Founder’s Day celebrated forty-five years of SCAD
Written by Thaksha Karumanchi. Photos by Thaksha Karumanchi.
In the spectacular Lucas Theater on January 26th, a new tradition was born. SCAD Founder’s Day was a shimmering show of all things SCAD-related, from speeches from industry professionals to a performance from the Beesharps. It was a colorful celebration that will surely be held for years to come.
“Founder’s Day is a celebration of SCAD, our founding history, and all that we’ve accomplished in forty-five years,” said Lindsay Tierno, Assistant Director of Talent Acquisition at SCAD. Tierno was so excited to spend time with colleagues and students and listen to the event’s speakers.
There were fifteen speakers who presented at the event, ranging from industry professionals to SCAD faculty. Sarah Forrester, the Director of Talent Acquisition at SCAD, highlighted her enjoyment of the Sidewalk Arts Festival and the love and memories that SCAD has given her. Jeffrey DeVincent, a professor in the Liberal Arts department, spoke highly of SCAD’s acting program, one of the top in the country.
Many of the speakers showed their appreciation for SCAD President Paula Wallace. “How do you say to someone ‘thank you’ when their actions changed your life?” asked Bradley Bowers, a designer and SCAD alum. He mentioned how the core ethos of SCAD is a magical energy of belonging.
Chuck Chewning is another talented SCAD alum who spoke at the event. Chewning’s expertise is known worldwide, especially in the context of his design studio, Studio Rebellion, based in Venice, Italy. In his speech, Chewning explained how his years at SCAD were a pivotal part of his life. He mentioned that SCAD is a vibrant community that gave him space to embrace culture and knowledge across all artistic disciplines.
Michael Metzner, another SCAD alum, said his time at SCAD was brief but revolutionary. He explained that the school is a wellspring of inspiration that fosters a strong sense of camaraderie with classmates. Every connection you make at SCAD, according to Metzer, helps your career. “Amidst many changes, one everlasting truth remains,” said Metzer. “SCAD makes dreams.”
Finally, Mike Buzzard, a design manager at Google, spoke about how SCAD is a very unique place, one where it is okay to draw outside the lines in the context of creativity. Buzzard explained how he learned about SCAD, his experience working with the school through academic outreach, and how he came to realize SCAD fuels the brilliance of creative direction.
The ceremony ended with Wallace receiving a pin honoring her forty-five years of dedication to SCAD. As the Beesharps sang their final outro for the stellar event, the audience left the Lucas Theater with pride and admiration for their peers and faculty members.
