Governor General's Medal awarded to Lauren Powell

2022 Governor General’s Medal awarded to Lauren Powell

Digital Media (now 3D Digital Design) graduate Lauren Powell is the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design’s winner of the Governor General’s Academic Medal for 2022. The graduate from Baltimore, Maryland, USA said it was gratifying to have her efforts recognized in such a big way.

“Being awarded the Governor’s General award prompted me to take a step back and allow myself to really feel proud of my hard work.”

The Governor General’s Academic Medal is awarded to the graduating diploma student with the highest academic average.

‘Immense opportunities’

Powell said she chose to go into the Digital Media program, now called the 3D Digital Design program, because she saw the immense opportunities and possibilities of the industry.

“I have been using technology as a problem-solving tool in making artwork since I was in middle school so it felt right for me to take the plunge deeper into what it has to offer.”

She wanted to learn 3D modelling in an academic setting with structure, support, and guidance, since the art is complex and has a steep learning curve.

Equipped with knowledge of cutting edge software

During her studies, she learned a wide range of cutting-edge software and gained a comprehensive foundation in 3D modelling, texturing, standard workflows, and how to keep up with the ever-evolving technology of the industry.

Powell also graduated in 2020 from the college’s integral first-year program Foundation Visual Arts—where students master the elements and principles of design. She says FVA courses helped her get a head start in Digital Media.

“I feel the programs offered help students gain technical hands-on skills while encouraging the development of a personal style and voice.”

Preparing for a ‘dynamic, fulfilling, and sustainable’ career

Powell recently started a summer term with NB Power in its Emerging Technologies sector, making models of environments and props to be used for virtual reality health and safety training.

She’ll also be continuing some collaborative film and visual effects endeavours with local film directors and working on her own freelance projects.

Academic Dean Jared Peters said Powell’s energy and focus, and the skills and ideas she learned at NBCCD will amply prepare her for a dynamic; fulfilling; and sustainable, creative career.

“NBCCD’s studio programs, including Lauren’s studio, 3D Digital Design, are designed to equip students with the skills, concepts, and confidence to engage meaningfully within visual culture and the creative sector.”

“The whole NBCCD community is tremendously proud of Lauren.”