Students Vying for Best Buffalo State Plaid Design

By the end of the 2014–2015 academic year, Buffalo State will have its own signature plaid—created by one student within the Fashion and Textile Technology (FTT) Department.

Earlier this semester, FTT faculty members Elaine Polvinen and Margaret Keef challenged approximately 30 students enrolled in the textile design concentration to develop a plaid design that will be incorporated into Buffalo State’s official merchandise. When Lynn Boorady, associate professor and chair of FTT, taught at the University of Missouri, its fashion students did a similar project, which she saw as a creative way to show school spirit.

"It seemed natural to do here as well," Boorady said. "With the plaid, we can make clothing, boots, stadium blankets, wrapping paper—that all identify Buffalo State.”

For the contest, students can design a plaid from a mix of any of Buffalo State’s official colors, which along with burnt orange include purple, warm gray, and cool gray.

After the students complete their designs, representatives from the administration, each of the schools, and the athletics department will narrow down the choices to four. Then the entire campus community and alumni can vote upon the final four submissions.

"I think students are excited about doing this," Boorady said. "It gives us so many more options for sharing the Buffalo State brand. For instance, as we travel abroad, it's customary to give a gift. With the new plaid, we will have the option of giving a beautiful plaid scarf or a man’s tie that shows where it came from but is more formal than a sweatshirt with the school logo."