KEYSER, W.Va. — Student creativity and Catamount pride are at the heart of WVU Potomac State College’s new 125th Anniversary commemorative poster. This project was brought to life through a collaboration between WVU Morgantown and WVU Potomac State College.
Seniors in WVU Morgantown’s Graphic Design capstone course were challenged to reflect PSC’s heritage through contemporary artistry in a hands-on collaboration between campuses.
The project was directed by Joe Galbreath, associate professor, head of WVU’s Graphic Design program, and director of the GramLee Collection. Known for his passion for vernacular artwork, Appalachia-inspired design, and the history of print, Galbreath guided students through the traditional letterpress process, ensuring each element honored PSC’s story. His influence is clear: the poster feels both vintage and fresh, bridging PSC’s proud history with the creative spirit of today’s Mountaineer designers.
“This collaboration showcases the incredible talent within WVU’s design programs,” said Galbreath. “Our students were excited to celebrate Potomac State’s legacy through a physical piece of art that will last for generations.”
Student designer ChloeAnna Rossi said that the opportunity “was such an amazing team project to create something so meaningful and representative for the 125th anniversary.”
Students were challenged to reflect on the historical occasion while creating a contemporary feel.
“When thinking of the poster, I knew there wasn't just one thing that represented Potomac State,” said student designer Zoe Ross, who decided that using a collage approach would allow for inclusion of “many important landmarks to make it feel whole.”
This approach allowed for a number of illustrations to represent PSC.
“Just looking at the images and campus of Potomac State College made it clear what was important to its identity,” said Rossi. “These are places that meant so much to students, staff, and alumni. I wanted to make sure that whatever way the poster ended up looking, these most important parts were the main focus.”
Student designer Olivia Panicucci said that she “wanted to feature illustrations of objects that could well represent Potomac State.” In designing the mountaineer element, she noted that “not only is it the school’s mascot, but it is also an iconic figure that is a strong symbol of exploration in the state of West Virginia.” She said that in designing the signpost element, “I wanted to create something that represents multiple buildings and important areas to show their importance in the college’s history.”
Student designer Kyra Williams created illustrations of several iconic campus buildings along with the Catamount mascot “to highlight both the history and spirit of the College.” She said that of her technique that “each illustration was originally drawn in black and white to focus on form, contrast, and architectural detail before being brought into blue and gold.”
The backbone of the poster is also a nod to the PSC campus, with Williams noting that “the circular form and radiating lines of [the Quad] unify the design, with each illustration placed within one of its sections.” She said that this element “mirrors how the Quad connects the most important parts of the campus and ties the entire composition together.”
Ross, who was charged with the typography elements, said inspiration came from “the feel of the anniversary as something big, something special,” adding that the design of the numbers “brings attention and meaning to Potomac.”
The winning design, selected by PSC faculty and staff during an All-College Meeting, was officially unveiled on October 4 at the Alumni Awards & Athletic Hall of Fame Reception.
“It was a fitting moment to honor both the College’s history and the students shaping its future, said Megan Webb, PSC’s development director. “As guests admired the poster, the message was clear: the next century of PSC begins with its students.”
Once the design was chosen, the WVU Graphic Design Club brought the piece into the physical world by printing it by hand in the historic Morgantown letterpress studio. The print run is a limited edition of 125 numbered pieces.
This blend of creativity and craftsmanship allowed students to experience the full cycle of design: concept, critique, revision, and artisan printing.
The commemorative posters will be sold as a fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting the PSC Alumni Association and initiatives that directly support student engagement.
“By working with students to design a piece that will directly benefit students, we created an integrated, experiential learning opportunity with real-world impacts,” said Webb, who noted that early enthusiasm for the poster reflects the power of what the project represents: students celebrating students, honoring the past while shaping PSC’s next 125 years.”
The poster can be purchased in advance of the College’s 125th anniversary celebration at https://give.wvu.edu/celebrate125