January 2, 2013

Remembering Angela Tu

With this post we celebrate the life and work of a gifted and inspiring alumni Angela Tu who completed her design studies with us at San Diego City College. Her positive attitude, bright smile and unique talents brought so much to the classroom and campus. She then transfered to Art Center of College of Design and completed her bachelors of fine art degree in graphic design. After graduation she worked for marchFIRST, an internet brand consulting firm with clients like Allergan, Mazda, and iGeneration. She did design work for Vrontikis Design Office, Gadget Media, SimpleHuman, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Angela then began work for Young and Rubicam and earned several awards in the industry including the International Automotive Advertising Awards, International Communicator Awards, Orange County Advertising Awards, NY Festivals-Interactive Award and the Luster-Wunderman Award. Her identities were featured in Logo Lounge. She then became the Senior Art Director for Wunderman where she directed design and brand strategy for clients like Land Rover USA, Virgin America, Hitachi, KinderCare, Southwest Airlines, Korean Air, Disney Store and the Orange County Symphony. Her specialities included art direction, interactive design, print, identity design, corporate branding, user experience and photography.

Her kindness and courage knew no bounds and in January of 2011 she returned to speak to City College design students and almuni in the Saville Theatre on campus. Her ability to motivate and encourage others was no secret and her sparkling spirit and incredible design skill will long be remembered. She married her long time love Kelvin Hsieh and together they had two beautiful daughters Summer and Ava. Angela passed away on Christmas eve after a brave battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held on January 4, 2013 in Irvine. 

A graphic design scholarship in her memory and name will be established with the San Diego City College Foundation.