A group of interior design students traveled to Manhattan, N.Y., during Fall Break to visit University alumni and see what those former design students have accomplished.
Matthew Edmonds, an interior design instructor, said about 30 interior design students journeyed to the Big Apple on the department-sponsored trip to visit architecture firms which are either run by or employ University alumni.
One such firm is the Switzer Group, which is the second-largest architectural firm in the world. University alumnus Gregory Switzer is the senior architect of that firm. Students were able to meet with Switzer and learn more about his post-graduation successes.
Rachel Cannon, an interior design senior, said seeing the success of an alumnus was an inspiration for the students.
“This level of success was an encouraging factor to everyone on the trip,” Cannon said. “It also speaks very highly of the quality of the LSU interior design program.”
Edmonds said the trip also was part tourism, as students visited Ground Zero and other New York landmarks in addition to the architectural firms.
Edmonds said the trip allowed the students to reinforce their classroom learning with real-world experience.
“One of the things we practice is being able to communicate your idea to your customers, and the alumni were able to show the students how important that is in the real world,” Edmonds said.
Cannon said it also was interesting to see cultures outside of Louisiana.
“Observing the diversity of cultures and the pace at which the city works gave us a better perspective of life outside of LSU,” Cannon said.
Dawn Radkovich, an interior design senior, said she was struck by how different the New York culture is from Louisiana.
“It was interesting to see how much more effort goes into the projects than here,” Radkovich said.
Edmonds said the trip let students see what opportunities are available after graduation and see how former students have succeeded.
“It’s a great way for LSU to applaud their alumni,” Edmonds said.