SUNY 2023
About
During my 7th semester, I had the privilege of working as the Producer for the IMGD Class of 2023's Capstone Project, S.T.A.R . This experience taught me a great many things, and began a discussion centered around networking and our plans after graduation. Seeing a need for a networking opportunities among my peers, I decided to approach my faculty and dean regarding a SUNY funded GDC 2023 trip.
After gathering 50 signatures, Jared Goronkin, Morgan Rogers, and myself attended a meeting between our dean (now president) Dr. Andrew Russell, and the head of our major Professor Ibrahim Yucel. Our agreement, hold a fund-raiser for the trip to fund actives and additional expenses.
After a successful pitch, we began work by contacting Empire State Development, who sourced 14 GDC Exhibitor tickets, and asked us to present our capstone game within the Empire State Development Pavilion at GDC 2023.
Upon the college securing our tickets, we began working with SUNY's travel department, and created an all encompassing financial document for the trips airfare and hotels.
Following these arrangements, we planned out an evaluation system, vetted by faculty, to select 12 of the best students from our program to attend the trip. After selecting these students, each prepped their portfolios, and networking tools.
Finally, on March 22nd 2023, Our group set out and attended GDC 2023, presenting our capstone Project S.T.A.R alongside colleges such as R.I.T. where I am currently enrolled as a IGM Graduate Student.
Memories
This event created lifetime memories for SUNY's IMGD class of 2023. Weather it was discovering the various locations within San Fransisco's Business district, or exploring and meeting professionals on the Expo floor. Each student made connections that helped them forge a path within their desired specialty.
Logistics
Developing this trip was difficult, and took a lot of time, and planning. This, combined with the fact that the planning process took place within a 4 month planning period.