FRIDAY, MAY 7
Senior Send-Off
9am - 12pm
The Senior Send-Off is an important part of PCA&D’s recognition of the senior class. At this celebratory event, the Class of 2021 will gather with their faculty in separate cohorts by major in the Art Garden. Each group will have time for reflection and sharing, as well as a chance to tour the Senior Exhibition in the Main Gallery. Masks must be worn in the Art Garden as well as in the building.
The time frame is as follows
9 am: Animation & Game Art and Graphic Design
10 am: Fine Art and Photography & Video
11 am: Illustration
rsvp to attend
Conferring Of Degrees
2pm
In recognition of the Class of 2021 and the official Conferring of Degrees for Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, the entire PCA&D community and families of the graduating Class of 2021 are invited to attend a virtual ceremony in celebration and recognition of our seniors.
The Conferring of Degrees Ceremony will be held virtually with a link to be shared closer to Friday, May 7. The program will begin at 2 pm.
Senior Gallery Exhibition
In-person Exhibit, Opens May 7
Pennsylvania College of Art & Design is pleased to present the artwork of the graduating Class of 2021 in a Gallery Exhibition that highlights one work from each of the 58 seniors. The Sincerely Yours show will be on display at PCA&D’s Main Gallery through July 17.
This exhibit was co-curated by five members of the Class of 2021: Nicole Denzler, Photograhy & Video; Mandi Hall, Fine Art; Alexis Lebesco, Illustration; Regina Marie Mehaffey, Graphic Design; and Rachel Stork, Fine Art, as part of a Gallery practicum. Visitation will be permissible through a time-ticketed system.
Senior Send-Off Wall
Although we have remained socially distanced throughout the year, the Senior Send-Off wall offers an opportunity to pass a note, drop a business card, or contribute a little remembrance item to seniors wishing them well or giving them a way to stay in touch.
Who: Anyone can drop a note off to a senior!
What: Bring a note, a memento, a small piece of art, etc. with you to drop in an envelope OR use the paper and supplies here if you feel moved to create a last-minute note or drop a business/contact card off.
When: Monday, April 12 – Fri May 7
Where: Learning Commons
Please take your envelope with you after your department’s Senior Send-Off time on May 7. Any leftover envelopes will be mailed to your address on file.
2021 Time Capsule
As you are heading out to start your career and new life as a graduate, what story would you like to tell to future generations of artists about what was happening during your time at PCA&D, how you felt/changed/persevered this year, or maybe what you learned?
Who: Seniors only, please
What: Bring a note, piece of art, or memento to seal in the time capsule OR use the paper and supplies here to create a last-minute note/drawing to capture your feelings at the end of your senior year.
When: Monday, April 12 – Fri May 7
Where: Learning Commons
The Time Capsule will be “sealed” after Senior Send-Off May 7 — please be sure to drop off your submission by then!
More Details
The Senior Send-Off is designed for seniors where designated faculty and staff members celebrate seniors’ achievements. Seniors will have an opportunity to tour the Senior Exhibition in the Gallery and participate in the Senior Send-Off Wall and Time Capsule activities in the Atrium. The event will be held in person in the PCA&D Art Garden. Students, faculty, and staff who cannot attend in person, will be able to attend online. This event will also feature food, fun, and festivities. Seniors should RSVP as soon as possible.
The Senior Send-Off event is specifically for seniors. Parents, friends, and family members are invited and encouraged to attend the virtual Conferring of Degrees ceremony in the afternoon.
The Senior Send-Off is a campus tradition in which seniors will participate in a formal ceremony in their transition from student to alumni. To acknowledge the formality of this tradition, seniors should wear business formal attire, e.g. dress pants and a nice shirt, skirt, and blouse, dress.
The Conferring of Degrees is the moment where seniors graduate and officially become alumni of PCA&D. During this momentous occasion, seniors will officially be congratulated by the President of the College and the Chair of the Board of Trustees. Also during this time, the Provost will acknowledge and read the names of each graduate.
May 7 marks seniors’ completion of their academic and co-curricular graduation requirements of the College for their Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. PCA&D wants to celebrate and acknowledge the seniors’ achievements through a formal Conferring of Degrees. The Conferring of Degrees officially acknowledges and confirms the seniors’ graduation from the College.
Although the Conferring of Degrees is meaningful and an important milestone for seniors, PCA&D will fully celebrate both the Classes of 2020 and 2021 and their perseverance through this unprecedented time in our world history. In addition, graduation is not only an achievement for the students/alumni, but for family and friends as well who have been with them throughout this journey. As such, PCA&D will host an in-person Commencement on Friday, October 15th that will provide the Class of 2020 and 2021 graduates along with their family and friends a formal and meaningful moment to celebrate together as a community at Clipper Stadium. Academic Regalia, speakers, awards, and PCA&D pride will permeate throughout this space.
After May 7, PCA&D will turn our attention to finalizing the plans for the October 15 Commencement, so stay tuned to the Class of 2021 webpage for updates.
don't forget to rsvp
Your RSVP will also indicate whether you will be attending this event in person or virtually, as well as dietary needs.