Junior earns slot in prestigious Steelcase program
April 25, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University junior Yvonne Blodgett is one of 25 North American undergraduates selected for a program that brings together top students of architecture, interior design and industrial design.
The Lake, Mich., native will attend the highly competitive 2002 Steelcase Student Design Exchange June 2 to June 28 at the company's headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich. While there, Blodgett and her peers will work with Steelcase officials to examine issues of workplace design from a "people-centered perspective."
The unique scholarship program offers an opportunity for exceptional students to study and collaborate with designers, innovators, and business leaders who are impacting the way people think about workplace design. Students will take part in hands-on design activities, and will have their tuition, meals and housing underwritten by Steelcase Inc.
Competition for the program is stiff. Applicants must be from a professional degree program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board or the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research, or one that is recognized by the Industrial Design Association of America. Participants are nominated by faculty members and must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average. The students' portfolios and essays on a prescribed topic also are part of the judging criteria.
Steelcase Inc. is one of the world's preeminent designers and manufacturers of products for the work environment. Founded in 1912, the company has led the global office furniture industry in sales every year since 1974. Its product portfolio includes interior architectural products, furniture systems, technology products, seating, lighting, storage and related products and services.
Media contact: Gail H. Towns, 269 387-8400, gail.towns@wmich.edu