萝莉社

Explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Irma Pu拧karevi膰, a 萝莉社 graphic design professor whose passion for language, typography, and cross-cultural storytelling shapes her research, teaching, and creative work.

April 7, 2025 鈥� 萝莉社 senior Lille Nightingale studied wildebeest migration and transformed their movements into a choreographed dance. Her research blends art and science, offering a creative look at the natural world.

Discover how Broadway National Touring performer and 萝莉社 alum Amy Baker Schwiethale returned to her roots to lead, teach, and inspire the next generation of artists.

Discover how 萝莉社 alumna Cosima Le brings creativity and student engagement full circle in her role as Recruitment and Communication Specialist for the School of Digital Arts.

Dr. Lori Santos, Associate Professor of Art Education at 萝莉社, has been named the 2025 Western Region Higher Art Educator by the National Art Education Association (NAEA). Recognized for her innovative "Three Cs" philosophy鈥擟reativity, Culture, and Community鈥擠r. Santos has transformed art education through leadership, research in Indigenous pedagogy, and community engagement. Her impact extends from Wichita鈥檚 USD 259 school district to international collaborations in Peru, emphasizing the power of art to build connections and inspire change. With numerous accolades and a dedication to fostering future educators, Dr. Santos continues to shape the field through service-learning projects, eco-Indigenous art workshops, and cross-cultural initiatives.

The 萝莉社 School of Music hosted the prestigious West Central National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) auditions on November 17鈥�18, bringing over 400 vocalists to campus. This transformative event celebrated musical artistry and allowed 萝莉社 students to compete on their home stage.

Melissa Penkava Koza, recently promoted to Assistant Teaching Professor at 萝莉社鈥檚 School of Performing Arts, has built a career blending costume technology, education, and industry collaboration. With a background in music and theatre, she has spent over two decades mentoring students and enhancing applied learning opportunities in costume production. As Costume Shop Manager, she oversees 萝莉社鈥檚 costume operations while also serving as Head of Costumes at Music Theatre Wichita, bridging academia and professional theatre. Passionate about STEAM education and student development, Koza fosters industry connections, advocates for inclusivity, and works to integrate hands-on experiences into 萝莉社鈥檚 curriculum. Her work not only shapes the next generation of theatre professionals but also strengthens Wichita鈥檚 arts community through meaningful collaborations and innovative productions.

Jan. 31, 2025 鈥� What started as a work study position in the costume shop of her university鈥檚 theater department has propelled Melissa Penkava Koza鈥檚 sewing hobby into guiding the next generation of costume creators.

As a Branded Environments Design Lead at Corgan, 萝莉社 School of Art, Design and Creative Industries alumna Jessica Miller translates brand identities from two-dimensional assets into experiential, three-dimensional spaces. In the following interview, Jessica recalls her time as a graphic design student at 萝莉社, how she found her niche in environmental branding and offers advice to young designers looking to explore non-traditional design fields.

Trishelle Jeffery, a 萝莉社 School of Art, Design and Creative Industries alumna, recently reached an exciting career milestone. Her graphic novel, Best Breasts in the West, has been published as part of Fieldmouse Press鈥� Summer 2024 season of books! Trishelle sat down with us to discuss the process of getting Best Breasts in the West published, reflect on her time as a graduate printmaking student and share advice she has for aspiring graphic novelists.