Holiday Card Contest

Students were invited to submit an original artistic design to be used as the 2025 NIU holiday card to help spread warmth and good cheer to the entire community. The theme for this year's holiday card competition was to capture the spirit of campus life, winter and Huskie values. The winning entries were chosen because they depicted a unique community where everyone is welcomed, connected and embraced.

President Lisa Freeman has selected student artwork to showcase the incredible talent that NIU students possess. Of the entries submitted for consideration, three were selected and the artists received scholarships for their winning designs. Their work will be featured on the official NIU president’s electronic holiday card.

Congratulations to the 2025 winners!

Postage Stamps for the Holidays

By Emma Noe

Emma Noe is an undergraduate student from Metamora, Illinois, majoring in visual communication.

"The inspiration for my design is sending out holiday cards to friends and family members. My career goal is to go into packaging design, but I also enjoy social media design. I’m just open to learning everything but eventually aspire to start my own freelance company."

(First place)

Keeping Hallways Bright

By Emily Koeppen Tischer

Emily Koeppen Tischer is a junior illustration major from Genoa, Illinois.

"For my submission, I wanted to take a different approach by focusing on the unsung heroes of the holidays at NIU, the custodial and maintenance staff. Inspired by my boyfriend—who is a custodian here himself. They are a diverse and hardworking group who keep our hallways and spirits bright, even through winter break as they clean dorms, classrooms, and more. With this card, I hope to shine a well-deserved spotlight on their dedication and the vital role they play in keeping our campus welcoming for everyone. As an artist, I focus on blending illustration with design. Looking ahead, I see myself designing merchandise and visual campaigns for a company, or running my own small business where I can continue creating work that blends personal expression with consumer appeal."

(Second place)

Holiday Honks

By Tyler Moskal

Tyler Moskal is a senior visual communication major from Hampshire, Illinois.

"I always found it funny that everyone is well aware of the geese around campus. I think that humor brings people of all different cultural backgrounds together, which is why I created a Holiday goose-inspired card. After graduation, I strive to work within a swanky or trendy, team-oriented studio to pursue my passion for design."

(Third place)