CHICAGO, February 19, 2007 - - Rick Valicenti, founder and design director of Thirst, has been appointed to a three-year term on the Harrington College of Design Board of Governors.

Valicenti, of Chicago, Illinois, has long been recognized for his influential design work. In 1987, he founded Thirst, a firm that challenges the role of the design studio, by transforming design into what he calls "art with function." Clients include Gilbert Paper, Gary Fisher Mountain Bikes, Wired and Absolut.

Valicenti’s self-initiated projects defy categorization; his observations on the world around him often appear as doodling and illustrations. His work is included in the permanent collection of The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. He is a celebrated typographer, and established the typeface design foundry Thirstype, as well as the strategic digital media company, 3st2. Valicenti also spends his time teaching high school and college students the art of design through workshops, personal critiques and seminars on the design industry.

Valicenti was recently awarded the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA) Medal, for his sustained contribution to design excellence and development of the profession. The medal is the highest honor in the graphic design profession.

"Rick Valicenti provides a vital new perspective to our board and our Communications Design Program," said Erik Parks, president of Harrington. "His extensive background and passion for design education are an outstanding addition to an already stellar board."

About Harrington College

Harrington College of Design is a four-year college that offers flexible scheduling for a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design, an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Interior Design or Digital Photography and a new Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design. Harrington is committed to creating the next generation of design professionals to lead and serve the global community.

Harrington has been a member of Chicago’s design and higher education communities since 1931. Located at 200 W. Madison St., Harrington seeks to foster an environment that maximizes students’ intellectual and artistic potential. The majority of the faculty is practicing interior designers, architects, photographers and fine art professionals.

Harrington is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), and is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Harrington is recognized as a private college by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), and is authorized by the IBHE to confer baccalaureate and associate degrees. The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, formerly known as the Foundation for Interior Design Education and Research (FIDER).