Student Submissions Open for UAlbany’s Annual Holiday Card Art Contest

Aliyah Melendez, winner of UAlbany's Holiday Card contest, standing with VP Michael Christakis and President Havidán Rodríguez
President Havidán Rodríguez and Vice President Mike Christakis congratulate last year's contest winner Aliyah Meléndez. (Photo by Patrick Dodson)

By Amy Geduldig  

ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 27, 2025) — Winter is coming, which means it’s time for UAlbany’s annual Holiday Card Contest. The University is inviting students to submit original artwork that showcases their talent and creativity in celebration of the season. This year’s entries should reflect one or more of the following themes:  

  • Wintertime fun and festivities on campus
  • The UAlbany spirit of innovation, collaboration and learning
  • Great Danes helping others
  • Hopes for the New Year

Submissions can include drawings, paintings, illustrations, photography or digital art. The designs should incorporate universal themes and imagery; submissions that include imagery specific to one holiday, or several holidays, will not be considered. Artwork must be submitted through the University Holiday Card Design Contest website by 5 p.m. on Dec. 1.  

Launched in 2018 by President Rodríguez, the contest has become a campus tradition, spotlighting student artistry during the holiday season.

The first-place winner’s design will also be featured on the University’s digital holiday card, which will be shared digitally with the campus community, donors, and friends of UAlbany. All three finalists will receive scholarships from the University, credited to their student accounts. The first-place winner will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship, while second and third place artists will receive $650 and $350, respectively.  

A panel of judges will select the winners. Artwork of the three finalists will be on display and the winner will be revealed at an unveiling ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 9.  

All UAlbany students in good academic and judicial standing are eligible to submit one entry each via the official entry form. Contest details and the entry form are available on the contest website.