2024 DesCan Scholarship Recipients

Cheryl Lynn Rutledge Northern Indigenous Student Award

This national scholarship was created through a generous donation from Mark Rutledge CPD, to support an indigenous design student pursuing an education in graphic/communication design at a Canadian post-secondary college/university. This scholarship is established in honour of Mark’s mother, Cheryl Lynn, who was his support and inspiration and who passed away in 2016.

Winner: Nikki Thiessen
School: Red River College, Winnipeg, MB

“I understand the value and impact we as graphic designers can have in driving social change, and I want to be part of that with DESCAN’s help to honour both my culture and family’s legacy by serving communities.” — Nikki Thiessen

Judge’s comments:

“As an Indigenous person from Treaty 1 and as someone who went to RRC myself, I applaud Nikki’s approach to decolonizing graphic design in her own practice as well as within an academic context. It’s not an easy undertaking to challenge well established systems but we need more people like Nikki in this industry.”

DesCan Foundation Ray Hrynkow Scholarship

This national scholarship is awarded to a third-year student in a Canadian program whose submission has demonstrated a deep understanding of problem-solving through communication design. Created in honour of Ray Hrynkow, a respected Vancouver, BC design professional, teacher and DesCan Fellow who passed away in 2012. It is supported by Casey Hrynkow FGDC and other donors.

Winner: Georgia Stone
School: Wilson School of Design, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, BC

“Ray’s vision for this scholarship seamlessly resonates with my own aspirations; I firmly believe in the transformative power of design as a catalyst for social innovation and sustainability.” — Georgia Stone

Judge’s comments:

“A very impressive project with far-reaching scope and application; really beautifully and thoughtfully done”

“Really strong design solution and presentation, clearly meets the criteria for this scholarship.”

Marc Brisbourne Scholarship

The $500 Marc Brisbourne scholarship—supported by the Edmonton DesCan Chapter, the DesCan Foundation, and other donors—is awarded annually to a student entering the third or fourth year of an undergraduate design communication program (e.g., BDes) or the second year of a graduate design communication program (e.g., MDes) in Alberta.

Winner: Michelle Wedel
University of Alberta, Alberta

“This project is inspired by the lack of basic self-defense logic many women feel. Through talking to other women and creating a Google form, I learned that many female university students feel they lack knowledge to properly protect themselves. I decided to create a mock social campaign that would target teaching basic self-defense tips and methods, in an interesting and engaging way.” — Michelle Wedel

Judge’s comments:

“Very strong overall concept with some important research. The use of Ken dolls is smart and on point.”

“Strong concept and research base!”

DesCan Foundation Manitoba Studio Fund (MSF) Scholarship Awards (x2)

The DesCan Foundation and seven Manitoba design studios have come together to provide two annual scholarships, from the Manitoba Studio Fund, to support historically marginalized students, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, (BIPOC), who are pursuing a degree or certificate in the field of design and design communications.

Winner: Arielle Penner
School: Red River College, Manitoba

“In the future, I would like to get experience working at a design firm focusing on print and branding. I love seeing something I’ve designed grow, change, and take shape.” — Arielle Penner

Judge’s comments:

“I love the overall look and aesthetic of the e-newsletter, the campaign collateral and the zine! Nice sense of type, hierarchy and the consistent use of a well-structured grid system. I also really appreciate how she presented her work to us; from the process work to the final product. Good job!”

Winner: Brian Guevarra
University of Manitoba, Manitoba

“As I have honed in my passion for design, I hope to decolonise institutional ideals of professionality. Undoing the standards of whiteness that habituate art and design by cultivating my craft in an environment that views my culture as unskillful. Subverting implemented structures, in order to create a space for those who share this un-belonging.” — Brian Guevarra

Judge’s comments:

“I like the way that Brian intentionally uses type as a way to challenge typography rules and the rules of graphic design in general, which are very colonial in nature and I really agree with his statement of how this needs to change within not only academia in the context of how graphic design programs are taught but also within our industry as a whole.”

“I really like Brian’s sense of humour. Pacifier is quite a product! His cultural take on Helvetica is refreshing. The goals outlined in his personal letter are clearly stated, and they’re good aspirations to have.”

The judges for the National Scholarships were were Andrew Boardman, Sarah Jackson, Jocelyne Saulnier CDP, Allan Lorde, and Leticia Spence. Judging took place remotely in May 2024, and was coordinated by DesCan Education Chair, Aidan Rowe CDP.

Recipients receive scholarship awards that are applied directly to their tuition fees.

The DesCan National Scholarship Awards are funded through the DesCan Foundation and are coordinated by DesCan. Since 1956, the DesCan has been dedicated to establishing professional standards and supporting design practice in the workplace and in schools.

Click here for Information about the DesCan Foundation

For information regarding DesCan scholarships or other education matters please contact Aidan Rowe, DesCan Education Chair

Want to give back to your community by establishing or supporting a scholarship to honour a designer, educator or company? 
Contact the DesCanFoundation Committee Chair