Ray Dugas Scholarship Established in SIGD

Dugas taught Graphic Design and Illustration at Auburn for 41 years, beginning in 1974.

Before joining the Auburn faculty, Dugas had a diverse professional background, including roles as an art director, staff illustrator, corporate designer and freelance graphic designer. His clients included major companies such as Piedmont Airlines, Time Magazine and IBM.

At Auburn, Dugas introduced students to professional design research and fostered relationships with professional firms through field trips and guest speakers. He also established the first Graphic Design internship program at Auburn to expose SIGD students to real-world design challenges and professional standards, ensuring they were well-prepared for their careers.

Throughout his career, Ray Dugas received numerous awards and honors, including the Museum Director’s Art Prize from the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art, Panhellenic Professor of the Year and an Auburn University Alumni Professorship. He was also selected for membership in the Academy of Teaching in the Auburn College of Liberal Arts.

Dugas’ efforts contributed to the success of many Auburn graduates who have become successful professionals in various fields, including business owners, art directors and university professors. Three alumni have been named Design Fellows for the American Institute for the Graphic Arts.

In recognition of Dugas’ distinguished career at Auburn and to ensure his legacy of excellence carries on, the Ray Dugas Scholarship was established by Colin Dugas, Ray’s son, along with other SIGD alumni.

“My father’s passion for the Auburn Graphic Design program is self-evident,” Dugas said of the scholarship effort. “He loved his students and was extremely proud of the legacy they’ve helped to build at Auburn. This scholarship is a way to honor that legacy while also attracting and supporting future Graphic Design majors at Auburn. In doing so, we donors hope to contribute to the success of an already outstanding program.

“By helping to fund this scholarship,” he added, “I hope to honor his dedication to Auburn and contribute to the growth and development of future designers who will carry forward his passion and dedication for the profession.”

For more information, or to donate to the Ray Dugas Scholarship fund, contact Braden Lewis, Development Officer for the College of Architecture, Design and Construction at (334) 707-1415 or email bradenlewis@auburn.edu.