Bowie State Student Wins NPR Design Competition

Jalyn Ruffin, a junior fine arts major at Bowie State University, was one of three student designers selected as winners of NPR’s inaugural Public Radio Immersion Day Design Competition. Ruffin created original artwork inspired by the theme “Public Radio Meets HBCU Excellence,” reflecting his creative perspective and the spirit of Bowie State. Her design was featured on the university’s event T-shirts, and he received a $500 gift card in recognition of her work. 

Held Oct. 2 at NPR’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., Public Radio Immersion Day brought together local HBCU students interested in all aspects of communication. The initiative introduced students to careers in public media through conversations with NPR leaders, journalists and staff while giving students an opportunity to share their perspectives on news, storytelling and the future of public radio. 

“We were thrilled to welcome more than 200 students majoring in journalism, communications and related fields from Howard University, Morgan State University and Bowie State University to NPR’s inaugural Public Radio Immersion Day,” said Whitney Maddox, vice president at NPR. 

The event connected Bulldogs with media professionals and highlighted the creativity and perspectives HBCU students bring to the future of journalism and public media.