Announcing the three winning U.S. at 250 sticker designs!
The University of Michigan’s U.S. at 250 program is proud to reveal the three winning designs selected as the official U.S. at 250 sticker set. Created by U-M students, these designs honor the university’s contributions to American democracy and mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with creativity and purpose.
Throughout 2026, the winning stickers will be distributed at events across campus and beyond—shared as visible symbols of reflection, participation, and civic imagination.
Each design is original artwork, selected through a competitive process that required all submissions to be independently created and free of AI-generated content.
Throughout 2026, the winning stickers will be distributed at events across campus and beyond—shared as visible symbols of reflection, participation, and civic imagination.
Each design is original artwork, selected through a competitive process that required all submissions to be independently created and free of AI-generated content.
First Place
Cole J. Dorman, Space Science PHD
"First University Building on Flag Motif"
"This entry pays homage to the University's rich history for the U.S. at 250. The 17 strips on the flag represent the University's founding year, 1817. The framed building is the University's first building, erected that same year and illustrated with 13 windows to represent the original 13 stars and stripes of the American flag. Simple and elegant, the University grew alongside American democracy and now educates students across the nation (never forgetting Alaska and Hawaii), creating the Michigan community. "
Runner's Up
Ashini Shah, Biostatistics
Tree of Life: Reaching Hands
"This design is inspired by the Tree of Life, a symbol of unity, growth, and connection. The canopy is formed by hands reaching toward democratic ideals, while the roots ground us in an honest understanding of our history. With mixed feelings about national celebration, I moved away from a traditional patriotic palette to instead highlight values like democracy, equity, and community. The multicolored hands speak to the strength found in diversity and the importance of every voice. This sticker is both a celebration of progress and a call to reflection, a reminder that our journey is ongoing and that building a more just and inclusive society is something we shape together."
Mia Echlin, Pre-Law
"By the squirrels, for the squirrels."
"When reflecting on the great intertwined history of the University of Michigan within American democracy, I think of the essential practices of connectivity, togetherness, and mutual respect found in every period of growth in the US. On the other hand, I couldn't comprehend a clear picture of the Michigan community without conjuring an image of the beloved network of iconic squirrels. Day to day, rain or shine, I witness students of different studies, origins, and beliefs find tiny moments of their day to share a smile with a stranger as they crouch across a round-bellied squirrel. With the towering tophat of Uncle Sam crowning a Diag Squirrel– a dear symbol of how both Michigan students and American citizens are able to connect– I hope to present an image that promotes the roots of camaraderie and understanding found within American democracy."
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