A Fresh New Look: Graphic Design Student’s Work Brings New Energy to SUNY Brockport’s Student Union

No matter their discipline, every student who comes to SUNY Brockport leaves their mark in one way or another. It could be a piece of research they conducted, a club they started, or simply an impact they had on the people around them. For graphic design student Phu (Don) Nguyen, his mark will be more visible than most, taking the form of three wall wraps in one of the busiest buildings on campus. 

“It’s really, really a meaningful opportunity,” Nguyen said. “It’s just not about me, it’s about contributing to the school, the community, and everyone who walks by and sees them every day.” 

Nguyen teamed up with the Space, Place, and Amenities Refresh Committee (SPARC) to design three illustrative wall wraps installed in the Seymour Union by the front entrance, next to Jitterbugs Café, and outside the Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity. 

“The original goal of SPARC was to do a canvassing of campus and identify and prioritize the places that needed the most refreshing,” said SPARC Chair Darcy Porter. “Then they focused on the fact that we now have a print shop on campus that can do wall wraps.” 

At the time, Nguyen was working in the Office of University Communications as an intern designing posters under the guidance of his supervisor, Alex Rhea. When the concept of designing wall wraps was brought to University Communications, Nguyen was asked to research potential approaches for inspiration and present design concepts.

“In one of our committee meetings, Alex was like, ‘Don is working on some really great designs. I can’t wait until you guys can see them.’ He had so much confidence in his designs. Then Don pulled them up, and we were all just on the floor. They were so good,” Porter said. 

Nguyen combined his love of illustration and linework with campus iconography to create bold, vibrant wrap designs in Brockport’s signature brand colors. 

“For the designs, I wanted something that wasn’t just trendy, but lasting — something that showed the school’s brand and still felt like my style,” Nguyen explained. “That’s where the idea of hand-drawn buildings and geometric lines came from — to give a sense of movement as people walk through the hallway every day.” 

After some collaboration between Nguyen and the committee, the wraps were printed and installed by the print shop team, adding a pop of color to a few of the most heavily trafficked areas on campus.

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