Graphic Design Senior Receives 2021 President’s Award

Fourth year graphic design student Kyra Wesche is the College of Architecture, Design and Construction 2021 recipient of the prestigious Auburn University President’s Award. The President’s Award recognizes one graduate in each Auburn University school or college who has completed at least three semesters at Auburn with a minimum grade-point average of 3.40 and possesses outstanding qualities of leadership, citizenship, character and promise of professional ability. Nominated for the award by the graphic design faculty at the School of Industrial and Graphic Design, Wesche will graduate in May with a 3.75 GPA.

Wesche was named a winner of last year’s Graphic Design Juried Student Show, was given the Studio and Marcom Platinum awards and received “Best in Show” at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Art’s soap*box exhibition. Additionally, Wesche’s logo design was selected for Auburn’s Osher Lifelong Learning program and her painting was displayed at the Jule Collins Smith Museum. She is a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts.

Lecturer Bill Dunlop said that Wesche is a true leader with plenty of drive. “When it comes to self-motivation, Kyra excels and is determined to go beyond what is required,” he stated. “She is also very adept in multi-tasking and producing top notch design solutions.” Professor Kelly Bryant said that Wesche is professional, hard-working, tenacious and unafraid. “She epitomizes all the best qualities of a graphic designer who is thinking comprehensively about her work and her future,” Bryant said. “Kyra is an exceptional designer who is thoughtful and articulate in her approach to each assignment.”

The Auburn Creed’s emphasis on “work, hard work” is perhaps the best embodiment of Wesche’s college experience. “I came to Auburn because of its prestigious graphic design program and I knew I had to pay for it myself,” Wesche explained. “My parents raised me to work for what I wanted and I did exactly that when I came to Auburn.” For the past two years, Wesche has been employed as a student worker for Media Production Group, designing for Auburn’s Harbert College of Business. She teaches fitness classes at Auburn Campus Recreation, waits tables at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook, Alabama, and baby-sits whenever she has time to spare. She says that working so much means many late nights in the studio that have helped to build character. “Juggling multiple jobs on top of homework and projects has made me aware of priorities, helped me manage my time and pushed me to work harder in all of my roles,” Wesche stated.

After graduation, Wesche will continue to work as a designer for Media Production Group. After a visit to family in Germany in July, she plans to begin searching for a job in a new city upon returning to the U.S.

Congratulations, Kyra—CADC faculty, staff and students expect great things from you!