Two Bowling Green State University (BGSU) seniors have been named on Graphic Design USA’s 2026 ‘Students to Watch’ list, earning national recognition among the country’s top emerging designers.
Students Blake Rupp and Madelyn Junk received the honor alongside 98 other students from universities and colleges nationwide. BGSU was one of three Ohio institutions represented on the list.
Rupp and Junk are graphic design majors in the BGSU School of Art. Both students said they are grateful for the national recognition and reflected on the support they received at the university as they developed and refined their skills.
“The design program has consistently guided me to pursue activities that have brought me success,” Rupp said. “I have felt a true investment from every graphic design faculty member.”
A design Rupp created during his internship with the Cleveland Cavaliers is now featured on merchandise sold at Rocket Arena. He continues to develop his design style through projects including a clothing brand, album art and work with musicians across the country.
“Receiving this honor has been incredible,” Rupp said. “As I graduate from BGSU in May, it feels like a validation of my hard work and love for design, built over the past four years.”
Junk said she had a similar experience.
“During my first visit to BGSU, it felt like the professors wanted to see us succeed, and they have proven this throughout my four years here,” she said. “I am incredibly lucky to attend a larger university that offers smaller classes, allowing for closer relationships with professors who truly know and care about you.”
Junk has a specific interest in design and environmental work, focussing on how design can foster a sense of place, create public good and drive human connection.
This past fall, both Junk and Rupp worked on the design team for a collaborative exhibition: In the Roots: Ohio’s Native Plants.
As the design lead for the broadsheet team, Junk helped create several of the touchpoint pieces for the exhibition focused on the power of community connection, environmental education and a sense of place in northwest Ohio.
The project won a Gold ADDY and a Student Best in Show award from the Toledo chapter of the American Advertising Federation, as well as a Silver ADDY at the AAF District Five level, which includes Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.
“I feel incredibly grateful to be recognized on this national level,” Junk said. “It is very rewarding to see all the hard work and long nights in the studio honored in this way.”
