T-Shirt Design Contest

In honor of CTC turning 55 this year, we're hosting a community t-shirt contest! All are encouraged to contribute artwork by July 8, in which the community-elected design will be printed onto t-shirts!

50 Years Long and Strong!

Beginning in 1970, CTC's was established from our residents' determination, innovation, and the power of like-minded individuals asserting that the community could be more economically managed by its residents, as prompted by numerous rent increases and tenant dissatisfaction with University management.

Now 55 years later, CTC has stayed true in providing a quality, affordable housing option, as well as a peaceful work environment filled with vast green spaces and a family-friendly orientation. Our community continuously drives our co-op through collaboration, ingenuity, and leadership, while ceaselessly growing CTC into the vibrant, all-inclusive hub of diverse cultures, ages, studies, and backgrounds it is today.

In celebration of our community's monumental anniversary, we're hosting our fifth T-Shirt Design Contest, where all ages are welcome to contribute artwork, then the community-elected design will be printed onto t-shirts for pre-order.

Previous CTC T-Shirt Design Submissions — *Mock-up examples from a previous t-shirt contest celebrating our co-op's 40-year anniversary*

Calling all creative minds – of all ages!

Help us celebrate CTC's 55th Anniversary with a custom community-designed t-shirt! We invite all residents to showcase their creativity by submitting a design that reflects the spirit and diversity of our community.

Contest Timeline (2025):

Design Submission Period: March 24 – July 8
Committee Application: March 24 – June 23
Committee Review: July 9 – July 16
Community Voting: July 18 – July 31
Winner Announced: August 1
Pre-Order Sale: August 1 – August 24

55th Anniversary Party: End of September/Early October (TBD!)

Design Guidelines

Theme: Reflect the diversity, unity, and spirit of the CTC community.
Colors: Simple is best! We recommend one to two colors for easier screen printing.
Format: Submit designs in high resolution (JPEG, PNG, or PDF).
No copyrighted or trademarked material allowed.
Open to ALL ages! (Kids, teens, and adults are welcome to enter.)
Entry Limit: Up to five designs per person.
Size & Style:
- Create a drawing or word-based design in at least 8” x 8”.
- Both digital and hand-drawn artwork is welcome!
- Use bold, clean lines to ensure easy screen printing.
- One-sided design (front or back only) and one-color print.
- Optional: Incorporate “55th Anniversary” or “55 Years” into your design.

How to Enter:

Deadline: Submit by July 8, 2025
Include: Your name, unit number, and a brief description of your design concept.
Submit your design:
- Online: Upload via the digital submission form.
- Email: Send to community@umnctc.org (WeTransfer accepted for large files).
- In-Person: Drop off your hand-drawn or digital design at the CTC Office during business hours.

Winner Prizes:

The winning design will be featured on CTC's 55th Anniversary t-shirt!
The winner will receive $100 and a free t-shirt and special recognition.

How the Winner is Chosen

1. Committee Review:

A small committee of residents, board members, ward representatives, and staff will select the top 3-5 designs.

Interested in joining the committee? Apply here. (Committee capped at 12 people.)

2. Community Vote:

The finalist designs will be shared via email, where residents will vote for their favorite!

The winning design will be announced on August 1!

Order CTC's 50th Anniversary T-Shirt

Limited-time pre-order sale: August 1 – August 24
On August 1, CTC will email the winning design and order details.
How to order & pay:
- Order: Electronically (online order form) or in the CTC Office
- Payment options: Check or charge to rental account
Pickup: At the CTC Office or during the 55th Anniversary Party in Fall 2025!