Students in the Gavilan College Computer Graphics and Design program kept their creative juices flowing and extended their winning streak – receiving honors and awards for their projects on display at the California State Fair in Sacramento for a fourth straight year.
CGD students garnered five California State Fair Golden Bear rosettes – one first place, two second place and one third place – as well as one GoEngineer SolidWorks prize. The students’ projects, judged by industry professionals, were on display at the Industrial & Technology Education Exhibit through July 28.
Johnathon Hamilton, of Gilroy, won a first-place rosette for his Solid Model Rendering of an interchangeable double-barreled gun. Hamilton, who is hoping to pursue a career in animation, also received a Go Engineering Award for his technical 3D modeling and presentation skills.
Gavilan’s Frank Romero, of Gilroy, and Desiree Villescaz, of Gilroy, placed second for Solid Model Rendering and CAD 3D Pictorial Rendering, respectively, while Steven Hua, of San Martin, finished third for his Solid Model Rendering.
Romero, who hopes to become a graphic designer, used SolidWorks to design and engineer a functional portable wheelchair ramp, and applied graphic design to visually communicate how his invention improves access for wheelchair-users.
Villesca, who entered a project called “Dream House,” worked with other students in her Environmental Design class to develop design proposals for Comstock Community Farm in Hollister during the spring.
Hua, a repeat competitor who previously won highest honors in architectural technology, was awarded another rosette this year for his rendered exploded views of an elevator door part. Hua plans to use his design, engineering and visual communication skills to enter a career related to architecture and/or mechanical engineering with hopes of working on transportation systems.
This statewide competition was open to all industrial technology and career education students at California’s 112 community colleges.
CGD instructor Colette McLaughlin, who coordinated the students’ entries for the fair, said “those students are stars. The recognition for their hard work means a lot.”
This fall, McLaughlin will be teaching 2D/3D Technical Computer Graphics, Advanced Computer Graphics for Design Applications and Technical Desktop Publishing & Graphics.
Gavilan College CGD students may pursue Associate of Science degrees or Certificates of Achievement in three options: Advanced Technical Computer Graphics, Computer Graphics for Environmental Design, and Technical Desktop Publishing & Graphics.