Zachary Maeder - Class of 2011

I went to St. Mary’s from Preschool through 8th grade and graduated in 2011, since then I attended DeKalb High School, graduating in 2015. While in high school I played football, basketball, and track. Also during my time at DHS I was involved in the Graphics Club where I developed multiple skills I use today. Which also ended up getting me a job at a local sign shop, Banner Up Signs, that I held all throughout college. Once I graduated I followed my parents and older sister by enrolling at Northern Illinois University. From NIU I received a degree in Visual Communication (Graphic Design). From my time at NIU I was not just a student, I became very involved on campus. I joined Sigma Nu Fraternity where I became Vice President of the organization. This position lead to me being Executive Vice President of the InterFraternity Council that oversees all Fraternities on NIU’s Campus. I was also drawn to join the Campus Activity Board organization where I had an internship with for Graphic Design. These involvement opportunities allowed me to network with amazing and talented people. The skills I developed and events that I was exposed to while at NIU helped shape me in every way possible. Upon graduation I was quite fortunate that Banner Up Signs offered me a full-time position which started right away. Working all throughout college and accepting a job right away allowed me to buy my first house at the age of 22. In addition to having a full-time job, I also work for my older sister's photography and video company as her main videographer (mackenziemaeder.com). Also in the past month or so I have launched my own graphic design business that I am currently growing and expanding (zacharymaeder.com).

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