In June, the School of Art + Art History + Design celebrated 205 (out of 274) graduating students at the School’s annual Graduation Celebration in Meany Hall. Hosted by School Director Annabelle Gould, the ceremony included remarks by Dean Gabriel Solis, student awards, speeches, and recognition of retiring faculty. The celebration concluded with each graduate walking across the stage to receive a certificate before an auditorium full of family and friends.
School Awards
Each year, the School honors outstanding students from each division with a series of awards that recognize academic excellence, creative achievement, and meaningful contributions to the community.
Parnassus Graduating with Excellence Award: Funded by the legacy of the Parnassus Café and Gallery—an iconic student-run coffee shop in the Art Building since 1954—this award honors one undergraduate from each division: Art, Art History, and Design. Selected by faculty, recipients exemplify high academic achievement, creative excellence, and significant contributions to the School and University.
de Cillia Graduating with Excellence Awards: These awards recognize three graduate students—one from each division—who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship and creative work. A second honor, the de Cillia Teaching with Excellence Award, is given to three graduate students who have significantly contributed to the School’s teaching mission. Both awards are given in memory of Grace and Ben de Cillia, distinguished alumni and longtime supporters of the School. The de Cillia endowment also supports the annual graduation celebration.
Natalie Malone Memorial Award: Created in memory of Natalie Malone, a talented and beloved Visual Communication Design student who passed away while in the program, this award honors a graduating student who shares Natalie’s dedication, passion for design, and generosity.
2025 Award Recipients
Parnassus Graduating with Excellence Award
- Melissa Jean Goldberg, Art
- Meg Hildreth, Art History
- Haipai Chen, Design
de Cillia Graduating with Excellence Award
- Kyler Pahang, Art
- Greta Barnes, Art History
- Lisa Bambach, Design
de Cillia Teaching with Excellence Award
- Bonny Barker, Art
- Mariah Ribeiro, Art History
- Lisa Bambach, Design
Natalie Malone Memorial Award
- Vivian Cho, Design
Additional Honors
The following graduating students received broader recognition for excellence across the University:
- College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Medal Nominee: Sven Holmgren (BA, Art)
- Husky 100: Kort Maeda (BDes, Visual Communication Design)
- Bonderman Fellowship: Aaliya Garinga (BA, Art Honors)
Student Speeches
Each year, student speakers are selected by faculty to represent their cohort and reflect on their time in the program. This year’s speakers included:
- Kyra Wolfenbarger, Art
- Meg Hildreth, Art History
- Alice Dibbo, Design
- Lisa Bambach, Graduate Programs
These speeches offered moving insights into the student experience, underscoring the value of creativity, community, and perseverance.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025
We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments, creativity, and dedication of this year’s graduating class. Your work has made a lasting impact on the School and the University of Washington.