Melissa Scepurek of Glenwood City, Wis., honored by Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation.
Melissa Scepurek
Melissa Scepurek, 19, a double major in theGraphic Design Technology program at Dakota County Technical College, was awarded a $2,500 scholarship for the 2008-2009 academic year from the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation.
Scepurek, who is pursuing A.A.S. degrees inGraphic Design Technology and Multimedia and Web Design, was one of 230 students to receive the scholarship from a list of more than 1,500 applicants.
Bernie Eckert, a PGSF administrator, was pleased to announce the scholarship, noting that the winners represent 87 accredited schools from across the nation.
“Since its inception in 1956, PGSF has remained dedicated to strengthening the printing and graphic communications industry by providing scholarships to students preparing to enter into this ever-changing field,” Eckert said. “It is through these individuals that the printing industry will continue to prosper.”
Named to the DCTC President’s List for fall semester 2007 and spring semester 2008, Scepurek is a graduate of Glenwood City High School in Glenwood City, Wis.She is looking forward to graduating from DCTC following fall semester 2009.
“I love graphic design,” said Scepurek, who ranks belly dancing as one of her favorite hobbies. “After graduation, I would like to get a design job near Roberts, Wis., because I really like the area. DCTC has been great. The Graphic Design Technologyprogram is excellent and the small class sizes mean that the instructors can work closely with their students.”
Visual Communications
The Visual Communications department at DCTC offers a wide range of award options, including:
- Graphic Design Technology—A.A.S. Degree
- Graphic Design Technology—Diploma
- Electronic Publishing—A.A.S. Degree
- Electronic Publishing—Diploma
- Multimedia and Web Design—A.A.S. Degree
Graduates of the Graphic Design Technology program are fully prepared to design page layouts for packaging, publications, marketing communications and interactive multimedia.
Given a solid training in design fundamentals and versed in such popular software programs as Adobe Flash, InDesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and Photoshop, graduates are equipped to produce quality work in any number of fields related to multipurpose visual communications.
According to salary.com, median annual salaries for selected visual communications jobs in the United States list as follows:
- Webmaster: $63,633
- Web Designer: $48, 849
- Senior Graphic Design Specialist: $54,582
- Graphic Design Specialist: $44,526
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for graphic designers across the U.S. is expected to grow at a rate of 10 percent through 2016.
- ISEEK reports that the average hourly wage for graphic designers in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area is $23.77 with the top earners making $36.54 an hour.
- The BLS notes that the highest paid Webmasters in the U.S. make nearly $102,000 annually.
- Employment is expected to grow much faster than average through 2016, which translates as an increase of 21 percent or more.
- Payscale.com reports that beginning Web designers in the U.S. make on average more than $35,000 a year.
- Web designers with 10 to 19 years of experience make on average nearly $50,000 annually.
