The people—students, alumni, faculty and staff—are what makes this program what it is. We want the best education for our emgerging designers, which includes field trips, scholarships, equipment, and guest speakers. As state funding for schools continues to decrease we want to maintain the same excellence we have always had. So, please, help us keep the ball rolling.
Currently, we are looking for support for a new Riso printer for the production lab, upgrades to the screenprinting lab, scholarships, and field trips. Your gift of any size makes a really big difference, and it goes straight to the design department.
Dr. Elsi Vassdal Ellis taught as a beloved professor at Western for 40 years. She started in 1977 and retired in 2017. Elsi's passion for books and design inspired many students.
In 1995, Elsi created the Vassdal Design Scholarship. This scholarship supports students pursuing a Design degree in the College of Fine & Performing Arts. Sometimes it also supports outstanding students who are especially in need. So far, more than $40,000 has helped 40 students thanks to this scholarship.
Now, almost 30 years after the scholarship began, three of her former students have stepped up to ensure the scholarship Elsi has been personally funding continues into the future. They are creating an endowment fund for the Vassdal Design Scholarship, to sustain Elsi's support of students into the future. Please add your contribution to this fund and support Western Design students through a self-sustaining, annual scholarship!
By supporting this fundraiser, you can help continue Elsi’s tradition of kindness, creativity, and opportunity for future students.
Click here to support this scholarship!
