Message from ArtCenter

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the faculty and staff of ArtCenter College of Design, I congratulate you, the graduating class of Spring 2021, on the milestone you have reached.

You’re graduating at a challenging moment in history. The pandemic has forced us all to quickly adapt to the new normal. It’s changed how we come together. It’s changed how we collaborate. It’s changed how we celebrate our accomplishments.

One thing it hasn’t changed is the importance of our community. We understand now, more than ever, that ArtCenter is much more than a modernist building above the Rose Bowl or a supersonic wind tunnel near the Gold Line. What makes ArtCenter unique are the lifelong connections that form among our students, faculty, alumni and staff.

Facilitating these relationships is a practice that lies at the heart of the College’s educational model: “Make to know.” Knowledge through creation is a special kind of learning that happens whether we’re in Pasadena or downtown L.A.; abroad in one of the Community Hubs in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzen and Seoul; or online while utilizing our ArtCenter Studio in a Box.

The lessons you learned at ArtCenter—particularly during this time—will serve you well. Whether you’re tackling a design brief, crafting a personal story, or bringing diverse groups together, you’ll proceed with confidence and the knowledge that you can handle any challenge life throws your way.

Yes, hard work lies ahead. But that’s tomorrow. For today, revel in this moment. Bask in your achievement. Take a much-deserved breath of fresh air.

This is your day. You’ve earned it. And you’ve made us all so proud.

Lorne M. Buchman, PhD
President