This summer, members of the ASID Student Chapter at Colorado State University ventured to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where the American Society of Interior Designers recognized them as Outstanding Student Chapter of the Year for the second year in a row.
Each year, this award goes to a student chapter that has provided exceptional service to its student members, professional associates and community.
Last academic year’s president, interior design student Sam Ward, said, “What makes the ASID Student Chapter at CSU stand out is where it all starts, with the board and our adviser, Stephanie Clemons.” Clemons is a professor of interior design in CSU’s Department of Design and Merchandising and the faculty adviser to the ASID Student Chapter at CSU. She works alongside the ASID student chapter board and its members to continuously better the organization.
Clemons has contributed a great deal to the ASID Student Chapter at CSU and was recognized by ASID as Faculty Adviser of the Year last year. “Dr. Clemons has always provided amazing support for the chapter,” said Ward. “She gives us room to grow and offers great advice in the way of problem-solving.”
Along with Clemons, the board supports the ideas of members and constantly strives to push the chapter forward. “The success of our Colorado State University ASID Student Chapter is based on a strong, inclusive leadership style, powerful collaboration and an effective strategic plan,” said Clemons.
Last year, the ASID Student Chapter at CSU set a particular focus on quality events, membership and volunteering. In order to give a broad range of members the best possible experience, they welcome a variety of designers to speak and host workshops. The organization grew its membership by 58.8 percent and is now one of the largest in the nation.
“I feel like our chapter is so successful because the board puts their hearts into every endeavor,” said social media chair and professional liaison Carly Mansker. “The ASID Student Chapter at CSU really works as a cohesive unit to accomplish our goals.”
The influx of members strengthened ASID’s strong foundation at CSU and expanded the connections available to students. A larger membership allowed the chapter to host more creative events and affect the community on a greater scale.
The organization took advantage of unique team volunteer opportunities at CSU, like RamRide and CSUnity, that made them stand out among other ASID chapters.
“I’ve been the chapter’s faculty adviser for over 20 years and I know of only one other chapter that was given the award twice,” said Clemons.
In addition to their traditional events, the ASID Student Chapter at CSU collaborated with the Student Hospitality Network and the International Interior Design Association of CSU to put on their first membership drive. The event created friendly competition and gave each group the opportunity to expand its network.
The Department of Design and Merchandising is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
