EDITORIAL: Sewing the threads of success
Wightman Hall undergoes construction on the second floor on Sept 8, 2015.
At a time when the university has made it clear that its major priorities are with academic research and supporting the college of medicine, a new Visual Merchandising Lab in Wightman Hall represents the right kind of investment in student success.
At the same time, Wightman 143 will be remodeled into the MakerBot Center of Innovation, the first 3D printer lab of its kind at a public university in the Midwest. MakerBot will supply the university with approximately 35 3D printers programmed to work with computer software to generate three-dimensional renderings of an object. The center will be available for both fashion merchandising and design and interior design majors.
Many disciplines have integrated 3D printing as a tool at universities across the country, however CMU is one of the first to build classes around the technology. The printers can be used for product conceptualization and development and to create jewelry, sculptures and clothing.
When Central Michigan Life published news about a $10.8 million renovation to Grawn Hall, students wondered on social media when Wightman Hall would see any updates.
Though they aren't as extensive as other renovation projects on campus, it is encouraging to see the aging Wightman Hall receive updates. The two projects equal about $800,000.
Arts are usually the first programs to be cut when budgets are tight, so it's nice to see a needed investment in an area students are interested in.
CMU's fashion merchandising and design program was recently ranked 25th nationally among public schools and 12th in the Midwest by Fashion-Schools. Upon graduation, more than 92 percent of fashion merchandising and design grads are placed into industry jobs, attracting brands like Reebok, Urban Outfitters, Kohl's, Quicksilver and others.
New investment in fashion merchandising and design students will likely improve the talent seen in the Threads Fashion Show. From the lighting, live music, models, make up and planning leading up to the event, students with or without designs in the show had a hand in the production last year. The fashion show is the second largest event on campus.
Juried judges usually feature industry professionals like Renaldo Barnette, a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
Big things are going on in Wightman Hall. We are happy to see opportunities created for students in programs that are often overlooked.
