New York, New York – May 24, 2018 – Acclaimed and prolific interior designer Juan Montoya urged graduates to follow their dreams to create a vision that is true-to-self during the New York School of Interior Design’s 2018 Commencement Ceremony. In front of an audience of family and friends, Montoya encouraged the graduates to not only exceed in their next steps, but to create designs no one has seen before. The 2018 celebration marked the first Commencement of the College’s second century.

“Be true to yourself in everything you say and do,” said Montoya as he addressed the Class of 2018 at NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. “Do not design with the intent to appeal to “advertising,” design to mean something. Design because you want your contributions to the design community to be significant and important.” Montoya is the founder of Juan Montoya Design, a New York City firm specializing in residential and contract interior design, with projects located throughout the United States and Internationally. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate of fine arts degree during the ceremony.

In his speech, Montoya continued, “We live in an age of personal identity; an age that allows complete customization and uniqueness. Strive for that in your designs and in your life. No matter what you choose for your path, remember, you are a designer. You will help craft the world we all live in. Surprise us. Astonish us. Astound us. Take your dreams and make them reality.”

Ellen Kravet, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at New York School of Interior Design, welcomed friends and families of graduates, followed by NYSID president David Sprouls and NYSID Vice President and Dean Dr. Ellen Fisher.

“Graduating represents a huge milestone and we should celebrate the end of one phase of your life and the beginning of another,” said Sprouls. “This ceremony does not just represent the end of your time as a student, it marks the start of a new era. The start of what we hope will be a long and prosperous career.” Sprouls continued, encouraging graduates to stay in touch with their alma mater, “As you start on your new path, we hope that you’ll keep looking forward, while remembering to give back. Give your time to your alumni association, give your dollars to the scholarship fund, and give your attention to the designers who will come next. It’s this community that makes our world so special.”

In her opening remarks, Kravet offered a reminder that 98% of NYSID undergraduate alumni and 100% of graduate alumni were employed or seeking further education six months after Commencement. She continued, “The success of our alumni demonstrates the importance of an interior design education from New York School of Interior Design. They are leaders in their field: heading up their own firms, contributing work to major industry publications, and working at prestigious companies.”

In addition to Montoya, an honorary doctorate of fine arts degree was also conferred to award-winning architect, Gil Schafer of G.P. Schafer Architect. Schafer has focused his career on residential projects for more than 30 years. In addition to his architectural practice, Gil lectures around the country on the relevance and livability of traditional residential architecture today and is the author of the bestselling book, The Great American House.

About New York School of Interior Design
New York School of Interior Design is a private, nonprofit college focused exclusively on interior design. The college offers certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs for students at all stages of their careers—whether they’re just becoming familiar with the discipline, considering a career change, or looking to deepen knowledge in a particular area. Consistently ranked one of the top interior design programs in the United States, students study both residential and commercial interior design, some with specialties in sustainable design, lighting, and healthcare interiors. NYSID students enjoy a small class size and sharp focus, a great deal of personal attention from dedicated faculty, and they go on to practice at the highest levels of the profession. To learn more, visit NYSID.edu.

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