Several students from App State’s Graphic Communications Management program traveled to Hilton Head, SC, Nov. 7–9 for the 2025 PICA Fall Management Conference, an annual gathering of print and packaging leaders from across the region. Thanks to scholarships from the PICA Foundation, students were able to attend the full conference and kick off the weekend with a behind‑the‑scenes tour of Mister Label Flexo Plant in Bluffton, SC—an up‑close look at flexographic printing and materials conversion in action.
Throughout the conference, students joined sessions on emerging trends in print and packaging, explored career pathways, and connected with professionals committed to mentoring the next generation of industry talent. During the educators’ session, Carrie Epps, President of PICA, announced a $10,000 award to support the GCM program—an investment in hands‑on learning and student success.
GCM student Kasey Musaka shared that the experience reaffirmed the power of face‑to‑face connection in an increasingly digital world. Inspired to make a memorable impression, Musaka designed a creative alternative to traditional business cards: the “Pantone Student Guide,” a pocket‑sized piece featuring student details and QR codes linking to their LinkedIn profiles. The project was a hit with attendees and highlighted the program's creativity and craftsmanship.
About the Department of Art
One of seven departments within the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Art at Appalachian State University prepares students to explore art, identity, expression, and creative problem-solving, while challenging them to push beyond their previous limits by discovering new connections to culture. The department offers degrees in art and visual culture, art education, graphic design, studio art, photography, and graphic communications management, with minors in art history, studio art, photography, and graphic communications management. Learn more at https://art.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and for expanding access to high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online.
PICA Conference 2025 thumbnail
PICA Conference 2025 thumbnail