In Summary

Swinburne University of Technology’s design students have been recognised for their talent and creativity, with two graduates being awarded the top design graduate in their respective categories, in the 2014 Design Institute of Australia Graduate of the Year Awards (GOTYA) in Victoria and Tasmania on 29 April.

Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) (Honours) graduate Evelyn Caceres was named Graduate of the Year in the Graphic Design category and Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) (Honours) graduate Remy Cerritelli was named Graduate of the Year in the Furniture Design Category.

Ms Caceres, who is now working in the Melbourne office of international design agency Cowan, said that the she was a little surprised when she found out she was named as the top Graphic Design graduate.

“To win this award was such a humbling moment. There was such a high calibre of talent within the nominees. I’m both excited and grateful to be recognized for this achievement as it furthers my goal of continuing to learn and strengthen my own style.”

Ms Caceres said that her 12 month Industry Placement, during her third year at Swinburne, helped her to build and refine her skills.

“Swinburne provided me the experience I needed. Industry Placement was definitely one of the highlights of my university study because it gave me an insight into the design industry, as well as allowing me to build relationships and networks.”

Swinburne Dean of Design, Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside, said that Design Institute of Australia Graduate of the Year Awards were one of the most prestigious awards for a design graduate to receive.

“Graduate of the Year Awards position students in a great place at the beginning of their design careers. It recognises not only a high level of talent, but also that their skills are amongst the best in the state.”

Now in its seventh year, the Design Institute of Australia GOTYA recognise and celebrate future design leaders in Victoria, Tasmania and Australia. Ten participating Victorian universities nominated their most talented graduates and a panel of judges from each design discipline assesses anonymous portfolios to choose the winners of each category.

Each category GOTYA recipient will be automatically entered into the DIA Australasian Graduate of the Year Awards to be announced on 13 May 2015.

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