Moore College of Art & Design is proud to announce Leila Cartier ’04 and Sandy Sheller ’73 and as recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards. These honors recognize the outstanding professional achievements of Moore alumni, their dedication to the College and their contributions to the field of visual arts.
Cartier is a respected artist, curator and nonprofit leader who has shaped the future of contemporary craft through thoughtful exhibitions and advocacy. A studio art graduate with an emphasis in art history, Cartier has been represented by SchmidtDean Gallery since 2006 and earned her MFA in painting and drawing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She served as director of exhibitions at the William King Museum of Art, curating shows that brought global perspectives to Southwest Virginia while promoting local heritage. As executive director of CraftNOW Philadelphia, she expanded the organization’s role in elevating the city’s craft community. Now leading the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Cartier oversees its nationally recognized artist residency program, rotating exhibitions and innovative educational programs.
Sheller is a trailblazing designer, therapist, author, and philanthropist whose career spans graphic design, trauma-informed care and social justice advocacy. She is president and director of the Sheller Family Foundation, where she advances initiatives in healthcare access, social justice and addiction recovery. Sheller’s career began in graphic design, notably serving as the first female art director at Mel Richman Inc., where she earned an ADDY award. She later earned an MA and post-master’s certificate from Drexel University and became a board-certified art and family therapist, creating programs for families experiencing homelessness and trauma. Sheller co-developed a train-the-trainer parenting model, which was disseminated to over 27 homeless and transitional housing provider agencies in Philadelphia and earned her The Salvation Army’s Other’s Award. In 2020, she received the HUD Secretary’s Award for the Mural Arts Color Me Back Same Day Pay Program. This year, she is slated to receive an honorary doctorate from Thomas Jefferson University for her dedication to addressing the opioid crisis and championing social justice.
Both Sheller and Cartier will be honored at Moore’s 176th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. All alumni are warmly invited to attend and celebrate these inspiring leaders. Seating is limited — register here to reserve your spot.For additional details on seating, parking, and more, please visit our Commencement page.
