CCA celebrated its largest graduating class in the history of the college on Saturday, May 12, at the Concourse Center in San Francisco. If you were counting, there were about 3,000 smiles. That’s how many family members, faculty, staff, and alumni were on hand to honor the 509 members of the California College of the Arts (CCA) class of 2012 at the 105th commencement exercises.

Make Art That Matters

After the traditional procession of faculty and graduating students, CCA President Stephen Beal took to the stage to welcome the crowd. In addressing the class of 2012 he exhorted them to go out and make art that matters. “Bring your knowledge and experience together to find innovative solutions to new challenges and problems . . . create work that is meaningful and has a positive impact on the community and the world.”

Every year, CCA’s Chair of the Board of Trustees F. Noel Perry makes a point of telling the students something about themselves as a group. A roar went up from the crowd each time he cited a stat: “509 graduates -- 209 graduate and 300 undergraduate; 326 women and 183 men; the youngest graduate today is 20, the oldest is 62.” He concluded his speech by outlining some of the college’s accomplishments for the year, including numerous awards won by students and faculty.

Bill Moggridge Awarded Honorary Doctorate

One of the highlights of the commencement ceremony is the conferring of the honorary doctorate degree. This year’s recipient was Bill Moggridge, founder of the global design firm IDEO, designer of the first laptop computer, and the first design practitioner to head up the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in its 115-year history.

Barry Katz, professor in the Industrial Design and Graduate Design programs, introduced the honoree. Glancing periodically at a small set of Post-It notes, Moggridge recalled his early days as an industrial designer and spoke eloquently about the power of art and design to transform culture and enhance our lives.

Special Appearance by Mayor Edwin M. Lee

San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee was a special guest speaker this year. In offering his congratulations to the class of 2012, he noted that the Year of the Dragon was a particularly auspicious time to graduate. The Mayor then spoke about the growing demand for creative people across a broad range of industries and CCA’s important role in the city’s “innovation corridor.”

Undergraduate student Brittany Luby and graduate student Larissa Greer were selected by the CCA community to deliver remarks.

Following the conferring of diplomas was the traditional reception at the San Francisco campus, just a few blocks from the Concourse. The smiles broadened as guests enjoyed champagne, viewed the Baccalaureate and Graduate Thesis exhibitions, and took advantage of the alumni photo booth, which can be viewed on YouTube.

View additional images of CCA's commencement »

Downloadable Commencement Speeches
President Stephen Beal
President of the Board of Trustees Noel F. Perry
Students Brittany Luby and Larissa Erin Greer