Ashley Slatten, an elementary education major from Devol and a senior at Cameron University, can add the notation "award-winning graphic designer" to her resume after her logo was selected to promote "Being Human in the Age of A.I.," CU's upcoming academic festival.

It's the first time in the 35-year history of Cameron's academic festival series that a logo has been chosen through a competitive process, and it's the first time the logo has been created by a student. The contest drew more than two dozen entries from students, faculty employees and Aggie alumni.

The contest rules stipulated that winning entry should reflect the Festival XIII theme of "Being Human in the Age of AI," although designs could not take a specific stance on artificial intelligence, either pro or con, since the purpose of the festival is to explore AI's implications on society, both beneficial and harmful.

Judges were presented color logo examples or their variations. The identity of entrants was not shared with judges, nor was information on whether artificial intelligence was used in the creation of the entry. Versatility and creativity were key factors in selecting a winner, but the use of AI programs was not an evaluating factor. Artificial intelligence was used in the creation of two-thirds of the entries, including Slatten's winning entry.

A third of submissions came from students, with another third from CU staffers. Remaining entries came from faculty and alumni. Some individuals submitted more than one entry, but all were considered by judges.

For her winning entry, Slatten received a $350 cash award from the academic festival committee. Her logo will be used on materials produced to promote Festival XIII, which starts next month and continues through Spring 2027.

Cameron began its academic festival series in 1991 with an examination of the Renaissance and the impact of Columbus' discovery of America. The festival proved popular and quickly spun off into a regular event held every three years.

Each festival explores an academic theme or societal issue through special events and campus activities. While there is no specific model for them, festivals typically include lectures, exhibits, conferences, symposia, workshops, concerts, exhibits and theatrical productions.

Previous festivals have covered a wide range of themes, ranging from globalization, the importance of health, and what to expect at the dawn of the 21st century, to the complexities of the Middle East, sustainability, and how American identities have changed in recent years.

For more information about Festival XIII and Cameron's academic festival series, visit https://www.cameron.edu/public-affairs/academic-festivals/festival-xiii. Check back often as the site will be updated as speakers and special events are announced.

PR#26-074