Fall 2025 graduates from Troy University’s Department of Art and Design have displayed their final projects in the Huo Bao Zhu Gallery at the International Arts Center (IAC).

The Senior Thesis Exhibit opened on December 11 with a reception and award ceremony. Maddie Ashendorf, a graphic design major from Dothan, Alabama, was the recipient of the Dean’s Award for her project “Fae Candle Co.”

Greg Skaggs, chair for the Department of Art & Design, said that the senior thesis class, and the projects that come from it, are a culmination of what they have learned during their time at TROY.

“It’s a very rigorous class, but because its self-driven and something that they’re very passionate about there’s a lot of interest to do really well in it,” Skaggs said. 

Kaylee Simpson, a digital studio major from Enterprise, Alabama, created a video game that she named “Embraced” to help raise awareness for autism.

“One of the core characteristics of autism is a preference for order and routine,” Simpson said. “This game is similar to a ‘spot the difference’ game and about accepting the changes that are around. My brother and I both have autism, and we just recently moved out into our new place together. It was a lot to get used to the change and the stress that came with it, so that’s what inspired this game.”

Mary Brooks, a studio design major from Bay Minette, Alabama, said that creating her senior thesis project was a fun experience.

“I got to explore new art forms and styles and not only grow as an artist, but as a person,” Brooks said.

Brooks also shared about what it was like learning from the faculty in the Department of Art and Design.

“All of my professors were so kind and gave me amazing criticism, they were always there for me and always pushed me,” Brooks said. “I would do it again.”

The exhibition will remain in the gallery until Jan. 25. Photos from the reception can be found here.