Sticker Design Contest
Congratulations to our Winners!
Patchwork
Designed by Alexander Colon, M.A. in International Development Studies, ESIA.
Capitol View
Designed by Nidhi Naidu, MS in Data Analytics, SEAS
Patchwork
Designed by Celina Hollmichae, PhD in Political Science, CCAS
Stickers will be available for free at every Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week event! So stop by and pick up your favorite!
Thank you to all who submitted designs!
All Submissions
Cherry Pop
Designed by Electra Pelias, CCAS
I was inspired by GW colors as well as the cherry blossom season!
GW Pride
Designed by Tapiwa John Muparadzi, GWSB
This design was inspired by the strong identity and pride that come with being a GW graduate student in the heart of Washington, D.C. The university columns represent GW’s academic foundation, while the laptop, coffee, books, and graduation cap symbolize the modern graduate student experience. The phrase “Foggy Bottom Strong” reflects resilience, ambition, and the community spirit that unites graduate students as they work toward their goals.
Celebration
Designed by Claire Sandler, SMHS
My friends graduating from Milken SPH with their MPHs!
Just One More
Designed by Amy Kpentey, ESIA
My papers never have enough citations
Driven- Honorable Mention
Designed by Kate Norton, GSEHD
DC has a unique energy for GW students, and it's reflected in this design.
Impact
Designed by Jenny Munhofen, GWSPH
I was inspired by GW's inclusivity and a global approach to honoring the various schools.
Focus
Designed by Salmoncain Smith-Shomade, SMPA
For this design, I thought about how graduate school is similar to undergraduate school in its larger end goal: a student graduating. This design symbolizes a student's focus on the degree cap.
Millennium
Designed by Sabrina Aviles, GWSPH
I was inspired by Y2k vibes
Peaceful Revolutionaries
Designed by Morgan Byrne, GWSPH
I was inspired by Peaceful Protest Stickers of the 60s with a little GW twist
DC Denim
Designed by Sabrina Aviles, GWSPH
I was inspired by the cherry blossom festival and also the National Mall.
Monument Run
Designed by Claire Sandler, SMHS
I was inspired by my morning monument runs!
Peak Bloom
Designed by Kate Norton, GSEHD
Peak bloom is the best time of year!
Pop of Pink
Designed by Electra Pelias, CCAS
I was again inspired by the cherry blossom season so this version has a bigger pop of pink in the background.
Shared Experiences
Designed by Tapiwa John Muparadzi, GWSB
This design was inspired by the everyday reality of graduate student life at GW—the constant balance between studying, networking, late-night work sessions, and chasing career goals. The coffee cup, books, laptop, and graduation cap represent the hustle, dedication, and resilience required to succeed in graduate school. I wanted the design to celebrate the shared experience of GW graduate students who are constantly pushing themselves while supporting each other along the journey
Still Becoming
Designed by Amy Kpentey, ESIA
I tend to get tired and question if I made the right choice coming to grad school.
Buff and Blue
Designed by Salmoncain Smith-Shomade, SMPA
This design symbolizes some of the recreational activities graduate students may participate in outside or on campus.
Sunrise
Designed by Claire Sandler, SMHS
I was inspired by my early morning monument runs!
Cherry Blossom Chaos
Designed by Electra Pelias, CCAS
This final one is just a remix of the second, a little chaotic, just like grad school.
Global
Designed by Tapiwa John Muparadzi, GWSB
This design was inspired by the global and diverse community of graduate students at George Washington University. The globe represents how students from around the world come together in Foggy Bottom to pursue their dreams and make an impact globally. The graduation cap, books, laptop, and handshake symbolize learning, collaboration, and professional growth that define graduate life at GW. I wanted the design to reflect the idea that while we study in Foggy Bottom, our ambitions and influence reach far beyond campus.
Summit
Designed by Amy Kpentey, ESIA
The whole point of the classes, exams, and presentations is to graduate with a master's degree
Skyline
Designed by Salmoncain Smith-Shomade, SMPA
This sticker symbolizes the vastness of D.C., open to graduate students to explore.
Cutesy Blossoms
Designed by Sabrina Aviles, GWSPH
I was inspired by the cherry blossom festival and wanted cutesy vibes.
Gelman Perspective
Designed by Sonia Hou, CCAS
For others, it may look like just two sofas and tables, but for GW students, it is a familiar corner of Gelman Library, a place where many spend countless hours studying throughout their graduate life.
Big Moments
Designed by Naiyani Paladugu, SEAS
This design was inspired by what everyday grad life at GW actually feels like. I wanted to capture both the chaos and the growth that come with it, things like late-night study sessions, group projects, presentations, and, honestly, being overcaffeinated most of the time. At the same time, words like growth, success, and big dreams reflect why we’re all here and what we’re working towards. I also added elements like the cherry blossoms and DC skyline to connect it to the GW experience and the city we’re living in. Overall, it’s meant to feel like all these moments come together to define grad life.
Patchwork- WINNER!
Designed by Celina Hollmichel, CCAS
While we are all GW grad students, I chose a patchwork design because I wanted to highlight how each person's individual interests, skills, and experiences contribute to our time here. For the patches, I tried to pick recognizable elements, such as cherry blossoms and the Kogan Plaza gazebo, to represent the broad range of GW programs and life in DC.
Savvy Hippo
Designed by Maren Nicolaysen, CCAS
This is more of a silly and whimsical design
POV
Designed by Sonia Hou, CCAS
Using “POV” and “lowkey,” trendy terms commonly used by students on social media and in everyday life, I also left a blank space for viewers to fill in their master’s major, making the sticker more interactive.
Finally
Designed by Maren Nicolaysen, CCAS
A good reminder of why we are all here and pulling through: to graduate!
Nostalgia- Honorable Mention
Designed by Naiyani Paladugu, SEAS
This design was inspired by the idea of telling the GW grad journey as a story. I used the “GW” letters as a path and filled them with different moments that represent student life—academics, campus landmarks, friendships, and graduation. Each section reflects a different part of the experience, from studying and walking through campus to celebrating milestones and making memories with friends. I went for a more hand-drawn style to give it a personal and nostalgic feel, almost like looking back at moments that define your time at GW.
Open Doors
Designed by Sonia Hou, CCAS
I believe students choose GW to pursue a master’s degree in order to gain greater opportunities in their lives.
Grad School Life
Designed by Maren Nicolaysen, CCAS
The vibe of this one is Moo Deng x GW Grad Programs
Life
Designed by Sarah Karim, GWSB
Life
Coral Blossoms
Designed by Mallory Perillo, CCAS
George W's
Designed by Mallory Perillo, CCAS
ChatGPT Degree
Designed by Teuku Muhammad Reza, GWSB
This sticker design is inspired by how many students are helped by AI, especially ChatGPT, in both academic tasks and the challenges of graduate life. I created an illustration of a graduating man with a humorous expression to keep the tone light and not too serious. I believe graduate students will find this joke relatable and familiar.
Innovative Revolutionaries
Designed by Essynce Lewis, ESIA
The GW mascot, Revolutionaries, represents the university's innovation (symbolized by the light bulb), and, as a university in the US capital, Lady Liberty captures the spirit of GW's representation of American freedom in the nation's political center.
Walking on Cloud 9
Designed by Anshu Reddy Ashanna, SEAS
My Gradlife in the Cherry Blossom season in DC
100% Graduated
Designed by Teuku Muhammad Reza, GWSB
I used a mascot and took a slightly more serious approach. I designed it to be versatile so it can be placed anywhere—on cars, laptops, and more. The message is a subtle joke, with “90%” representing the idea of simply surviving as a graduate student.
Late Night- WINNER!
Designed by Alexander Colon, ESIA
What inspired my design were the landmarks of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood and the GWU campus I see nearly every day. Also, meeting with my cohort late at night after our classes for food and drinks has become a tradition of my life as a graduate student.
Capitol View- WINNER!
Designed by Nidhi Naidu, SEAS
My design was inspired by the everyday graduate student experience at GW, combining iconic Washington, D.C. landmarks like the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol with relatable elements such as books, coffee, and a graduation cap to reflect both academic life and the unique environment that shapes #GWGradLife.
Shoot for the Stars
Designed by Nidhi Naidu, SEAS
This design was inspired by the day-to-day realities of graduate life at GW -balancing coursework and deadlines with again using similar relatable elements like coffee, books, and study tools, all brought together in a playful and approachable style that reflects the shared experience of #GWGradLife.
Master's in Cuteness
Designed by Riley von Borstel, CCAS
I used my inspiration of our honorary mascot, the Hippo, and wanted to tie in graduate regalia to make it spring/Commencement themed. I wanted to do something that was fun and lighthearted to showcase the balance of meaningful work and play that happens within the GW graduate community.
Lurking...
Designed by Riley von Borstel, CCAS
I was inspired by GW's honorary mascot, the Hippo, and the busy life of being a graduate student. This sticker showcases a major component of the student life: there is always more work and research to be done!
Pretty in Pink
Designed by Riley von Borstel, CCAS
Cherry blossom season is an iconic time in DC and brings so much life and beauty to the campus. I incorporated mixed media by using a photo that I took of the cherry blossoms and a drawing of the Washington Monument. This design is fun and interesting--like our University--and pays tribute to DC's history that lies in close proximity to GWU.
Kogan
Designed by Vivian ODell, GSWB
I featured the central pavilion in Kogan Plaza because it represents the everyday rhythm of many GW students. A place where people meet, attend events, and spend time between classes. And because its spring time right now, I included a small amount of cherry blossoms
Rocks
Designed by Vivian ODell, GWSB
It's just funny
Love GW
Designed by Devan Stoeling, GWSPH
What makes this institution so special is the diversity of graduate programs, which attracts a wide range of students and creates a unique space and community where students can thrive and feel safe. "I love GWU" represents the love and gratitude of this institution, its programs, the students, the faculty members, and the legacy that has been left behind on this campus
Capitol Spotlight
Designed by Devan Stoeling, GWSPH
One of the special things about this campus is that we are studying in the national capital, the best place not just to get an education but to practice it in local communities. Ranging from law to public health, this sticker is a statement that graduate school at GW are so unique and special compared to other schools.
GW Proud
Designed by Devan Stoeling, GWSPH
With everything going on in the world today, it is important to give thanks and have GWU Pride. We are among the faculty members and leaders who have reshaped communities in various ways. Additionally, we are pursuing our education in a unique city that has not only shaped our nation but also holds rich history. The Washington Monument, a major landmark in the city, was therefore a must-include. Alongside this, the cherry blossoms are a beautiful sight, especially when experienced with GW peers during the seasons.
Engage Your HippoCampus
Designed by Madeline Satin, GWSB
What makes GWU GWU!
The REAL Mascot
Designed by Madeline Satin, GWSB
If you ask me, this should have been our mascot