MIAD named Top Graphic Design school for fifth consecutive year; senior receives top honor
Mallory Kubenik ’20 (Communication Design)
March 24, 2020 … For the fifth consecutive year, Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) magazine has named MIAD a Top Graphic Design School. GDUSA also recognized MIAD senior Mallory Kubenik ’20 (Communication Design) on the 2020 Students to Watch list.
GDUSA offers the Top Design School distinction to colleges across the country that excel in preparing students to work in the field of graphic design after graduation.
“Design has so much potential to help the world, especially when it comes to addressing social issues, bringing together communities and even helping a brand define its identity by telling their story,” says Mallory Kubenik, who is from Waukesha, Wis.
While at MIAD, Mallory has interned at Cramer-Krasselt and worked through the MIAD Innovation Center on projects for local organizations such as the Marcus Performing Arts Center and Solar Bag.
“Not only does MIAD allow students to experiment, fail and learn from what does not work, but it also provides students with real-world, client-facing opportunities,” says Mallory.
News
Student commission celebrates previous MIAD board chair
Deanna Tillisch, outgoing chair of the board at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), received a student-commissioned monotype print in recognition of her service. “Deanna Dancing” was made by Anna Louise Barr ’26 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice).
MIAD elects new board chair and three new trustees
MIAD elects new board chair and three new trustees: Amanda Singh to board chair; Abim Kolawole, Lauren Hurley, and Bob Schwartz as trustees.
Meet AJ Schramek and Senior Exhibition project Life is a Drag!
AJ Schramek ’25 (Animation Track in Illustration) is a President’s (Honor) List student from Villa Park, Ill., who received a 2025 MIAD Alumni Senior Thesis Award.
Bronzeville initiatives by MIAD alums garner state and local awards
Community advocate, business owner, writer and editor Lexi S. Brunson ’14, an alum and assistant professor of Writing and Humanities at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), recently accepted two awards: Best Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Initiative (Business) at the 34th annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards and Historic King Drive Business of the Year.
Fine Art senior selected for Tidal Shift Award
Marta Tereziya ’26 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice), a senior at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), was recognized with a 2025 Tidal Shift award for her oil painting “Global Warning.” The award celebrates young artists who want to solve the climate crisis.