Arboretum logo designed by alumnus

Chronicle staff

Jay Vinskey's winning design will be used on the planned Waugh Arboretum Web site, tree labels and promotional materials.

stylized leaf contrasted against a silhouette of campus buildings is the winning design in a competition to select a new logo for the Frank Waugh Arboretum, according to professor Jack Ahern of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning, who directs the arboretum.

     The winning design was submitted by alumnus Jay Vinskey, who received $500 for his work. The new logo will be used to promote the identity of the campus arboretum on its planned Web site and on campus tree labels, Arbor Day promotions and other arboretum events.

     With the authors' names concealed, the 34 entries were reviewed last spring by a four- member jury. The judges, including Ahern, Karen Chrisman, director of Campaign Publications; Joe Shoenfeld, Extension Communications manager; and Isobel Roy, a graduate student in Landscape Architecture narrowed the initial submissions to four finalists.

     Each entrant was then provided with comments and suggestions and given an opportunity to revise their entry. All four finalists took the opportunity to make improvements, according to Ahern.

     The jury reviewed the second round and selected the entry by Vinskey, who earned a master's degree in Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning in 1999. According to Ahern, the judges agreed that Vinskey's design conveys a clear and recognizable image for the arboretum. It is simple, clear, graphically strong, reads well at various sizes, and is equally effective in black and white and color reproductions, said the judges.

     Ahern said the other finalists included an entry by Judith Field of Facilities Planning, noted for its "powerful use of color and bold design." The Landscape Architecture graduate student team of Kathleen Lessard and Peter Burke submitted an "elegant design framed by a drawing of conifer foliage." Landscape Architecture alum Melissa Frydlo's entry was praised for its "strong informal imagery."

     The finalists each received a $50 gift certificate. The finalists' designs will be used for T-shirts, posters and other promotional purposes, said Ahern.

     The arboretum committee is working on a Web site, which will include campus tree tours, images of great campus trees, arboretum history, links to other botanical and horticultural resources in the region, and arboretum events.

     A third annual Arbor Day celebration is planned for the last Friday in April, said Ahern.