CWU MadLab Featured in National Publication

Central Washington University MadLab has been more than a little busy the past few months.

The multipurpose print, design, and engraving shop, located inside the Wildcat Shop in the Student Union and Recreation Center, has been going the extra mile during the statewide shutdown to support students and staff on campus. As a reward for all of the staff's hard work, MadLab's recent success was chronicled in the national graphic design publication In-plant Impressions.

The article, titled "'Crazy Ideas' Keep Shop Busy in Slow Times," features an interview with supervisor Michelle Adams.

"Right now I'm the busiest place on campus … because we're filling so many needs," Adams is quoted as saying. "I think it's so important to stay relevant on campus. The way that we stay relevant is we find a need on campus, and we find a way that we can fill that need."

One of the biggest needs right now is clear protective barriers for offices and other campus facilities, and CWU MadLab has been able to help with its laser engraver. Adams and her team initially created prototype acrylic barriers for the bookstore and then started taking orders from across campus. Adams thanked managers Steven Wenger, Mary Rill, and Darlene Massey for their support and also pointed to the contributions of her staff and Facilities Management.

The shop is also producing face shields with the laser engraver out of a single piece of acrylic that notches in the back. In addition to vinyl cutting, laser engraving, and dye-sublimation, MadLab offers laminating, mounting, short-run printing, and binding, plus other services.

Adams, the article notes, is always looking for new ways to add value, while keeping university dollars on campus.

"I think you just always have to, in the back of your mind, be asking yourself, 'how do we stay relevant?'" she said.