175 years of communication, culture and identity at Heidelberg: Class projects (Part I)

In celebration of Heidelberg’s 175th anniversary, students from the Communication and Media Department are researching and showcasing the university’s rich history through creative projects.

From designing a wall wrap to researching popular culture and alumni, these class projects are unique opportunities to reflect on how communication, culture, and identity have evolved over the past 175 years of Heidelberg history.

Designing a wall wrap

MED 202: Graphic Design students are bringing the Communication and Media Department history to life with a custom wall wrap design for the GEM Center lobby, under the guidance of Dr. Ted Carlin.

Last fall, Dr. Carlin envisioned a semester-long project where students design a new wall wrap for the GEM Center, giving them a hands-on opportunity to develop and apply graphic design skills. As the project evolved, it became more than just a learning experience, but a meaningful way to celebrate Heidelberg’s 175th anniversary.

Dr. Carlin shares, “I think the wall wrap will allow visitors to see how the department has successfully evolved over time.” He adds, “It’s always good to look back at the past to inform you of the future.”

When asked about the project’s impact on students, Dr. Carlin shares, “This experience gives students the opportunity to interpret a client’s ideas to create a design just like it is done commercially.” He continues, “The students work with existing content, apply a theme, and use what they’ve learned in areas of color, typography and principles of design to create a large-scale design.”

Students will begin the project with a blank canvas, using their research from the archives to incorporate the history and evolution of the Communication & Media Department in their final design. Each individual design will then be integrated into the final wall wrap, creating a collective visual representation of the department’s legacy.

“I am very excited for this opportunity,” said Kylie Snow, a senior Marketing major. “I think this is a great way for all of the students to use their creativity and bring it together for one big project.”

More than a design, the wall wrap is a tribute to the Communication & Media Department’s legacy and a reflection of the creativity that continues to shape the future. The project also provides students the chance to leave their mark on Heidelberg, as generations of alumni have before them.

175 years of popular culture

Under the direction of Dr. Julie O’Reilly, students in MEDIA 325: Popular Culture Studies researched various aspects of popular culture from 1850 to the present.

The project gave students the opportunity to explore various facets of popular culture over the past 175 years, focusing on key events, topics and fads. Students researched topics such as celebrities, holidays, fashion, media, sports, and popular music.

Dr. O’Reilly explains, “The project offers a different perspective of university history. We often think of university events or when buildings were constructed. This project, however, looks at more of what students were interested in, how they spent their time and what fads they followed.”

To research popular culture, students analyzed archival materials, including Aurora yearbooks and articles from The Kilikilik. By synthesizing information from multiple sources, students gained insight into popular culture trends over time, particularly those influencing Heidelberg students.

Kristen Harrah, a senior Media major shares, “My group and I decided to pick the topic of fashion.” She adds, “My favorite part about the research process was looking through all of the archived Kilikiliks. It was so fascinating to see different popular styles and how people chose to express themselves.”

By connecting the past with the present, the project offered a deeper understanding of the University’s history beyond traditional events and milestones. The project sheds light on the everyday lives and interests of various generations of Heidelberg students.

Alumni stories & legacies

GID 100: Introduction to Gender and Identity Studies students researched two Heidelberg alumni – one from the first 100 years of Heidelberg’s history and one from the last 75.

Through this project, students took a holistic approach to understanding individuals, exploring their motivations as well as identifying similarities and differences between current students and alumni across time.

What made this project especially meaningful is the connection between current students and the alumni they researched. Many students chose alumni who resonated with them in some way, whether through shared interests, experiences or passions.

Noteworthy alumni researched included Charles Prugh (1989), Terry Wickham (1920), Grace Marie Bareis (1987), Paul Henry Sheats (1929), and William W. Chalmers (1904).

Kerrick Fanning, a double major in Chemistry and Computer Science, researched Frank Sieberling (1879), the founder of Goodyear Tire. Fanning shares, “I did an internship at the University of Akron last summer, and the building I worked in was called The Goodyear Polymer Center.” He continues, “I felt a personal connection to this project because I experienced the impact Seiberling and Goodyear have had on Akron first-hand.”

Students once again explored archival materials, such as the Aurora yearbook and the Kilikilik, to gain insight into their chosen alumni’s time on campus and life after graduation. Several students also had the opportunity to connect with more recent alumni directly, fostering personal connections.

Dr. O’Reilly shares, “Everyone involved in the project is a Heidelberg student, which is a bond shared across the decades.” By uncovering these narratives, students are able to see themselves as a part of an ongoing history – one shaped by those before them and one they will shape for future generations.

– by Kami Stanfield ’25