Alumni Profile – Ellen Tierney ‘17

What have you done since graduating from LI? 
Since graduating LI, I went onto Maine College of Art for one semester. After struggling to find my place as an artist, I transferred my credits back home to Lyndon State College to figure out my next steps. I then took a gap year in the Rocky Mtn. National Park where I discovered a passion for graphic design and illustration. This led me to re-enroll at what had become Northern Vermont University to receive my degree in Visual Communication Design. After working as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator while doing marketing full time, I decided to blend my passion for sustainability, design, and business through graduate study at UVM. I am currently in grad school at UVM working towards my MBA in Sustainable Innovation.

What are you most proud of from your LI experience?
How much I grew as an artist – seeing my progression from freshman year to AP Art in senior year was so incredible.

What was your favorite lunch in the cafeteria?
I loved the sandwich line, especially the homemade chips.

What extracurricular activities did you participate in?
I was a part of Select Choir, Field Hockey, Nordic Skiing, Ultimate Frisbee (State Champs!), Fall Play, National Art Honors Society, Student Council all four years, Volunteer Club, and Dance Club for one whole day.

Which class helped you the most with your future endeavors?
AP Studio Art and all my graphic design classes helped me the most.

Which classes were the most difficult and why?
Anatomy and Physiology – talking about blood, muscles, and bones made me so woozy!

Which event was your favorite during Winter Carnival?
Three-legged soccer was my favorite, even though my friend and I crashed through the exterior door.

Where was your favorite place to hang out after school?
I often did homework at the Cobleigh Library after school and then spent a lot of time at the Freighthouse Cafe.

Who was your favorite teacher at LI?
Mr. McCarthy 

Did you know what you wanted to study or focus on academically?
I always knew art would be a part of my life and LI helped shape that for me, but graphic design found me a bit later

What Vehicle did you drive to school?
I drove a 2003 Subaru Impreza that I bought from the Drivers Ed teacher, that I lovingly named Caroline.

Who had the sweetest ride while you were in school?
I’d have to say Kurtis Utley had the sweetest ride; I could probably fit my Subaru under the truck he drove.

What is something at LI that you absolutely loved being a part of?
The community in general is something so uniquely wonderful and is hard to explain to those who haven’t experienced it. It really is a special place that I look back on very fondly.

What is something you didn’t like about your LI experience?
I didn’t like how fast time moved.

What song got you pumped up at Games?
“Hey Baby” – always!

If you had to do it all over again, what would you have done differently? 
I would slow down and just enjoy everything as much as possible, time moves so quickly and the stress of what’s next can steal away moments you can’t get back.

What advice do you have for students as they look for future careers or programs to apply to?
Don’t be afraid to take your time to find the right fit! Not everyone's path is straight and narrow, and you’ll thank yourself for honoring your self-exploration and growth.

Who were your best friends?
My friend group and I referred to ourselves as the “Community Fries,” inspired by our daily shared plate of cafeteria fries.