Inspiring Graduate: Shannon Peskie (’25)
- Hometown: Marshfield
- Degree: B.F.A. Interior Design
- Minors: Project Management and Studio Art
When Shannon Peskie was looking into interior design degree programs, she found that UW-Stout was a CIDA-accredited school and a polytechnic university.
“I knew that learning at Stout was exactly what I was looking for,” she said.
Peskie, an Honors College student from Marshfield, earned her bachelor’s and crossed the commencement stage on May 10, along with 1,174 UW-Stout graduates.
Peskie has been accepted at the University of Minnesota for architecture and is also interviewing for interior design positions with companies outside of Minneapolis.
“These have felt like the fastest four years of my life. But being able to look back and see how far I have come, I am proud of the whole experience. Every assignment, every mistake, every opportunity taken has helped me grow to the person I want to be,” she said.
How has UW-Stout prepared you to work in your field?
I completed my year-long design internship at Continua Interiors, in Plymouth, Minnesota. I oversaw ordering material samples, setting up for client meetings, red-lining documents and prepping furniture packets for going out for bids.
The hands-on learning here at Stout has prepared me. Through my projects, I have learned different software and soft skills and was encouraged to push my designs to be the best they can be.
By pushing my designs, I can be the best designer I can be. I found that trusting my gut and going with what I drew inspiration from helps me with colors, materials, furniture and mood boards. Going back to the basics also helps to further push my designs.
What stands out about your UW-Stout experience?
UW-Stout has given me all the technical and soft skills needed to be successful when entering the field. I have been able to be as creative as possible and always found a way to make something new and exciting.
My professors have been a huge part of my success here: Nicholette Brehm, Julie Peters and Leanne Larson. They have taught me, pushed my designs and gave me confidence for entering the workforce. Their passions and experiences are motivating.
My favorite lab experiences were the printmaking classes with Rachel Bruya. The intermediate class is a very individual class. But the community we built in open labs, working together and everyone going through our own creative processes was fun. Throughout this class, we did multiple things, from a gallery show to a steamroller printmaking project.
How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?
I served on the board of the Student Interior Design Organization for three years and have overseen planning all the events. I’ve built a strong networking connection by talking with business professionals.
With University Housing, I started as a resident assistant my freshman year, and finished my junior and senior years as a hall manager. Through this opportunity, I have gotten to know so many students here at UW-Stout and learned how to manage a group of students.
I was also a student coordinator for the annual School of Art and Design Senior Show for three years.
