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"This journey has never been a solo one."

Meet Valerie Ryba, who will be walking the stage with the designers of #NCState25 this week to receive her Bachelor of Architecture. 🎓❤️

"I came to architecture through the stories of my parents, who grew up on the South Side of Chicago. Hearing and seeing the housing conditions they experienced opened my eyes to the way entire communities can be left behind by systems meant to serve them. I saw architecture as a way to change that — to create spaces rooted in dignity, safety, and beauty for people who are too often overlooked.

Over time, my understanding of design deepened. I began to see the nuance — the tradeoffs, the complexity, and most importantly, the value of listening. That clarity was reignited in my current studio with Matt Griffith, whose approach to design — thoughtful, patient, and deeply human — reminded me why I fell in love with this work in the first place. It’s not just about building; it’s about creating meaningful, functional spaces that improve people’s lives.

This journey has never been a solo one. At NC State, I’ve been surrounded by incredible opportunities and communities that have shaped me. One of the most transformative experiences was pursuing the Outdoor Leadership Minor. The instructors and peers I met through that program helped me grow both personally and professionally. They taught me how to lead, how to listen, and how the outdoor world and the built world can inform and enrich one another.

The Caldwell Fellows program has been another grounding force. Through its emphasis on reflection, authenticity, and servant leadership, I’ve learned to move through this world with greater intentionality. The Caldwell community —students, mentors, and alumni — has offered me perspective and support through both uncertainty and growth.
Finally, I owe everything to the people who’ve walked beside me. To my family, whose sacrifices made this journey possible. To my friends, who reminded me to laugh and breathe. And to my partner, George — thank you. Your steady belief in me, especially on the hardest days, carried me through. You’ve been my rock and my joy."

This year, Art2Wear reimagined what a fashion show could be — trading the traditional runway for something far more intimate, experimental and alive.

In its 24th year, Art2Wear: Revive transformed @ncstategreggmuseum into a living, breathing showcase of wearable art. Designers imagined their models and looks as stationary exhibits, inviting the audience to slow down, look closer and truly engage with the stories embedded in every stitch, seam and silhouette.

Each room was a portal into the minds of NC State student designers — a series of distinct visions tied together by a shared spirit of innovation and craft. From intricate handwork and sustainable practices to cutting-edge materials and boundary-pushing silhouettes, every piece reflected what it means to revive: to question, reimagine, and give new life to ideas through design.

Art2Wear is more than a show — it`s a platform for future thinkers to challenge convention and connect with the community. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s event unforgettable.