{"id":152980,"date":"2026-05-07T11:33:48","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T15:33:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=152980"},"modified":"2026-05-07T11:33:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T15:33:48","slug":"ucf-students-sweep-scholarships-at-creative-south-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/ucf-students-sweep-scholarships-at-creative-south-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"UCF Students Sweep Scholarships at Creative South Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"

When officials at the southeast\u2019s premiere design conference needed to decide on where to invest their scholarship dollars, their choice was overwhelming UCF.<\/p>\n

UCF School of Visual Arts and Design students earned all four scholarships awarded at Creative South, a testament to the university\u2019s growing reputation as a hub for emerging creative talent.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve built such a strong community that when one person succeeds, we all do,\u201d says Vanessa Mor\u00e1n, a senior graphic design student and treasurer of UCF\u2019s Graphic Design Student Association. \u201cThat’s something Associate Professor Victor Davila \u201997 \u201907MFA<\/strong> has always instilled in us.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Brianna Rodriguez, a junior graphic design student who received a $1,000 grant, the scholarship is validation for where she\u2019s heading.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt felt like a message that my work has potential, and that I need to start seeing it that way,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Building Industry Connections<\/h2>\n

The students\u2019 takeaways from Creative South went well beyond scholarship awards. Known for its welcoming environment, the conference gave students direct access to industry professionals, hands-on feedback, and real-world insight.<\/p>\n

The access stood out to AJ Sibul, a senior graphic design student, who says Creative South made the industry feel more human.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no separation between attendees and speakers,\u201d Sibul says. \u201cThey emphasize people first, titles second.\u201d<\/p>\n

From portfolio reviews to keynote presentations to late-night networking events, students built meaningful connections with working creatives, leading to mentorship, internships, and future job opportunities.<\/p>\n