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The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse’s path of totality led to a path of unique advanced experiential learning opportunities for Hilltoppers at ����������Ƶ. From building out-of-this-world graphic design projects to collecting eclipse day weather data, read about how our stellar students celebrated this once-in-a-lifetime event with a blend of science and creativity!

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Cosmic Creations

Associate Professor of Graphic Design Jimmy Luu asked his students to develop and execute designs themed around the Total Solar Eclipse. The students — enrolled in the Topics in Graphic Design: Risograph Workshop — created eclipse calendars, magazines, glasses and even snack boxes serving as a play on popular supermarket treats, such as “Moon Pies” and “Eclipse Gum.”

The wide array of projects were made with a risograph printer, which requires more patience than a traditional printer due to only laying down two inks at a time. In addition to working with this unique printer, all students were required to not only make one project with the risograph, but multiple copies. However, their hard work and patience paid off (literally) when the students auctioned off their eclipse-themed projects at Riso Rama in Corpus Christi, Texas — an independent publishing event celebrating and connecting artists, students and printers. Some of the proceeds were then used to benefit the Graphic Design student organization at St. Edward's.

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Most of the Risograph Workshop students successfully auctioned off their work ranging from $5 to $20 and received positive feedback for their celestial designs. Professor Luu says the “Eclipse Gum” packaging — designed by junior Ethan Gorelick — was collected by Mexico City-based independent press, Miau Editions.

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Enjoy with Professor Luu and his talented Graphic Design students about their work aligning with the Total Solar Eclipse.

The Sky's the Limit

On eclipse day, Associate Professor of Physics Paul Walter, Adjunct Professor of Physics Brian Mulligan, the Physics Club, Resident Director Cait Schramm and members of Res Life co-hosted a university viewing party on Andre Lawn for Hilltoppers and visitors.

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The festivities began with the launch of an ozonesonde, also known as a weather balloon, in collaboration with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Walter, joined by students from ����������Ƶ and the University of Houston, launched the device with plans to collect and measure information about weather from the stratosphere. The information collected contains data on air pressure, relative humidity, temperature and winds — potentially beneficial for meteorologists and weather predictions.

In addition to the weather balloon launch, Mulligan brought a telescope offering a close-up view of the eclipse for Hilltoppers celebrating at the viewing party. Students were also in the presence of an astronomy expert who shared facts about this historic moment for Central Texas.

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Enjoy with Professor Walter about the eclipse viewing party and weather balloon launch.