By Travis Walters
SCAD students have had mixed, but often similar reactions to the announcement last week of SCAD-Hong Kong. Many students expressed excitement about the possibility of their attending the campus and of SCAD’s worldwide growth. A few also worried about the financial ramifications of the campus and whether or not it would affect their programs here in the United States.
“I’m actually really frustrated that the campus is opening up exactly one quarter after I graduate, but I’m absolutely sure it’ll be the best SCAD campus that ever existed in my book — whether I ever get to see it or not,” said William Bowser, third-year interactive design and game development major from SCAD-Atlanta, “If some miraculous source of income happens to fall in my lap from out of nowhere, I will for sure be considering pursuing my M.A. or M.F.A. in Interactive Design and Game Development there.”
Fourth-year SCAD-Atlanta Advertising Design student Josue Heredia agreed, “It’s definitely exciting, but I really hate that I won’t be able to enjoy Hong Kong nor the new TV, Film and Broadcast building opening up in fall. It makes me want to get another degree!”
“I think it’s great that SCAD wants to expand, but I think we should be careful. Funds are already short and I don’t want resources directed for Savannah to build a place halfway across the world,” said Jacob Hall, third-year film and television major from SCAD-Savannah.
Others, like Sydia Bell, third-year professional writing student from SCAD-Atlanta, expressed disappointment over the number of subjects being offered, “My major [professional writing] is so small and new that I’m sure it won’t be offered in Hong Kong any time in the near future. So I am probably never going to go there, but I think it is great that SCAD is expanding their campus to this extent. The opportunities that this is going to bring the students that attend SCAD-Hong Kong are unbelievable. SCAD is international and that is a huge deal!
Neil Miller, third-year interactive design and game development major from SCAD-Atlanta, had a decidedly different perspective on the announcement, “I was actually discussing this turn of events with a few of my classmates the other day, and we came to the conclusion that SCAD is secretly plotting world domination. First they establish campuses around the world, then they attack with legions of brainwashed art students.”
OTHERS SPEAK
Alana Dy, third-year graphic design, SCAD-Atlanta
“Though I would’ve been more excited about another European campus, I’m interested in checking it out. But I think I’ll wait until other people go, and hear their feedback, before I decide.”
Brett Miotti, second-year graphic design, SCAD-Atlanta
“I think it’s pretty exciting and gives students another chance, in addition to Lacoste, to experience another culture that they may not be familiar with. But I don’t think I’ll be heading over to Hong Kong anytime soon, only because I’m married and don’t think I would want to spend another quarter away since I’m going to Lacoste in the spring, and I probably couldn’t afford another quarter abroad. But if I could afford it, I would definitely go. I love travel and experiencing new things.”
Kyle Groover, first-year illustration, SCAD-Savannah
“I think it sounds awesome. I think Hong Kong would be the bomb. I didn’t want to go to Lacoste. I’m totally going to do that.”
