USU Announces Winners of 2025 Career Design Awards

LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University announced the winners of the annual Career Design Awards on Monday. Five winners were announced in the various categories.

The awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of faculty, staff, students and employer partners who have significantly contributed to career development and success. The award ceremony serves as a thank you for their extraordinary efforts.

Career Design Champion of the Year: Bob Winward

Bob Winward, professor of graphic design in the Caine College of the Arts, is in his 27th year as a faculty member at USU and has had a 40-year career in which he has profoundly influenced design discipline and education.

Winward has been the leader of the USU Switzerland Summer Design Academy for the past 13 years, introducing more than 250 students to Swiss design — the foundation of international modernism in graphic design.

Students who have worked with Winward have gone on to work at top agencies and organizations, including Microsoft, Samsung, Apple and General Motors, or have gone on to pursue prestigious MFA programs worldwide.

Internship Supervisor of the Year: Toni Kennedy

Toni Kennedy is a clinical social worker and therapist at Stepping Stones Family Counseling. Her mentorship and support to USU students have been instrumental in the professional growth of many USU interns. Her commitment to intern learning and leadership development, along with personalized guidance and constructive feedback, has significantly impacted interns' career trajectories.

Intern of the Year: Janna Cook

Janna Cook has shown exceptional performance in her work as an intern at Texas Instruments. Her contributions, including leading the update of the motorized vehicle policy and her critical analysis of policies, have resulted in significant improvements and cost-savings for the company. This work experience has prepared her for her new role as an Industrial Hygiene Engineer at Northrop Grumman.

Supervisor of the Year: Kirsten Vinyeta

Kirsten Vinyeta, assistant professor of sociology, was awarded the Supervisor of the Year award for her exceptional leadership, mentorship, and support for her team. She demonstrates unwavering belief in her team’s potential and commitment to fostering both academic and personal growth in her students. Her results-oriented approach have significantly contributed to the success of her organization.

Student Employee of the Year: Vanessa Richards

Vanessa Richards has given outstanding work in her student employment with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Her willingness to learn new skills, provide innovative ideas and her professionalism have made her an excellent member of her team. Her contributions have been noted during a particularly challenging year of leadership changes and staffing shortages.

The 2025 Career Design Awards celebrate the dedication and achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to career development and success at Utah State University. USU congratulates all the winners and thanks them for their exceptional efforts.