When Sandy Le ’25 began her journey at the University of Hartford, she brought her passion for art and design, along with her experiences as an immigrant and the child of refugees. Now, she leaves UHart with a strong sense of purpose and a bright future in design. Earlier this year, she was honored in GDUSA's (Graphic Design USA) “Students to Watch” section. “UHart taught me how to present my work thoughtfully, develop a strong portfolio and website, and believe in my capabilities as a designer,” Le shares. These skills were further recognized when she landed an internship at GO Agency in Hartford—even before graduation.
Le, a visual communication design (VCD) major at the Hartford Art School, was drawn to design by the belief that visual language serves as a universal connector that transcends cultural, linguistic, and geographical divides. Inspired by her life experiences, Le aimed to use design not just to create something beautiful, but to communicate meaningfully and drive impact, embracing the idea of “design with purpose.”
"At its core, design is a conversation," she reflects. "It’s about resonating with your audience, solving problems, and reinforcing ideas in powerful ways."
Le’s time at UHart has been filled with creativity and growth. Over her four years, she immersed herself in collaborative, purpose-driven work and meaningful mentorship. She credits her professors, peers, and the Civic Design group—UHart’s student visual communication agency that provides marketing solutions for nonprofits—with giving her the space to grow as both an artist and a professional.
Her internship experiences were equally formative. During her junior year, she worked as the print designer for UHart’s literary magazine, Aerie. Le designed the front and back covers, laid out pages of student artwork and literature, and created the contributors page. During her senior year, she collaborated closely with the creative team in the Office of Marketing and Communication.
Beyond the classroom, Le’s relationships within the VCD department opened doors to professional opportunities through design organizations such as AIGA and CADC, forging connections with the area’s vibrant design community. Her professors, mentors, and classmates provided constant encouragement, feedback, and inspiration.
Now, as a newly minted graduate, Le is excited about what’s next, including her internship at GO Agency, where she’ll apply her skills to real-world projects—carrying forward the experience she’s cultivated at UHart.
When asked what she’ll remember most about her college experience, Le says, “The tight-knit community and upbeat atmosphere on campus made every day special. But I’ll never forget that very first day of classes when I arrived on campus—it was the start of something life-changing.” As she prepares to take flight, one thing is clear: Le will continue to soar.
Sandy Le ’25, Hartford Art SchoolUHart taught me how to present my work thoughtfully, develop a strong portfolio and website, and believe in my capabilities as a designer.