Senior Libbie Rettinger, a psychology and art double major, created a permanent art installation for Dordt’s Academic Enrichment Center that reflects her own academic journey and aims to encourage and support future students through vibrant, tactile, and interactive pieces.
This spring, senior Libbie Rettinger combined her passions for psychology, art, and community to create an innovative and permanent art installation for Dordt University’s Academic Enrichment Center (AEC).
The installation, which debuted during Rettinger’s senior show, features vibrant paintings, interactive tactile walls, and resin pieces that reflect her own academic journey. Diagnosed during college with ADHD and Irlen Syndrome—a light-processing disorder—Rettinger spent many hours in the AEC receiving tutoring, taking exams, and studying. Her experience there inspired her to design artwork that would make the space even more welcoming for future students.
“I wanted to create something that could walk alongside students who are working hard, who maybe feel overwhelmed or alone,” says Rettinger, a Storm Lake, Iowa, native. “I know how important it is to have a space that feels inviting, supportive, and encouraging.”
Her art draws inspiration from the tools and strategies she used to succeed, such as colored overlays for reading and the highlighting marks of well-used study notes. Many of her pieces are tactile, offering a hands-on experience for students who may benefit from sensory engagement while studying or taking exams.
AEC Director Rose Postma says the installation will make an important impact on the space.
“Libbie’s project in many ways captures what our hope is for all students at Dordt—that they have a place where they can be known and can get help that turns into them giving that same support to others,” she says. “Our hope for every student who walks through the doors at the AEC is that we can provide support so that they can go out and do the work they were called to do.”
Rettinger, a double major in psychology and art, plans to pursue graduate studies in art therapy this fall. She hopes to continue using art as a tool for healing and empowerment in her future career.
“Art helped me find my voice, and Dordt helped me find the courage to use it,” says Rettinger. “I’m grateful for the support I received here—and I’m excited to know that part of my story will stay behind in the AEC for others.”
For more information about Dordt’s Academic Enrichment Center, visit Dordt.edu/aec.
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to a Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is consistently recognized as a top university by The Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
Dordt will conduct a prescribed burn in the Dordt Prairie this afternoon, beginning shortly after 1 p.m. Crews aim to finish before the 4 p.m. high school soccer game. This controlled burn helps maintain the health of the prairie ecosystem. For safety, please avoid the burn area during the afternoon.
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