Lindenwood Magazine - Spring 2021

14 15 SPRING 2021 EDITION SPRING 2021 EDITION THE LINDENWOOD THE LINDENWOOD FACULTY PROFILE CAMPUS LIFE CAMPUS LIFE WEAVING INNOVATION INTO FASHION Innovation permeates the fashion industry through technology, and Lindenwood’s degree programs incorporate technology in many ways. Computer-aided design courses empower tomorrow’s designers to create their designs—from concept and mood boards through the final product, using sophisticated programs and creative approaches. Dr. Chajuana Trawick, endowed chair and associate professor of fashion business and design, has been reinventing the programs at Lindenwood since her arrival. As Lindenwood’s first African American endowed chair and first female endowed chair, Trawick sets the standard for excellence and leads top-notch programs that provide students with cutting-edge experience. “We focus on technology, sustainability, and building global relationships,” she shared. And, she has succeeded in providing both study abroad and study away experiences to enrich Lindenwood’s programs. “Our students get real-world experience to promote real success, and I wanted our students to be exposed to the fashion industry.” As such, students have attended New York Fashion Week, and the MAGIC Fashion Trade Show in Las Vegas, and educational travel to Paris, London, Greece, and five cities in Italy. This innovative approach to first-hand experience immersing students in the world of fashion provides experiences that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom. Ultimately, the advances in technology seek to make one significant impact in the fashion industry—sustainability. As Lindenwood prepares students for real success, this approach is incorporated into the curriculum through intuitive software and programming. Students engage in conversation about textile development as well, understanding how to reduce environmental impact. “We use Adobe in the textile design class, so students are creating their prints and the textile patterns for the fabric that they’ll use in their collection,” shared Trawick. Coupled with other programs and technological advances, Trawick believes this focus on sustainability will impact the future of the industry. As a former high school fashion teacher, Trawick understands the importance of exposing high school students to colleges and universities offering fashion degrees. As chair, she prioritized getting high school students not only to see Lindenwood’s programs but to engage and contribute in meaningful ways. “In order to make this more inclusive, we invited high school students to participate in the fashion show.” In the first year of this refreshed model, two students applied and showcased. From there, growth has been exponential, with 89 students applying to participate in the 2019 fashion show. 2020 was to be Lindenwood’s largest fashion show but was impacted when the pandemic hit. “We saw high school teachers who we’d made connections with, scrambling to find digital content in the urgent transition to virtual teaching,” Trawick explained. Lindenwood again found innovative ways to support. The programs created educational resources and opportunities for student showcases, presented to high school classes, and supported teachers who had been great partners of the fashion show. Trawick continues to make an impact in the fashion industry on a local and national level, incorporating an advisory council, alumni feedback, and industry trends into the programs at Lindenwood. As the industry evolves and advances, Trawick will continue to weave innovation into Lindenwood’s programs and prepare students for real success in the world of fashion, business, design, and technology. CAMPUS EVENTS CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD The Campus Activities Board hosted Sweet Saturdays throughout the semester, a weekly drop-in event for students with tasty treats like cotton candy, donuts, or snow cones. SUMMIT ON LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Students attended the Virtual Summit on Leadership Development in February. Lindenwood University cohosted the event, and attendees participated in workshops to develop leadership skills, engaged in networking opportunities, and had a chance to speak with industry experts. DAY OF DIALOGUE March 3 was the inaugural Day of Dialogue, aimed to engage faculty, staff, and students in meaningful conversations about social awareness and civic engagement. Dr. Claude Steele joined as the event’s keynote, and Mrs. Emily Pitts closed the day with a discussion about the importance of inclusion in all environments. COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC In response to the needs of the community, Lindenwood partnered with Compass Health Network and hosted an on-campus COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic. The event was open to Lindenwood employees and students, as well as the general public. The one-day event distributed nearly 3,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine. SPRING INTO SERVICE Spring into Service engaged faculty, staff, and students in a day of giving back to the local community. On April 24, nearly 100 campus community members united on several projects. Handmade wind chimes were constructed and donated to Caris Healthcare, pet toys were made for Five Acres Animal Shelter, affirmation cards were written for the Megan Meier Foundation, and fleece blankets were assembled for Project Linus. Hosted by Student Involvement and Lindenwood Student Government, the day positively impacted the surrounding community and centered around Earth Day. PARTY ON THE PAVEMENT As the school year came to a close, Lindenwood’s President, Dr. John Porter, planned an end-of-year celebration to recognize the hard work and commitment of the entire campus in overcoming the pandemic’s unique challenges. Party on the Pavement featured live music, giveaways, individually packaged Grandma’s Cookies and Sweet Poppins popcorn, and socially distanced celebration. The event brought together faculty, staff, and students for a safe afternoon of fun and laughs. MAY COMMENCEMENT Lindenwood capped off the 2020-21 academic year with in-person commencement ceremonies at Family Arena in St. Charles. With four guests per graduate and a reduced number of volunteers, Lindenwood graduates proudly crossed the stage and received their diplomas. Dr. Porter shared, “Know in your hearts that you have faced adversity, looked it in the eyes, and beat it. You are a testament to the power of believing in yourself and believing in others. You are living proof that patience reaps great rewards. And when combined, these two values are the tools you need to succeed in life.” DR. CHAJUANA TRAWICK Our students get real-world experience to promote real success, and I wanted our students to be exposed to the fashion industry. Innovation in the fashion industry promotes sustainability. SAVE THE DATE! Homecoming 2021 October 8 – 10 Football Game Saturday, 1 p.m.