David L. Archer President | Christian Brothers University website

Two Christian Brothers University (CBU) students experienced a significant milestone when their creative work was displayed prominently in New York City's Times Square on March 7, 2025. Seniors Presley Broughton and Paulina Vidal, both graphic design majors, created a 10,000-square-foot digital billboard in collaboration with CBU and the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchange Initiative (UN SSE).

Broughton and Vidal constructed the billboard on the Nasdaq building's curved façade, integrating complex visual elements with the structure's 25 windows. “We don’t ignore the windows; we design with them,” Professor Melinda Posey explained.

Broughton found the project motivational, stating, "Knowing my work is going toward a meaningful cause that people will see—it really pushed me creatively." Vidal reflected on the experience as daunting yet affirming, noting, "It’s very daunting. I’m used to my work being in the classroom. Now, thousands of people are seeing it. I feel like I’m on the right path."

Posey, who has been involved with the UN SSE for eight years and joined CBU in 2021, emphasizes real-world experience for her students. This installation marks the fourth billboard collaboration between her students and the UN. “From day one, our students know they’ll do hands-on work,” Posey said. “This project gives them a global platform and helps them build competitive portfolios that open doors.”

This year's billboard adopted a sewing and collage-style design, highlighting gender equality data in CEO and board roles to address leadership disparities.

Dr. Anthony Miller, Chief Coordinator of the UN SSE, praised the students’ efforts, remarking, “The talented students of Christian Brothers University, guided by the exceptional leadership of Prof. Melinda Posey, have done an amazing job once more in creating impactful graphics for International Women’s Day.” He continued, “Their creativity and dedication bring an important message of gender equality to a global stage through the Nasdaq Times Square Board.”

This partnership exemplifies CBU students' embodiment of the University's mission, "Enter to Learn. Leave to Serve." The initiative caught the attention of The Commercial Appeal, which featured an article on the project titled "CBU students’ graphic design work with United Nations debuts on Times Square billboard."