Jane (Kalkwarf) Diaz ’73 went from teaching art to helping her husband build a family business that now includes their two sons.

Diaz Sign Art is in Pontiac but gained international fame last fall with a win in a global design contest. Youngest son Joe was the only American to have his work included among 24 finalists. His creation, titled Steampunk Stella’s, took top honors, which resulted in $20,000 of equipment for the business that is appreciated locally.

Family members, who are past Pontiac Rotary Citizens of the Year, orchestrated a mural-painting project that increased tourism for the city.