Award-winning musician and composer Jon Batiste delivers commencement address and performed at SCAD

ATLANTA and SAVANNAH, Ga., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) was delighted to welcome award-winning artist, musician, and composer Jon Batiste at the university's commencement ceremonies in Savannah and Atlanta for the largest graduating class in SCAD history. The ceremonies were held at the Savannah Convention Center on Friday, May 30 in Savannah, and Saturday, May 31, at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta.

Batiste spoke to more than 4,200 graduates, their families, and honored guests during the two-day celebration. "This moment right here is not only the beginning of you defining and shaping who you are in the world and what you will become and what you will leave as your legacy, but it's also a moment where you have this opportunity to really take it in and be at peace with the unexpected that will come in the dark times as well as the things that you will do to exceed expectations and become the first and only. I'm so excited to be here to share this moment with you. So thank you for being who you are and remember that that's all you ever need to be," he said.

SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Batiste, who is considered a force of nature and a powerhouse of creativity and connection. An Academy Award and seven-time Grammy Award winning artist, he blends music, storytelling, and activism to inspire and unite.

"It's a gift to connect with and inspire the next generation of creative artists from this globally renowned university," said Batiste.

The 2025 graduates represent more than 40 top-ranked programs, including interactive design and game development, interior design, film and television, fashion, graphic design, and design management. Since its founding in 1978, the university's mission has been to prepare talented students for creative professions. Today, SCAD's success rate is unmatched. According to a 2024 study, 99% of recent SCAD graduates reported being employed, pursuing further education, or both within 12 months of graduation. SCAD alumni have found fulfilling careers at Adobe, BMW, Delta Air Lines, Disney, Google, Hasbro, Microsoft, NASA, Ralph Lauren, and more.

"Our happy hive hums with joy this spring as more than 4,200 SCAD Bees — a record — have danced across the commencement stage and will fly off to rewarding careers around the world," President Wallace said. "What I so deeply cherish about SCAD's commencement is the love you feel, see, and hear, everywhere. From grandparents and parents, to students and siblings, cheers, tears, whoops, hugs, and high-fives celebrate phenomenal creativity, courage, and camaraderie. The world is yours, Bees!"

President Wallace also presented an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in Savannah to Meta Vice President of Design Joshua To and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in Atlanta to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. To learn more about SCAD, visit scad.edu.

SOURCE Savannah College of Art and Design