Dear MCAD Students, Faculty, and Staff,
It’s hard to believe that the last day of classes is only weeks away and quickly followed by Senior Exhibition and Spring Commencement. We have a lot to celebrate with our upcoming graduates. We are also celebrating the great efforts and dedication of our faculty and staff.
In addition to applauding our graduates, we will honor the accomplishments of two remarkable individuals. Greg Hoffman ’92, designer, author, and former Vice President of Global Brand at Nike, will receive the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award. Additionally, Seitu Jones, a Twin-Cities-based, multi-disciplinary artist and community organizer who is known for large-scale public artworks and environmental design, will receive an honorary doctorate and provide the Commencement address to the class of ’24. It will be an inspiring event for all attending.
We are also hosting our annual Auction at MCAD on May 16 where we showcase and sell almost sixty artworks by established artists with proceeds going to fund more student scholarships. These works have been generously donated by the participating artists who feel strongly that an MCAD education should be accessible to all.
As MCAD evolves, we must continue to address the critical needs regarding accessibility on campus in both the short and long term. This month there was an extremely challenging situation that impacted residents in The Hive–the breakdown of the elevator and frustrating delays from our service provider. This elevator was out of commission for almost seven days, causing inconveniences for most residents, and concerning physical impediments for several others. MCAD staff worked with the residents with mobility issues to make them as comfortable as possible in this situation. However, I am impressed with how students responded with advocacy and resiliency. Living arrangements have since been made for those students with mobility issues to ensure their safety.
It’s clear that we need to accelerate addressing accessibility needs. This fall we will launch The Bridge Fund, a multi-year fundraising campaign designed to raise millions of dollars to improve physical accessibility across the campus, including ramps, an elevator in Morrison, and more automatic doors. We will get direct input from students and experts on what else needs to be done to make this campus a functional, welcoming space for all. As always, feel free to drop me an email with your thoughts and ideas.
I hope the summer months will give you the time and space to keep your creative practices moving forward.
All my best,
Sanjit