Wilson fosters creativity with DAAPcamps
UC professor strives to open possibilities for incoming students at DAAP
Laurie Wilson has dedicated a 31-year career to promoting creativity within younger generations inside and outside the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP).
Wilson, associate director of student affairs and assistant adjunct professor, was first introduced to the college in 1993 while working as the trend and community engagement director at Mercantile Stores Co. Through this exposure, she was asked to serve on the jury for the annual DAAP fashion show and the capstone projects for the DAAP School of Design’s graduating class.
Laurie Wilson and the UC Bearcat. Photo provided by DAAP.
Wilson started her career at DAAP as a consultant for the iconic fashion show in 1996.
This opportunity allowed Wilson to become fully engaged with DAAP life. As her career progressed, she added titles such as associate director of student affairs and adjunct assistant professor.
In 2011, under Wilson’s guidance, DAAPcamps was introduced and she serves as director. DAAPcamps allows middle and high school students to develop new skills with the help of a dedicated team of faculty and industry experts. The program provides students with hands-on experiences to explore DAAP’s undergraduate offerings as well as to foster creativity. Each summer, students attend camps in fields such as architecture, interior design, communication design, fashion design, fine art studio, industrial design, footwear design and the newly added games and animation.
DAAPcamp participants work in a studio environment, similar to the experience of DAAP students, with professionals assigning various projects based on the chosen field.
“There should be a way for students to try on the DAAP experience for size. That’s why DAAPcamps was conceived,” said Wilson.
DAAPcamp group photo during summer 2024. Photo provided by DAAP.
DAAPcamps now hosts between 280 and 300 students every year, from across the country and internationally, for both residential and day camps.
“DAAPcamps provide a space for young artists and designers to explore and hone their skills in a way that is hands-on and a ton of fun,” says Kat Suddendorf who attended DAAPcamp three summers in a row while in high school. She graduated from the DAAP’s School of Design in 2024 and is currently an assistant designer at American Eagle Outfitters.
[DAAPcamp] is a family. We're going to make this the best experience for you.
Laurie Wilson DAAPcamps director
The camps not only provide participants with a new skill set but also build a community through teamwork-based activities, creating friendships and connections.
Wilson’s impact is evident in the camp’s continuous growth each year, and despite her extensive career filled with many achievements, Wilson believes DAAPcamps is her most rewarding project. Whenever she sees a student at DAAP who attended camp, she knows she played a role in that decision.
“The camp has a culture to it. This is a family. We’re here, and we are going to make this the best experience for you. We are all really committed to that,” said Wilson.
Another career highlight for Wilson is her influence on RetroFittings.
RetroFittings started as a small project for fashion students to learn about sustainability by transforming items purchased at local St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) thrift stores into wearable masterpieces.
Her influence at DAAP is immense, and these programs thrive under her leadership.
Tim Jachna Dean, UC College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
With Wilson’s guidance, DAAP fashion students have turned RetroFittings into a full-blown runway show, with students designing looks using pre-owned clothing and donated merchandise from SVDP.
A collaboration with a beauty school, Paul Mitchell the School Cincinnati, gives all students a taste of what it feels like to work in the fashion industry. UC students partner with Paul Mitchell student designers to create show-stopping makeup looks and hairstyles. “It’s a great way for students to see beyond fashion as we might normally think of it — to see it as a way to help others,” said Wilson.
“Her influence at DAAP is immense, and these programs thrive under her leadership,” says Tim Jachna, dean of the college.
Wilson can often be found around the DAAP building working on her upcoming projects and connecting with students. Both of Wilson’s children attend the University of Cincinnati, deepening her connection with the college community.
Featured image at top by An Le/UC student intern.
Written by Maya Little
First-year journalism major, DAAP student intern
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