More Than 1,000 Graduates Cross the Stage at 2023 Commencement

On Sunday, May 21, 2023, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) community gathered at Wintrust Arena to celebrate the graduating classes of 2023. At the ceremony, 1,163 graduates crossed the stage to receive their degrees. 

In her opening remarks, President Elissa Tenny spoke of the value of an art and design education. “Art and design thrive within the context of the cultures we live, the politics we negotiate, and the society we build together. Learning about art and design, it turns out, is learning about the world.”

President Tenny also acknowledged the challenges and opportunities faced by graduates. “You embraced failure, finding untapped stores of grace––for yourself, and for others. You kept trying, again and again, in an iterative learning process. And, you understood the value of constructive critique, which demonstrates the breadth of wisdom among us and reveals opportunities for change.”

During her address, Clark shared, “Art is a lifelong assignment. I hate to tell you, your homework is not over. Civilization needs your eyes. And we need each other’s eyes. The endeavor is not solitary. We walk with all those ancestors of blood and culture, with all those who help us see and act and do and make. We do this for them and with them. We do this for now and with each other. We do this for the future so we, the collective we, will have one.”

Commencement by the Numbers

• Number of participating students: 1,163
• Number of undergraduate students: 782
• Number of graduate students: 381
• Number of first-gen undergraduate students: 151
• Number of honorary doctorate recipients: 3
• Number of balloons dropped: 4,000
• Number of supporters in attendance: More than 5,000

{{[http://www.saic.edu/news/campus]CAMPUS}}