New Interior Design and Interior Merchandising Chairperson Appointed

Award-winning Interior Design Alumna Selected to Lead Program

MILWAUKEE (February 26, 2015) - Mount Mary University appointed Genevieve "GiGi" Szeklinski, an alumna of Mount Mary's interior design program, Chair of the Interior Design and Interior Merchandising department. In her leadership role, Szeklinski will teach and supervise students in internships and service work in the community, manage departmental administrative duties and supervise adjunct faculty. She will also oversee the student Chapter of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Mount Mary's Interior Design program expanded in 2014 to include a merchandising track to address marketplace demand for interior designers with strong business and communication skills in the allied design professions such as sales and marketing for major interior products and corporate facilities management teams. The program is known for its experiential learning with particular emphasis on service learning interior design work at local nonprofit organizations such as My Home Your Home's Lissy's Place, a transitional housing program for women in need.

Szeklinski, an ASID member, has received numerous awards from the professional organization for her design work. She is certified through the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

An active community volunteer, she currently serves as a committee member for Divine Mercy School, supports several initiatives with Project Concern Cudahy/St. Francis, an interfaith program for the elderly and participates in projects and events for Journey House.

Previously Szeklinski served as an instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) in addition to interior designer and consulting positions at Eppstein Uhen Architects and G.G. Interiors. She holds both Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from Mount Mary University.