Community Connection: Showcasing Student Photography at The U

A once-bare 30-foot wall in the Languages and Communication building has transformed into a vibrant showcase of student talent, thanks to support from the College of Humanities and, in part, to the efforts of Roger Tuttle, an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Communication. Over the past few months, Tuttle and the Department of Communication have worked closely with Davis High School to create the Community Connection project—a visual celebration of student artistry that brings together emerging photographers from both the high school and university levels. The new display, which includes printed works and a digital slideshow, aims to foster a stronger sense of community within Utah’s artistic landscape while giving students the recognition they deserve. Tuttle's passion for the project shines through as he emphasizes the importance of celebrating the students' work and the energy photography brings to the space.

“It's going to be something that is a gentle, kind reminder of what the students are accomplishing in the photography classes,” said Tuttle. Roger Tuttle is an Adjunct Professor at the U, specializing in photojournalism, visual persuasion, and digital media. In collaboration with local high school students, the Community Connection project highlights the work of talented student artists. The Department aims to rotate the art and community partners biannually to foster a stronger connection within the Utah artist community, providing students with the recognition they deserve.

Acting Dean Wanda Pillow sees the installation as reaffirming the College’s deep commitment to foster and celebrate community engagement and societal impact. “This installation is a striking example of the importance of the work happening in the humanities and the knowledge and skills our students take with them into the world,” says Pillow. “It is really meaningful to walk past this exhibit every day and be reminded of the ties and relationships that are formed through our and our students’ work.” 

In doing this project Tuttle believes, “ it tells the students that we respect their work, enough that we're willing to display it, and I think that goes a long way. Oh, and if it's not you, it's the person that was sitting next to you.” 

Tuttle demonstrates a great passion for the Community Connection initiative, and when asked about his intentions and goals, he said, “I wanted to work on this project for two reasons. One, we have amazing students, and they're doing fantastic work. Two, that they are able to be a part of that. And three, this place has a lot more energy than you may see at first glance, and I think the cool thing about all of this is that it shows that photography is real, practical, and can be applied.” 

This project has already made a large impact to those in the building. It immediately grabs your attention and invites you to take a closer look. Faculty, staff, and students alike have commented on how it has brought new life into the space. “Let’s make this place energetic!” said Tuttle, “We all have a tendency to stray over to the academic side and sit with our books. This is a way to show the outside world, and it actually connects the outside world to our little world here.” The Community Connection student showcase is up and running, and the Department of Communication hopes this space can inspire student artists for years to come.