Student-Designed Banner Promotes Positivity on Dover Campus

Amanda Baez and Amanda Sudowsky in front of a large banner with the words "Radiate Positivity" across the top

As students, staff, and faculty returned to Delaware Tech's Dover campus for the Fall 2021 semester, they were welcomed back with a prominently-displayed banner with a powerful message of positivity. The banner was designed by visual communications student Amanda Baez and was created to fulfill an Illustration course assignment.

The composition of the banner is a group of upraised hands, each wearing a wristband that represents the flag of a specific country.

"I was inspired to show different cultures," said Baez. "It is easy to make images using black, white, and tan, but I wanted to show more diversity, so I used the flags to show many identities through more than just color."

The assignment was developed by instructor Amanda Sudowsky in response to a request from College Vice President and Terry Campus Director Cornelia Johnson, who wanted to add an inspirational art element on campus.

Sudowsky asked her students to create a banner with a theme focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion that incorporated the statement Radiate Positivity.

A handful of designs were presented to Johnson, who selected Baez's project. From that point, Baez was art directed by Patti Bishop, visual communications department chair, to prepare the design for final production.

The end result was a 60-foot by 10-foot banner that was installed on the east side of the Terry Building.

"This creative and inspiring banner is a wonderful addition to our campus, especially during these challenging times," said Johnson. "It is a great reminder of how the College is committed to promoting a culture of inclusion and acceptance of diverse cultures, attitudes, and individuals in our classrooms and work environments."

Baez was excited to have her design selected and was very pleased when she saw the banner after installation.

"It was almost overwhelming to see it at first," she said. "But I was happy to see that it was still everything I intended it to be."

Learn more about Delaware Tech's visual communication program.

PHOTO:
Visual communications student Amanda Baez (right) and instructor Amanda Sudowsky stand in front of a banner Baez designed to spread a message of positivity on the College's Terry Campus in Dover.