Moore College of Art & Design Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in More Than Two Decades at 176th Commencement

“This year’s graduating class is one of the largest in Moore’s history and exemplifies the dynamic creativity and excellence that consistently defines our graduates,” said Cathy Young, president, Moore College of Art & Design. “We are proud to celebrate their unique voices, innovative talents and the transformative power of a Moore education as embodied in these graduates who are ready to make their mark on the world.” 

Of the 134 graduates, 52 percent of the class will graduate with honors, including 30 of 51 former students from University of the Arts. In addition, 20 percent of our BFA students are completing their degrees with one or more minors. More than half of the graduates are Pennsylvania residents, with the rest representing 14 states from across the United States, stretching as far north as Maine and as far west as Colorado. 

“Our graduates leave Moore equipped with not only strong technical and artistic skills, but also the confidence to innovate, collaborate and make a meaningful impact,” said Claudine Thomas, chief academic officer, Moore College of Art & Design. “As they join Moore’s network of alumni, they carry forward the mission to inspire creative expression and transform communities through art and design.” 

This year’s keynote address and honorary doctorate of fine arts degree recipient is Erin Entrada Kelly. Kelly, an award-winning author and illustrator, won the Newbery Medal for her books Hello, Universe and The First State of Being, and earned a Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space. Kelly is also a National Book Award finalist and a recipient of the Asian-Pacific American Librarians Association Award for Children’s Literature. Kelly illustrates the standalone middle grade book series Marisol Rainey and Felix Powell. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Rosemont College and teaches in the MFA program in writing for children and young adults at Hamline University.

The ceremony will also recognize two exceptional alumnae with 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards. Leila Cartier ’04, artist, curator and executive director of CraftNOW Philadelphia, is honored for her innovative leadership in arts programming and community engagement. Sandy Sheller ’73, designer, author and president and director of the Sheller Family Foundation, is recognized for her impactful work in art therapy and dedication to addressing the opioid crisis. Both Cartier and Sheller exemplify the values of creative excellence and civic responsibility that are central to Moore’s mission. 

Moore’s Commencement celebrates the creative talents and academic accomplishments of its graduating students, who are prepared to lead as artists, designers and changemakers in the global creative economy. More than 1,000 graduates and guests are expected at this year’s ceremony.

About Moore College of Art & Design

Founded during the original industrial revolution to advance women in new fields, Moore College of Art & Design is the first and only historically women’s college for art and design. Our mission is more relevant than ever, as technology, sustainability and diverse cultures drive and disrupt new and existing industries. Through dynamic BFA and co-educational Graduate Studies programs, educational programs for creatively curious youth and professional adult learners, and our own public and dedicated space for contemporary art—The Galleries at Moore—we are influencers and advocates for breakthrough artists and designers of all ages and backgrounds. The world needs Moore. For more information about Moore, visit www.moore.edu and follow us on social media @moorecollegeart. 

For press inquires, contact:

Gabi Stevenson
Communications Manager, Moore College of Art & Design
gstevenson@moore.edu | 610.551.8231