VSU Student wins Centennial Celebration Poster Contest

Suzette Bennett, a senior Art Education major from Douglas, Ga., was selected as the winner of the Valdosta State University's Centennial Celebration Poster Contest, which took place in early summer. In addition to the $250 first-place prize, she received the privilege of seeing her work become the official VSU Centennial Poster.

The poster needed to be "celebratory and appealing to adults of all ages," explained Centennial Operations Manager Mary Gooding, "from students for their dorms to alumni and local citizens for their homes."

Suzette Bennett, a senior Art Education major from Douglas, Ga., poses with VSU Graphic Design professor Dr. James Hornsby after learning Bennett placed first in the Centennial Celebration Poster Contest.

Dr. James Hornsby, VSU Graphic Design professor, accepted Centennial poster entries as an alternative to the end of semester assignment in each of the classes. "Students usually get the most excited over a poster assignment," said Hornsby. "A poster incorporates the self-expression of fine art with the purpose of an advertisement. Posters are the one area of graphic design that borders on the fine art realm."

Bennett, who competed against many other students, faculty and local citizens in contest, said she was thrilled to learn that her poster had been selected as the contest winner. "I wanted my poster to be fun and celebratory, with a clean look. I initially started with a purple color scheme but later decided on the brighter, more exciting gold."

For more information on purchasing an official centennial poster for $10, contact Gooding at (229) 333-5797.