Student Experience: Patrick Lawton

“Being interested in multimedia but knowing nothing about it, at the age of 54 I hesitantly enrolled in Richland's Visual Arts Multimedia program. I was immediately captivated by the endless possibilities of the digital world. It was a catalyst for releasing my up-to-then dormant creative abilities.

I was eager to attend my classes, knowing that every day I would be exposed to new concepts and new techniques. The instructors were supportive, inspiring and challenging. One very important benefit of attending the program was establishing connections within the welcoming Richland Multimedia community. I made many cherished and valuable friends. 

“Within a few semesters, I was creating videos, digital art and websites. Upon completing the program, I worked as a freelance Web designer and taught Web design classes. Later, thanks in part to friends within the Richland Multimedia community and to skills learned while attending the Visual Arts program, I was hired as a system/software trainer at the LeCroy Center. 

“I strongly recommend any of the various Multimedia programs to anybody who is simply curious about the Internet, particularly to anybody who is creative and wants to dive — digitally speaking — into the multimedia world.” 

Patrick Lawton completed Level I and II certificates in Multimedia Technology–Visual Design at Richland. In his current position, he introduces multimedia concepts to Dallas College technical support staff, provides basic and advanced training in eCampus software, conducts multimedia training, creates eCampus tutorial videos and assists students and instructors in navigating and providing technical assistance for the eCampus and eConnect programs.


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Ira Thomas

Ira Thomas

CGI Artist
“Being able to pursue my dreams and passions with other people that had that same feeling was a great experience. It also helped that I had great professors that saw my efforts and helped me reach my goals and keep challenging and pushing me beyond my limits.”
Digital Art and Design
Herman Cardona

Herman Cardona

Library Associate, Dallas Public Library
“As an Exhibitions Coordinator, Herman recruits local professional artists to exhibit their work in the library's art gallery, the Lillian Bradshaw Gallery. With this and other duties held at the library, Herman's mission is always to expand access to the arts for all members of the community.”
Art
Greg Lakloufi

Greg J. Lakloufi

Chief Creative Officer and Executive Creative Director HW Creative
“My Visual Communications professors were all outstanding, real-life professionals, very knowledgeable about the trends of the industry at the time. I developed strong artistic affinities with my illustration professor Ray-Mel Cornelius rather quickly.”
Digital Art and Design
Glenda Williams

Glenda Williams

Owner/Designer/Artist, Glenda Williams Art & Design
“When my company began asking me to do print layouts, it was time to get some training. The Visual Communications program at Brookhaven was a perfect fit because I was able to take one or two courses per semester while still keeping my full-time job.”
Digital Art and Design
PatrickLawton
Patrick Lawton
System/Software Trainer R. Jan LeCroy Center, Dallas College

Multimedia Technology
School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design
Updated September 4, 2026