In her last semester at Missouri State, senior Alexis Stegner decided to push herself outside of her comfort zone. A friend forwarded Stegner the Be a Bear T-shirt Contest entry information. Stegner was immediately intrigued. “I’m working on my design portfolio and our teachers always tell us to enter design contests as much as we can,” Alexis said. “And since it’s Missouri State University, it just really stood out to me.” The only problem was the entry portion of the contest concluded that same day.

However, this did not intimidate Stegner. Quickly opening Adobe Illustrator, she drafted a total of six designs before the end of the day.

A little bit of personal flare

Stegner knew she wanted to incorporate the symbol of the walking bear and Missouri State’s colors. However, she wanted to include her own personal flare as well. Her group of design friends helped her.

The final design included recognizable Missouri State elements: the walking bear and Missouri State’s colors of maroon, black and white. Stegner’s personality shows up with her favorite shade of blue and the geometric pattern that adorns the Bear.  “I just wanted something that was exciting, very different, very diverse within the bear. I just wanted it to stand out more than just the plain walking bear stuck on there,” said Stegner.

I’m so thankful for Missouri State and everything that it’s provided for me.

Leaving her mark

Her speedy work producing six designs may have been because Stegner is familiar with the Missouri State University brand. “I work for the College of Business doing graphic design for that, and I’m used to doing stuff that’s branded. I was just really excited to actually enter a contest that’s for Missouri State that the student body gets to vote on.”

Stegner’s work with the College of Business also began with a referral from a friend, a member of her sorority. “I’ve been doing it for two years and I really like it,” Stegner said of her graphic design work. It wasn’t always easy, however, working for the College of Business.

She said, “At first, I was really nervous… but now that I’m very familiar with the brand, I’ve kind of learned ways to incorporate my own style into the brand and into the College of Business.”

Stegner’s job  with MSU and entering the Be a Bear T-Shirt Contest has helped her find her design personality. She said, “I’m so thankful for Missouri State and everything that it’s provided for me: great friendships, a good education, and just so many memories that I will never be able to get anywhere else.”

About the Be a Bear T-Shirt Content

The Be a Bear T-Shirt Contest is a way MSU students can engage with the university and help their fellow students. Each year students submit their designs for consideration, and a committee of professionals and students chooses one as the final design. Proceeds from the T-shirt help support the Emergency Scholarship Fund.

This year three designs were chosen and now, it’s up to you, the student body to decide which one you want. Voting begins February 19 at 8 a.m. and will close at noon on Friday, February 23.