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MIAD named Top Design School for sixth year; two students receive top honors

For the sixth consecutive year, Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) magazine has named MIAD a Top Graphic Design School. This distinction recognizes colleges across the country that excel in preparing students to work in graphic design careers after graduation.

Erin Gray ’22 (Communication Design)

GDUSA also recognized MIAD Communication Design students Erin Gray ’22 and Carli Jordan ’21 as 2021 Students to Watch.

“Communication Design is something that I consume daily and that I have a connection with, consciously and subconsciously. For me, it’s about expression and the transmission of important messages,” Erin said. 

GDUSA’s Students to Watch list recognizes top students rising in the design field and growing within their programs.

Carli Jordan ’21 (Communication Design)

“During my time at MIAD, I have learned the importance of process, presentation and failure. All of which have rounded my skills and readied me for real-world design jobs, as well as the work experiences and industry knowledge I have gained from my professors,” Carli said.

News

Toy design at Squishmallows: MIAD student develops confidence

When she first got the internship offer from Squishmallows at Jazwares, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Melody Frias ’26 (Communication Design and Illustration) thought she was in shock. Months after the internship concluded, Frias still reads that email when she needs a boost.

Collections Spotlight: Helen Hoppin

Not only is the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) home to two formal gallery spaces hosting numerous external exhibitions, the college also boasts its own large collection focusing on work produced by founders and early students.

Author and artist Faythe Levine presents MIAD Foremothers

Visiting author and artist Faythe Levine is motivated by reimagining archives and collections through a queer feminist lens. She presents “Queer Investigation & Storytelling in the Archive: MIAD Foremothers Charlotte Partridge and Miriam Frink,” based on her many-year research process for her fourth book, “As Ever, Miriam” (2024).

Florentine Opera partners with MIAD Lubar Innovation Center

The first project Taylor Leinstock ’26 (Illustration) did through the Lubar Innovation Center at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) will come to life as the Florentine Opera brings its touring production to schools and community centers around southeast Wisconsin in 2026.

MIAD Values Recognition Award: Arma Zeqiri

Arma Zeqiri, Lead Housekeeper, received the September 2025 MIAD Values Recognition Award at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Arma’s nominations highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Kindness and Community.