Woven 125th Anniversary Bookmark Wins Design Award

Since its inception in 1960, the Wilson College of Textiles’ woven bookmark program has been intertwined with the very fabric of the college. 

So when it came time to mark the college’s 125th anniversary in 2024, it was only fitting that the commemorative bookmark be something truly special. 

Nancy Webster ’75 was more than up to the task. As one of the college’s most distinguished graduates, with over 40 years of experience in textile manufacturing, sourcing, product development, design and retail, she was the perfect person to bring this vision to life.

“Creating this bookmark was a way to give back to the college that has given me so much,” Webster says. “I hope it continues to inspire pride in our past and confidence in our future.”

To say that this project was a labor of love for Webster would be a considerable understatement. In addition to her leadership as president of the North Carolina Textile Foundation (NCTF) Board of Directors, she made time to create this masterpiece while also serving as a dedicated mentor at her alma mater through the Blend Mentorship Program and making significant philanthropic contributions to the college’s future. 

Webster’s intricate, woven quasquicentennial bookmark beautifully celebrates the college’s preeminence in textiles education, innovation and leadership and highlights each of its five academic areas. 

In recognition of the bookmark’s creative vision and collaborative spirit, the unique keepsake earned a silver 2025 CASE Circle of Excellence Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). As the global nonprofit that strengthens the global advancement community, CASE champions education and supports professionals in alumni relations, communications, fundraising, marketing and advancement services.

“I am delighted with the recognition that our university and college received for the strong relationship and connectivity between our alumni and college community,” Webster says. “Our quasquicentennial bookmark was the result of a collaboration with many people across NC State, the Wilson College of Textiles and our NCTF team, and it was a joy for me to participate.”

Over 4,000 bookmarks were produced and sent to donors and industry partners through the college’s annual holiday mailing, from Dean David Hinks, as a token of appreciation for their continued support.

Collaboration scores top honors

Judges praised the project’s blend of alumni expertise, staff collaboration and philanthropic connection, calling it “a true representation of the college’s legacy of excellence, innovation and gratitude.” They added, “As one of the top-ranked textiles institutions in the world, this beautifully designed and executed bookmark is a lovely stewardship touch and an appropriate and cost-effective holiday gift that is a perfect demonstration of the industry they lead.”

From the first sketch to the final stitch, this bookmark came to life thanks to a remarkable team effort led by Webster and five dedicated staff members.

Kam King, assistant director of communications for the NCTF, translated Webster’s detailed hand-drawn designs into a vector file. That design included iconography thoughtfully developed by Beth Palmer, multimedia specialist for the Wilson College of Textiles, who created one original icon and adapted two from existing images to highlight the college’s academic areas. 

From there, Bailey Knight ’22 and Teresa White ’84 in the W. Duke Kimbrell Flex Factory and Lauren Navarro ’20, a member of the Zeis Textiles Extension team, refined the technical aspects, ensuring the woven jacquard structure maintained both its precision and artistic integrity. The finalized bookmark was produced by Wright Creative Branding and Labels, a North Carolina-based manufacturer, using metallic threads to elevate its commemorative significance.

The team’s coordinated effort has allowed the Wilson College of Textiles to strengthen its connections with supporters while also honoring their individual impact on the college’s continued success.

The details behind the design

Every thread was intentional.

Beyond its impressive craftsmanship, this 2-inch by 10-inch bookmark holds deep sentimental and symbolic value. It is a one-of-a-kind stewardship piece, gifted exclusively to donors and industry partners as a heartfelt token of appreciation for their commitment. 

“This well-earned CASE Circle of Excellence Award is a fitting recognition of all of Nancy’s innovative and philanthropic support for Wilson College over many decades,” says David Hinks, dean of the Wilson College of Textiles. “The 125 bookmark that Nancy designed is already seen by our alumni and friends as an iconic symbol of an unprecedented milestone for any university in the United States, and will be treasured for decades to come.”

Each of the bookmark’s seven logos and icons — and even the background pattern — holds a significant meaning.

As the only textiles institution in North America and the world’s top-ranked textiles institution, the Wilson College of Textiles is uniquely positioned to create a keepsake like this. The woven bookmark is not only symbolic. It’s an authentic demonstration of the innovative American textile industry that the college supports.

Beyond its immediate significance, the woven bookmark beautifully complements “Becoming the Wilson College of Textiles,” a new publication celebrating the college’s rich history and bright future. Together, the bookmark and publication serve as lasting tributes to 125 years of textile innovation and education and a reminder of the legacy that is still being created.