February 12, 2026

Ferris State University students honored for excellence in Graphic Arts by the Graphic Media Alliance

Ferris State University students earned 20 awards in the 2026 Print Excellence Awards competition, presented by Graphic Media Alliance.

This latest recognition reinforces the students' reputation for delivering exceptional creativity and craftsmanship in print excellence.

Ferris State students earned six Gold Awards, 10 Silver Awards, and four Bronze Awards in the competition. The students tripled the amount of awards they won in 2025, when they captured two Gold Awards, three Silver Awards, and one Bronze Award.

“These awards reflect the hard work and talent of our students, and also the quality of Ferris State’s Graphic Media Management program,” Assistant professor Amela O’Gorman said. “Ferris State has long prepared students for exciting and rewarding careers in the graphic design and printing field.”

The annual Print Excellence Awards program honors schools across Ohio, Michigan, and Northern Kentucky for outstanding achievement in graphic design.

The 2026 competition received 689 entries, including 348 entries from member companies and a record-setting 341 student entries, highlighting both the strength of today's commercial printing industry and the growing pipeline of future industry talent.

Entries were evaluated by an independent panel of respected, out-of-area judges, Each submission underwent careful review and deliberation, with judges noting that the overall quality of work was exceptionally high, making many categories highly competitive.

Graphic Media Alliance recognized Ferris State University for exceeding the rigorous standards of the competition and demonstrating excellence across multiple categories.

All Gold Award winners from the regional competition advance to association-wide judging for Best of Category and Best of Show honors, which will be announced in August at the 2026 Print Excellence Awards Grand Ceremony.

Select winners from the Print Excellence Awards will also advance to the national-level Americas Print Awards, recognizing the best print work from across the United States.

Students earning honors are Tara Seth of Coopersville, Tristin Vanzyll of Plainfield, Emalyn Nelson of Manistee, Mackenzie Griffin of Wyoming, Faith Robinson of South Lyon, Drew Gendron-Wesley of Southgate, and Corey Szarejko of Battle Creek.

Graphic Media Alliance is a leading regional trade association serving nearly 300 commercial printers, suppliers, and partners throughout Ohio, Michigan, and Northern Kentucky.

GMA is dedicated to advancing the industry through advocacy, workforce development, education, and member-focused programs that support growth and operational success.