Rebecca Carman, an ONU senior graphic design major from Bellefontaine  is a recipient of the Student Excellence Award from the New American Colleges & Universities (NAC&U).

The award recognizes the outstanding contributions to professional programs, the liberal arts, and/or civic engagement.

Carman's submission, “Design for Good,” addressed sustainability practices and a design for good platform, a strategic design initiative committed to public good, social impact, and civic engagement. Her entry was selected from other student applications by The NAC&U member institutions. 

“My interest in design for good resonates with my love for community and helping others,” she said. “My inspiration began with a church mission trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, to help rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina. [My work continues to address] how social impact and design can address positive change.” 

A couple months ago, Carman was the winner of the inaugural ONU PLACE Award for Excellence. The PLACE Award sought to recognize outstanding contributions to professional programs, the liberal arts, and/or civic engagement (P-LA-CE). Her application was then submitted to the national level for judging. 

As an award recipient, she will be recognized at the NAC&U Summer Institute conference held at Valparaiso this June. She will make a brief presentation about her submission during the awards ceremony. In addition, her work will be featured on the NAC&U website and will receive a cash award.