Moore College of Art & Design’s 176th Commencement ceremony celebrated the achievements of Moore’s Class of 2025, the College’s largest class in more than two decades. Moore conferred degrees on 134 students and honored 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award winners Leila Cartier ’04 and Sandy Sheller ’73.
The ceremony began with remarks from Chair of Moore’s Board of Managers Art Block and Moore President Cathy Young, who recognized the Class of 2025’s accomplishments and bright futures. Young also acknowledged former University of the Arts students graduating from Moore and their families.
“These students have demonstrated courage and resilience in the face of loss and hardship. We admire what you have accomplished, we are honored and grateful that you chose to complete your education at Moore and we have loved getting to know you this year,” she said. “You have enriched the College, and we are so happy to welcome you today into the Moore alumni community.”
Attendees also heard remarks from Cartier, Sheller, 2025 Happy Fernandez Leadership Award winner Janelle Cray and 2025 Valedictorian Lara Yildiz. An Animation & Game Arts student with a minor in Comics, Yildiz spoke about how her classmates inspired her to grow.
“Think about how intimidating it felt when we started working towards a career in art. It’s vulnerable putting out our artwork for others to see, but each of us took the risk and did it anyway, year after year,” she said. “It’s incredible seeing us accomplish bigger and better pieces than before. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not been inspired by the amazing, thoughtful works of my peers.”
Newbery-medal winning author and illustrator Erin Entrada Kelly served as the event’s keynote speaker. After she was presented with an honorary doctorate of fine arts, Kelly encouraged graduates to advocate for themselves and their work.
“Life is made of small triumphs, little victories and tiny achievements. Recognize and honor them all. Celebrate yourself and be a friend to yourself. In a world full of critics, you need to be your own champion. Your work is needed. Your voice is needed,” she said.
The ceremony concluded with Moore’s signature rose-waving celebration before the new graduates commemorated the occasion with family and friends.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
