The American Advertising Federation (AAF) of Arkansas, leadership of Arkansas State Universities’ graphic design program and the College of Liberal Arts and Communication surprised a student with a $5,000 scholarship.

Ca Nguyen, a senior graphic design major from Vietnam, became the first recipient of the Jay Hagin Scholarship in AAF history and the first A-State student to win a District 10 (D10) scholarship–competing against 60 applicants.

“I saw the opportunity but I never thought that I would get it, there were so many recipients who could be better than me,” Nguyen said. “It was just so unexpected and I am happy and grateful for it.”

The AAF is a nationally run organization with hundreds of collegiate and professional chapters and is the oldest advertising-industry trade association.

Nguyen said she never imagined winning or the surprise celebration. 

“I decided to just give it a try. The worst thing that could happen was not getting it, but I had a lot of people who advised me on what I needed to do for my application–this was all unexpected,” Nguyen said. “This is a very good stepping stone for me and I just feel grateful.”

Nguyen said she plans to use the funds for her creative projects and to support herself as an international student. 

“There’s not many opportunities for me to make an income and a scholarship is the best way to save and to pay for bills,” Nguyen said. 

As an artist, she said she hears doubts about making a living in graphic design. 

“I’m the only and the very first in my family that are following the creative field, and a lot of people doubted me, but I’m grateful that my parents are very supportive,” Nguyen said, “Don’t doubt yourself, even if it feels reasonable to feel doubt or fear, just try your best and if you don’t know the answer, don’t be afraid to seek for one and to ask for help.”

Sophie Rogers, board member for the AAF in Arkansas, said Nguyen submitted an outstanding portfolio and resume to the D10 scholarship program, which covers Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.

“She stuck out against all of the students in Texas, all of Oklahoma, all of Louisiana and she is representing Arkansas State for the very first time in our 125 year organizational history,” Rogers said. 

Jay Hagin, the namesake of the scholarship, was a former D10 governor and education-system leader. 

“(Hagin) loved outstanding students who showed compassion, immense talent and just a dedication to the craft,” Rogers said. “We could not think of anyone better to represent his beliefs and everything he stood for than Ca.”

President of AAF Northeast Arkansas and Arkansas State representative Sabrina Sturtevant said Nguyen earned the scholarship through passion and talent.

“She is creative, she is intelligent and she’s still soft-spoken and humble enough to be able to listen and learn from others around her,” Sturtevant said. 

Additionally, Sturtevant – a 2020 A-State graphic design alum – said she’s proud Nguyen achieved this milestone. 

“$5,000 is a ton of money that could legitimately change her future,” Sturtevant said. “ I really can’t think of a more deserving person in the department for it to go to. She has worked her butt off, not only in college, but locally with our club.”

Tracey Steele, creative director of advertising and AAF Northeast Arkansas board member, said Nguyen’s talent and skill set her apart.

“She is one of the brightest stars in the program, and she consistently turns out work that blows everybody away. Her style, her commitment to detail, her vision are all wonderful, and in my opinion, beyond her years,” Steele said. 

She said it’s incredibly rewarding to honor a student from the NEA region as someone who is deeply connected to the local creative scene. 

“The fact that I get to be here and witness it firsthand, you can’t ask for that kind of stuff. I remember when I was in college and a young artist in this town, and it did not feel like I had as much support,” Steele said. “So to be able to give back to the community that’s given so much to me and support our incoming students that are keeping the dream alive, you can’t ask for anything better than that.”

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