The Department of Community Development and Applied Economics is excited to announce its second student design contest and their first collaborative design contest with the Department of Agriculture, Landscape, and Environment. Building on the success of the inaugural CDAE Sticker Design Contest in 2025, this new collaboration marks an important milestone by bringing CDAE and ALE students together in a shared creative initiative. 

This brand-new creative contest invites all CDAE and ALE students to design an original sock featuring the official CDAE spirit mark. The design should reflect the connection between the departments, current students, and the broader campus community. The winning design will be selected through a student vote and professionally produced by Hippy Brand, with socks distributed in Spring 2026. The final product will serve as a functional keepsake recognizing student creativity.

How to Participate

  • Eligibility:
    • Open to all CDAE and ALE major and minor students.
  • Design Requirements:
    • The sock design must feature the official CDAE department spirit mark.
    • Students may submit hand-design or digital designs using the official sock template
    • Students must use this blank sock template for their design
    • Design may use 6 colors total
  • Submission Deadline:
    • Submission window: February 1-19
    • Submit your design to CDAE@uvm.edu with “CDAE Sock Design” in the subject line
  • Key Contest Dates:
    • Campaign Launch: January 16
    • Submission Window: February 1-19
    • Voting Window:  CDAE & ALE students will be able to vote between February 23-March 6
    • Winner Announced: March 8th  

The selected design will be professionally manufactured and made available to be purchased by students at the upcoming commencement. All students who submit a design will receive a free pair of the winning sock design. This contest is a fantastic opportunity to showcase their creativity and technical skills. 

Download the blank sock template to create your design.

For submission guidelines, design specifications, or any questions, please contact cdae@uvm.edu with “CDAE Sock Design” in the subject line.