Julianna Lucia Menna ’25 Applied Studio Art Degree to Campus Project
What does #RowanPROUD look like? For lifelong Glassboro resident and alumna Julianna Lucia Menna ’24, it looks like a vibrant collage of beloved campus icons and local landmarks. Invited back to create a mural for the new Student Center Expansion, Julianna’s goal was simple: to create a piece of art that makes every student feel at home.
Opportunity Knocks
When Melissa Ulmer, Assistant Director, Marketing & Student Programs, reached out with an opportunity to create a Rowan-themed mural for Rowan’s new Student Center Expansion, alumna Julianna instantly felt a mix of excitement and disbelief.
“It was definitely a full circle moment,” she says. “You never really know what kind of impact your work might have. So to be invited back to create something for the campus community, it was such an honor.”
Her Inspiration
A native Glassboro resident, Julianna grew up watching both the town and the University evolve side by side. That shared sense of growth and familiarity inspired the mural now displayed near the new Saxbys café in the Student Center Expansion. The piece? A vibrant collage of Rowan icons and local landmarks that embody the spirit of home.
Working closely with the Student Center staff and Rowan’s branding team, Julianna sketched out a concept that merged creativity with campus identity. “We kept coming back to this clean, doodle-style idea,” she explains. “They wanted to include recognizable places like Bunce Hall and the Hollybush Mansion, but also small touches that make Rowan feel like home, including the fun coffee icons tied to Saxbys.”
Voilà! Piece Unveiled
The finished piece blends fun illustrations with playful energy, inviting passersby to pause and feel connected. “I wanted the art to give people that feeling of belonging,” she says. “If someone looks at it and feels at home, or even just feels part of something bigger, that’s enough for me.”
Growing Her Skills While a Student
While attending Rowan, Julianna worked as a graphic designer for the Student Centers and Campus Activities (SCCA) marketing team. The role allowed her to apply what she was learning in class in a collaborative, real-world setting.
She credits much of her professional growth to the supportive environment fostered by her former supervisor, Melissa Ulmer, and the entire SCCA professional staff.
“I want to shout out all the professional staff at the SCCA for fostering such a meaningful, welcoming and collaborative environment for student workers,” she says. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and commitment to uplifting students.”
Transition to Career
Now working as an in-house designer for a community college, Julianna contributes to a wide range of marketing and branding efforts across the institution. Additionally, she undertakes freelance design projects and plans to develop this into a more established creative practice over time.
“What I enjoy most is the process of taking an idea and bringing it to life through a cohesive visual system that can be applied across various mediums and platforms,” she explains. “Being able to visually communicate can be a challenge, but that’s what makes the creative process so rewarding. It enables me to solve problems through design and find the most effective visual solutions. I also really value the opportunity to collaborate with others and help bring a shared vision to life.”
While her career now focuses on graphic design, this mural project allowed Julianna to reconnect with her artistic roots. “Most of my work now leans toward design for marketing or advertising but this mural reminded me how meaningful it is to create something just for people to enjoy, not to sell anything, but to capture a story.”
Advice for Current Students
Her advice for current students? “Take opportunities that help you grow professionally and personally, no matter how small they may seem. Every step you take adds up and can make a big difference in the long run.”
“Rowan will always feel like home,” she concludes. “I’ve lived in Glassboro my whole life, but every time I come back, campus still feels exciting. To leave something here that students can see every day, well, it means everything.”
See some of Julianna’s work on Instagram: @julianna.lucia.design.
Alumni Success Stories
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