Dean's Messages Archive

On May 9, we welcomed more than 200 students into the College of Arts and Architecture alumni ranks. As they moved their tassels from right to left, they joined a thriving community of graduates who are applying their educations in arts and design to make positive differences around the world. Commencement is more than a day or set of celebratory events; it is truly one of the most rewarding days of the academic year as dean. The excitement is always palpable and this year we did not allow a little bit of rain to ruin our parade, as you can see in this gallery of photos. The umbrellas, hugs, and smiles are reminders of that special day.

Our processional from the Olsan Stone Terrace to Eisenhower Auditorium is just one of the unique aspects of our undergraduate Commencement activities. Once inside Eisenhower, we continued the tradition of having our student marshals carry banners representing their academic units. This year, we debuted new banners designed by senior graphic design students under the direction of Taylor Shipton, associate professor of graphic design. The Commencement address was delivered by School of Music alumna and orchestral conductor Fernanda Lastra.

The weeks immediately following Commencement are a moment of transition from the energy and pace of the final weeks of the semester. Now that we are well into June, things are picking up again. Penn State Centre Stage just completed a run of the new musical “Wild Child,” and will soon present “Would I Lie to You,” selected scenes from Shakespeare under the production of Firefly Rep, June 24–28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arboretum. The Palmer Museum of Art recently opened the exhibition “Dreaming American Futures: Invitational 250,” which runs through November 29, and Woskob Family Gallery is hosting a Juneteenth exhibition through August 7.

In addition, A&A alumnus Brian Kappel is the featured artist for Hintzpiration: Artistry at the Alumni Center. Check out his work July 10–11 if you are in town for the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. Hintzpiration is a collaboration between the Alumni Association and our college.

As incoming students start to visit campus for New Student Orientation, I join in excitement and anticipation as they embark on their Penn State careers. We will also welcome some new faculty members in the fall. In future issues you will read about our new faculty members, as well as new administrators and staff.

Thank you, as always, for your support. I hope to see you around campus soon.