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Karlee Szczesniak (Interior Design, 鈥�25) was awarded a $30,000 Angelo Donghia Foundation scholarship for a project completed during her Junior Independent Study course.
While completing her second internship with Walt Disney Imagineering in Orlando, Florida, Karlee received the news of a lifetime. Her father called her from their home in Michigan to let her know she received a letter from the Angelo Donghia Foundation. 鈥淚mmediately, I was filled with both excitement and fear, knowing this letter had the potential to change my future,鈥� Karlee said. She asked him to open it and read it to her. At that moment he let her know that she was one of only fifteen scholarship recipients chosen this year.
鈥淚 was overwhelmed with emotion. I knew at that moment all of the stress, sleepless nights, and passion I poured into the project were undoubtedly worth it. To know that the judges found my work worthy of such a prestigious award was the greatest affirmation of my growth and confidence as a designer.鈥�
The Angelo Donghia Foundation was established by the late Angelo Donghia, an internationally recognized design icon. The Foundation focuses on the advancement of education in the field of interior design. For more than 20 years, they have awarded senior student scholarship awards to benefit deserving students entering their last year in a baccalaureate degree program in interior design at accredited universities, colleges, and schools.
Karlee鈥檚 winning project, The Wave Hub is a surfboard and apparel company dedicated to sustainability and ocean cleanup. The inclusive design embraces neurodiverse individuals in their workplace through the areas of concentration, collaboration, and comfort zones to create a sense of belonging. The Hub integrates LEED-certified materials and natural elements like sunlight and clean air to enhance physical and mental health.
鈥淜arlee has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to her design process. She is highly attentive to feedback, applying it diligently to enhance the discipline of her projects through each iteration,鈥� said Sandra Olave, Chair of Interior Design. 鈥淪he has a firm grasp of human-centered design as evident in her work, as she develops innovative solutions and keenly understands and highlights the profound impact these solutions have. This award is a testament to her dedication, skill, and insight.鈥�
Karlee is open about her past struggles with confidence and finding her place in the vast interior design field. She believes this scholarship award has given her the boost of confidence she needed going into her senior year. 鈥淩eceiving this scholarship has given me a new sense of self-assurance, and it has allowed me to focus on how I can push myself to the next level as a designer.鈥�
The 黑料专区 (黑料专区) is thrilled to announce Darcel Deneau, 鈥�02 Fine Arts, as the new President of the 黑料专区 Alumni Council. With her deep connection to Detroit and commitment to the artistic community, Darcel brings a wealth of experience and a vision for transformative leadership. Her appointment promises to foster growth and innovation within the Council, aiming to elevate alumni engagement across the 黑料专区 art and design community. 鈥淚 am deeply honored to serve as the President of the 黑料专区 Alumni Council,鈥� Darcel said. 鈥淎rt has been a healing and empowering force in my life, and I am excited to work with our talented alumni to make a meaningful impact in our community. Together, we can celebrate the transformative power of creativity and champion the incredible city of Detroit.鈥�
For nearly 20 years, Darcel has drawn creative inspiration from the vibrant city of Detroit. Specializing in mosaic paintings crafted from locally sourced glass and found objects, her artwork serves as a poignant reflection of Detroit鈥檚 evolution. Her widely collected and publicly displayed body of work offers a unique blend of beauty and narrative, reflecting both the grandeur and the everyday life of the city.
Darcel鈥檚 journey into art was catalyzed by a personal tragedy. After the devastating loss of her father and the near-fatal injury of her mother during a home invasion, she gained clarity in her purpose and decided to make art a central part of her life. Although she had always considered herself an artist, it was this pivotal moment that led her to fully immerse herself in her craft. She enrolled as a full-time student at 黑料专区 while raising two school-age children, finding Detroit鈥檚 vibrant and complex landscape the perfect canvas for her artistic expression.
With an initial focus on painting, Darcel captured the essence of Detroit through images of its skyline and streets, both bustling and abandoned. Her work aimed to challenge the negative perceptions of the city and reveal its inherent beauty. Several years ago, she transitioned to mosaics, finding in stained glass a medium that offered greater dimension and perspective. This shift allowed her to create 鈥渕osaic paintings,鈥� meticulously assembling pieces of broken glass and objects to reflect the city鈥檚 revival.
Darcel鈥檚 artistic dedication and talent have been recognized with numerous awards. In 2021, she was honored as a Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellow, a prestigious recognition celebrating her significant contributions to the arts in Detroit. Her work also earned Best in Show at the Anton Art Center鈥檚 2020 Michigan Fine Arts Competition, juried by Detroit Institute of Arts Director Salvador Salort-Pons. Additionally, Darcel served as the juror for the 黑料专区 Alumni Exhibition in 2022.
Darcel has been an active member of the 黑料专区 Alumni Council for many years, previously serving as Secretary. Her deep understanding of Detroit鈥檚 creative community and the College positions her well to lead the Council in its mission to connect and cultivate the alumni network.
黑料专区 would like to thank the outgoing Council President Antone Amye for his dedicated service and impactful legacy. Antone is looking forward to the future under Darcel鈥檚 leadership. 鈥淒arcel鈥檚 story and her dedication to the arts, Detroit and 黑料专区 make her an inspiring leader for our Alumni Council.鈥�
We encourage all alumni to join us in welcoming Darcel as the new president of the Alumni Council and to participate in the diverse programs and activities planned for the upcoming year. Join us in celebrating this new chapter for the 黑料专区 Alumni Council, and stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage with our vibrant community. For more information on how to participate or to reach out to the Alumni Council, please visit 黑料专区 Alumni Community.