Vanessa Puzder
Designer for Ninety

Vanessa Puzder graduated in 2001 in Fashion Design. She currently works as a designer for Ninety in New York. August 21, 2002 her work was featured in a Women’s Wear Daily article, which is shown framed behind her in her office.

Karen (Raybuck) Hughes
Editor, Mid-Ohio Valley Parent

I was in the very 1st class of the Rodgers and Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising in 1983. I graduated with Honors in 1987 with a bachelor of science degree in Fashion Merchandising, a minor in business administration and a marketing concentration.

The program offered me the opportunity to go on a New York study tour, complete a practicum with Saks Fifth Avenue and earn credits while working at Kaufmann¹s in sales and as a seasonal supervisor.

Upon graduation, I was able to immediately begin working for the Limited
Corporation as a manager in one of their Lerner stores. Three months later I accepted a department manager position at Kaufmann¹s. I was quickly promoted to assistant buyer, where I worked in women¹s sportswear, suits and dresses.

The next challenge I undertook was to move to Duluth, Minnesota and work in the corporate offices of Maurices, Inc. Here I was able to travel to New York on several buying trips. With Maurices, I went on to work as a store manager, trouble-shooter and training manager.

After my first son was born, in 1996, I took several years off. During this time, I had another son and enjoyed my time as a stay-at-home mom. In June of 2001, I was offered and accepted my current position. I am the publisher and editor-in-chief of Mid-Ohio Valley Parent Magazine. My business and marketing background help me excel in this role as well as the excellent English coursework I completed at KSU.

I am able to complete 90% of my work from my home office, which is the perfect situation having two young boys. Working from home gives me the ability to be involved in my children¹s school, work on the Children¹s Liturgy committee at our church and volunteer for the American Cancer Society. I also serve on the Wood County, WV summit committee for America¹s Promise - a national youth organization.

My husband Jim, our two boys and I reside happily in Parkersburg, WV. Thank you KSU for preparing me for the many endeavors I have been challenged with.

Zac Tischbein
Assistant Design with Saks, Inc

Zac Tischbein, design graduate of 2000, is an Assistant Design with Saks, Inc. in New York. Another KSU graduate, Karen Barberie, supervises him. Together they design a line called Relativity that is sold at Parisians Stores.

Marie Schrembeck
Occupational Therapist, Lake Hospital Systems

Occupational therapy is a profession focusing on health and rehabilitation which challenges people to develop and rebuild skills that are essential for independent daily functioning. Occupation therapy endows creativity for treatments, activity analysis, and functional tasking to promote independent functioning. Today, I am an occupational therapist at Lake Hospital Systems. My goal as a therapist is to educate, train, and rehabilitate people with physical impairments thus enabling them to maximize their quality of life.

Although I did not pursue a fashion career, my education at Kent State University gave me the opportunity to explore and nurture my talents at a young age. This is my foundation to building my professional career. I believe creativity is an essential aspect of a career, which can be utilized with diversity. I encourage future students to challenge their vision and dreams. Do not be discouraged if your dreams or visions become unraveled at that moment, because one day you may uniquely weave your own accomplishments in a different light!

Suzan Kapela
Owner, Susan Kapela Slipcovers

Having moved from Kent in October 1994, I went to Boca Raton, Florida to live full time. I make slipcovers and home furnishings such as pillows, cushions and other related items. I am the sole proprietor of my business, Susan Kapela Slipcovers, and do a lot of work through referrals from Calico Corners in Boca Raton. I moved from Boca to Delray Beach with my husband in June of 2001. I bought my first house there and continue the business. I use my draping skills from my fashion design classes every day. Also, I assist clients in putting fabrics and colors together to fit their decorating plans. I am VERY BUSY as of this writing and very proud to be working for MYSELF.

Mary Petrus
Co Owner, NiCK 606 Inc.

I worked in NYC as a Fashion Designer and Illustrator from 1985-1992 subsequent to my graduation from the Kent State University School of Fashion Design. In 1992 I became a partner with my husband Paul Frishman (Cleveland Institute of Art, 1982 Industrial Design Graduate). Together, we formed the Architectural/Interior Design firm NiCK 606 Inc. I employ the philosophy that all design is of one art form without borders. Consequently, through the use of color, form, space, proportion, lighting, pattern and texture I am able to apply these principles to create unique environments for restaurants, retail, residential, transportation, hotel, spa and gaming facilities. In addition, I design elements within these spaces such as textiles and surfaces, furniture, light fixtures, graphics, artworks and dining accessories. The most essential component to my crossover from Fashion Design to Architectural/Interior Design was the diversity of the Fashion School’s curriculum and its emphasis on creativity.

Sarah Townsley-Ruiz

Michael Rail
pet

Sharon Petro Greenberg
Jewelry Designer

In June of 1984, I became the first graduate from the School of Fashion Design. I earned the first Bachelor of Arts degree for fashion design. Upon my graduation I was employed by the JCPenney Co. as a fashion merchandiser/buyer. That was a fantastic experience. At the present time, I have taken a slight career change. I am currently designing and constructing jewelry of sterling silver with semi precious stones. I work on consignment, relying on referrals from my customers. I have a studio located in my home which is perfect because along with my designing jewelry, I am a mother of three very active children. I have continued my education by attending the Suburban Fine Arts Center located here in Chicago.

All in all, my education from Kent State University gave me the foundation that I need and use in my profession today. Designing is designing whether it is with fabric or precious metals and that is what my education from Kent has instilled in me.