WILDCAT SHOP
MADLAB TIMELINE
MADLAB’S LEGACY 27 Years of Creativity and Innovation In 2024, Central Washington University bid farewell to MadLab, its internal customization shop, marking the end of an era for a department known for its creativity and ingenuity. Founded in 1995 as a custom publishing department, MadLab evolved far beyond its original mission under the visionary leadership of Director Michelle Adams. When Adams began, the shop was expected to produce 15–30 coursepacks per term. Within two years, that number soared to 80–125 titles. However, with the rise of digital coursework,
As MadLab expanded, so did its technology. The shop acquired a rotary engraver, a sublimation printer, and a wide-format vinyl printer, unlocking the ability to produce vehicle decals, window treatments, full murals, and more. These tools allowed MadLab to offer an impressive array of custom products, including CWU-branded bindings, stickers, water bottles, signage, floor and window graphics, and other unique items sold at the Wildcat Shop. Over its 27-year history, MadLab became synonymous with problem-solving and innovation. It was the place on campus where staff and faculty would pose the question, “Is there a way we can do…?” More often than not, the answer was a resounding yes. As CWU moves forward, the impact of MadLab will endure in the countless creative solutions and personalized products it provided, a testament to the power of embracing bold ideas and evolving to meet the needs of the university community.
“We’ve done many thousands of engravings since 2015—everything from name tags to 8-foot signs,” Adams reflected. “The laser engraver was integral during COVID-19, enabling us to produce 278 protective barriers for campus. It was during this shift— from course materials to personalized and award products—that we rebranded
1995 Opening
2015 First Engraver Purchase 2020 Barriers Built for COVID-19
as MadLab. For 27 years, I’ve lived by the motto: ‘Trust your crazy ideas.’”
MICHELLE ADAMS Madlab Director
Adams recognized the need for the department to adapt. In 2015, she spearheaded the purchase of a laser engraver, a transformative step that diversified MadLab’s offerings and set it on a new trajectory.
2024 Closure
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