New changes added to Holiday Card Contest
Mariajose Garza/THE RIDER PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
UTRGV’s annual Holiday Card Contest is set to announce its winners after receiving more than 120 entries across two newly created categories, a format change made in response to last year’s student concerns over the use of artificial intelligence-generated artwork, according to a university official.
The 2025 contest, which accepted AI-enhanced submissions until Oct. 1 and Personally Designed entries until Oct. 15, marks the first time the competition has separated hand-created art from AI-assisted designs.
Patrick Gonzales, vice president for University Marketing and Communications, said the shift to two categories “came about because of last year” after meetings with students and faculty, adding the new format has worked as intended.
“We had quality submissions in both categories,” Gonzales said. “When you do that for the first time, you’re kind of anxious to see what’s going to happen. And sure enough, we came out as we do every year with great cards that are going to represent the university, the president and the provost.”
The contest awards four scholarships of $1,000 each: a President’s Pick and a Provost’s Pick in both categories, according to the contest website. Winners will also have their designs featured on official UTRGV holiday cards distributed campuswide and digitally.
Gonzales added President Guy Bailey wants to showcase student talent and bring holiday spirit to campus, a tradition continued throughout his presidency.
This year’s entries underwent two rounds of judging, according to the vice president. The first, conducted by faculty and staff with experience in art and design, reviewed all works for eligibility and compliance with category rules. Students were also required to sign a disclaimer confirming that Personally Designed submissions were not generated using AI tools.
Finalists, then, advanced to a second panel that included Bailey and Provost Luis Zayas, who selected the winners.
Some students said they welcomed the separation of categories, while others said concerns about AI remained.
Italia Alfaro, an exercise science senior who previously placed in the 2023 contest, said she chose not to participate this year after the 2024 controversy.
“After what happened last year with the winners, I said I’m not going to support that anymore,” Alfaro said. “… A lot of people were hurt from last year.”
She said she expressed doubt the new two-category system would resolve those issues.
“This new method that they implemented is not going to help whatsoever,” Alfaro said, noting how difficult it has become to distinguish AI-generated art from hand-drawn work as technology advances.
Sarah Sanchez, an English junior, said even though she does not think AI art should be included in an art contest, the new format improves fairness and transparency.
“Students who did it all by themselves [now] have the same opportunities as anyone else since they are not competing with AI art,” Sanchez added.
Clarissa Martinez, a lecturer in the School of Art and Design, said the holiday card contest provides valuable early experience for student artists, for example, with navigating rejection, a common part of creative industries.
“It’s a good way of getting an introduction into finding work as an artist,” Martinez said.
She said she appreciated the creation of an AI category after last year’s concerns but hopes judges remain vigilant.
“In current times, it’s a little hard to tell the difference,” Martinez said. “I hope that whoever is looking at all of the entries will be able to pinpoint that as well.”
She also encouraged the university to expand opportunities for student artists beyond the fall semester.
Jeffrey Ward, dean of the College of Fine Arts, said the contest can help students connect their artistic training with the broader campus community.
“Our students bring their lived experience to the art form,” Ward said. “It really enriches what they bring to their exhibits and performances.”
He noted while AI can serve as a useful tool, it does not replace the artistic process.
“It gives you some direction, but it shouldn’t drive the car,” Ward said. “The art occurs when the artist uses those resources to create.”
Gonzales said the university plans to announce winners in early December, and the winners will also be recognized at the annual President’s Holiday Receptions in Edinburg and Brownsville.
“It’s always great to showcase the winning students,” he said. “To see the pride on their families’ faces is always a memorable moment and one of my favorite traditions.”
