Bethany Strothman

Interior Design–Green Design Emphasis
Class of 2008
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

What is your favorite spot on campus?

When it is warm outside, I really just enjoy going and laying anywhere in the grass on campus near the beautiful flowers. It's a great place to think and be creative because you are surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Where do you like to work on your design?

I tend to really like my privacy and quiet when I am working, especially if I am space planning or doing CAD work. Most of the ID work involves a computer, so I usually have my laptop with me and I like to be in a secluded area if possible. Otherwise, if I am in class, I bring my headphones with me and listen to music. If I am sketching however, I really enjoy doing that outside.

Which Liberal Studies or Foundation Studies classes did you find the most surprising or useful?

I would have to say hands down that my Drawing class was the most influential for me. I had [Hugh] Alexander, and he would always tell us that anyone can learn to draw. I knew that I was fairly good at drawing, but he really pushed me. I was impressed with my own drawing skills, because I never knew I could capture an image in that way. Out of all of the fine art pieces I have ever created, the drawings I did in his class are the ones I am the most proud of. I believe the skills I learned from him have really helped my renderings for my major.

What did your favorite professor do to earn your respect or admiration?

I really have loved the faculty at this school because they have such a passion for what they teach. The ID faculty is always available and completely approachable at any time. However, out of all of my professors, I have been the most impacted by Julie Pollack and Brook Yeagle. Julie really challenged me to think outside of the box when if came to sustainability and, to be honest, she completely change my career path. I had no idea what Green Design was before coming to this school, and now it is a huge passion for me and is my emphasis. Brook is one of the most talented designers that I know and she is so completely caring but, at the same time, very strict. She can see your potential and she knows what your best can be and she won't let you settle for less. However, there have also been days when I have been so stressed out and crying and she has been there just to listen to me. I really respect these women and I hope to be a great designer like them. I owe them a great deal—along with all of the other ID faculty and the Foundations faculty that helped me to develop my fine art skills as well.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD?

I really enjoy the small size of the campus because, even if you don't know everyone, you can usually recognize most of the students just from seeing them around campus. I also love the fact that this school is only an art school because it's really wonderful to be surrounded by so many talented, creative people. Even though the majors are all quite different, I think it's great to be able to see the skills of all types of artists and designers.

Was there a moment when RMCAD changed from "a school" to "my school" for you?

From the start, the sense of community within the ID department was very apparent and I felt very at home here. All of the classes are small, so there is a lot of interaction between teachers and students, as well as with other students. I formed a strong circle of friends right away because we usually had all of the same classes together semester after semester.