»Margo Pawell Design Symposium

Chapman University’s Margo Pawell Design Symposium, originally established in 2013, is dedicated to bringing together diverse experts to discuss topics in graphic design giving our students and the regional design community a chance to gather and partake in the discourse. In 2016 the symposium was renamed to honor the legacy of Ms. Margo Pawell, beloved former student and alum who inspired creativity, intellect, and passion here at Chapman and Orange County as a whole.

The symposium publishes a journal that expands on the issues discussed while providing a forum for design scholars, professionals, project managers, writers, and educators. It publishes work and case studies that challenge assumptions and perceptions of design and exemplifies the continued discussion of the ever-changing role of design and designers.

Forging Design Directions Alumni Extravaganza

2023 Speakers:
- Gretchen Grage '17
- Eric Stigna '18
- Jasmine Smith '20
- Spencer Wierwille '15
- Julia Lambright '17
Watch the full symposium here!
Panel-Palozza Alumni Extravaganza

2022 Speakers:
- Michele Jonas
- Brooke Brisbois
- Kathryn Ferons
- Taylor Cole-White
- Katie Bailie
Dawn to Dark Design

2020 Speakers:
- Stefan Mumaw
- Steve Gordon Jr.
- Darcy Hinrichs
- David Turner: David Turner presentation (password: Chapman)
Watch the full symposium here!

Watch interviews with Graphic Design Alums: (password: Chapman)
- Breehn Sasaki
- Haley Powell and Jack Turner
Brand New: Designing a Brand in the Social Era

2019 Speakers:
- Stefan Mumaw
- Von Glitschka
- Meena Kothandaraman
- Tug McTighe
Design for Emotion

2018 Speakers:
- Stefan Mumaw
- Karen Faith
- Jim Krause
- David Turner
From Story to Reality: Exhibition Design
2017 Speakers:
- Douglas Young
- Steve Riches
- Scott Savage
- Anthony Zorrilla
- Dave Fisher
Quantity and Quality: The Challenge of Choosing Type Today

2016 Speakers:
- Stephen Coles
  Michael Stinson
  Greg Lindy
Design Symposium: Innovation and Design Thinking

October 2014
The 2014 symposium focused on Design Thinking and Innovation. We explored and showcased those who create new solutions using the tools and mindsets of design practitioners who address a wide variety of personal, social, and business challenges in creative new ways.

Download an electronic version of the journal.
Design Symposium: The Branding Issue
September 2013
The first annual Design Symposium focused on The Branding Issue: “Are we being consumed by brands?”

The Panel:
- Armin Vit: Co-Founder of UnderConsideration and editor and writer for Brand New.
- Ron Leland: Brand Architect and Thought Leadership Consultant at Real Life Brand Architecture
- Greg Nugent: Ex-Director of Brand, Marketing and Culture, LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games), ex-volunteer on the Obama 2012 Campaign, Co-Founder of Inc., Incorporated London Limited.
- Niklas Myhr: Assistant Professor of Marketing, Chapman University
- The moderator for the event was Yasmine Say, Visiting Graphic Design Professor from London.
Download an electronic version of the journal.
Watch the full symposium here!