Ivy Tech School of Fine Arts finds creative way to celebrate virtually

With COVID-19 derailing commencement ceremonies for students across the nation, college faculty and staff had had to get creative about ways to celebrate their students achievements.

For the Ivy Tech School of Fine Arts, students usually curate and install and exhibition that functions as their opening reception at their commencement, COVID-19 altered the state of graduations, so this graduating class of Fine Arts students had to shift gears completely and figure out how to throw an amazing virtual exhibition.

“Since they were not going to experience the thrill of their self-curated exhibition, I felt it was necessary to do something. A couple of the students had never been to a graduation ceremony, for a variety of reasons. And my faculty never have the opportunity to attend graduation because they are all adjuncts. We have a very close community in the art department, so I needed to do something to bring everyone together as well.” Stephanie Robertson, the Fine Arts Program Chair at Ivy Tech said.

The virtual commencement was a total success. Ivy Tech alumnus, Frances Samarippa, found of the Line + Form Art Center, was the theme speaker. Stephanie Robertson and her household practiced Pomp and Circumstance on kazoos, to give the students a cheerful marching song (and a good laugh). The students created and decorated their own caps and tassels, each individual saying something about their education journey.

“I am so proud of them” Stephanie said. “And I only cried a little bit.”

Take a moment to be moved and inspired by these staff and students hard work. Watch a recording of their one-of-a-kind commencement here.

Congratulation Fine Arts Ivy Tech graduates of 2020!