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San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) July 1, 2008 — The 2008 Academy of Art University Annual Spring Show presents exceptional achievement from student artists who have joined their superb talent with first-class instruction from the school’s distinguished faculty. As the west coast’s most trusted locale for discovering exceptional rising artistic talent, the Academy of Art University’s Annual Spring Show’s opening night awards ceremony on May 22, 2008 holds prime importance for fine art students and industry insiders alike. The results of the juried award selection for the School of Fine Art’s departments of Painting, Printmaking, and Sculpture showcase the acclaimed artistic achievement on display at the 2008 Annual Spring Show, which is on view through July 25, 2008.

PAINTING

Among exhibiting students from the Academy of Art University’s prestigious MFA Painting program, Jeremy Mann received three top awards for the masterful work “Composition #18,” including First Place in MFA Landscape Painting, MFA Students’ Choice Award, and MFA Faculty Choice Award. Mann’s elevated approach to composition, value, and brushwork showcase his strikingly reflective perspective in accentuating subtlety and layered mood. Mann’s work was recently honored at the 2008 Salon International at the International Museum of Contemporary Masters of Fine Art in San Antonio, Texas with Honorable Mention for Artistic Excellence. MFA Painting graduating student Greg Gandy also received two prominent awards for his urban landscape paintings brilliantly evoking a familiarity of atmosphere. “Rainy Day in North Beach” won Second Place in MFA Landscape Painting and his accepted body of work won the MFA Directors Choice Award.

Daniel Ochoa firmly impressed the Graduate Fine Art Painting Annual Spring Show jury by winning First Place in MFA Abstract Painting for “Sudanese Boys Armed and Seated.” Ochoa’s additional accomplishments this spring include exhibiting in the Wendt Gallery’s Bay Area Influence show in Laguna Beach, juried acceptance to the California Art Club’s 97th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition at the Pasadena Museum of California Art, juried acceptance to the 2008 Salon International, and winning one of the prestigious 2008 Murphy & Cadogan Fellowships in the Fine Arts, sponsored by the San Francisco Foundation. In the realm of figurative realism, Thalia Stratton won First Place in MFA Works on Paper and Hyeong Gon Kim, originally from Korea, won First Place in MFA Figurative Painting.

The Academy of Art University’s comprehensive Undergraduate School of Fine Art Painting presents a spectacular range of artwork with its 2008 student award winners. Veteran Spring Show award winner Hsin-Yao Tseng secured First Place in BFA Still Life Painting for “Escape,” First Place in BFA Landscape Painting for “Muir Beach,” and the sought after Best BFA Body of Work Award. Tseng’s adeptness at combining expressive brushwork with polished compositions exemplifies the beautiful results of the Academy of Art University’s signature emphasis on classical foundations in its curriculum. Rachel Gillen also received significant recognition by winning First Place in BFA Contemporary Painting for “Don’t Trip” and Second Place in BFA Landscape Painting for “Yesterdays,” works that evoke the poetic nuances of everyday life. Gillen was also recently honored by The Artist’s Magazine with Honorable Mention for their Best Art of 2007 Competition.

BFA Painting student Eddie Rodriguez earned First Place in BFA Figurative Painting and the BFA Faculty Painting Choice Award for “Modern Controposto,” as well as Second Place in BFA Contemporary Painting and the BFA Works on Paper Award. Rodriguez focuses his artistic vision on daily observations in public transit, teasing individual identity out of subtle gestures and industrial effects. Also focusing on the human figure, realist painter Jon Tocchini received special recognition by Undergraduate Director of Fine Art Painting Craig Nelson for “Stevie.” Tocchini’s astounding skill at capturing a full narrative within a single startlingly life-like portrait earned him the BFA Director’s Choice Award.

PRINTMAKING

In the realm of Printmaking, MFA student Jeong Han Yun swept several of the sought-after Spring Show awards, as he also accomplished at the 2007 exhibit. Yun won First Place in MFA Printmaking, the MFA Printmaking Students Choice Award, and the MFA Printmaking Faculty Choice Award for “Where is Zen” with its strong roots in quick brushwork and impromptu movement. Yun’s handmade papers’ inherent variations in texture are a core component in the integrity of his Zen painting mission. Meredith Cheng secured the Director’s Printmaking Award for “Leafy Wedges,” which reflects her dedication to the medium of woodcutting. Cheng often finds inspiration in Scandinavian design and the nuances of form resulting from the printmaking process.

SCULPTURE

The Academy of Art University’s esteemed School of Fine Art Sculpture also honored its excelling students with awards for their highest artistic achievements. Lucia Hye Yoon Joo earned the top award of MFA Sculpture Best of Show for “Dialogue,” a stunning hanging installation of organic forms. Joo often employs her art to reflect on the mother-child relationship and her personal experiences as an American immigrant from Korea. Lindsey Eisentraut won Second Place, MFA Sculpture Best of Show for her captivating Bug and Seedpod sculpture installations.

MFA Sculpture 2008 graduate David Sekoll won the MFA Directors Choice Award for “Geometric Inflorescence 12″ showcasing the quality of his fabrication craftsmanship, the intricacy of his linear structures, and the consistency in his harmony of form. Sekoll’s artwork was also recently juried into “SURGE: The SNAG Student Exhibition” in Savannah, GA. In addition, MFA Sculpture student Mike Feeney won the Best Fabricated Sculpture Award with “Growth.” Feeney excels at building a sculpture’s aesthetic based on imagery resonating with his viewers, often employing forms that are intentionally without definition.

Adam Reeder, also a School of Fine Art Sculpture graduate student, received the prestigious Figurative Sculpture First Place Award for the innovative, yet classically styled, “Pan with his iPod.” Reeder’s additional impressive accomplishments this summer include being one of thirteen chosen participants for the 29th Annual National Figure Modeling Competition, co-sponsored by the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, the National Sculpture Society, Brookgreen Gardens, and the New York Academy of Art; being a chosen exhibitor for the 17th Annual Loveland Sculpture Invitational in Loveland, CO; and having the Medtronic Foundation commission a sculpture from him for exhibition in their diabetes research gallery.

Among Undergraduate School of Fine Art Sculpture award winners, Melissa Christensen won the BFA Sculpture Best of Show award for “Feminine Transformation,” a unique metal arts jewelry collection showcasing Christensen’s delicate construction techniques. “Feminine Transformation” appeared with acclaimed fashions by Academy School of Fashion MFA alumna Sherise Eways at the Academy of Art University Fashion Show at New York Fashion Week in February 2008. Zachary Roberts received Second Place, BFA Sculpture Best of Show for his textured ceramic sculpture “Undiscovered Species” of insects in graceful movement. Additionally in the Academy’s renowned metal arts concentration, Tura Sugden won First Place in Best Small Metal Arts for “Worm Bracelets.” Her fresh portrayals of the natural form of insects with the artistry of organic design were also prominently featured in the Academy of Art University’s 2008 San Francisco Spring Fashion Show.

BFA Sculpture student Ah Young Jeon took home the award for Best Ceramic Sculpture for “Chocolate Snails,” an imaginative sculpture installation employing vibrant ceramic glazes and playful expressions. Finally, Elizabeth Symington received the Best Installation Award for the highly original piece “Tactile Color.” This imaginative artwork evokes a blind person’s palpable exploration of color.

The 2008 Annual Spring Show will remain on view to the public through July 25, 2008. The exhibit takes place at 601 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA 94107, and is open from 10AM to 6PM daily, except Sundays and holidays. Please contact Larissa Dozier at (510) 219-3100 for biographies and images of artwork by 2008 Annual Spring Show award winners, from the Academy of Art University’s acclaimed School of Fine Art.

About Academy of Art University, San Francisco

With nearly 12,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation’s largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BFA, M.Arch and MFA programs, as well as continuing art education with classes in copywriting, fashion merchandising, interior design, new media, computer animation, sculpture, graphic design, cinematography, industrial design, digital photography and car design. Students can also enroll in a flexible online degree program in art and design.

Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M-ARCH).

For more information visit www.academyart.edu or call 1-800-544-2787.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) November 20, 2008 — Academy of Art University Film School students enter the film industry prepared for successful careers after graduation. Instructor Jonathan Fung recently gave an interview to Movie Maker online describing what makes Academy of Art University one of the best film schools (http://www.academyart.edu/ep/film-school/index.html) and the advantages of studying in the heart of San Francisco.

"Our mission and focus is to prepare our students for a career in the film industry. Our film school teaches students how to pitch, create a demo reel, write a resume, network, etc. Also, guest speakers are invited to teach on topics that can develop a student's business savvy – financing, development and distribution," said Fung in the interview.

One of the top film schools (http://www.academyart.edu/film-school/index.html) in the nation, Academy of Art University concentrates on acting, film direction, cinematography, film production and screenwriting for a complete film school experience. Professional instructors completely immerse students in the filmmaking process from day one.

"Academy of Art University has a dedicated faculty of working professionals from Hollywood to independent filmmakers from the Bay Area," he said. "We don't boast, but embrace the diversity of our esteemed instructors committed to provide excellent mentorship to our students."

The Academy's ideal San Francisco location sets it apart from other film schools. Not only has the city been immortalized in some of America's greatest films, including Vertigo, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Dirty Harry, and many more, the city is also home to some of the most innovative production companies and directors – Pixar, Dreamworks, George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola.

Some Of The Academy's Film School Success Stories Include:

* Within a year of his graduation, film school (http://www.academyart.edu/ep/film-school/index.html) student Ryan Turpin had worked on the hit shows America's Next Top Model and Project Runway. His next project takes him to Japan to work on the show So I Survived a Japanese Game Show.

* A group of current film school students won a $7,500 scholarship from The Hartman Foundation for their short video entitled The Cowboy in All of Us.

* Alum Chris Milk has launched a lucrative music video career, directing videos for artists like Green Day, Gnarls Barkley and Kanye West.

Academy of Art University Film School students are hired by some of the biggest companies in the industry, including NBC, Sony Pictures and 20th Century Fox. They walk into these companies ready to create the next film legends and make movie history.

About Academy Of Art University, San Francisco

With over 13,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BFA, M.Arch and MFA programs in 14 different majors, as well as continuing art education with classes in copywriting, fashion merchandising, interior design, new media, computer animation, sculpture, graphic design, cinematography, industrial design, digital photography and car design. Multimedia Communications is the school's newest major, offering BA and MA degrees. Students can also enroll in a flexible online degree program in art and design.

Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M-ARCH).

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) November 10, 2008 — Academy of Art University Photography School students have taken the world by storm, winning some of the biggest awards and scoring spaces in some of the most prestigious photography workshops.

FIRST PLACE AT PX3 PHOTO COMPETITION IN PARIS

While pursing a degree in Computer Arts and New Media in art school, Anthony Kurtz discovered a passion for documentary photography. This passion recently won him three awards at the Prix de la Photographie (Px3) competition in Paris. Anthony says the interactive media and portfolio building skills he is learning in art school have enhanced his photography.

MISSOURI PHOTO WORKSHOP

Photography school graduate Sean Posey was accepted into the world-famous Missouri Photo Workshop (MPW) this year. Known as the best, most competitive photojournalism workshop in the world, MPW gave Sean the chance to apply skills learned in an Academy of Art University photography class (http://www.academyart.edu/ep/photography-class/index.html) to develop a moving photo essay of life in a small town in Missouri.

EDDIE ADAMS WORKSHOP

Master's student Andre Hermann won a coveted spot in the Eddie Adams Workshop in New York through the portfolio of work he has created in Academy of Art University photography classes. The workshop is an intense four-day gathering of top professionals in photojournalism, along with 100 carefully selected students.

Among art schools (http://www.academyart.edu/fine-art-school/index.html), Academy of Art University is a top photography school (http://www.academyart.edu/photography-school/index.html) in the nation. Students can study traditional or digital photography on campus or through the Academy's cutting-edge online photography school.

Photography school students master their craft and create an individual style through photography classes in digital photography, documentary photography, photojournalism, fashion photography, advertising photography, illustration photography, fine art photography and more. Graduates are hired at big name companies like Apple, Adbusters Magazine, the country's top news organizations and other prominent firms.

Choosing Academy of Art University was an easy and natural for these award-winning photography students. With its professional instructors, flexible on campus and online options, exceptional industry networking, ideal San Francisco location and passion for art in all its forms, Academy of Art University offered the perfect combination to help them achieve their photography dreams.

ABOUT ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY, SAN FRANCISCO

With over 13,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BFA, M.Arch and MFA programs in 14 different majors, as well as continuing art education with classes in copywriting, fashion merchandising, interior design, new media, computer animation, sculpture, graphic design, cinematography, industrial design, digital photography and car design. Multimedia Communications is the school's newest major, offering BA and MA degrees. Students can also enroll in a flexible online degree program in art and design.

Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M-ARCH).

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 28, 2009 — Academy of Art University (http://www.academyart.edu/ep/top-art-school.html) animation, visual effects and illustration students are snagging jobs at top studios, including Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic and DreamWorks after graduation. Students have many opportunities to develop relationships with companies in their area of interest, including courses taught by industry leaders, special seminars and the art school's annual spring show. These relationships often lead to jobs. Recent Academy of Art University graduates were hired at the following companies:

Erwin Madrid & Noriko Ito – PDI

Tim Lamb – DreamWorks

Kris Norelius, Grant Alexander, Tim Evatt & Jennifer Chang – Pixar

Jason Chan – Massive Black

Ivan Moy – Terra Glyph Studios

PO Ming Chu – Image Movers

Sang Jun Lee – Blue Sky

Nicholas Stohlman – Secret Level

Academy of Art University works closely with the industry to ensure students are prepared for the professional world. Employees from Pixar, makers of the animated hits Wall E and Ratatouille, currently teach classes in the visual effects and illustration programs at the art school (http://www.academyart.edu/ep/top-art-school.html). Visual development classes taught by Pixar employees Tony Christov, Mark Holmes, Robert Kondo and Academy of Art University alumnus Randy Berrett have been extremely successful in launching illustration students' careers.

"We have had several people placed in the art departments of Pixar, DreamWorks, Blue Sky and many of the other film and game studios coast to coast," said School of Illustration Director Chuck Pyle. "Graduates working at these companies are getting rave reviews, but they can also find success in comic books, graphic novels, book illustration, freelance illustration and a number of artistic drawing careers. We teach students to draw with power, empathy and opinion, so they have the versatility to draw anything and tell a great story."

Similarly, the animation school is constantly improving its curriculum to meet the individual needs of each student. The success of a series of Pixar classes offered by the department in the past has inspired the animation school to continue developing relationships throughout the industry and help art school students achieve their ultimate career goals in the competitive field of animation.

"If a student wants to work at Pixar, Tippet Studio, ImageMovers, Rhythm and Hues Studios or Electronic Arts, we'll help that student choose the classes they need to be prepared for that kind of job. If they want to make their own films, we have opportunities for them to explore that as well," said School of Animation Director Chris Armstrong.

In addition to offering classes taught by experts from companies like Pixar, Academy of Art University hosts the biggest names in all areas of art and design during its Industry on Campus events. Companies like Activision, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Electronic Arts, Pixar, Imagi Animation Studios and many more give students a glimpse into the day-to-day demands of creative careers.

With an astounding 80 percent graduate hire rate, Academy of Art University and its instructors will continue to shape each program to make sure students receive the art school (http://www.academyart.edu/ep/top-art-school.html) education they need to do what they love for a living.

About Academy of Art University, San Francisco :

With over 13,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BFA, M.Arch and MFA programs in 14 different majors, as well as continuing art education with classes in copywriting, fashion merchandising, interior design, new media, computer animation, sculpture, graphic design, cinematography, industrial design, digital photography and car design. Multimedia Communications is the school's newest major, offering BA and MA degrees. Students can also enroll in a flexible online degree program in art and design.

Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M-ARCH).

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) July 13, 2008 — Known internationally as a pioneer in art education, Academy of Art University strives to be at the forefront of the digital revolution.

In response to the emerging new media (http://www.academyart.edu/ep/new-media-school/index.html) landscape, Academy of Art University is offering courses that address the rapidly changing modes of communication in the 21st century. Academy of Art University is excited to announce the addition of BA and MA degrees in Multimedia Communications. Four multimedia and communications classes will be offered this Fall:

?    You Media: Short Form Production 1 (COM 103) teaches students to write, produce, direct, shoot and edit short form pieces for any type of media. Considered to be the future of media, short form includes television clips, webisodes, mobisodes (cell phone mini-episodes), radio pieces and YouTube videos. The class will cover how to create multimedia content for news, fashion, entertainment and sports.

?    Broadcast Communications (COM 104) is an introduction to reporting and presenting oneself on camera. This is the class for anyone who has ever envisioned themselves as a news anchor on CNN or a host on E! News. Students will be provided with professional broadcast scripts and will practice developing a personal style. The class will feature guest speakers from the broadcast industry and field trips to TV stations.

?    Visual Communications (COM 603) allows graduate students to focus on their media specialty, creating a series of short pieces driven by a topic of their choice. Students may choose from a variety of topics from entertainment, news, fashion, food, reality TV, technology or sports.

?    Broadcast Interview & Speaking Techniques (COM 604) is designed for students with some experience acting or reporting in front of the camera. Students will professionalize their presentation skills on camera. This advanced course will teach students effective on-camera interview techniques. Students will practice doing on air impromptu speaking. This class is ideal for anyone interested in learning vlogging (video blogging) or how to be a successful on-air personality.

With the convergence of art, technology and education in the digital century, multimedia education is the way of the future. Academy of Art University embraces this global revolution in art and design, integrating the newest, most innovative technology into its courses. Students reap the benefits of learning in San Francisco, a city where art, technology and business intersect, by being in close proximity of the biggest multimedia companies in the world. After graduation, Academy of Art University students have an edge in the job market and a world-class reputation that will take them to new heights.

About Academy of Art University, San Francisco

With nearly 12,000 students, the Academy of Art University is the nation’s largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BFA, M.Arch and MFA programs, as well as continuing art education with classes in copywriting, fashion merchandising, interior design (http://www.academyart.edu/interior-design-school/index.html), new media, computer animation, sculpture, graphic design (http://www.academyart.edu/graphic-design-school/index.html), cinematography, industrial design, digital photography and car design. Students can also enroll in a flexible online degree program in art and design.

The Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M-ARCH). For more information visit www.academyart.edu or call 1-800-544-2787.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) July 2, 2010 — Focused on the success in their futures, eager students of San Francisco art school (http://www.academyart.edu/) Academy of Art University filled the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium for the 2010 Commencement ceremony. Friends and family snapped pictures of the black-robed graduates to commemorate the day.

President of Academy of Art University Dr. Elisa Stephens commended students on their unprecedented number of awards won this year. “I am thrilled for each and everyone one of you. Thrilled because I see success in your future,” said Dr. Stephens. Noting the already considerable achievements of the class, she continued, “Success is already upon you.”

Academy of Art University’s undergraduate valedictorian Cristina Rotundo is a shining example of the talented students graduating this year. Cristina, a Graphic Design graduate, has already had her designs exhibited through the San Francisco Urban Forest Project and on packaging design blog The Dieline. “We have all fought hard to be here today, and I feel privileged to be among all of you,” she told her fellow classmates.

Shannon Widmer, this year’s graduate valedictorian, is the first ever exclusively online student to be named valedictorian at Academy of Art University. Shannon researched many web design schools (http://www.academyart.edu/computer-arts-school/index.html) before choosing the Academy. While she stands as an example, she was also grateful for the guidance she received from her instructors and fellow students.

“There were times I felt like I couldn’t possibly do it all, but I was able to stay committed through the encouragement of my instructors, family and friends,” Shannon said of her experience earning an online art degree (http://www.academyart.edu/ep/online-art-school.html). “During my time at the Academy, I had the honor of working with so many passionate and talented artists.”

Distinguished Honorary Doctorate awardees, Sherrie McGraw and Tom Sherak offered students sage advice for their futures. McGraw applauded students for “pioneering a new chapter in art.” Academy of Art University alumni Caleb Whitbeck, Denise Cherry, Nicole Franco and Chuck Pyle were also recognized for the amazing work they have done in art and design.

From winning international awards to designing pieces already in use by real-world clients, this year’s graduates stand out among their peers. Due to their stunning work, some students have already been offered jobs well-known companies such as General Motors and Abercrombie & Fitch among others.

Proud parents looked on while students walked across the stage. As graduates stood to be recognized for their achievement, friends, family and faculty erupted into applause. Though the ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the graduating class, it also marks the beginning of their amazing journey to come.

Congratulations to Academy of Art University’s Class of 2010! A video of the Commencement ceremony is available here (http://www.academyart.edu/video.html).

About Academy of Art University, San Francisco

With more than 16,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BA, BFA, MA, M.Arch and MFA programs in 16 different majors, as well as continuing art education, with classes in Advertising, Animation & Visual Effects, Architecture, Art Education, Fashion, Fine Art, Game Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Motion Pictures & Television, Multimedia Communications, Music for Visual Media, Photography and Web Design & New Media. Art Education is the school's newest major, offering BFA and MA degrees. Students can also enroll in flexible online degree programs in most majors.

Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M-ARCH).

For more information, visit www.academyart.edu or call 1-800-544-2787.

(PRWEB) — Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (http://www.lirs.org)(LIRS) applauds a recent U.S. State Department decision to increase the reception and placement grant for newly resettled refugees from $900 to $1,800 per capita. Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration Eric Schwartz informed LIRS Vice President for Protection and Programs Susan Krehbiel of the change in a January 22 letter. The change is retroactive to January 1, 2010.

When refugees who cannot return to their home countries due to persecution or violence are admitted to the United States, they are resettled by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and other national organizations working through local programs to provide 30 to 90 days of reception services for newly arrived refugees. These services include meeting immediate needs such as housing, furnishings, clothing and food as well as assisting with access to social security cards, school enrollment, health care, employment services and English language instruction. In 2009 the United States admitted just under 80,000 refugees, of whom nearly 11,000 were welcomed by LIRS and its network of 24 affiliates serving in 46 communities across the country.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service drew attention to the need for increased funding for basic initial services in a 2009 report, The Real Cost of Welcome: A Financial Analysis of Local Refugee Reception. The report detailed the challenges faced by organizations that carry out the work of welcoming newly arrived refugees. “LIRS believes that private participation is an essential aspect of refugee resettlement,” the report stated, but noted “troubling strains on this public-private partnership due to the growing imbalance between federal resources and expectations and the increasing reliance upon our local partners to raise support.” Schwartz, who visited local resettlement programs after taking office last July, acknowledged that previous increases in the per capita grant had not kept pace with increased actual costs, stating that “the grant has declined in real terms by more than 50% since its inception some decades ago.”

The per capita grant directly benefits refugees and offsets local program costs of overseeing services to newcomers. Of the $1,800 per capita, $1,100 is designated for direct support of refugees. Of this, at least $900 must be spent on the needs of each refugee, but local agencies will have the flexibility to allocate up to $200 to augment funding more vulnerable refugees. The remaining $700 is designated for program management, and should allow local programs to increase staffing or otherwise improve the quality of their services.

Krehbiel expressed appreciation on behalf of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: “We are grateful to Assistant Secretary Schwartz for the personal interest he has taken in hearing our concerns about the adverse effect of underfunding on refugees and on resettlement services. He took the next step of studying the issue and arrived at a very welcome decision. The State Department’s action will make a profound difference for refugees as they take on the challenge of rebuilding their lives in a new country.”

LIRS President-Elect Linda Hartke stated, “This is wonderful news. The increased funding for reception and placement will significantly enhance Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service’s ability to help refugees get started on the road to successful integration. We are thankful that the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration shares our desire to foster a spirit of welcome for newcomers in American communities.”

The broader Lutheran community is also lauding the announcement and LIRS’s role in advocating for this welcome and necessary change. The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, commented, “Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service plays an invaluable role in consistently and insistently holding the needs of refugees in the forefront of public policy decision-making. This change in U.S. government policy constitutes a critically necessary increase of resources to provide for the humane resettlement and welcome of refugees into local communities. Lutherans have been in the forefront of refugee response in this country for over 70 years. This decision will make an immediate and significant difference in the lives of many, many people who both seek and deserve a hospitable welcome in the United States.”

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is a champion for uprooted people and is one of the nation’s leading agencies serving refugees and immigrants. LIRS helps people seeking safety from persecution in their home countries and reunites families torn apart by conflict. LIRS resettles refugees and protects vulnerable children who arrive alone in the United States. LIRS advocates for compassion and justice for all migrants.

To learn more about LIRS’s work of welcome, please visit www.lirs.org.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) April 18, 2008 — Every month for the past three years, Academy of Art University students and staff have been planting trees, cleaning streets and painting over graffiti in San Francisco’s neighborhoods. Volunteers on Academy of Art University’s Community Clean Team will unite on Saturday, April 19 with the goal of cleaning and greening San Francisco’s District 9 communities, schools and parks.

Volunteers will kickoff the activities at John O’Connell High School, located in the Mission District at 2335 Folsom and 20th Street. Other volunteers will be assigned to paint-over graffiti at St. Mary’s Playground at Murray and Crescent Streets while others will tend to the gardens at the Alemany Farm/Sunglow Steps at Ellsworth and Alemany Streets in celebration of Earth Day.

The Academy is partnering with a number of organizations for this event including: San Francisco’s Department of Public Works, SFEnvironment, San Francisco Recreation & Parks, San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), Walgreens, San Francisco Parks Trust and more.

Academy of Art University is a member of the SF Department of Public Work’s Graffiti Watch Program and has adopted the 500 to 900 blocks of Sutter Street. Academy of Art University students and staff remove graffiti from public properties in the neighborhood on a regular basis.

“The City of San Francisco is the foundation of the Academy – its natural beauty serves as constant artistic inspiration and the school is dedicated to preserving it,” said Dr. Elisa Stephens, President of Academy of Art University.

Part of the Academy’s commitment to the San Francisco community is incorporating “green” and sustainable practices not only into the Academy’s curriculum, but also into their facilities and services. This includes a green transportation system consisting of a fleet of bio-diesel buses and partnering with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for Mayor Gavin Newsom’s San Francisco Energy Watch program including “Earth Hour,” a global event on climate change.

About Academy of Art University, San Francisco

With nearly 12,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation’s largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BFA, M.Arch and MFA programs, as well as continuing art education with classes in copywriting, fashion merchandising, interior design, new media, computer animation, sculpture, graphic design (http://www.academyart.edu/graphic-design-school/index.html), cinematography, industrial design (http://www.academyart.edu/industrial-design-school/index.html), digital photography and car design. Students can also enroll in a flexible online degree program in art and design.

Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M-ARCH).

For more information visit www.academyart.edu or call 1-800-544-2787.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) June 25, 2010 — With the sizzling success of Academy of Art University’s Graduation Fashion Show fresh in their minds, many School of Fashion students are preparing to start their professional futures this Summer. Internships, scholarships, jobs and unique study abroad opportunities loom large for these talented students and graduates.

Academy of Art University, one of the nation’s best art schools (http://www.academyart.edu), is famed for its students’ professional and innovative work, and School of Fashion students are no exception. Among the top honors that students received this year was a Fulbright Scholarship for Bethany Meuleners. Bethany graduated with an MFA in Fashion and Textile Design. She will spend 10 months in Nepal, learning traditional techniques for knitting and felting from local artisans.

Academy of Art University is the only fashion school (http://www.academyart.edu/fashion-school/index.html) currently invited to show at New York Fashion Week. Bethany debuted her collection of intricately layered women’s wear there in February, but she hasn’t been content to rest on her laurels. Most recently, she and fellow Academy of Art University graduate Sabah Mansoor Husain debuted a collaborative collection at “avant garde supperchic,” an event at Supperclub in San Francisco.

Student awards were also announced at the Graduation Fashion Show. All along the dazzlingly white runway, cameras flashed, models strutted, and guests looked on in awe.

The celebrity guest list for the event sparkled with Julie Chaiken of Chaiken Clothing, Elisa Palomino of Diane von Fürstenberg, Ian Hannula and Joe Haller of Nice Collective, Dirk Ban Saene, and Keanan Duffty, among others.

Academy of Art University President Dr. Elisa Stephens awarded guest of honor, Suzy Menkes, an honorary doctorate. Menkes, a fashion reporter and editor for the International Herald Tribune, presented four of the scholarship awards. Impressed by the creativity of the student designers, she told the San Francisco Chronicle, “It was a very strong show, very diversified. The knitwear designers are ace, exceptional, first class.”

For four students, the pièce de résistance of the show was the announcement they had won the San Francisco–Paris Sister City Scholarship Exchange. Ronnie Omar Nery, Ashon Sylvester, Alice Spies and Rinat Brodach will spend the 2010-2011 academic year in Paris studying at top French fashion schools (http://www.academyart.edu/fashion-school/index.html)Studio Berçot and Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.

Popular clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch has a long-standing relationship with Academy of Art University. Since 2007, they have recruited new talent through a special portfolio project. Graduates Brenna Riley and Ruby Guerra are looking forward to their new positions with the Ohio-based clothing company. Two juniors, Peter Nyugen and Jennifer Chen, also join Abercrombie & Fitch this summer as interns.

Some internships take students farther afield. Delphina Star Rodriguez and Camille Bucu will head to Bangladesh for internships at YELLOW, the in-house fashion label and retail division of Beximco Textile.

Fashion students also received internships with quirky designer and retailer Walter Van Beirendonck, New York City men’s wear designer Patrik Ervell, and iconic fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg among many others.

Hats off to all of the Fashion students who received honors this year! Academy of Art University’s Graduation Fashion Show (http://www.academyart.edu/fashionshow/2010-05-06_san_francisco.html) can also be viewed online.

About Academy of Art University, San Francisco

With more than 16,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BA, BFA, MA, M.Arch and MFA programs in 16 different majors, as well as continuing art education, with classes in Advertising, Animation & Visual Effects, Architecture, Art Education, Fashion, Fine Art, Game Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture & Design, Motion Pictures & Television, Multimedia Communications, Music for Visual Media, Photography and Web Design & New Media. Art Education is the school's newest major, offering BFA and MA degrees. Students can also enroll in flexible online degree programs in most majors.

Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M-ARCH).

For more information, visit www.academyart.edu or call 1-800-544-2787.

San Francisco (PRWEB) March 17, 2009 — The Academy of Art University has announced that it has joined Design Ignites Change: a call to action challenging students, educators, creative professionals and the business community to use the power of design to address social issues in their local communities through substantive public design projects. The project is a joint endeavor by Adobe Youth Voices and Worldstudio.

The focus of the Academy of Art University will be to create social design solutions to sustain San Francisco. Four academic departments are collaborating on Design Ignites Change, including the schools of Graphic Design, Photography, Industrial Design and Fashion. "Sustaining San Francisco" is the name of the Academy's new, robust social design and art initiative. Design Ignites Change is one key initiative of that program.

The Academy of Art University is one of 17 colleges and universities who are now hard at work on responses to such pressing global issues as sustainability, racism, economic inequality and climate change. Students are working to develop actual, visible projects aimed to stimulate thought, dialog, action and, ultimately, change.

"The Academy of Art University was one of the first art and design schools in the country to jump on board, paving the way for many more," said Worldstudio's Andréa Pellegrino. "The Academy sees Design Ignites Change (www.designigniteschange.org) as a breakthrough initiative that will bring visibility to innovative solutions addressing a range of social issues, happening at the college level, as well as a way to instill the importance of giving back to one's community in the next generation. We are particularly thrilled that Academy students will be working on sustainability issues relevant to bay area residents and businesses."

Academy students from all disciplines are embracing social design in significant ways. An exhibit, which opened this week, What the *#&! is social design (www.thesoftspot.org)? is now on display at the 79 Gallery at the Academy of Art University and was created by graduate thesis design students Ashley Ciecka and Mike Jeeter. Phil Hamlett, MFA director for the School of Graphic Design, is the creator of the design and sustainability conference Compostmodern (www.compostmodern.org), held in San Francisco last month.

Design Ignites Change is a joint project developed by Adobe Youth Voices (www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/philanthropy/youthvoices) and Worldstudio (www.worldstudioinc.com) with support from AIGA, the professional association for design; Citizen Scholar Inc.; Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Core 77, Design Observer, Frog Design, Graphic Design USA and Williams and House.

About Academy of Art University, San Francisco

With over 13,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BA, BFA, MA, M.Arch and MFA programs in 14 different majors, as well as continuing art education with classes in copywriting, fashion merchandising, interior design, new media, computer animation, sculpture, graphic design, cinematography, industrial design, digital photography and car design. Multimedia Communications is the school's newest major, offering BA and MA degrees. Students can also enroll in a flexible online degree program in art and design.

Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M-ARCH).

For more information, visit www.academyart.edu or call 1-800-544-2787.