A logo is sometimes the first impression an organization gets to make on its clients, donors and supporters. Three area nonprofits received a free logo design makeover as part of Wichita State University Associate Professor Jeff Pulaski's sequential design class this spring.

The project was part of Pulaski’s “100 Hours of Design” initiative, a hands-on student learning opportunity that’s been a part of the class for several years.

“Classroom projects are very different from working with clients,” Pulaski said. “Through this type of project, not only do the students get to work with real-world clients, they get to interact and network with professionals who will eventually be colleagues. It's a win-win for the students.”

Pulaski selects the nonprofits himself that students will work with for the week-long project. The students built a set of brand collateral that includes a poster, letterhead and a notecard.

“We get lots of calls from people wanting free design work, but selecting specific nonprofits allows us to help the community, value the student’s talents and respect the professional community of graphic designers in Wichita,” Pulaski said.

As part of her position at CCSR, Sonja Armbruster, director of public health initiatives, received the student’s graphic design work for the Health Alliance.

“The work the students did meet a need we’d had for years and far exceeded my expectations,” she said. “I appreciate how this project connects departments, students and professionals, as well as highlights Wichita State’s presence in the community.”

This year, 17 of the 20 students in the sequential design class spent their spring break creating designs for the project. They were mentored by award-winning, professional designers from the Wichita area.

The Health Alliance is focused on improving the health and quality of life for residents in Sedgwick County. Students also designed pieces for Project Independence, a peer support center for adults with mental illness; and The Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, a center that works with individuals and communities through comprehensive services and education to create a culture of intolerance for sexual violence and an atmosphere of healing for those impacted by it.