Each year, faculty and staff at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) are invited to nominate students who have shown exceptional leadership and a sustained commitment to improving the SAIC community for the distinguished honor of the Student Leadership Award. The dinner is hosted by the SAIC's Campus Life department, and given towards the end of April. Campus Life wanted a program and certificate that would feel classic and upscale, but be cool enough that the students would hold on to them as keepsakes.

To achieve the classic, yet upscale aesthetic, the design was kept minimal, focusing on a typographic solution that is solidly based in history, but made more contemporary through customization. To complete the look, the typeface was used in conjunction with a subtle pattern, making the design more luxurious. Printing it on Yupo synthetic paper added to its modern aesthetic, with a tactile sensibility that is different enough to distinguish itself as something special to hold on to.

The client was extremely pleased with the final results, and says that a great time was had by all.