Smithsonian purchases Reinhardt alumnus’ work

After building a strong foundation at Reinhardt University, Jose Resendiz ‘14 continued down a path of success that has led to his work being highlighted by the Smithsonian Museum.

Resendiz earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design with a minor in marketing and advertising in 2014. The summa cum laude graduate took his education a step further, moving to Illinois to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

While earning his master’s degree in visual communication design, Resendiz produced a thesis that has received the attention of the world-renowned Smithsonian Museum.

His thesis research titled “A Making of a Past | A Making of a People,” involved a narrative of 1970s student walkouts at Harrison High School in Chicago as a direct action of students fighting for social and cultural representation in education.

“This project is one of the first steps in recuperating a part of history that elevates the voice of the many students who have caused extraordinary systemic change in Chicago’s predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods,” said Resendiz.

His thesis won the Caxton Club Grant for further publication and was presented at various art shows, conferences and centers. Copies of his thesis are currently part of the Chicago Newberry Library and has recently been requested and purchased by the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. for its American Art and Portrait Gallery permanent collection.

Resendiz is graphic design associate with Advance Illinois, an organization that promotes a healthy public education system in Illinois that prepares students for college and career. He has taken the first steps to accomplishing the dream of starting his own scholarship foundation – JR Scholarship Foundation.

“I cannot thank Reinhardt enough for everything it taught me and for the solid foundation it provided me to thrive in my future endeavors,” he said.

During his time at Reinhardt, he was a Goizueta Foundation scholar, inducted into the Alpha Chi Honor Scholarship Society, the honorary chapter of Sigma Lambda and the Kappa Pi Art Fraternity. He was active on campus as an admissions captain, team member of the Student Activities Council and the treasurer of the Aspiring Latinos Altering Society. In 2017, Reinhardt University recognized Resendiz with its 10 Under 10 Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves within 10 years of graduation.