Dear Mr. President,

My name is Debra Benson, a Viscom student attending AIU Houston. I would like to express my extreme appreciation for AIU Houston's Viscom faculty and staff. I was one of several students exposed to, what I call "instruction reflection," during a recent Viscom trip to Austin. Under the supervision and support of our Viscom Chair, Professor Martha Culbreth planned and executed an extremely rewarding experience for Viscom students, in the form of a school trip called "Austin or Bust."

Prior to the trip, Professor Culbreth spent several selfless-weeks planning the trip. She then followed through on facilitating several pre-readings and study sessions for students on the types of things we would be exposed to during our visits. To name a few, we visited: The State Capitol, The Harry Ransom Museum, The Blanton Museum, The Lyndon B. Johnson Library, The Center for Art History, the globally famous GSD&M Design & Marketing firm, the Austin Botanical Gardens, and so much more. Every minute of the venture, from the time of introduction to students to the actual trip, was jam-packed with academic enlightenment. In a finely constructed nutshell, the venture unequivocally reinforced what we are learning here at AIU in the Viscom program. Instructions and mentoring provided by our professors was confirmed during several tours and presentations. Professor Laura Waldusky also exercised her connections and setup a special tour and presentation at the GSD&M Design and Marketing firm. The Creative Director of that firm confirmed, for classmates and myself, that we are under the right tutelage here at AIU. Everything our professors are teaching, exposing, and sharing with Viscom students is indeed preparing us to be well rounded and successfully marketable in the industry of visual communications and digital design.

Thank you and AIU for hiring and supporting such a committed and experienced team of leaders. I wouldn't trade my Viscom experience here at AIU Houston for any other school.

Sincerely,
Debra Benson
BFA Visual Communications - Digital Design
Class 2008 - AIU Houston