Southeastern Louisiana University

Art students create designs for Hammond Chamber brochure

Contact: Christina Chapple

3/19/09

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     The Chamber recently tapped the talents of students enrolled in Southeastern art professor Gary Keown’s upper level print design class to create an informational brochure.

     After approximately a month of design work, drafts that whittled the field to four designs, and presentations by the four finalists to the Chamber’s marketing committee, “We have a winner,” Chamber Executive Director Charlotte Lenoir said.

     Lenoir came to Keown’s class March 5 to announce that, after what she described as “heated discussion,” the Chamber had selected Lacey Schexnayder’s design. The art major from Baton Rouge received a $50 prize and will be credited on the printed brochure. She will also be introduced and her winning design unveiled at the Chamber’s April 23 meeting at the Quality Inn and Conference Center.
     “This was not an easy decision at all. It was hard enough to narrow down to four,” said Lenoir. 

     In addition to Schexnayder, participating students were fellow finalists Virginia Cockerham of Denham Springs, Samantha Carr of Gretna, and Jeff Marshall of Baton Rouge, as well as Amanda Blouin, Gonzales; Scott Gibson, Slidell; Keith Hogan, Hammond; Beverly Mier, Mt. Hermon; Jami Moffatt, Walker; and Jesse Sims, Kentwood.

     “Not being from Hammond, my biggest challenge was interpreting what the client wanted,” said Schexnayder, who is originally from the town of Lake in Ascension Parish. But, thanks to the project, she now knows a lot more about the community.

     Membership and Marketing Coordinator Donna Hellmers and Chamber Specialist Jenni O’Neil, who worked closely with Keown and his students, had high praise for the students’ efforts.

     “They did a great job and far exceeded our expectations,” said Hellmers. “We really appreciate all of their work and efforts.”

     The pair, both Southeastern graduates, said the Chamber always welcomes opportunities to partner with the university and that this project was an ideal match.

     “This project between Mr. Keown’s digital design class and the Chamber of Commerce is a prime example of how a university and business community can work together,” agreed Bryan DePoy, interim dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. “It’s a win-win situation for all. Not only does the Chamber benefit from talent in the college, but our students are given hands-on experience at applying their discipline.”

     “Young people have a fresh viewpoint and that’s what we wanted,” Hellmers said. She and O’Neil outlined a few parameters for the class, providing text, photos, color suggestions, and a theme – “Give Your Business an Edge.”  

     They were impressed, they said, that some students went out of their way to take their own photos or attend a Chamber After Hours event to get a better feel for their client.

     The Chamber plans to print 5,000 brochures and to incorporate Schexnayder’s design theme into additional marketing projects, such as a new presentation folder, posters for the “Chillin’ with the Chamber” fundraiser, and a logo for the annual Business Expo.