As a student at WMU, Dawn Larkin (B.F.A.'88, Graphic Design) was known as the button lady because her backpack was covered in them. Today, she is the proud owner of a collection of some 2,500 buttons—many of which are tied to WMU memories and represent the University.
“It was the early 80's and buttons were popular,” Larkin said. “I think maybe during my second semester I put a button on my backpack, and before you knew it, the collection grew to cover my whole backpack.”
As a Fine Art student in the Graphic Design area, Larkin used buttons as the theme of her BFA show, which was held in a gallery space in old Sangren Hall and a button she designed was attached to every invitation.
Since then, friends and family have made it a point to bring back buttons and pins, and Larkin’s collection now includes some from all over the world.
Larkin decided to attend WMU after becoming interested in graphic design and hearing about the program. Today, she enjoys photography and serves as the historian/photographer for her local Hallmark Ornament Collectors Clubs. She was also a member of the Delray Art League organization for several years and has several freelance design jobs that she works on in her free time. Additionally, Larkin is now a certified web designer.
“I am happy I can continue to learn new technologies to help stay current and to grow as a designer.”