Q&A with Shining Graduate Jared Gyorffy

To me, returning to campus means I can finally get the closure for finishing my program that was postponed due to the pandemic.

Jared Gyorffy (BFA - New Media '20) is a recent graduate in the Faculty of Fine Arts, earning a degree in new media with great distinction in 2020. Jared’s primary focus in new media is 3D modelling, with the hopes of being able to apply his skills in the creation of video games.

Jared is one of many alumni who have decided to return to campus to celebrate their achievements during our convocation celebrations that will recognize 2020 and 2021 graduates. We recently caught up with Jared to find out what he has been up to since graduating in 2020, and what it means to him to finally cross the stage.

What does it mean to you to return to campus for the convocation celebrations? Why is this experience so important to you?

To me returning to campus means I can finally get the closure for finishing my program that was postponed due to the pandemic. I will finally be able to feel like I've properly graduated.

Please tell us a bit about your experiential or work-integrated learning. What were your three biggest takeaways from participating?

During my program, I had the opportunity to work alongside ULethbridge Alumni at the local independent game studio Midnight Mammoth.

Making a game involves many different people with many different specialties. I learned how to better collaborate with a variety of different disciplines. Midnight Mammoth uses a variety of different software such as Substance Painter and Blender, so I learned to use these programs in addition to those that I utilized during my classes. Finally, Midnight Mammoth utilized Agile methodologies like Sprint and Scrum, which prepared me for a more structured workflow that is common in the industry.

What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?

Staying up late into the night in the New Media Computer Labs goofing off and working on projects with my friends.

Where has life taken you since you graduated?

After graduation, I had difficulty finding a position due to the circumstances at the time with the pandemic. I did eventually find a position working as an animator with many of my university colleagues at Gamemode One, a Calgary-operated independent game studio.

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

I've always had a passion for video games, so I hope that I can continue to work in the game industry and make memorable experiences.

What advice would you like to give those who are about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?

It's about drive, it's about power,

We stay hungry, we devour,

Put in the work, put in the hours and take what's ours.

Welcome back to campus, Jared, and congratulations!