Late nights in studio labs, music playing softly in the background, laughter breaking through moments of creative frustration—for Samford University’s Art & Design graduates, these moments became more than part of the process. They became the place where purpose took shape. 

As the university celebrates its newest graduates, two from the School of the Arts reflect on how Samford helped transform uncertainty into clarity, creativity into calling and classmates into family. Through graphic design and game design, both students discovered that art is not merely expression—it is service. 

Anna Baldwin ’26 arrived at Samford without a clear vision of who she would become. She entered college as a journalism major, unsure of her path, only knowing she needed a creative outlet. It wasn’t until she transitioned into the graphic design program that her direction began to sharpen. 

“I see a much clearer sense of purpose,” Baldwin said. “I understand how my skills as a designer can be used intentionally and meaningfully.” 

That sense of purpose came into focus during her sophomore year, a season marked by comparison and doubt. Surrounded by peers pursuing careers with seemingly immediate impact, Baldwin questioned whether an art degree could truly serve others. The answer came unexpectedly through a friend who asked for help designing a logo and brand identity for a nonprofit. 

“Seeing how meaningful that work was to her showed me how design can serve others and contribute to something far greater than myself,” Baldwin said. 

Eli Mivedor’s ’26 Samford journey began with a different kind of uncertainty. Having moved from Senegal, West Africa to the United States fewer than three months before freshman year began, Mivedor faced the dual challenge of starting college while adjusting to a new culture. 

“Navigating a new stage of life on top of a new culture was a challenge,” Mivedor said. “It taught me that I am adaptable and to not shy away from uncomfortable situations.” 

Entering Samford with a clear desire to pursue game design, Mivedor found belonging within the small, tight-knit program. That closeness shaped both creative growth and personal formation. 

“We are a small major, and it can sometimes feel like family,” Mivedor said. “I’m really going to miss my cohort.” 

For both students, community became central to the Samford experience. Baldwin credits her graphic design cohort—a group of just seven students—for transforming long, demanding days into meaningful ones. 

“Our professors were intentional about fostering community and truly knowing us,” Baldwin said. “Beyond our cohort, I have valued relationships across different class years, learning from older students and investing in younger ones.” 

Mivedor found similar meaning during late nights in the lab, working alongside classmates and refining projects together. One standout moment came sophomore year when Mivedor created graphics for Step Sing, sharing a passion for design with a campus-wide audience for the first time. 

“That was the first time I got to share my passion for design with a large audience,” Mivedor said. 

Both graduates say Samford reshaped how they understand service and calling beyond graduation. Baldwin learned that service often lives in everyday moments, while Mivedor discovered that purpose is not confined to a single stage of life. 

“Having been served so well during my time here, I carry a deeper understanding of what it means to live with purpose and to serve others consistently,” Baldwin said. 

“Samford has shown me how I can serve in whatever stage of life I’m in,” Mivedor said. 

Both look ahead to their futures with confidence and hope. Baldwin feels prepared to enter her career with strong technical skills and a willingness to remain teachable, while Mivedor looks forward to new relationships and opportunities in the working world. 

Their advice to current and future students is simple but intentional: step outside your comfort zone, seek community and savor the process. 

“Everyone says the four years go by fast, and that’s so true,” Mivedor said. “Try to find something to be thankful for each day—not just while you’re here, but throughout life.” 

Class of 2026 Art & Design Graduates 

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design 
Anna Baldwin 

Wryeton Giddens 

Jorja Haddox 

Maddie Henderson 

Julia Kaminski 

Hank Novak 

Kelvonte Townsend 

Bachelor of Science in Game Design and Animation 

Danna Harps 

Brandon Holly 

Elijah Mivedor 

Grace Moresco  

Samuel Rodriguez  

Bryant Simmons 

Tyler VanLoon 

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art 

Paige Gunn 

Maggie Hellgeth 

Halle Krebel 

Tucker LeSar 

Lindsay Neufarth 

Margaret Statom 
 

Bachelor of Arts in Art 

Hadley Carson 

Annalee LeDuff 

Maddox Pugmire