Doane’s AIGA Club (American Institute of Graphic Arts) is working to expand its presence at Doane University while giving students hands-on design experience and professional connections. The organization is open to all students, but especially welcomes those pursuing art and design.
Sophomore Hailey Schweitzer, print and social media chair of AIGA, explained that the club’s mission is to become a central design resource on campus.
“We want to be the go-to for graphic-designed ads and online templates,” Schweitzer said. “We’ve already redesigned graphics for the Writing Center and the eSports team.”
The organization was recently brought to campus by its advisor, Chelsey Augustine, assistant professor of graphic design, and student leaders. Schweitzer joined the club last year after changing her major.
“I was previously a business administration major with a minor in art,” Schweitzer said. “After going to an art show, I found my passion and decided to switch last spring semester.”
Although the club is centered on design, membership is open to any student interested in learning. Schweitzer states the group is willing to teach new members and help them build skills.
According to Schweitzer, the main goal of AIGA is to provide networking opportunities and real-world experience. Members work on projects, practice with industry programs, and sometimes take on campus clients.
“It’s a great experience for resumes and portfolios,” Schweitzer said. “We mainly use Adobe programs like Illustrator and Photoshop, and every club member gains access to Adobe if they do not already have it.”
Schweitzer emphasized creative growth as one of the benefits of joining the club.
“You’re able to branch out and experiment, and it helps you figure out who you are as a designer,” Schweitzer said.
The club currently holds executive meetings on Fridays and larger group meetings in the evenings. Executive members discuss events, planning, and goals, while full meetings often involve collaborative or independent design work. Schweitzer described the environment as highly cooperative.
“We do group projects, collect ideas, and get outside advice from one another,” she said. “In the space you will get new inspirations, others’ perspectives and fix mistakes together.”
One of the club’s current initiatives is a Valentine’s Day card sale at the Lakeside. The sale will take place Feb. 11 from 12 to 3 p.m. and Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. While there, students can purchase a designed card for $4 or a card with candy for $6. All proceeds will go toward funding future endeavors of the club and supporting their planned Kansas City group trip to visit design spaces and potentially network with other professionals in their field.
“You get to know like-minded majors and designers, you will likely gain an understanding of who you’ll work with in this field,” she stated.
For students who are considering joining, Schweitzer encourages them to reach out.
“Come talk to us,” Schweitzer said. “It’s a great opportunity with so many viewpoints and a wide variety of skills to learn or enhance. It’s a great learning experience.”
Students interested in the club can contact AIGA president William Smith at william.smith2@doane.edu.
