The Art Institute of Colorado Announces 2006 Hall of Fame Inductees
This year's Hall of Fame honorees from The Art Institute of Colorado represent a wide variety of industry expertise and acclaim. The inductees include Matt Coffman, founder of a respected graphic design studio; Denver executive chef Elise Wiggins; and Robert Caldwell, technical director of a nationally known architectural firm in Baltimore. The three were recognized at a ceremony and celebration at The Art Institute of Colorado on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Bob Caldwell, CSI, CCS (Interior Design 1988) is a senior associate and technical director at Gensler Architecture, Design & Planning in Baltimore, MD. He worked as an interior designer for three Baltimore firms from 1988 to 1998, designing commercial and residential projects that included Cal Ripken's residence, Johns Hopkins Hospital and Farmington Country Club. He joined Gensler in 1998 and managed national rollouts for Omni Offices and Regus Business Centres. Bob joined Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and subsequently passed the exam to become a Construction Documents Technologist, and also later became a Certified Construction Specifier. He has taught construction documents classes for CSI and the Community College of Baltimore County. In 2002, he won the Education Award from CSI's Middle Atlantic Region for organizing and leading a series of lectures on Avoiding Material and Design Failures. His community service includes pro bono work for numerous clients under the auspices of the Baltimore Neighborhood Design Center. Awards from that group include a commendation for outstanding community service in April 2000 and induction into the Volunteer Hall of Fame in 2004. Bob says, "In my career I have been fortunate to have many opportunities to give back to the community in the form of pro bono service. As a technical director, I am spending more and more hours training young architects and designers, building their confidence as they take on greater project responsibilities. I feel strongly that as professionals we need to recognize not only those whose design accolades bring them into the spotlight, but also those who bring compassion and zeal to their work."

Matt Coffman (Visual Communications 1997) is founder and president of Anabliss Graphic/Design in Denver. With a variety of work that includes the University of Colorado at Denver, Coors products, The Children's Hospital, the National Football League and Johns Manville, Anabliss continues to make an impact at a local, regional and national marketing level. Matt began his design career at age 15 after a computer technician stumbled upon his graphic work and encouraged him to send a résumé to a local employer. After high school, Matt landed at The Art Institute of Colorado and utilized his industry experience to freelance between classes. He ultimately received the award for AIGA Best Student Portfolio and soon after started Anabliss in his basement. Matt says he dutifully interviewed with approximately half-a-dozen design firms after graduation, but was devoted to continue his own enterprise. In 1998, Matt's identity package for Anabliss was published in Print's Regional Design Annual and in Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards 6. With a background in print production and an eye for quality, Matt ensures his clients' expectations are always met. In 2006, the firm celebrates 10 years in business along with industry acclaim. To learn more about Anabliss, visit www.anabliss.com.

Elise Wiggins (Culinary Arts 1998) is executive chef at Hotel Monaco's Panzano restaurant in Denver. Since accepting the position at Panzano, the venue has achieved four out of four stars and rated in the Top 5 Restaurants in Denver by 5280 Magazine. Panzano was also named Top Italian Restaurant by the Rocky Mountain News, and listed in the highest honor category, "To Die For," by the Gabby Gourmet restaurant critic. Elise was honored as 2006 Chef of the Year by the Colorado Chefs de Cuisine, and the Cook Street Fine School of Cooking in Denver created a scholarship in her name. Growing up in Monroe, Louisiana, her first memories were of family and food. Whose gumbo was best? Who boiled the best crawfish? Elise's mom was from New York and spent her teenage summers in Northern Italy. She prepared regional dishes for the family and included a geography lesson with the meal—it was a big part of Elise's inspiration. After a nationwide investigation of culinary schools, Elise enrolled at The Art Institute of Colorado and graduated with honors. Several kitchen jobs in Denver included a stint as chef at Bella Ristorante, a busy Southern Italian restaurant in LoDo. After graduation, she brought "Italy to a little corner of Puerto Rico" at the Westin Rio Mar in San Juan, according to one reviewer. She went on to become opening chef at Capriccio Restaurant in the famous Peabody Hotel in Memphis, managing a staff of 30, and she created a seafood dinner there for former President Bill Clinton. Returning to familiar Denver, in addition to media accolades, Elise is well known for volunteering her time and cooking talent with numerous community organizations and fundraisers. She says, "I take great pride in my education that I gained at The Art Institute. I know that with that as a base and my passion as my fuel, the world will truly be my oyster—or in my case...a beautiful white truffle from Alba."

The Art Institute of Colorado is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with 33 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

For more information about Hall of Fame nominations and voting, contact Lisa Perry, alumni coordinator, at: lperry@aii.edu.