A Transformative Fulbright Journey in the Rainbow Nation
Rozina Vavetsi is a graphic designer and associate professor at New York Tech, with over two decades of experience spanning academia and professional practice. A passionate advocate for the synergy of practice, research, and education—alongside the universal language of design and the transformative power of global academic exchange—Vavetsi spent six months as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, the "Rainbow Nation." There, she co-taught graphic design courses and contributed to initiatives aimed at decolonizing the curriculum. During her fellowship, she delivered presentations, convened roundtable discussions, exhibited her design work, collaborated with local designers and academics, and developed a visual anthology documenting the breadth, diversity, and richness of the country's cultural heritage. This presentation reflects on her transformative journey in the Rainbow Nation. ContributorsAll School of Architecture and Design events are hosted and supported by Dean Maria PerbelliniSchool of Architecture and Design Lectures and Events Chairs: Athina Papadopoulou and Nader VossoughianVisual Design by Rozina VavetsiDigital Adaptation by Emmanuel Marquet Melis Introduction Maria Perbellini Dean of the School of Architecture and DesignView Bio (https://www.nyit.edu/bio/maria-r-perbellini/) Speaker Rozina Vavetsi Associate Professor, School of Architecture and DesignNew York Institute of Technology Rozina Vavetsi is a Fulbright Scholar, visual designer, and associate professor in the Department of Digital Art and Design within the School of Architecture and Design at New York Tech. With more than two decades of experience in higher education, Vavetsi teaches a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate courses in graphic design. She plays an active role contributing to curriculum development, course design, and international collaborations with partner institutions. She has also held key leadership positions for a total of nine years, serving as both academic coordinator and chair of the Digital Art and Design Department. As a visual designer, Vavetsi has exhibited her work internationally at notable venues in London, Milan, New York, Las Vegas, and Athens, and she has also been recognized in prestigious design competitions, including Graphis, Creative Quarterly, Good 50×70, and Graphic Design USA, among others. In addition to her creative practice, Vavetsi has supported the broader design community through volunteering and pro bono work for organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Sculptors Quilt, various theater groups, and New York Tech. Vavetsi earned her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Athens and holds a Master of Science in Communications Design from Pratt Institute. She is an active member of leading professional organizations, including the Type Directors Club and AIGA, serving as a liaison between academia and the professional design community. Register (https://site.nyit.edu/aux/event_rsvp?e=Kl3T2KsoY6CQaTVPNNGMDodMWAxH843rFSxkxbSaqHT0kB8oXu8U2a3YZBCpVzM2PKQY3rxq3H6c%2FNHTC1CRwht5kxM66yWJK%2FJAAJTGbOwrckcH6tQXhGlEgn9PIhNRlU%2FrQcDT5Nk%2BnDru%2FzZ%2FICt8vpC2nG8dqDZ0iTI%2B%2F2glzxq1MhpS9w7GSlT5wbOwgOlNfLwBa9DBzW5xj4yNVM8ZwAITHnyzud1aztJQLQ5m8ARi95wgc6wqlED14%2BGWzppQIPKqf5Hf0PQiBm2%2BtyCl%2BWrcm17b5INiby5aB2jE3OBX9BSeoONAI82WCqQW976YlMFpWS84W9wTCzVs77lDjngedEpEtrj0AEFqG4Y%3D)Request AIA Credit (https://registrations.nyit.edu/architecture/aia_credit_request_form/)
