The New York School of Interior Design honors graduates with first-ever Virtual Commencement Ceremony
New York, New York – June 12, 2020 – While COVID-19 has changed plans for a traditional ceremony for colleges and universities across the nation, one thing that has not changed was the desire to honor the accomplishments of the Class of 2020. On Thursday, June 11, the New York School of Interior Design created a once-in-a-lifetime moment to celebrate and acknowledge a milestone for its 126 graduates by hosting a Virtual Commencement Ceremony.
As graduates gathered in front of televisions and laptops to watch the ceremony, they were welcomed with surprise video messages and quotes from past honorary doctorate recipients and notable designers including Martha Stewart, Thom Felicia, Nate Berkus, Laurie H. Smith, and many more.
During the ceremony, keynote speakers Ellie Cullman, Tony Chi, and Tammy Chou delivered messages advising graduates not to be discouraged about the new, more flexible state of design.
“This is a new paradigm for our business,” said renowned New York-based designer Ellie Cullman of esteemed firm Cullman & Kravis. “The standard for today’s new designs may not even have been written yet. Perhaps you, the graduates of 2020, will help write them as you go forth.”
Following their remarks, the New York School of Interior Design president David Sprouls conferred the College’s highest degree, the honorary Doctor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, upon the distinguished interior design leaders.
Sharing the spotlight were six BFA an MFA graduates: Monica Seroiczkowski (BFA), Atique Rahman (BFA), and Bailey McGrath (BFA), Tiffany Zhou (MFA), Gabrielle Hollander (MFA), and Mona Nahm (MFA) offered congratulations and inspiration to their fellow graduates and shared their personal journeys.
The virtual ceremony also included welcome remarks by New York School of Interior Design Board of Trustees chairman Ellen Kravet, the presentation of awards and prizes, conferring of undergraduate and graduate degrees and farewell remarks by President David Sprouls.
“As you begin the next phase of your life and career, I have every confidence that you, as part of this very special class of 2020, will join those who came before you, and use your skills, intellect, and boundless creativity to make a genuine difference in this world,” said President Sprouls. “I know that as you leave here, you leave us to go on to do amazing things with your education.”
To view the NYSID Virtual Commencement Ceremony, visit: https://www.nysid.edu/virtual-commencement.
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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