Mitsubishi Takes UC Student Into First Company Co-op

College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, School of Design student Gary Ragle was chosen by Mitsubishi Motors to fill its first-ever student co-op position. Ragle began his co-op assignment back in January at the Mitsubishi Design Center in Cypress, Calif.

Mitsubishi Design Director Daniel Sims announced the appointment. Sims said, "We want to tap into the youthful energy of design students and provide them with real world design experience." Sims is well aware of the high quality of students produced by the college. He graduated from the DAAP design program in 1984.

Ragle fueled his passion for car design and sharpened his skills by completing five Transportation Design Studios while studying at DAAP. His talent is evident in his sketches, renderings and models, two of which were on display during fall quarter in the administration building.

According to Brigid O'Kane, DAAP professor and former lead designer at General Motors (GM), "The Industrial Design program at DAAP is known for its excellent co-op program. Mitsubishi's interest in DAAP students pursuing this highly specialized field of design is an encouraging milestone."

DAAP design associate professor Gerry Michaud has been cultivating relationships with automakers for the last 15 years. "This is great news to us," said Michaud. "I remember when Dan Sims was an industrial design student, and it is satisfying to see how he has risen in the profession."

O'Kane said, "Industry experience is critical for our industrial design students. It's wonderful to see Mitsubishi offer these unique co-op experiences. In addition to this first-time co-op experience, we are pleased to announce that Mitsubishi will sponsor a project spring quarter with the Transportation Design Studio."

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