ACC Alumni Spotlight: Ayanda Dladla-Ndlovu

Ayanda Dladla-Ndlovu earned his Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Graphic Design from Arapahoe Community College (ACC) in December of 2003. He returned to his native country – South Africa – shortly thereafter and was unable to attend the ensuing commencement ceremony in May 2004.

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Ayanda made a special trip back to the Littleton Campus to officially celebrate his degree completion with family, friends, and ACC faculty / staff in ACC’s Half Moon. We spoke with Ayanda about his time at ACC over 2 decades ago, returning to campus to commemorate his degree completion, and how his education has paved the way for him to Move Mountains on the other side of the globe.

Tell us how you originally came to the U.S. from South Africa.

We had the privilege of arriving in the United States in 2002. My mother was offered an intercompany transfer from a prominent gold mining company headquartered in South Africa, which operates exploration subsidiaries globally. One of these subsidiaries was based in Denver. The chairman of the company thoughtfully arranged for my mother to transition to the Denver office. To facilitate our relocation, the company’s immigration lawyers expertly arranged work for my mother and student visas for me.

Why did you decide to take classes at ACC? 

I had previously taken a graphic design course at Parktown College (South Africa) before my relocation. One of my mother's corporate friends suggested that I consider continuing my passion for graphic design by enrolling at ACC, which was close by to where we had relocated. I began the Graphic Design Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in September 2002.

When did you complete your studies at ACC?

I completed my studies in December 2003 with a 3.7 grade point average and moved back to South Africa. I was supposed to walk in the May 2004 commencement ceremony; however, my visa application was denied, and I was unable to travel back for the celebration.

Was the December 9, 2025, visit the first time you’ve been back to ACC since 2004? 

Yes, after being denied a visa, I became a bit apprehensive about trying to apply again. I began focusing on my career and soon found a beautiful girl I knew I would marry. We began to build our lives, we got married, and we now have 3 wonderful children. We started our own business in 2016.

In 2024, we applied for U.S. visas together with my wife and 3 children and we were approved. I was just excited to go on holiday, and to see and spend time with our family, but my mom (Thuli Dladla) and stepdad (Marvin Richardson) knew that I was little sad about not making it to my graduation many years ago, and they decided to contact ACC to let them know my story, and that I was finally coming back to Colorado after over 20 years. I actually was unaware of the planned visit to ACC until the night of December 8. When I got to campus, ACC went all out to give me my own belated graduation ceremony.

What is the same about ACC? 

To have had my old lecturers present on December 9 felt nostalgic, but so much has changed in the past 20 years. The support and the love which ACC offers felt the same. It’s still a place I would definitely be proud to have my children study at.

What about ACC has changed? 

ACC offers a whole lot more career choices now. It looks very different, in a good way.

Describe what it means to visit ACC to commemorate your graduation over 20 years later.

One word: surreal! I never thought in my wildest dreams that I could get to relive what I missed out on many years ago. It was an emotional day. To be able to experience this 20 years later with my family and friends (Chris and Colleen Thompson) was beyond what I could have ever asked for or dreamt possible.

Talk about your best memories during your time at ACC.

My fondest memory was me riding my bike each morning from our apartment to ACC. I always looked forward to heading to ACC; it was a place where I could dream, where I could express myself through my art and I was learning so much each day. My lecturers were very supportive; they were present and always available to assist. It made going to college each day easy and it made me want to be there.

Did you earn any recognition at ACC?

• Honorable Mention: 2004 Graphic Design & illustration Student Show
• Jury’s Award of Excellence: 2004 Graphic Design & illustration Student Show

Did you complete an internship during your studies at ACC? 

Yes...I interned at the Watermark Agency in Englewood from April 2003 to January 2004 (thanks to Terry Marin and Jason Hanson for the opportunity).

How did ACC prepare you for a successful career? 

I built a lot of skills at ACC, not just in graphic design, but my confidence grew a lot here as well. I developed skills and knowledge that were necessary and relevant for the industry. Studying at ACC also made me more attractive to employers.

Ndlovu Creativ 

My wife and I have extensive agency background, and in 2016, we launched our own design company called Ndlovu Creativ (Ndlovu means elephant in the Zulu language). Elephants are unique mammals with high intelligence, and many people don’t know about elephants' diverse communication abilities. Elephants communicate using various sounds (trumpeting, snorting, roaring and rumbles), but whichever way they choose to communicate, it travels very long distances, which is very descriptive to the brand of our company. We have the ability to market each brand visually and make a lasting impact. My role is that of a creative director. I conceptualize, design, oversee, and approve all artwork within our company. I had previously worked for other big-name advertising and marketing agencies in South Africa.

Tell us about your family.

I’m currently living in Johannesburg (South Africa) with my wife and business partner, Paulina. We met when we worked together at an ad agency many years ago. We have 3 wonderful children: Thandolwethu (18), Keeme (13), and Umbusowezulu (5). I’m incredibly blessed.

Do you have any advice for ACC students who may encounter obstacles?

Don’t give up; often things don’t work out how we would like. In due time, however, if you don’t give up, you will see that there was something better in store for you. Always give your best effort once you start your career.

Are you an alum who has Moved Mountains because of the education and opportunities you enjoyed at ACC? Contact the ACC Foundation to learn more about how your generosity can benefit our students and programs.