TCD Students and Faculty at Kansas City Career Day 2008

18 Nov 2008    

TCD majors and guests at KC Career Day included (l. to r.) Dahui Li, Kiersten Runnels (alum and PAC member), Kelsey Nowka, Kara Williams, Caitlin Harris, Megan Espander, Jenna Erwin, Samantha Lamprecht, Allie Nielsen, Dustin Newell (guest), Jacie Ochsner, Rachael Talbitzer, Katie Hill and Samantha Mackling.

Twenty-four TCD students attended the annual professional development and competition event organized by Fashion Group International (FGI) - Kansas City on November 13 & 14. This year's event was distinguished by a few modifications in the format and location of the events. For the first time, Career Day was conducted over a two-day period. Thursday evening was devoted to the much-anticipated fashion show. Tiffany Hopkins' and Samantha Lamprecht's original work showcased the design and problem-solving skills that TCD majors are known for.

The Friday workshops, keynote talks and award ceremony were held in the recently opened Bloch building at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Designed by architect Steven Holl, the Bloch building is described as "a process unfolding, a magical response to the landscape and to the original building." Its siting both above and below ground and its visionary approach to light and to space provided an inspiring setting for the learning that went on in the various workshops, whose topics included Fashion Photography, Buying for the Boutique Market, Starting a Fashion Business and Corporate Brand Management.

Another first at FGI - KC was the inclusion of TCD faculty and a TCD alumna as workshop presenter and speaker. Dr. Yiqi Yang's Green Technology for the Textile Industry workshop was very well received. Kiersten Runnels, Assistant Buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue, a TCD graduate and current member of the TCD Professional Advisory Council was the Friday morning plenary keynote speaker. Kiersten shared her career story with a rapt audience.

Two students received awards: Jacie Ochnsner won 3rd place for her store concept board, and Tiffany Hopkins won honorable mention for one of her original designs. Congratulations to each of these students!

TCD thanks the Fashion Group International - Kansas City team for organizing this event that recognizes students' current achievements and helps them envision a wide range of career opportunities in the fields of apparel and textiles. (Report courtesy Dr. Harriet McLeod.)