On September 14, 2004, over 100 alumni and employees of The Art Institute of Houston gathered for the first-ever Alumni Association Kickoff Party held at La Strada in Houston, Texas. There were plenty of hors d'oeuvres, drinks, door prizes and--of course--networking! Dr. Martha Nesbitt, chairman of The Art Institute of Houston Board of Trustees, spoke about all the benefits of belonging to an Alumni Association. "There are a lot of great reasons to get more involved," said Zack Zwicky, alumni coordinator, "it's the best way to get a job, change a career, get professional advice and make friends all at the same time."

My defining passion is expressed by the day that I was elected President of The Art Institute of Houston's Alumni Association, the first-ever association of its kind within The Art Institutes system of schools. My relationship with the school has spanned over two decades providing so many opportunities.... more than I could ever write about in this small space. However, I would like to share with you some of those that have been the most fulfilling.

As a graduate of The Art Institute of Houston in 1984, I have seen this school grow from a small four room private design institution to one that graduates over 250 students a year ready to enter into Graphic Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, Interactive Media Design, Restaurant & Catering Management professions.

We are a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, offering programs that have expanded from Associate of Applied Science to Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees.

We have formed a family within the many communities that we serve. Our students are provided with mentoring and networking events, as well as real life working opportunities. This includes Internships, Portfolio Review and Career Projects, which provide a special insight into their chosen field.

Our students and graduates are world class! I have attended well over 30 portfolio reviews in my career, provided numerous internships, and referred many graduates to professional contacts.

I am thankful for the opportunities that I have received through my association with The Art Institute. I encourage you to take advantage of your opportunities by becoming involved with our newly formed Alumni Association. The Alumni Association is in need of committee members to help with event planning, traditions and pride, and graphic and web design. Let's create a group that shares our passion, our knowledge, and our legacy with the next generation.

Michele Wood
Alumni Assoc President
The Art Institute of Houston

Gen ECHO Color Effect
Application: Photoshop


Step 1: Open your picture in photoshop and view the Layers palette



Step 2: Make a duplicate of the background layer and then invert it, set the blend mode to Difference



Step 3: Make another duplicate of the background layer and arrange it as the top layer. Now set the blend mode to Luminosity and whala you've got it.

submit your tips & tricks to aihalumniassoc@aii.edu

Crispy Chicken and Yogurt Salad



Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 - 6 servings

Chicken:
1/2 cup prepared falafel mix
Vegetable oil, for frying
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, tenders removed (about 1 1/2 pounds)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Salad:
1/2 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
3 Kirby cucumbers, diced
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly torn
1/4 cup fresh dill fronds, coarsely chopped
1/4 red onion, diced (about 1⁄2 cup)
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 lemon


For the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place a small rack on a baking sheet.

Put the falafel mix in a pie plate or other shallow bowl. Heat about 1/2-inch oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, to taste, and coat with the falafel mix, shaking off any excess. Carefully place the chicken smooth side down in the hot oil, taking care not to crowd the pan. Cook until nicely browned, turning once, 2 - 3 minutes per side. Repeat with the rest of the chicken. Transfer the chicken to the prepared rack. Bake until firm but slightly springy when pressed, 6 - 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the Yogurt Salad: Toss the mint, cucumbers, dill, onion, garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Finely grate the zest from the lemon into the salad and squeeze in the lemon's juice too. Stir the yogurt into the salad.

Arrange chicken on a platter and serve with salad or put a chicken breast on each of 4 plates with the salad.

Alumni Announcements
Do you have a new job? Did you win an award? Are you expecting a new addition to the family? Have you lost contact with someone? Let us share your news with other alumni or help you find old friends. **Submissions may be edited.

Suggestions
Is there anything we've missed? Just let us know. We're open to your ideas.

Email us at aihalumniassoc@aii.edu

Join your Alumni Association
With your paid membership to The Art Institute of Houston Alumni Association you can help us to bring you Alumni Assoc sponsored networking events, and annually scheduled parties. You will also receive discounted services at places like The Art Institute of Houston School Store, Courses Restaurant, the Deli and many others.