The Art Directors Club of Denver has named Assistant Art Professor Lisa Abendroth "Outstanding Educator in Design." The award, which was based on student nominations, was presented as part of the club's annual student show, held last month.

"The fact that it comes from students who I work with every day means a whole lot," said Abendroth.

The club is an organization for professionals and students in the creative industry, including graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, advertising agency directors and marketing professionals.

Student awards were given to the following Metro State communication design students, all seniors: Wendy Brookshire, Daniel Grigg, Kacy Hendrickson, Lori Mattina, Margaret McCullough, Taylor Nichols, David Rossa, Kelly Sandoval and Jennifer Valentine. At the show banquet, Valentine also won two judges awards.

The recognition comes on the heels of a new, more intensive communication design program. Starting this fall, communication design students must take up to 39 credit hours in the concentration, up from the previous 15 hours. "It's a much more comprehensive program and better prepares students," Abendroth says. "The feedback has been terrific."