Student Life

It's You We're Thinking Of

From housing to a culture of learning, take a look at this network of services intended to help handle the details so you can focus on your education.

Organizations & Activities: Campus Clubs

AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts)
This student group is affiliated with the Houston chapter of the AIGA. The AIGA is a professional organization that is committed to the development of groups to encourage students to take the first step in demonstrating a commitment to their professional interest and assisting them in understanding the profession. The goal of the student group is to get the students involved in the local design community, create a community of their own, and help them build leadership skills that will be valuable as they move into the professional world. The sponsor of this club is Michele Damato, instructor in Graphic Design.

AiH Musicians
The AiH Musicians exist to unite student musicians for the purpose of performance and student development. The sponsor of this club is Tom Wilbeck, Director of Counseling Services.

Ambassador Program
The mission of The Art Institute of Houston Ambassador Program is to develop the leadership qualities of its members through involvement in a wide variety of activities with new students on campus. Ambassadors assist new students as mentors and leaders and provide guidance as an experienced student of The Art Institute of Houston.

Students selected are instrumental in the development of enhancing the image of The Art Institute of Houston as a leader in career education. Members have an opportunity to identify and develop strategies for expanding the awareness of the college in the community, represent the school and assist with the successful integration of new students into The Art Institute of Houston campus culture. The sponsors of this organization are Tom Piecznski, Ai Online Advocate, and Monica De Los Santos, Career Services Advisor.

ASID (American Society of Interior Designers)
The student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers prepares students for the workplace, supports educational efforts, and enhances learning through extracurricular projects, field trips and activities.

Baking & Pastry Club
This group was formed to provide additional training and opportunities for interested students beyond the competencies of the class. They learn advanced techniques and create more involved projects. They also compete in area contests. The sponsor of this club is Chef Manuel Catemaxca, Culinary Arts instructor.

Great Chef’s Club
This group does research on the techniques and innovations of the world's top chefs. Additionally they host local and regional chefs who create menus for the school's on-site restaurant. The group hosted famed chef Madeline Kamman and worked long distance with Chicago Chef Charlie Trotter in preparing a menu for the restaurant. The sponsor of this club is Chef Michael Holderfield, Culinary Arts instructor.

International Interior Design Association
The International Student Organization is a student led club that is designed to promote activities that enhance the cross-cultural experience of being an international student at The Art Institute of Houston. The purpose of the club is to provide international students with a safe and welcoming atmosphere to meet new friends and exchange ideas. The club will assists students in understanding where their values fit into The Art Institute of Houston and the broader American culture. Sponsors of this club are Cynthia Pascal, Academic Advisor, and Amy Makiyama, International Student Advisor.

International Student Organization
The International Student Organization is a student led club that is designed to promote activities that enhance the cross-cultural experience of being an international student at The Art Institute of Houston. The purpose of the club is to provide international students with a safe and welcoming atmosphere to meet new friends and exchange ideas. The club will also assist students in understanding where their values fit into The Art Institute of Houston and the broader American culture. The sponsors of this club are Cynthia Pascal, Academic Advisor, and Amy Makiyama, International Student Advisor.

National Technical Honor Society
NTHS is a nationally recognized program that promotes scholastic achievement in occupational education. The Society encourages professional excellence and responsibility. Community participation and leadership are also important elements of this organization. Members have participated in activities such as mentoring other students and leading school tours. They have also joined in community events such as food drives, holiday toy drives for underprivileged children and the AIDS Walk Houston. To be inducted, students must maintain a 3.5 GPA or above, have a good attendance record and demonstrate the ideals of service, leadership and professional development. The sponsor of this organization is Dr. Wil McCorquodale, Director of General Education.

Poetry Club
The mission of the Poetry Club is to promote appreciation and awareness of the art of poetry through publications such as The Keyhole poetry journal, on campus events such as Library poetry readings, and off-campus through our continuing Poetry Reading Series at Borders-River Oaks on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. The sponsor of this club is Ken Jones, instructor in General Education.

SIGGRAPH
Media Arts & Animation students come together to share industry information, production tips and support. The sponsor of this club is Jonathan Nelson, Media Arts & Animation instructor.

Student Government Organization
The voice of The Art Institute of Houston student body, this club is open to all students interested in joining forces to make positive changes at the school and in the Houston community. The sponsor of this organization is Will Samson, Student Development Coordinator.

Students for Style
Students for Style strives to provide its members with knowledge of leadership and business skills that will lead to successful futures in fashion and retail management through fashion-related club activities and events. We encourage student awareness in the fashion industry and provide students with networking opportunities that can be used in the future. The sponsor of this club is Josephine Gough, instructor in Fashion and Retail Management.

If you have any questions about any of these clubs or organizations, please contact Will Samson, Student Development Coordinator, at wsamson@aii.edu.

The Art Institute of Houston

1900 Yorktown Street  Houston, TX 77056-4197 • 1.713.623.2040 • 1.800.275.4244