Ad Creative Student, Nia Kalinovic, Helps as VP Begins MSU’s First Art and Design Fraternity, Gamma Epsilon Tau
By: Raimi Soerries
Nia Kalinovic is a junior at Michigan State University majoring in advertising creative with a double minor in graphic design and Chinese. Kalinovic helps bring the ninth active chapter, Gamma Epsilon Tau to the MSU campus by serving as vice president of the first art and design fraternity.
Kalinovic says she felt design and art clubs were underrepresented and was searching for a place of belonging and a sense of community.
“It’s hard to meet people with similar interests and I didn’t know anyone in my major or neighborhood,” said Kalinovic.
She brought to fruition the idea of getting involved in GET after being passionate about finding a space of inclusivity, art and design.
Being part of MSU’s VIM, a student-run fashion magazine led Kalinovic to her current role with GET. Now in her third year, she’s assistant director of arts for VIM. In her freshman year, she was part of the events team which is responsible for securing locations for launch parties that celebrated new issues of the magazine. In her sophomore year, she joined the art team, working on spread design. This role involved creating detailed and meticulous page layouts and incorporating articles and images into visually compelling spreads.
In a VIM group chat, a member asked if anyone was interested in helping with the new fraternity. Kalinovic reached out to express her interest, interviewed and was ultimately offered the role of vice president.
Kalinovic emphasizes the importance of GET as a social platform for students to connect with others who share similar interests. Additionally, the club helps members build their portfolios through projects completed during their meetings. This is a space for collaboration and real-world experience with a social component that fosters lasting friendships. GET is unique as it is the first pre-professional art and design fraternity on campus distinct from other art clubs that only offer meetings and guest lectures without much hands-on work or interaction. GET stands apart by giving students opportunities for hands-on experience, encouraging creation, and incorporating fraternity elements like monthly activities and social gatherings beyond meetings.
She explains that her ad creative major algins well with founding a fraternity because it combines elements of marketing, art, brand, strategy, quick-thinking and structured organization.
“You can’t be an expert in everything; if you’re tasked with something unfamiliar, become knowledgeable and show the best way to move forward,” said Kalinovic.
Joining Gamma Epsilon Tau offers a unique opportunity for AD+PR students to enhance their creative portfolios, connect with like-minded peers, and gain hands-on experience in art and design. For more information, visit Gamma Epsilon Tau on Instagram (@getmsu).