ABOUT
Like many colleges and universities across the nation, KCAD made the difficult decision to transition our Commencement-related activities and events this spring to a virtual format to protect the health and safety of our campus community and guests in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While there is no replacement for seeing art and design in person, without the ability to gather in a physical space, it seemed natural to develop an online platform to showcase the amazing work of KCAD’s 2021 graduates.
This website presents KCAD’s Annual Student Exhibition in three galleries: the Master's Thesis Exhibition, Excellence Awards Exhibition, and Undergraduate
Senior Exhibition. Comment sections are included for each exhibition, and we welcome guests to take a few moments to share some words of encouragement.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
In 1928, Helen Miller Kendall, accomplished artist and wife of furniture design legend David Wolcott Kendall, established the David Wolcott Kendall Memorial School to continue her husband's legacy of creativity, education, and innovation. Now more than 90 years since its founding, Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD) remains committed to this initial charge.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the merger between KCAD and Ferris State University. As a campus community, we take pride in the elements of KCAD that make our learning community unique and value the opportunities that are a direct result of the college's partnership with Ferris.
Students are at the heart of all that we do. They graduate from KCAD as creative leaders with versatility, empathy, and problem-solving skills that are vital to our collective ability to design a better future for all of us. And no matter where our graduates find themselves in the world, KCAD faculty and staff continue to be their supporters and biggest fans. We are forever #KCADproud of our alumni!
Traditionally, we celebrate the achievements of our graduating students through on-campus exhibitions each spring. This year, in response to COVID-19, we have once again transitioned our Master's Thesis, Excellence Awards, and Undergraduate Senior Exhibitions online.
These exhibitions showcase the amazing work that our students have brought to life during their time at KCAD, and together represent the depth of their learning. I invite you to explore these exhibitions, revel in the beauty and innovation of the work, and appreciate today's achievements as well as all these graduates are bound to achieve in their professional lives. As you move through the online exhibitions, I hope you will take time to congratulate our students on their significant accomplishments and share encouragement as they continue their professional journey.
Enjoy!
Tara McCrackin
President
Dear 2021 Graduates,
Congratulations on all that you have accomplished during your time at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. As we come together to celebrate this milestone in the journey of your life, the work exhibited here is evidence of your outstanding ability. You have put in the time and effort it takes to create exceptional work, overcome challenges and prepared a path for moving forward. Now is the time to savor your accomplishments and ready yourself to embark on your future. Take with you the persistence, courage, and curiosity you have developed throughout your education and use it to create the bright future I know that you have in front of you.
This exhibition highlights the resilience and flexibility of our graduates. It is not just a collection of images, objects, essays, and theses; it is the hard-earned proof that they have persevered through what is perhaps the greatest challenge of our time. Graduates, these strengths are now a part of you. I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. KCAD is an extraordinary college, not because of what we say, but because of what you do.
Stephen Halko
Dean of Academic Affairs