When our student body built the beautiful ice chapel during the freezing depths of last winter, it did more than just bring the campus together, it completely captivated our team. Watching the winter light filter through the blocks of ice felt like looking through a living stained-glass window. We knew immediately that we wanted to capture that magic and carry its warmth into the new school year.
That is why, when you pick up your student parking permit this August, you won’t just get a standard piece of plastic. You will receive a custom-designed, stained-glass window sticker, directly inspired by the creativity and resilience you all showed during our coldest months. Student parking permits are live beginning Monday, August 10th.
"We were so moved by how students transformed the frozen campus into a place of beauty and community," says Stephanie Katzelis, Parking Services Manager. "Our team wanted to create a permit that serves as a daily reminder of that campus spirit. It’s a little piece of university history you can take with you wherever you park."
But we don’t want the artistic inspiration to stop with us. We know how much incredible talent is hiding in our residence halls and classrooms, and we want your vision to be what everyone drives around campus with next.
Today, we are officially opening the student design contest for the 2027-2028 parking permits. We are looking for the next great concept that captures what it truly means to be a student here.
"This year’s permit proved that inspiration can come from anywhere on campus," Katzelis notes. "Now, we want to hand the canvas over to our students. We are thrilled to see how you channel your own campus experiences into a design that will be displayed on thousands of cars next fall."
Whether you are inspired by our iconic campus architecture, a favorite tradition, or a quiet moment on the quad, we want to see your creativity. Submit your official design by January 11, 2027, via this Google form.