After 41 years of mentoring and inspiring young designers at CSU, Chico, Gregg Berryman is going to retire. He is a professor at California State University, Chico, and has won many national design awards. He is a practicing design consultant and author of several articles and books on design theory and tips on visual communication.
On October 16th all alumni and friends were invited back to Chico to share their work, their stories, and reconnect with old classmates featuring an alumni show and reception to celebrate forty years of graphic design at Chico State. It brought back all the great memories of Gregg breaking down design into his patented "matrix," his humbling but enlightening critiques and commanding your respect with his insight and witty personality. He was honored with testimonials from students from each decade he has taught at CSU, Chico. All which held Gregg responsible for their successful careers and for an unforgettable academic experience.
After the reception at the President's Mansion the guests were invited back to Gregg's new digs near campus for a dinner party. As we walked up, there was no mistaking which house was Gregg's house. Like his design, his house has impact and stands out from the crowd. A modern masterpiece for the Chico area. A Gehry-esque exterior in textiles and colors on the outside and streamlined simplicity on the inside. Beautiful living spaces with attention to detail in fixtures, etc.
One of my favorite things was the collection of iconic toy mascots from the old commercial brands all tightly nestled into the shelves of his towering arced bookcase.
It was a great occasion to reminisce and honor a man that had been so instrumental in my design career. I owe a lot to him and wish him the best in his retirement. Something tells me there's still more to come from this iconic Chico Professor...
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