Vincennes University Graphic Design Students make their mark on Daviess Community Hospital

The new Women’s Health Center at Daviess Community Hospital has a creative look, thanks to Vincennes University Graphic Design students.

VU students recently completed the design, fabrication, and installation of the center’s new signage, using laser-cut acrylic to create a welcoming atmosphere for the facility in Washington.

“Opening the Women’s Health Center is a great addition for Southwest Indiana and our surrounding counties of Daviess, Knox, and Greene counties. Being able to collaborate with an esteemed graphic design program at VU to develop our new logo and showcase to our community, was a no-brainer,” said Justin D. Harris, CEO at Daviess Community Hospital. “I had the opportunity to join the VU Foundation Board last fall, and being able to cross-collaborate between our organizations to promote our students’ abilities is fantastic.”

This collaboration highlights VU’s commitment to real-world learning and strong community partnerships.

College of Humanities Art and Design Program Chair Ron Wise said, "By working with Daviess Community Hospital, our students are proving that their skills have a direct, positive impact outside of the University. VU has total confidence in our students' ability to manage high-stakes projects for major community institutions. This is more than a classroom assignment. It’s a professional contract that gives our students a distinct advantage. Our partnership with Daviess Community Hospital proves that VU students can compete at the highest level.”

From creating the design to operating the University’s state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment to guarantee precision-cut lettering to the final application of the sign to the center’s walls, the student handled every phase.

This project helped Azeria Ackerman of Washington and her fellow classmates sharpen their professional skills before entering the field. Real-world projects like these ensure VU is producing the next generation of industry leaders and graduates are career-ready from Day One.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to see this project through from start to finish because it made me a better designer,” Ackerman said. “I gained confidence and understanding through this class project.”

Ackerman, who graduated earlier this month with an associate degree in Graphic Design Occupational, added, “The hospital wanted a very simple design. As a class, coming up with ideas for this project was fun and challenging. The client decided to use a very simple design of their logo and a typeface.”

The students were excited to see their work go public.

“As a designer, one of the most rewarding feelings is actually seeing, touching, or holding a design that at one point was just an idea,” Ackerman said. “It was exciting for my class to follow this design through the whole process. I think we especially enjoyed going to the hospital and installing it.”

Partnerships like this are a vital resource for the region while providing VU students with invaluable service-learning opportunities, aligning with the University’s motto: “Learn In Order To Serve.”