SUU Graduate Revamps Dixie National Forest Jr. Ranger Program With Innovative Design

Allison Berger, a recent graphic design graduate from Southern Utah University (SUU), has completed an impactful internship through the Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative (IIC) by designing a new booklet for the Dixie National Forest Jr. Ranger program. Set to debut in the forest's visitor centers this September, the booklet represents a significant update to the Jr. Ranger program, which forest personnel had identified as outdated.

The Dixie National Forest saw an opportunity to enhance its educational outreach by modernizing the Jr. Ranger program. Daniel Strand, the partnership coordinator for the forest, sought to revamp the program's materials with a fresh design tailored specifically to the forest. The IIC at SUU facilitated this initiative by connecting Strand with Berger, who was a senior graphic design student at the time.

Berger, working alongside Strand and Shannon Eberhard, assistant director of Outdoor Pathways at SUU, utilized her design skills to create a booklet that is not only visually engaging but also informative. The collaboration ensured the accuracy of the content and the effectiveness of the design.

Strand praised the partnership with SUU and the IIC, highlighting the crucial role of local talent and community support in the success of such projects. The Dixie National Forest's collaboration with SUU and the IIC underscores the value of integrating academic knowledge with practical experience.

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Berger expressed her pride in the project, noting the satisfaction of seeing the booklet come to life. Eberhard also commended Berger for her exceptional work and the professional growth she achieved through this project. The IIC's mission is to offer challenging internship opportunities that enhance students' academic experiences and prepare them for future careers.

For more information about the IIC and its programs, visit their website.