When students from Bowling Green State University’s Visual Communication Technology (VCT) program joined Dynamic Dies, Inc. for a co-op experience, they weren’t just learning the ropes of packaging production—they were helping design something that would end up in the hands of a college football legend.
The project challenged students to design a custom box for BGSU Football that would later appear in an unboxing video with Coach Jon Gruden, a former Super Bowl–winning head coach and ESPN analyst, bringing their work to a national audience.
This allowed the students access to the full-scale professional design process. From brainstorming and structure development to print production and assembly, they saw their classroom skills come to life on a high-visibility, real-world stage.
Challenge
BGSU Athletics needed a standout presentation box that reflected the pride and tradition of Falcon sports. The packaging had to look premium, protect its contents, and capture the emotion behind the program’s brand.
Dynamic Dies saw an opportunity to bring in student talent through the VCT co-op program, connecting academic creativity with real-world manufacturing.
Approach
Working side-by-side with Dynamic Dies’ designers, engineers, and production specialists, the students applied their technical training and problem-solving skills to create something truly unique.
They:
- Designed a two-part system with both an outer shipping box and an inner display box
- Created a stadium-inspired interior and exterior artwork celebrating Falcon Football history and standout athletes
- Collaborated with BGSU Athletic Director Derek van der Meer and the athletics communications team throughout production
“To win, you have to be first, the best, or different—and this project achieved all three,” said Derek van der Merwe, BGSU Vice President for Athletics Strategy and Director of Athletics.
Results
The final design was a true showcase of teamwork and craftsmanship.
- The finished product appeared in a BGSU Football unboxing video with Coach Jon Gruden, giving the students’ work national visibility
- The collaboration deepened the partnership between BGSU’s VCT program and Dynamic Dies, inspiring future projects that connect education and industry
Student Experience
For VCT major Andrew Spade, the Dynamic Dies co-op was a turning point.
“The onboarding process was very hands-on, which helped me learn my tasks quickly. The experience gave me a head start in my print classes because I already had a real-world understanding of the print industry,” said Spade.
“I also learned how important collaboration is. Almost everything you do gets passed to someone else, so you see how every role depends on teamwork.”
Another VCT student later accepted a full-time position at Dynamic Dies, reflecting the company’s ongoing investment in mentoring and developing young professionals.
Why Partnerships Like This Matter
Dynamic Dies believes that hands-on learning and mentorship are key to sustaining innovation in the packaging industry. Projects like this help bridge the gap between education and employment, giving students real experience with client needs, design challenges, and production timelines.
By partnering with programs like BGSU’s VCT, Dynamic Dies continues to strengthen its reputation as a Top Workplace that values growth, collaboration, and creative thinking at every level.
“We cannot teach everything in the classroom,” said a BGSU faculty member. “Partnerships like this set the foundation for lifelong learning, creativity, and leadership.”
