Moore College of Art & Design celebrated its historic 175th Commencement on Saturday, May 11 with help from the Moore community. Faculty, staff, friends and family assembled at Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center to honor the College’s newest graduates.
Moore President Cathy Young welcomed the community and spoke on the perseverance of the Class of 2024, whose high school graduations were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As you leave us to go out into the world and shape your future, remember that the education you have received here has taught you much more than the skills needed to succeed in your chosen field. Your time at Moore has nurtured your curiosity, encouraged your exploration and celebrated your imagination, with the goal of helping you to become exactly who you aim to be—your most authentic, unique and creative self,” Young said. “Because of this, you leave Moore with the tools you need to shape not only a successful career, but a meaningful and productive life.”
Philadelphia’s first female mayor, Cherelle L. Parker, delivered a rousing keynote speech, highlighting Moore’s lasting legacy for women in the arts; the College’s updated admissions policy that includes nonbinary and gender-nonconforming students; and the remarkable talent displayed by the Class of 2024.
After she was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from Moore, she reminded the soon-to-be graduates of the passion and resilience they cultivated at “this magical place called Moore.”
“I’m the first woman mayor and the 100th mayor of the city of Philadelphia…but when I think about standing here today, I take a stroll through your history and say, ‘175 years ago, Sarah Worthington Peter founded the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, initially operated from a room in her home at her own expense.’ What a boss she was. She didn’t complain. She just said, ‘I’m going to find a way to create what we know should be in existence,’” she said. “I’m hoping that as you move to the next phase, when you think about everything you have accomplished here at Moore, you feel like you were really able to explore not just art, but your identity in this beautiful city.”
Two students, 2024 valedictorian Dan Callahan ’24 and Happy Fernandez Leadership Prize winner Helen Vo ’24, also spoke at Commencement. Callahan, a Graphic Design student, spoke about the support they received from their classmates and faculty at Moore.
“Three years ago, I almost changed my major after one class session of Typography I because I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to learn fast enough or well enough. I don’t know a single student at Moore who didn’t have a moment like that—a moment of fear, of uncertainty, that we couldn’t do it—only to realize that we were ready; we were equipped to tackle the challenges ahead of us,” they said.
Vo, an Animation & Game Arts student, touched on the obstacles they overcame and the valuable leadership experience they gained as president of Moore’s Animation Club.
“As I reflect on my journey, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunities Moore provided me to lead and serve my community,” Vo said. “These experiences have not only shaped me as an individual, but have also deepened my commitment to creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.”
Illustration major Leah Stein '24 received the Marian Locks Senior Award, which is awarded to a Moore graduate of any discipline to help launch their career after completing their undergraduate studies.
View our full video feature on Commencement here:
Photos by Steve Weinik. Video production by West End Productions.
