Hired Before Graduation “Where Are They Now?”: Cally Jacque
May 20, 2026
Story by Briar Chambliss and Quinn Moldenhauer | Photos submitted
Choosing the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater felt like the perfect blend of creativity, competition and community for Cally (Kopplin) Jacque.
Following an active college life in Whitewater, Jacque earned a B.A. in art in 2015 and was hired before graduation as a graphic designer. She is now thriving in her career as an art director and freelance graphic designer.
Growing up in Aurora, Illinois, Jacque wanted a university that aligned with her passions for volleyball and art while still being close enough to home. UW-Whitewater had everything she was looking for — a beautiful campus, a strong graphic design program, and a size that felt “small but with a big footprint.”
She arrived on campus with her major already decided, jumping straight into both the arts and playing for the Warhawk volleyball team. And what made her stay, she said, was the competitiveness and connection she found through sports.
One of Jacque’s most cherished memories from her time at UW-Whitewater has nothing to do with the classroom or the volleyball court. She said, “(the memory) I probably revisit the most … was when I met my husband for the first time.”
Jacque and her husband, Spencer, who earned a BBA in finance from UW-Whitewater in 2015 and was a member of the Warhawk football team, were connected through a mutual friend of her cousin. What felt like a casual introduction became one of the most meaningful moments of her life — one that evolved into eight years of marriage and two children.
Academically, one of Jacque’s proudest achievements was the work she created for her senior showcase. As a student studying both graphic design and advertising, she blended 2D and 3D elements with her interest in advertising to create an artistic portfolio she still values today — 10 years later.
Materials produced by Cally Jacque during her professional career. (Screen shot from callyjacque.com)
After graduation, Jacque started a design career that has spanned multiple industries, something she believes to be her greatest strength. She has worked across design, marketing, retail, and agricultural technology, and now specializes in digital marketing in her current role with Juris Digital, a digital marketing agency for law firms.
One of the biggest accomplishments in her career came during her tenure working at Claire’s. Shortly after joining the jewelry and cosmetics retailer as a graphic designer, she was chosen to design a seasonal in-store campaign. Walking into a store and seeing her designs across signage and displays was surreal for her.
Cally Jacque’s designs were used for in-store display signage and other brand materials for a seasonal campaign at Claire’s, a national jewelry and cosmetics retailer. (Screen shot from callyjacque.com)
“It was a very full-circle moment,” she said, noting that she’d gotten her ears pierced at Claire’s as a kid.
Jacque attributes much of her professional success to people who supported her along the way, from professors such as Kris Kranenburg to the Whitewater Advertising Association, which helped her understand the industry she was entering. After graduation she continued to find mentors who supported not just her work, but her growth as a person.
“I think I’ve been very lucky and fortunate to have very good leaders around me,” she said.
Jacque encourages current students and soon-to-be graduates to continue their learning after walking across the stage.
“Always be prepared to learn more …. You will always have the opportunity to grow,” she said.
Her story is a reminder that learning doesn’t end at graduation — it expands with every new experience.
