Best of CASE District VI Award
 

Institution: University of North Dakota

Title of entry: Equity and Affinity

About this entry: The Equity and Affinity mural was designed to enhance UND’s Memorial Union, specifically the hallway connecting the Hilyard Center and Pride Center—two spaces dedicated to fostering student belonging and success. The goal was to create a visually striking, vibrant mural that invites students into the space, making it feel lively and welcoming.

Marketing & Creative Services assigned a marketing manager and graphic designer to lead the project. Through a highly collaborative process, they worked closely with center staff, facilities teams, and sign vendors to ensure alignment with expectations. Mood boards, concept drafts, and final illustrations were developed with feedback from key stakeholders, ensuring the mural authentically represented students' diverse lived experiences while maintaining a timeless feel. The design was intentionally bold, colorful, and welcoming, effectively drawing attention to the hallway and encouraging student engagement with the centers.

The mural was met with enthusiasm from students, staff, and leadership, successfully transforming the space into a hub of belonging. Its impact extended beyond the hallway—its design was later selected to represent the UND Multicultural Conference for Belonging and Inclusion, further cementing its role as a powerful visual statement.