Carrie Staples watched with satisfaction as her senior graphic design students showcased their work before heading into careers of endless possibilities Friday, April 25, at the Emporium on Gay Street.

"It's a chance for everyone to get together and let students show off their work for potential employers," Staples said Friday.

Lindsey Day, a senior in graphic design who showcased her work Friday evening, said she was "very relieved" to finish her work at UT.

Day described working on her projects as "exhausting," and remembers "lots of long, late nights."
"It's been fun getting up to this point. Seeing the finished product is very rewarding. You can really see an achievement."  --Lindsey Day, senior in graphic design

"It's been fun getting up to this point," Day said. "Seeing the finished product is very rewarding. You can really see an achievement."

Staples said the show began more than 10 years ago.  "I came here in '90, and it was going on then," she said.

Staples explained that 10 years ago the date fell on the last Friday in April, and it has been held then ever since.  This way the alumni would know when the event happens, Staples said.

"It always has been an open house for professors and sort of a fun fare," Staples said of the event.

Senior graphic design students showcased work from practicum experiences.

Posters advertising musical artists, advertisements and even board games were arranged throughout the Emporium for alumni, friends, professors and potential employers to look at.

Senior projects by Andrew Tessier and Lindsay Johnson looked at simple acts in a new light.  Tessier's "How to save your face," gave instructions for a male to shave his face placed alongside a mirror.  Johnson's "Mambo," helped the dancing-impaired learn the dance.

Nathan Haas's "Battle with eight books," told his personal story of just that, a battle with eight books, which he endured with an injury.

The Emporium was not the only place showcasing student work on Friday, Staples said.

The Ewing Gallery, adjacent to the Emporium, also displayed student work.

Staples described the event as an "old-home week," because it provided the chance for everyone to get together and enjoy each other's company, as well as finish off the school year with a bang.