News Article

Students of the Graphic Design program at College of the North Atlantic (CNA) continue to rack up the accolades, taking home 17 awards at last night’s International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Pinnacle Awards gala in St. John’s.
 
The Pinnacle Awards, presented by the Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter of the IABC, are rigorously evaluated to measure excellence in communications.
 
“A number of years ago, IABC Newfoundland and Labrador approached our Graphic Design program with the concept of a student competition judged by industry professionals, and we jumped at the opportunity,” said John Barry, instructional coordinator of Applied Arts and Tourism programs for CNA’s St. John’s campuses. “Since then, a number of our students have won awards in the student competition and some have gone on to win Pinnacle Awards as industry professionals as well. It is a great opportunity for students to showcase their work in front of this province’s design and communications community, and helps them understand what they must do to prepare for life as a design professional.”
 
This year, recent graduates and first-year students claimed 17 awards in the student category.
 
Aaron Bishop of Paradise brought home three Awards of Excellence for his work on Pixel Junkies Magazine, Design Website, and Yer Mudder’s Pub; and Melissa Parsons of Flatrock took home Awards of Excellence for her work on Citrus Bubble and Ray’s House, as well as an Award of Merit for Haru Fashion Magazine.
 
“Winning Pinnacle Awards makes me feel an extra boost of confidence in both myself and my work,” said Parsons, who graduated in 2013. “I’m very thankful to be acknowledged for projects I poured part of myself into. Special thanks (goes) to everyone who has helped inspire and guide me through this ongoing adventure.”
 
Shawnray Massey of St. John’s claimed an Award of Excellence for his work on Designer Poser, as well as Awards of Merit for Moby Dick Cover, Plakatstil Poster and Selfie Playcards; and Amber Cross of Burin claimed an Award of Excellence for her work on Tyrant, as well as Awards of Merit for Spark, Rainbow, Plague and László Moholy-Nagy Poster.
 
“In our personal struggles to reach our life goals it is easy to lose sight of our dreams,” said first-year student Massey. “Winning a Pinnacle Award is a reminder that we, as designers, matter. Not only is this proof that we are appreciated by our peers, it is an achievement that helps remind us why we chose to design, why we share our ideas, and what we envision in our future. Thank you Pinnacle!”
 
An Award of Excellence was presented to Alan Moore of London, England U.K. for The Nobleman Magazine Spread; while Kimberly Doran of Goulds nabbed an Award of Merit for work on Downtown Landscape.
 
“It's really exciting to win this award in the first year of my program,” said Doran. “This award has given me confidence in my work as a photographer. I'm really thankful for the recognition.”
 
Barry says he couldn’t be happier with the outcome from the event.
 
“We are delighted with the results; it shows the strengths and capabilities of our students, and their ability to produce meaningful, effective work. We look forward to more success stories from them in the future,” Barry said.
 
One unique aspect of this year’s Pinnacle Awards gala is that CNA, through the work of the Graphic Design program, was the presenting sponsor for the event. First year student, Amanda Larner of Whitbourne, designed the logo for the event.
 
“Students designed the event logo, participated in the branding for the event, and their work was used in the development of the event program, signage, tickets and other materials. It was an invaluable experience for the students,” Barry said.
 
“I would like to thank IABC-NL for their belief in our students, our program and our college. These partnerships help us to produce the best students possible and help to ease the transition between student and professional life.”
 
For more information about CNA’s Graphic Design program visit www.cna.nl.ca
 
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Media Contact:
 
Glenda McCarthy
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709.643.6408
glenda.mccarthy@cna.nl.ca