STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Wade College offers a number of beneficial and stimulating activities aimed at increasing student involvement in the college, enhancing individual development, promoting desirable social interactions, providing recreational activities, and preparing skills for professional development.

 

Wade College Professional Portfolio Critique

Practicing presentation and interview skills is an important component of a student’s success in preparation for professional experiences in his or her chosen industry. The Professional Portfolio Critique (PPC), held at the close of each trimester, is an exciting time during which selected candidates for graduation can present and display the skills they have developed at Wade College during their course of studies. The PPC consists of each student presenting his or her portfolio to a professional industry panel, who will then offer valuable verbal and written feedback. The panel evaluates each student’s portfolio and presentation based on overall organization, knowledge of the concentration, communication skills and professionalism, enthusiasm and energy, readiness for a professional interview, and greatest strengths and weaknesses.

 

Wade College External Advisory Council
Demonstrating strong research and writing skills and business acumen is an important component of a student’s success in preparation for professional experiences in his or her chosen industry. The External Advisory Council (EAC), held at the close of each trimester, is a valuable opportunity during which candidates for graduation submit a completed business plan to be evaluated by an independent, third-party industry expert, who will offer valuable written feedback. The panel evaluates each student’s business plan based on the viability of each business model, completion of applicable research, organization, attention to detail, and the readiness of graduates for employment or self-employment.

 

Pin Show
Every February, Wade College students participate in Dallas' largest and premiere independent runway fashion event, showcasing over 25 independent designers from around the country at Dallas' Union Station. The Pin Show was founded by independent designers Rachel Nichelson and Julie McCullough Kim in 2007 to provide all emerging fashion industry designers, photographers, artists, stylists, and retail buyers a profound launching platform for independent work in the fashion industry. Wade College students volunteer backstage and attend the event.

 

Fashion Group International Career Day
Every April, Wade College students participate in the country’s largest career event of its kind. Nearly 1,200 students and faculty attend annually. The program provides career opportunities and insights; hands-on access to companies offering internships and entry-level jobs; interaction with industry leaders, mentors and role models; and most importantly, merchandising and design competitions with cash awards and scholarships. Wade College students participate in presentations by keynote speakers and other seminars and networking opportunities.

 

Four Legged Fashion: Canine Meets Couture
Every May, Wade College students participate in the production of Four Legged Fashion, a fashion show, silent auction, and fundraiser benefiting local Dallas/Fort Worth dog rescues. High profile fashion designers from across the nation make a one-of-a-kind design for a dog and auction it off for charity.  The event is attended by over 300 guests, showcases 35 amazing one-of-a-kind pieces on professional dog “models,” and raises thousands of dollars for charity. Additionally, students compete for scholarship money and prizes in the Four Legged Fashion design category in Fashion Group International's Career Day Symposium.

 

Artopia
Every November, Wade College students participate in Artopia, an upscale celebration of Dallas art. It incorporates food, drink, art, music, theater, and fashion into one evening with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the MasterMind Awards. The Dallas Observer awards upcoming individuals or small organizations that have made an impact in the local art community. The winners are featured in a special pullout section of the Dallas Observer and honored at the event. Wade College has been the official college sponsor of the event and students have the opportunity to assist in producing the event, designing the interior space for the event, and coordinating the fashion show.

 

Fashion and Lifestyle Awards
Every November, Wade College students participate in the production of the largest fashion, hard goods, interior design, retailing, and art event in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the Fashion and Lifestyle Awards. This black tie gala puts the spotlight on outstanding individuals and companies for their achievements in the fashion and lifestyle-related fields. The Dallas Trade Mart Grand Pavilion is transformed into a glamorous, intimate setting where guests enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres, a fashion show produced by Jan Strimple spotlighting Dallas’ design talent, silent auction, and presentation of awards to the honorees. Wade College students have opportunities to volunteer and attend the high profile event.

 

Wade College D & M Magazine

Wade College publishes a newsletter several times a calendar year. Contributions are made by faculty, staff, and individual students and student organizations. Articles range from events and activities that occur on campus to spotlights of past alumni.

 

Field Trips

There are various course-related activities that take place outside the classroom and the college. Some of these activities displace regularly scheduled classes, and some are voluntary extracurricular activities. Students are required to provide their own transportation to field trip locations. Students who provide car pool assistance to fellow students should be certain they have adequate insurance coverage. All students who participate in a field trip are required to complete a release form to assure their understanding of the conditions established for such a trip.

 

Wade Holiday Bazaar

To help get ready for the holiday season, the Wade College Merchandising and Design Student Association hosts the Wade College Holiday Bazaar. Students sell homemade foods, crafts, and artwork to Wade College shoppers. Students donate 10% of their profits to the Student Organizations fund.

 

Industry Competitions

Throughout the year, Wade College students are given the opportunity, through course work and extracurricular activities, to participate in industry-specific competitions. These competitions have included: 

Community Service

Wade College students have been volunteering for Attitudes and Attire for over ten years. The Dallas-based non-profit agency promotes personal growth for women seeking self-sufficiency. Clients of the agency are typically single moms who have experienced financial difficulty, abuse, addiction, and/or generational poverty. Attitudes and Attire offers tools and programs to help their clients build self esteem, promote ethics, and assist them in re-entering the workforce. Wade College students offer much needed support to the organization through volunteering. Volunteer opportunities range from sorting donated items, assisting clients with styling advice, visual merchandising for the Attitudes and Attire boutique, and assisting with various events such as the annual Kim Dawson Attitude Award Fashion Show and Luncheon. For more information on volunteer opportunities contact the Merchandising and Design Student Association.