Faculty/staff messages to the Class of 2021

Faculty and staff in RIT's College of Art and Design shared congratulatory and inspirational messages with this year's graduates:

Laurie Alexander

Academic Advisor, Student Services and Advising

"You Made It! Congratulations, College of Art and Design Class of 2021!! I'm so happy for you all! Here's a special shout out to all of my graduating Interior Design and Industrial Design students! I am so, so proud of each and every one of you and inspired by your perseverance, resilience and achievement. It has been my honor to work with you these years, and I wish you all my best as you venture into the next phase of your life journey. Time to celebrate!!!"

Michaël Amy

Professor, Art History

"All best wishes for a life and career rich in experiences and learning. Continue to open yourself up to the world of ideas and sensations, and take creative risks. Remember, hard work and perseverance eventually pay off. Stay in touch."

Juan Carlos Caballero-Perez

Professor, Metals and Jewelry Design

"To our graduating seniors and graduate students, you are amazing! You have faced some of the most difficult challenges any students have ever had to face with the pandemic and you all rose to the occasion. Your commitment to school, your work, each other and your own growth as artists has been incredible. I am so honored to have been a part of your college experience. I am excited to see what the future holds for each of you as artists and as individuals. Congratulations and all the best to each one of you."

Lauren Cannon

Academic Advisor, Student Services and Advising

"Congratulations to the College of Art and Design Class of 2021! It has been a sincere pleasure to get to know you all and watch you grow as creators during your time with us at RIT. Know that I am very proud of all of your accomplishments and perseverance, and you should be, too. I hope that you enjoy all of the adventures awaiting you. Stay in touch, and best of luck!"

Kris DePalma

Academic Advisor, Student Services and Advising

"Congratulations to the College of Art and Design Class of 2021! You should be so proud of your accomplishments! I am especially excited for all my Illustration and New Media Design majors, as you complete your undergraduate studies and move on to the next phase of your journey — whether that be employment, graduate studies, or just a little time off to figure out what's next! I hope your time at RIT has been meaningful and you leave with fond memories. Don't be a stranger! Stay in touch, come back for Brick City Homecoming and become an active alum! You deserve all the best life has to offer and I look forward to hearing about your new adventures and achievements!"

Keli DiRisio

Assistant Professor, Graphic Design

“What a year! Not what anyone expected or wanted, but you've all come through this! You've gotten this far and this is just the beginning. Stay strong, keep your eye on the prize, and remember to always spell check! Now get out there and set the world on fire!"

Lorrie Frear

Professor, Graphic Design

"You are uniquely prepared to face the world‘s challenges. You are stronger than you thought, and have developed amazing resilience and resourcefulness to help you change the world for the better. I wish all of you the very best as you move into this next part of your journeys."

Ricardo Figueroa

Program Director, Motion Picture Science, Interim Co-Director, School of Film and Animation

"Dear graduating MPS'ists! 

I want to first congratulate each of you on all your achievements this past year, which we all know was one full of challenges and adjustments for all. Second, know that you are now all uniquely equipped to handle pretty much anything that life throws at you!

MPS will always be your home at RIT and we hope you will all stay in contact with us as your careers progress. All of us at MPS wish you lots of success, health and happiness for what's to come, and last, let's celebrate! =)"

Mary Golden

Assistant Professor, Program Director, Interior Design

“Congratulations to the Interior Design Class of 2021!!! We are so proud of you all and the amazing work you have done. Best wishes as you launch your professional careers!”

Lara Goulart

Visiting Lecturer, Industrial Design

"Congratulations on your graduation and best wishes for your next adventure!"

Kristie Gross

Interim Co-Assistant Dean and Associate Director, Student Services and Advising

"CONGRATULATIONS, Class of 2021! You did it!!! We are so proud of you and know that you are going to do great things!! Best wishes and keep in touch! =) -Kristie & Myles =)"

Gregory Halpern

Professor, Fine Art Photography and Photography and Related Media

"In the days (and months and years) ahead, 'the real world' will come at you. That transition will be exhilarating at times, and hard at times. During the hard times, remember to be kind to yourself and be patient. It takes time to realize your dreams (it took me many years!). Invest in friendships and support each other because we need each other. You have already accomplished something great — and it certainly was not easy this last year. That accomplishment shows perseverance, which will serve you well. Don't forget us back here at RIT, and please keep us posted on the challenges and adventures you face next. You've got this. Onward!!!"


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