Awards Archives - �Ļ�Ӱ�� of Art and Design

�Ļ�Ӱ�� wins big at the Suncoast ADDYs

awalters — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

�Ļ�Ӱ�� students took home a whopping 80 Gold ADDY Awards at the AAF Suncoast gala on Feb. 21, with more recognized with Silver, Judge’s Choice awards, and a Best in Show for Bella Race ’26, Graphic Design. The annual awards honor the best creative projects produced by local students and professionals. This year’s gala once again took place at the �Ļ�Ӱ�� Studio Labs.

Race, who also received a total of four Gold ADDYs, earned her Best in Show recognition for Between Us, an infographic iPad application that visualizes data on loneliness with interconnected personal stories. She also received a Judge’s Choice award for Two Wheels @Houston, a campaign to promote bicycling as a lower-stress alternative to traffic-heavy commutes.

The other two Judge’s Choice awards went to Nathan Kipka ’27, Motion Design and Brallan Ramirez ’27, Graphic Design.

In total, �Ļ�Ӱ�� Graphic Design students took home 20 Gold Awards, one Best in Show, and two Judge’s Choice. Motion Design students won 55 Gold Awards, 12 Silver, and one Judge’s Choice. Film Students won five Gold Awards and one Silver Award.

The local ADDYs are the first step in a three-tier national competition presented by the American Advertising Federation (AAF). These winners can go on to compete in the district round, and district winners can then compete for a national ADDY Award.

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Computer Animation alumni shine at Children’s Emmys

awalters — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:51:36 +0000

�Ļ�Ӱ�� Computer Animation alumni-led projects won big at the 4th Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. The ceremony took place at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City on March 1 and 2.

Michael Yates at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards

Michael Yates ’14 won four Emmys for his Pixar animation series Win or Lose. As co-creator, writer, director, and EP, he was awarded the Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series, Outstanding Writing for a Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series for the episode “Pickle”, Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series for the episode “Home”, and Outstanding Editing for an Animated Program for the episode “Mixed Signals.”

Pixar Animation series Win or Lose. Image courtesy of ©Disney.

The show is the first original series from Pixar Animation Studios. The series tells the story of a single week in the lives of a co-ed middle school softball team, with each episode showing the perspective of a different team member, as well as the coach and umpire. The voice cast includes comedian and actor Will Forte.

Esteban Bravo accepting his award

Esteban Bravo ’17 won Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation – Storyboard for Win or Lose. In 2017, Bravo also won Gold at the 44th Student Emmy Awards in the Animation category for his senior thesis short, In A Heartbeat.

Netflix animation Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld. Image courtesy of Netflix.

Echo Wu ’16 won Outstanding Show Open as the creator, writer, director, and EP for the Netflix series Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld.

Echo Wu at the Children’s Emmys

The series follows a Chinese-American 16-year-old named Jentry, who, while living with her grandmother in Texas, discovers she is being hunted by a demon king who hopes to steal her superpowers, all while navigating run-of-the-mill teen problems. Wu calls the show a love letter to her childhood. The voice cast includes Ali Wong, among other familiar voices.

Kal Athannassov at the Children’s Emmys

Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation – Character Design

Kal Athannassov ’16 won Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation – Character Design for Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld. The two grads have also shared awards for their collaboration on their senior thesis animation, The Wishgranter, which was nominated for a Student Academy Award, and won a BAFTA/LA Student Film Award and a College Emmy. Athannassov won four Daytime Emmys for past projects, Baby Yaga in 2021 and Crow: The Legend in 2019.

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Student lands spot among the nation’s top emerging children’s book illustrators

awalters — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:00:00 +0000

When Kadin Destefano ’26, Illustration, walked into the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Winter Conference in January, she wasn’t just another illustration student browsing the panels. She was one of only two recipients nationwide of the SCBWI 2026 Student Scholarship—a distinction that came with full conference access, a coveted portfolio review with acclaimed illustrator Aram Kim, and a prime spot in the event’s Portfolio Showcase. Not bad for a weekend in New York City.

Throughout the three-day event, Destefano attended a number of talks and panels with notable professionals in the children’s book industry. Outside of the conference, she also visited the New York Public Library’s 100^th anniversary exhibition for The New Yorker and the Society of Illustrators’ 45^th Annual Original Art Show and the organization’s Edward Gorey exhibition.

“Being surrounded by so much art and so many artists I’ve admired for years was incredibly motivating,” she said.

“Attending the SCBWI Winter Conference not only strengthened my confidence as an illustrator but also left me feeling refreshed, inspired, and excited to begin my thesis work.”

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Ringling Department of Motion Design honored with City of Sarasota Proclamation

awalters — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The City of Sarasota has officially designated December 1 as Public Art in Motion Day, celebrating the exceptional work of �Ļ�Ӱ�� of Art and Design’s Department of Motion Design students. The honor comes after 12 Ringling students debuted animations projected onto downtown Sarasota’s Palm Avenue parking garage exterior at the November 7 Fresh Fridays event.

“Not only was this a spectacular event, it was also an excellent educational experience for these Motion Design students,” said Ed Cheetham, head of the Department of Motion Design. “Designing animated content for such a large scale requires them to think differently about how to present their work to an audience that is looking up at a five-story screen.”

The students from Dante Rinaldi’s projection mapping class first designed their work using a 3D model of the building’s architecture, including the distinctive “sails” that served as a canvas for the projections. They also had to figure out the best projector location, choose the right lens, and even locate an appropriate power supply. Barco, Inc., Nexmark Media, and LightMural assisted on the project.

“Projection mapping is such a complex and collaborative art form,” added Cheetham, “and the City of Sarasota was the perfect partner, and the Palm Avenue parking garage provided a perfect canvas.”

The proclamation, signed by Mayor Debbie Trice, reads, in part, “…this project stands as a shining example of partnership between the City, educational institutions, private industry, and community organizations, advancing Sarasota’s identity as a city that celebrates creativity, technology, and public art.”

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After Ringling workshop, Booker VPA film is a finalist in national film festival

awalters — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Supported by a partnership with �Ļ�Ӱ��, a film by three Booker High School students was named a finalist for the All-American High School Film Festival, the largest high school film festival in the world. Writer Lana Phelan and editor Mason Kauffman, both of whom attended last summer’s �Ļ�Ӱ�� Sound Workshop, teamed up with director Nya Chambless to create the short film Beaver Fever. The students are all members of the Booker VPA (Visual and Performing Arts) Film and Animation program.

Beaver Fever follows an idealistic young man protesting poor customer service, only to be confronted by an unscrupulous mascot focused only on sales.

During the free, three-week workshop, part of an exclusive partnership between Booker and �Ļ�Ӱ��, Kauffman and Phelan worked on their sound mix for the seven-minute film under the guidance of Film faculty and Studio Labs sound designer Nick Palladino, with Studio Labs sound designers Troy Logan and Riley Cullather.

“This was another case of Ringling’s passion for helping our students, leading to something greater than they could ever have imagined,”��said��Booker VPA film producer John Timpe. “Our students are well-prepared for the step into college thanks to the workshop.”

In addition to the summer workshop, the partnership between Booker and �Ļ�Ӱ�� also includes scholarship opportunities, the chance to sit in on Film Department Head Patrick Alexander’s classes, and opportunities to hear from notable guest speakers on campus.

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�Ļ�Ӱ�� celebrates 31st Annual Trustee Scholar Awards: Creativity Unbound

awalters — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Sixteen of �Ļ�Ӱ�� of Art and Design’s most exceptional students were honored on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, during the 31st annual Trustee Scholar Awards Ceremony—an evening highlighting the bold, boundless spirit of the next generation of artists and designers. Held in Soundstage A at �Ļ�Ӱ�� Studio Labs with a reception and dinner for the formal awards presentation.

Trustee Scholar for Visual Studies Lily Bean. Photo: Cecilia Marty ’26, Photography and Imaging

This year’s theme, Creativity Unbound, beautifully captured the daring, exploratory energy of this extraordinary cohort. Recognizing 16 Scholars, it was the largest group in the event’s history. Each student was selected for their exceptional creative achievement, commitment to community, and visionary leadership.

“Together, and with the support of the College’s faculty, staff, trustees, friends, families, and supporters, this cohort stands as proof of what’s possible when imagination meets ambition, and creativity is unbound,” �Ļ�Ӱ�� President Dr. Larry R. Thompson shared in his speech.

Each year, the Trustee Scholars choose a collective theme that reflects their shared identity. For 2025–26, Creativity Unbound pays tribute to the courage it takes to break molds, transcend expectations, and forge new creative paths.

For many Scholars, that courage is deeply personal.

Photo: Cecilia Marty ’26, Photography and Imaging

Film Trustee Scholar Jayde Dauley shared a powerful reflection on owning her voice—one shaped by the resilience passed down through her family:

“From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a creative. A writer and director of something. But I didn’t exactly have the confidence to do so. At home, I was the next Spike Lee, but outside, I was barely anything. To most, I was an uptight black girl who was too intimidating. I always got cast as the maid in the school play and was never picked to have my stories read because they made others feel incompetent. That completely ruined me. I put myself into a corner and stayed there for years, quietly letting opportunities pass me by because I didn’t want to be what everyone thought I was.

Then my mother reminded me of the advice my grandfather gave her: ‘Eff ’em.’
From that moment on, I decided every step I took would be heard by someone. I didn’t care if people thought I was uptight or loud. I am uptight and loud—so what? What mattered was going beyond the limits placed on me as a child and achieving the dreams my younger self never thought I’d reach.”

Photo: Cecilia Marty ’26, Photography and Imaging

Virtual Reality Development Trustee Scholar Nick Whittle moved the audience with an emotional tribute to his late grandfather and to the moments that shape a creative life:

“As I near graduation, I keep asking myself: What moments define us? For me, it was the last hug I ever gave my grandpa. With tears in his eyes, he told me his biggest regret was that he’d never get to see me graduate. This is the man who, at every chance he got, would drive hours with my grandma just to see me. To see the crayon cards I made for him. To see the light in my eyes when I showed him something. That moment defined my love for art as a kid.

Business of Art and Design Trustee Scholar Mobtagha Bejaoui with �Ļ�Ӱ��’s Director
International Affairs Amy Pettengill. Photo: Cecilia Marty ’26, Photography and Imaging

Whatever your version of those crayon drawings is, hold on to it. Tell the people in your life what they mean to you. And don’t be afraid to tell the world how much your work matters. These memories, these people, this school—this is what has defined me. There’s not a second I don’t feel grateful.”

The Trustee Scholarship is awarded annually to senior students who exemplify the highest levels of dedication, originality, brilliance, ambition, and service. Faculty from each academic department, along with representatives from Student Life, nominate students from the junior class. Nominees submit a written statement and a portfolio, which are reviewed by the Trustee Scholar Selection Committee, composed of members of the Board of Trustees.

Trustee Scholar for Film Jayde Dauley, with family. Photo: Cecilia Marty ’26, Photography and Imaging

Scholars are selected based on:

Exceptional creative talent, communication skills, and distinction of mind
Contributions to their department, the College, and/or the community
Leadership, citizenship, and mentorship

This year’s Scholars demonstrated excellence across all criteria—each bringing a powerful combination of talent, vision, and heart to the Ringling community.

See all the 2025-2026 Trustee Scholars on our website.

The nomination process for the 2026–27 Trustee Scholars will begin this spring, with selections announced in May. As the College prepares for another year of inspiring artistic achievement, the stories shared during this year’s ceremony stand as a testament to the transformative impact of a �Ļ�Ӱ�� education.

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Ringling students earn top honors in Rookie of the Year awards

awalters — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

�Ļ�Ӱ�� of Art and Design students earned top placements at this year’s Rookie of the Year Awards, standing out for their skill and creativity on a global stage. Students worldwide compete for the prestigious honor, which recognizes rising creative digital artists in 12 categories, from Immersive Media to Digital Fashion and 3D Animation. Thanks to their drive, talent, and hard work, �Ļ�Ӱ�� students consistently stand out on this list year after year—and this year was no exception.��

This year, recent Game Art grad Jolyn Hu took home the Rookie of the Year award in Game Development.

Hu shared, “2025 has been a year of both hustle and growth. I finally had the chance to shift my focus from simply finishing scenes to refining the overall atmosphere and details.”

Game Art also took home 10 Finalists and six Draft Selections.��

Motion still from Diane Lee ’25, Motion Design.

Current and recently graduated Motion Design students claimed three out of seven awards in the category for Motion Graphics. Diane Lee ’25 received Runner Up; Ky Park ’25 won the People’s Choice award; and Lucia Alonso earned a Highly Commended recognition. The major claimed eight Finalists and seven Draft Selections.

Virtual Reality Development grad and former XR Women Student Chapter president Jenna Watts secured a Highly Commended spot. VR also claimed three Finalists and a Draft Selection.

Graphic Design had five Finalists and a Draft Selection. Computer Animation had a Finalist and four Draft Selections. Illustration grabbed four Draft Selections.

Read more about the winners and see their award-winning work on website.

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Boys & Girls Clubs to honor Dr. Larry R. Thompson

awalters — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties will recognize Dr. Larry R. Thompson, president of �Ļ�Ӱ�� of Art and Design, for his work empowering future community leaders. Dr. Thompson will be one of just two honorees at this year’s 19^th annual IPG Leadership Breakfast on September 5. (Heather Kasten, president and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, will also be recognized.)

The Leadership Breakfast annually recognizes dedication, leadership development, entrepreneurial education, and college and career prep. Dr. Thompson has long been committed to empowering future leaders and helping the next generation reach their full potential.

“At �Ļ�Ӱ�� of Art and Design, we believe in the power of creativity, mentorship, and opportunity,” Thompson told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. “Supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs aligns with our institutional mission to uplift the next generation of creative leaders and invest in the future of our community. We are proud to stand beside such an impactful organization and look forward to the positive change we can continue to create together.”

Tickets for the event are available for $50 at . Proceeds benefit transformational teen programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

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Students and faculty recognized at second annual Collision Awards

awalters — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

On July 22, 2025, winners were announced for the second annual Collision Awards, which honor excellence in animation and motion design. Honorees included �Ļ�Ӱ�� of Art and Design Motion Design faculty Kelly Warner, who was recognized in several categories, alongside six current and former Ringling students.

Warner won Professional Gold in the Craft: Sound Design category for the opening titles of the 2025 FutureProof Motion Design Conference. (Warner previously won Silver in the same category at the inaugural Collision Awards, for the 2024 FutureProof titles.) Warner also contributed sound design to many of the award-winning Ringling student projects.

Other �Ļ�Ӱ�� honorees included recent ’24 Motion Design grads Hana Kazeka and Devon Pertarb, as well as ’25 Motion Design students Jasmine Gunarto, Rin Yokoi, and Diane Lee. See the complete list of �Ļ�Ӱ�� honorees below.

Professional Gold
Craft – Sound Design
FutureProof ’25 Opening Titles
Kelly Warner

Professional Silver
Experiential – Best 3D/CG Animation
Transforming Scent
Hanna Kazeka

Professional Silver
Film – General Experimental
Programmed Emotion
Devon Pertarb

Student Gold
Film – General Student
Home in a Hot Pot
Jasmine Gunarto
Fiona Greenleaf – Narrator
Kelly Warner – Music & Sound Design

Student Silver
Film – General Student
FutureProof ’25 Opening Titles
Rin Yokoi and Diane Lee
Kelly Warner – Music & Sound Design

Student Silver
Film – General Student
Programmed Emotion
Devon Pertarb

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VRD students honored at XR Women event

awalters — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Recent Virtual Reality Development grad Jenna Watts ’25 was recognized by XR Women Global at the 5th Annual XR Women Awards during the Augmented World Expo (AWE) for her leadership as president of and establishing the student chapter at �Ļ�Ӱ�� of Art and Design, and for helping to organize an XR Women symposium at the College last spring.

The event recognizes leaders who are advancing immersive technology through innovation, creative leadership, and social impact.

As President of the �Ļ�Ӱ�� XR Women Student Chapter, Watts helped facilitate the XR Women Thrive in 2025, which included networking events, an exhibition, workshops, a speaker panel, and opportunities for XR, VR, and AR experiences, earning the recognition for which she was celebrated.

During the AWE Award event, Vida Villanueva ’26, Virtual Reality Development, was announced as the incoming President of the �Ļ�Ӱ�� XR Women Student Chapter.