WHERE STARS COLLIDE
Q : You ’ ve attracted some heavy hitters to SCAD for signature events and exhibitions , interviews , Savannah Film Festival . I ’ m thinking of Hugh Jackman , Carolina Herrera , Oliver Stone — the list goes on . This speaks to the level of SCAD ’ s reputation and reach , and to the university ’ s commitment to students . How do these people bring value to the students , and what has this exposure done for SCAD ?
A : Over the past 43 years , we have developed friendships with the most prominent professionals in all our majors . These luminaries love to interact with their successors , the stars of tomorrow . Teaching , after all , is a form of immortality ; students quote speakers decades later . A deep respect evolves — from veterans to students and from students to veterans . It ’ s a beautiful thing to behold .
While we could never list everyone who has shared their gift with SCAD , we ’ ve been pleased to welcome Diane Von Furstenberg , Jeremy Irons , Salma Hayek Pinault , Patrick Stewart , Reese Witherspoon , and more . Actors . Designers . Architects . Artists . In every relationship , a revelation . I have found that the brighter the star , the more kind and giving and gracious they are . There ’ s something about an internationally elite university that brings out the best in everyone .
SCAD Lacoste
Q : What do you want Atlanta to know about SCAD that we haven ’ t covered here ?
A : We ’ ve just reopened SCAD Lacoste for the first time since the start of the pandemic . Our magical study abroad location shimmers with ideas , enthusiasm , and empowerment . A new exhibition , Notre Ami , Pierre Cardin , showcases more than 20 iconic Cardin garments and honors the legacy of our late friend in the village he called home . Thousands upon thousands of tourists stream to our little magical town . SCAD Alumni Atelier transports SCAD painters , jewelers , writers , and more to the lavender-rich Luberon Valley , where they harness creative visions and realize important works , thanks to the time , funding , and space provided by SCAD . You ’ re invited to Lacoste year-round to see artists at work !
SCAD is best in class internationally : the best independent university for creative professions . As a hometown girl , I ’ m very proud that SCAD is in Atlanta .