LAKEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) brings back its prestigious award ceremony on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The Radiance Awards recognize the remarkably bright achievements of RMCAD community members, including industry partners, educators, and alumni. This triennial showcase of homegrown excellence last took place in 2023, recognizing RMCAD alumni Luke Flowers and Xi Zhang.

Receiving this year's Radiance Alumni Award are Brian Nugent and Dillon Kogle. Nugent, who graduated from RMCAD's Animation program in 2004, has gone on to work as a visual effects supervisor, compositor, and co-founder of Breakaway Post, working on films such as Iron Man, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Hobbit trilogy, Captain America: The First Avenger, and The Social Network. Kogle graduated from RMCAD with a degree in Graphic Design in 2012 and currently works with the multidisciplinary creative studio PLAYLAB, INC., spanning experimental footwear concepts, digital renderings, visual design, and collaborative art projects. This marks only the third time RMCAD has awarded the honor.

This year, RMCAD is rolling out an even bigger red carpet, expanding the breadth of the awards. Two new honors will be awarded on the big night. This year, the Radiance Legacy Award goes to Irene Delka McCray, who served as a Fine Arts educator at RMCAD for more than 20 years. Additionally, the Radiance Partner Award recognizes the incredible industry leaders who provide RMCAD's students with industry knowledge. Epic Games/Unreal Engine will be the inaugural Partner honoree as they continue to work with RMCAD's Game Art and Animation departments.

The awards show will be celebrated alongside the 63rd Annual Student Exhibition Awards on Wednesday, October 7, starting at 6:00 p.m. MT; doors open at 5:00 p.m. MT. For those attending in-person, there are also two exhibitions opening in RMCAD's galleries the same night. The 63rd Annual Student Exhibition highlights current student work in the Phillip J. Steele Gallery, while the Radiance Award Exhibition will host work by both Nugent and Kogle in the Rotunda Gallery. Attendance is free; however, registration is required. For those who cannot make it in person, they can watch via a free live stream.

"As its name suggests, Radiance is all about the light that artists and designers bring into the world. Recognizing the creative spark fanned into flame until it becomes a beacon for all to see," said RMCAD's Director of Strategic Partnerships Keely Garcia. "We are beyond proud of each of our four honorees for their journey towards becoming that beacon."

Register now to attend the 2026 Radiance Awards Ceremony + 63rd Annual Student Exhibition Awards or watch the live stream online on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

About RMCAD
Founded in 1963, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an accredited institution of higher education that offers degree programs focused on the arts, design, education, technology, and business. RMCAD serves its students from a 23-acre campus in Lakewood, Colorado, but also virtually, as a leader in online education for nearly 15 years. RMCAD offers courses taught by practicing industry professionals; an intimate learning environment; multimedia-rich online classes; and a beautiful historic campus.
The school strives to allow artists and designers to find their voice, discover their own paths, and thrive as professionals.

Contact: Joe Rubald, jrubald@rmcad.edu, Daryl Schreiber, dschreiber@rmcad.edu, Keely Garcia, kjgarcia@rmcad.edu

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SOURCE Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design