Winning T-shirt designs by OHIO students celebrate what it means to be a Bobcat for life

Three new student-designed T-shirts inspired by the lifelong bond between Ohio University and its alumni are now available through the Bobcat Depot.

Created as part of the fourth annual Ohio University Alumni Association (OUAA) Student Design Competition, this year’s winning designs explore the theme “Forever, OHIO” and celebrate what it means to be a Bobcat for life.

Students in a graphic design course taught by J.P. Rhea, professor in the School of Art + Design in the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts, were encouraged to capture the nostalgia, pride, belonging and shared traditions that connect generations of Bobcats, from bricks and gateways to lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories.

Sponsored by the OUAA, “the competition gives students an opportunity to create designs for a broad alumni audience while gaining real-world experience developing work for a client and retail market,” said Jennifer Bowie, executive director of the OUAA and associate vice president of Alumni Relations.

A jury of faculty, Alumni Association staff, students and alumni made the final selections from student design submissions. Winning designs are produced and sold through Bobcat Depot, and student artists receive scholarship awards.

This year’s winning designs include two entries by Laredo Cienik, a senior graphic design major with a minor in studio art, and one by Jakob LeMasters, a senior graphic design major.

Cienik’s winning designs, OU Icon Tee and Forever A Bobcat Tee, combine hand-drawn lettering and printmaking-inspired textures to create artwork that feels personal, authentic and rooted in the OHIO experience.

“I aimed to capture my personal perspective on Ohio University through a style that feels authentic to how I create,” Cienik said. “As someone drawn to printmaking, I value the imperfections and character that come from handmade work.”

Using custom lettering and tactile visual elements, Cienik sought to create designs that would resonate with both current students and alumni.

“I considered what makes Ohio University feel special and translated those ideas into visuals that feel familiar, meaningful and shared,” Cienik said.

LeMasters’ Once a Bobcat Tee uses bold typography, Ohio University’s iconic paw mark and hand-drawn graphic elements to celebrate Bobcat pride with a modern, energetic feel.

“My T-shirt design was inspired by the spirit and pride of Ohio University and the Bobcat community,” LeMasters said. “I wanted to create something bold, modern and wearable for everyone while still creatively representing school culture. The hand-drawn lettering style and layered banner effect help give the shirt energy and personality while making 'Once a Bobcat, Always a Bobcat’ feel fun and memorable.”

Whether you’re a current student, family member or proud graduate, this year’s winning designs offer a unique way to celebrate your connection to OHIO while supporting the work of student artists.

The winning shirts are now available through Bobcat Depot:

• OU Icon Tee by Laredo Cienik
• Forever A Bobcat Tee by Laredo Cienik
• Once a Bobcat Tee by Jakob LeMasters

Each design reflects a different interpretation of the “Forever, OHIO” theme, reminding Bobcats everywhere that while their time on campus may come to an end, their connection to Ohio University lasts a lifetime.