As we welcome the arrival of the latest digital issue of Outer Circle, I find myself thinking about all of the incredible people that Art Center can count among its alumni. Having just returned from alumni trips to Portland, Shanghai, Seoul and New York, I can’t help but be amazed by the immense talent and passion possessed by our alumni. One thing you all have in common is a strong desire to remain connected both with the College and each other.

With this in mind, we are currently revising our alumni benefits and strategies. Our goal is to provide you the most meaningful and engaging programs and benefits available. Please stay tuned for our revised benefit launch this fall. If you have comments or feedback, please share your thoughts with us. We always welcome and appreciate alumni input.

I am especially excited about this latest issue of Outer Circle, focused on the ideas surrounding humanitarian design. I am well aware of the breadth and variety of the work our alumni create, and over the past five years I have been inspired and amazed by the powerful ethos of social responsibility that is prevalent in the work of many of our alumni, students and faculty. Not only is the idea of “giving back” high on the agenda of our nation’s new President, but that spirit is also thriving at Art Center. These ideas are addressed through our award-winning Designmatters program as well as Design for Sustainability courses, the work of the student-run EcoCouncil and most importantly, the contributions of our talented alumni who create work that makes a real difference in the world.

As you explore this issue, I hope you find the people and work profiled inspiring and thought-provoking. But this is just a taste of the wide variety of work our alumni are creating. Many of you focus your talents on projects with a humanitarian focus, finding satisfaction from working on projects that address the challenges facing today’s world. We would like to hear from you—please tell us your stories, so that we can share the your work and passion with the entire Art Center community.

Art Center remains a hive of innovation, a place to be challenged and a home to hard work and incredible creativity—all of which is present in the work of those highlighted in this issue. Enjoy!

Kristine Bowne
Director, Alumni Relations