toward a graduate degree in an up-and-coming area. AUM welcomes both current students or students who have not been enrolled in college in recent years because they have been in professional settings.
A: More than 50, so there’s something for just about every career path.
A: You’ll have the opportunity to directly approach faculty and ask questions face-to-face. If a participant is trying to narrow their choice down to one degree, the event is helpful because multiple departments can be chatted with during the same evening. There will be representatives who can readily discuss each of AUM’s available graduate programs. If interested, attendees can use available laptops to go ahead and apply the night of the event. Tech support is available.
There’s even a $25 application fee waiver available at the event, and those who have worked up an appetite are welcome to pick up a free boxed dinner.
A: Both. AUM offers online, in-person and hybrid options to fit your schedule.
A: One thing that seems to consistently surprise prospective students is the time that faculty and staff are willing to put in to make sure that every question is answered and processes are thoroughly explained. A large number of students worry about making the transition from undergraduate to graduate, and many who have been out of school for a number of years have anxiety about reentering the classroom setting. The goal to help allay that stress, so that students can focus on their studies and understand that they are supported.
A: AUM has the best of both worlds: innovative programs and a size that allows each student to personally connect with faculty and staff, if he or she chooses to take advantage of the opportunity.
A: No, this event is for everyone who wants to delve deeper into considering their professional futures.
A: Yes. AUM’s online programs are asynchronous, and many classes are offered outside of the business day.
Explore careers in service and advocacy
The Career Development Center invites students to explore a variety of career paths at the AUM Career Fair: Health, Service, Community and Education, featuring employers from healthcare, government, education and social impact organizations.
The fair will take place from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, in Taylor Center 221-223. Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes.
Ideal for those interested in public service, advocacy, teaching and other helping professions, the event is open to students of all majors. Participants will have the opportunity to explore internships and full-time positions while building valuable connections with employers.
Students who need professional attire can visit the Curtiss’ Career Closet in the Career Development Center, located in Taylor Center 323, where clothing is available in a variety of sizes.
Warhawks Softball win pitcher’s duel in extras
In a pitcher’s duel last week against Columbus State, AUM’s softball team held firm in a scoreless battle before breaking through in extra innings.
After seven scoreless innings, the No. 6 Warhawks softball team (23-4) edged Columbus State (15-9) 1-0 in extra innings. Clutch pitching and Jasmine Sneed’s RBI base hit delivered the game’s only run.
To keep up with Warhawk sports and view full team schedules, visit AUMAthletics.com or stay connected through the Warhawks Athletics App.
Commemorate your commencement
Attention, Spring 2026 graduates: Celebrate your success and leave a lasting legacy by making a class gift and jumpstarting your alumni involvement.
Make a gift of $20.26 to the AUM college or program of your choice, and you’ll receive an AUM Commemorative Medallion to wear at commencement. Your gift will help support future Warhawks and position more AUM students for success.
Order your Commemorative Medallion online at aum.edu/classgift or in person in the Taylor Center lobby from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following dates. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet members of the Alumni Association team.
- Wednesday, March 25
- Thursday, April 2
- Wednesday, April 8
- Tuesday, April 14
- Wednesday, April 22
If you ordered online, medallions can be picked up on April 22 in the Taylor Center Lobby from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Learn more at www.aum.edu/classgift.
Summer & Fall 2026 registration is open
Summer and Fall 2026 advising and registration are officially underway, so plan ahead, register early and set yourself up for a smooth semester.
Students who register early are more likely to secure seats in required courses, stay on track for graduation and build schedules that fit their lives — not the other way around.
Before heading into summer break, students are encouraged to meet with an advisor and lock in their classes for the upcoming terms.
Appointments can be scheduled through AdvisorTrac, by visiting the Office of Central Advising or by emailing [email protected].
Showcase your research, creativity, community engagement projects
AUM’s Experiential Education and Engagement Center invites students to submit abstracts for the 2026 Celebration of Research, Creative Activity, and Community Engagement.
Submissions may include research or creative activity projects completed in collaboration with faculty or through coursework. Undergraduate and graduate students across all departments and colleges are encouraged to submit their abstracts. Submit your abstracts through April 17.
As part of the celebration, the EEEC will also host the Community Engagement Recognition Awards Program to honor community-engaged students, faculty and staff for the 2025-2026 academic year. Individuals who meet eligibility criteria may be recognized for their work at AUM and throughout the River Region.
Submit your nominations for individuals and nominations community partners through April 1.
The Celebration of Research, Creative Activity, and Community Engagement awards ceremony will be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon Friday, April 24, in Taylor Center 230, followed by student research poster presentations in the Goodwyn Hall Lobby.
Earn a Graduate Study Merit Scholarship
If you’re a current graduate student who has completed at least nine course hours and possess a GPA of 3.4 or better, you may be eligible to receive the 2026-2027 Graduate Study Merit Scholarship offered by the AUM Alumni Association.
To apply for the scholarship, submit the necessary documents to [email protected] (include “Scholarship Committee, AUM Alumni Association” in the subject line) by April 20 and include:
- Two letters of support, preferably from AUM faculty or staff (on AUM official letterhead), emphasizing leadership attributes
- A 250-word essay outlining the applicant’s educational and career objectives, academic honors/civic activities, and how the award will benefit them.
- A current resume
Apply and learn more about the Graduate Study Merit Scholarship.
