Shaheen Ghamari, an outstanding graduate of the Department of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University, has faced much adversity on his journey to reaching graduation, including the loss of his father during his final semester.
Ghamari grew up in Highlands Ranch and Parker, Colorado. He also spent his summers and time away from school in Tehran, Iran, until the age of twelve. The cum laude graduate has drawn on his Iranian heritage to inspire his design work while earning his degree in apparel and merchandising with a concentration in apparel design and production.
Some of Ghamari’s final days as a CSU student have been spent sewing and constructing his apparel design collection which will be showcased in the Design and Merchandising Fashion Show this spring.
“In finishing his capstone collection, Shaheen has remained determined and persistent in the face of adversity,” said Kayna Hobbs-Murphy, assistant professor and instructor for the apparel design and production capstone course. “Beyond this, Shaheen is a bright light whose positive attitude is infectious; he is a role model for his peers and younger students alike.”
Overcoming challenges
Ghamari has overcome many obstacles to make it to graduation. As a first-generation student, he initially decided to come to CSU after his older sister attended the university. He was especially drawn to CSU after hearing about the apparel and merchandising major, an interest of his, and an especially strong program at CSU.
During his time at CSU, Ghamari has faced many challenges including both financial hardship and numerous deaths of those close to him. An especially big challenge has been the loss of his father only a couple of months before Ghamari’s Fall 2023 graduation date.
Ghamari has been resilient through these challenges. “Challenges and obstacles offer life-long lessons to be learned,” said Ghamari, “And I definitely wouldn’t be the person I am today without overcoming these challenges.”
Thriving in design and merchandising
Throughout his time at CSU, Ghamari has been an active and enthusiastic student eager to jump in at CSU and the Department of Design and Merchandising. “I made it my mission to experience almost everything this school offered,” said Ghamari. He has participated in activities ranging from intramural sports to campus clubs and other initiatives on campus. This has included intramural volleyball, attending events hosted by the Patchwork Initiative and the Design and Merchandising Leadership Team, and more.
“When I wasn’t spending my hours in the sewing labs, I was either working retail at Lululemon or out getting to experience the school and Fort Collins as a city,” said Ghamari.
Ghamari has felt especially connected to the Department of Design and Merchandising. “The Apparel and Merchandising Program has the best faculty and student body I could ever imagine,” said Ghamari. “My wonderful professors have stuck with me the past four years and are the only reason I can say I am standing here today with the knowledge and toolsets they so graciously offered.”
Ghamari has found tremendous success within the department and takes great pride in his recognition on the Dean’s List almost every semester. He benefited from financial support from two scholarships through the College of Health and Human Sciences: the Lucile E. Hawks Scholarship and Golden Hands Scholarship.
Additionally, “Being showcased in a collection for the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising using 3D applications along with my classmates was a moment I’ll never forget,” said Ghamari, “And of course, the friends and relationships I have developed during my time here is something to celebrate as well.”
Ghamari’s work has not only been featured at the Avenir Museum, but he has also worked to promote the educational mission of the museum.
“Shaheen has graciously served as an ambassador for the Avenir Museum by participating in numerous media projects,” said Paula Alaszkiewicz, assistant professor and curator for the Avenir Museum. “He brings energy, dedication, and professionalism to his responsibilities in and outside of the classroom.”
Future plans
After graduating, Ghamari plans to continue his work at Lululemon. “I hope to join the Lululemon design team through an internship in the summer,” said Ghamari, “and aim to cement a long-term job with them after that!”
The Department of Design and Merchandising is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
