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MIAD students continue to serve the community from home

Every year, MIAD students complete thousands of volunteer hours with more than 200 Milwaukee area nonprofit organizations through MIAD’s Service Learning program. Due to the pandemic, service learning courses this summer and opportunities for students to contribute to the community shifted online. 

Students studied various topics and issues involving communities and then each chose a 35-hour service project to complete. 

“During this class, my perspective on what it means to serve changed. I’m really glad I was able to participate in a class like this at MIAD, where like-minded individuals are passionate about the same things I am,” said Paige Slinkard ’21 (Communication Design) in a presentation about her project. 

In the video above, students share more about their projects and why the work is important.

News

Fashion students design adaptive clothing for Independence First

For the second year in a row, Fashion and Apparel Design students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) worked with Independence First to design adaptive clothing tailor-made for two people who use wheelchairs. The project is part of a junior-level Patternmaking & Construction course.

MIAD Values Recognition Award: Nichole Uecker

Nichole Uecker, Student Accessibility Coordinator, received the October 2025 MIAD Values Recognition Award at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Nichole’s nominations highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Community, Inclusion and Kindness.

Personal and professional passion inspire Product Design student

When senior Carmen Briones’ mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during Briones’ sophomore year at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), finding a bra that was comfortable with a medical port became an additional challenge. Briones ’26 (Product Design) answered that challenge in her Design for Human Interface class by designing a product that reduces pain while increasing mobility.

Toy design at Squishmallows: MIAD student develops confidence

When she first got the internship offer from Squishmallows at Jazwares, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Melody Frias ’26 (Communication Design and Illustration) thought she was in shock. Months after the internship concluded, Frias still reads that email when she needs a boost.

Collections Spotlight: Helen Hoppin

Not only is the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) home to two formal gallery spaces hosting numerous external exhibitions, the college also boasts its own large collection focusing on work produced by founders and early students.