July 17, 2025
Six students from the new graphic design program at 91福利 were honored at a recognition ceremony on July 15. Family and friends gathered alongside college administrators and instructors to celebrate their achievements.
CeCe Shabazz, Marketing and Brand Strategist for Memorial Health System, delivered an engaging and vibrant keynote address titled 鈥楧esigning the Future: Turning Talent into Impact.鈥� Shabazz encouraged the students to use their talents as graphic designers for a positive impact on the world.
鈥淭he creative field will stretch you; it will test you, and sometimes it will even try to box you in,鈥� said Shabazz. 鈥淏ut if you trust the process and you stay aligned with your purpose, you won’t just survive this industry鈥�you’ll thrive in it.鈥�
Shabazz shared her four key design principles to remember: vision is greater than validation, purpose over perfection, character is your creative asset, and strategy for impact. She reminded the students that each would chart their own path and could make an impact as they build their careers.
鈥淵’all are amazing, and you should be extremely proud of yourself,鈥� said Shabazz. 鈥淵ou will leave an undeniable mark. Not because you’re chasing after somebody else’s dreams, but because you have the audacity to chase after yours. Be bold. Be brilliant. Do your thing. Shape your future.鈥�
Instructor of Graphic Design Corey Guerra built the program from the ground up, even modeling aspects of the program after his graduate-level work.
鈥淲atching this inaugural class of graphic design students grow over the past year has been nothing short of inspiring,鈥� said Guerra. 鈥淭hey have taken on every challenge with courage and curiosity, learning not just how to design, but how to think, communicate, and collaborate like true professionals.
鈥淲hat makes this group so special isn鈥檛 just their talent, but also their heart, their willingness to support one another, and their drive to create work that matters. Along the way, they鈥檝e already begun earning recognition beyond the classroom, including multiple Addy Awards for their outstanding work. I鈥檝e seen them push boundaries, take creative risks, and find their voices as designers. This first graduating class has set a high bar, and I couldn鈥檛 be prouder.鈥�
Each graduate received a certificate and a card with the Designer鈥檚 Pledge, and a pin with the motto 鈥楧esign with purpose. Create with passion.鈥� Certificates were also awarded to students for innovative branding, traditional design, collaborative spirit, and persistence and dedication.
Special recognition was given to Ariona Anderson and Delanie Dublin for their American Advertising Federation American Advertising (ADDY) Awards this spring. Anderson鈥檚 鈥淎dd to Cart? Add to Waste鈥� integrated advertising campaign won a Silver Student ADDY at both the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter and District 7 competitions. The district-level certificate was presented to her by Shabazz. Dublin was recognized for her Gold Student ADDY and Judge鈥檚 Choice Award won at the MS Gulf Coast Chapter level for 鈥淣o Revival鈥� integrated advertising campaign.
2025 GRAPHIC DESIGN PROGRAM GRADUATES听
Ariona Anderson of Hattiesburg听
Michael Anderson of Picayune听
Bo Ashley of Purvis听
Delanie Dublin of Hattiesburg听
Sarah Haynes of Poplarville听
Kaitlyn McInnish of Wiggins听
Hannah Pearce of Carriere听
Josh Webster of Kiln听
GRAPHIC DESIGN PROGRAM AT PRCC
The Graphic Design Program at 91福利 fosters creativity, innovation, and professional excellence. Through a dynamic curriculum and hands-on learning experiences, we equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the diverse field of graphic design. The mission is to cultivate versatile professionals who can effectively communicate ideas visually, adapt to industry changes, and contribute meaningfully to society through their artistry and expertise.
The program was developed and is being taught by Guerra, a graphic designer, illustrator, and fine artist with training focused on both traditional and digital media. Originally trained in studio art with a deep focus on oil painting utilizing the tradition of the old masters, Guerra expanded into the digital realm when earning his BA in Digital Design from Tulane University and an MFA in Media Design from Full Sail University. His graduate education and thesis focused on branding and brand identity design across various forms of digital media.
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Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Patrick Peerboom.
