The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is thrilled to announce programming for SCAD 2023 commencement, June 2-3 in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia. SCAD is proud to celebrate the achievements of the 2023 graduating class, the largest ever in university history, with more than 3,500 total graduates. 

SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace will confer degrees in-person or virtually at all scheduled ceremonies in Atlanta and Savannah.

"The SCAD Class of 2023 takes flight, destined for careers around the globe, where they've been hired by an elite cadre of brands to work their creative, entrepreneurial magic," said President Paula Wallace. "This year, we celebrate the largest hive in SCAD history, ready to build a better world with beneficent hands, brilliant minds, and beautiful hearts. Our Bees can do it all!"

Honorary degrees will be presented to industry and community leaders including record breaking Emmy-nominated producer Will Packer, actress and social media personality Tabitha Brown, award-winning costume designer Janie Bryant, and renowned international artist Liliana Porter. Also receiving honorary degrees are Atlanta philanthropist and entrepreneur Stacey Leebern, Hyundai Hope on Wheels executive director John Guastaferro, BAFTA award-winning director and story artist Joel Crawford, and former Disney Imagineering president Robert Weis.

The event will be live-streamed via YouTube with a link to the live broadcast at scad.edu/commencement, giving at-home viewers a front-row seat.

The success rate for the university is unmatched; 99% of SCAD Spring 2022 graduates reported being employed, pursuing further education, or both within 10 months of graduation. SCAD alumni have found fulfilling careers at Adobe, Deloitte, Delta Air Lines, Microsoft, Spotify, and more.

OUTSTANDING STUDENTS

Atlanta
Valedictorian
Regina Vera Castellanos
Animation | School of Animation & Motion

Salutatorian
Anna Andreyenka 
Advertising | School of Business Innovation 

Excelsus Laureate 
Nitya Bellani 
Graphic Design | School of Design

Presidential Medalist
Ja'Baris Bakerville
Fashion | School of Fashion

Savannah
Valedictorian
Khushi Bhatt
Immersive Reality | School of Creative Technology

Salutatorian
Lara Federspiel
User experience | School of Design

Excelsus Laureate
Desmond Du
Motion media | School of Animation and Motion

Presidential Medalist
Bhavna Bhavanishkar
Design management |School of Business Innovation

Presentation of Degrees ceremonies will take place at the Savannah Convention Center and the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Savannah graduates will participate in the ceremony designated for their school on either Friday, June 2, or Saturday, June 3. For loved ones who cannot attend in person, all ceremonies will stream live online on YouTube.