Herron School of Art + Design Class of 2025 Recognition Event

On May 16th, 2025, the Herron School of Art + Design celebrated its Class of 2025 with a vibrant commencement ceremony at the historic Madam Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis. Held in the iconic Madam Walker Theater, a 1927 landmark tied to Madam C.J. Walker’s legacy and Indiana Avenue’s jazz history, the event honored the graduates’ creativity and resilience.

The ceremony began with an energetic performance by the Circle City Sidewalk Stompers, a beloved Herron tradition. This live band set a joyful tone, captivating attendees with their lively music and returning later for the recessional. Dean Greg Hall opened the evening, welcoming graduates, families, and virtual attendees while acknowledging the ancestral lands of the Miami, Potawatomi, Shawnee, and Lenape peoples, emphasizing Herron’s commitment to equity and knowledge.

Keynote speaker Matthew Fetcher, a music technology innovator, co-founder of AudioKit Pro, and Herron faculty member, delivered an inspiring address. Sharing his journey from financial struggles to securing $1.2 million for a music festival, Fetcher urged graduates to embrace their uniqueness, famously declaring, “Your weirdness isn’t a bug; it’s a feature.” His mantra, “Tune them out,” encouraged students to ignore doubt and create boldly.

Student speaker Nicole Hay, known as “Pink,” a visual communication design graduate and 2025 Spirit of Herron Award recipient, gave a heartfelt speech. Reflecting on challenges like AI in art, she celebrated the irreplaceable human spirit in Herron’s creative community, calling it a “beautiful island” of paint-splattered walls and innovation. Pink inspired her peers to keep making and sharing art, no matter the obstacles.

The event culminated in a hooding ceremony for graduate students and a lively procession for undergraduates, filled with cheers and high-fives. From music technology to sculpture, each graduate’s achievements shone brightly. The night closed with group photos and a festive reception on the fourth floor, uniting graduates, faculty, and families in celebration.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025, ready to shape the world with their creative vision!