When Graphic Design senior Jennifer Whitney ’09 GD first began thinking about the design for this year’s Commencement collateral, she remembered feeling “inspired by the passion” of the Dadaist artists she has periodically researched over the last four years. “I thought Dada was an appropriate direction for the Commencement pieces because the movement included artists from many different disciplines – design, sculpture, performance art, painting, drawing, film and more,” she says.

Jenn loved delving into the fun visual imagery these artists created, but found it challenging to make her pieces look contemporary. “I didn’t want to simply imitate Dada,” she says. “I wanted to create pieces that reflect that inspiration.” President Maeda is among those who applaud the outcome and wish Jenn well as she transitions to the next phase in her life as a designer, which she predicts will be full of “exciting new opportunities.” As for the famous movement behind the look of her Commencement materials, she adds: “Dada activities also included gatherings (such as celebrations) and in May graduating students will certainly have reason to celebrate!”