PRCC Graphic Design program honors second cohort of graduates
POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Pearl River Community College’s Graphic Design program marked another milestone on July 15, honoring its second cohort of students at a recognition ceremony attended by family, friends, administrators, and instructors.
Michelle Keogh, a graphic designer currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Media Design at Full Sail University, gave the keynote address, “Advice I Would Give Myself Sitting Where You Are.” She pursued a bachelor’s degree in Digital Design from Tulane University in 2023 after two decades of service in the United States Marine Corps, including work as a Marine Air-Ground Task Force Planner and Civil Affairs Chief in Afghanistan.
After describing her path to graphic design, Keogh shared lessons learned since graduating from Tulane. She spent time on both the process of finding a job, which can take longer than expected, and when you should walk away from employment that does not fit. Other advice included remembering that a graphic designer makes information digestible for the audience and prioritizes a client’s requirements over any personal style, being willing to both receive and provide feedback, compiling a portfolio of the best work, and continually networking.
“It takes a lot of grit to succeed,” said Keogh. “Stay curious. Remember that asking questions is a sign of intelligence and that small improvements are still improvements.”
Each graduate received a certificate, a card with the Designer’s Pledge, and a pin with the motto “Design with purpose. Create with passion.” The Dedication to Design Award and Persistence and Dedication Award were presented to select students.
“Every semester, our students learn the mechanics of design; typography, layout, the software,” said Corey Guerra, Instructor of Graphic Design at PRCC. “But this ceremony is where we talk about the other half of the job: that the people who came before us treated design as a form of respect for the audience, not just a skill for the client. Watching our students step into that responsibility, and recognizing the work they’ve done to get here, is the best part of my year.
“Milton Glaser (creator of the I Love NY logo) used to ask himself whether the work he was making might encourage people to do something that wasn’t good for them. That’s not a rhetorical question — it’s one our students will keep answering for the rest of their careers. Today isn’t just recognition for what they’ve made. It’s recognition that they’re ready to be asked that question, and to take it seriously.”
Two of the students received American Advertising Awards (ADDYs) this spring. Sheena Gingrich earned her first two ADDYs with Forgotten Spaces (Silver ADDY – Integrated Advertising Campaign) and No Kid Hungry (Gold ADDY – Outdoor & Transit Advertising). Hank Wilson won a Silver ADDY for his Maze Runner Book Cover in the Sales & Marketing Publication Design Cover category.
2026 GRAPHIC DESIGN PROGRAM GRADUATES
Julie Bounds of Poplarville
Frances Ellis of Petal
Sheena Gingrich of Hattiesburg
Courtney Guidry of Hattiesburg
Dennis Holder of Lumberton
AmBreial Smith of Kiln
Hank Wilson of Purvis
