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Jon Batiste to Speak at SCAD Commencement

Graduates gathered at SCAD commencement ceremony with a live performance stage

News Summary

Jon Batiste, the acclaimed musician and Academy Award winner, is announced as the commencement speaker for SCAD’s 2025 graduation ceremonies in Savannah and Atlanta. Batiste, celebrated for his dynamic music career and live performances, will also receive an honorary degree from SCAD. This year’s graduating class is the largest in SCAD’s history, showcasing over 3,800 graduates across various artistic disciplines, marking a significant milestone for the institution.

Savannah, Georgia – Jon Batiste, an acclaimed musician with accolades including an Academy Award and multiple Grammy Awards, is set to be the commencement speaker for the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2025. His address will span two days, with ceremonies taking place on May 30 in Savannah and May 31 in Atlanta. This year marks a significant milestone for SCAD as it celebrates its largest graduating class in history, comprising over 3,800 graduates along with their families and guests.

During the commencement ceremonies, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a live performance by Batiste, a seven-time Grammy Award winner known for his dynamic contributions to music. In recognition of his impactful career, SCAD President and Founder, Paula Wallace, will award Batiste an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the Savannah ceremony.

The announcement of Batiste as a speaker highlights his contribution to music and culture, particularly his 2021 album “We Are,” which achieved significant acclaim with 11 nominations and five Grammy wins, including the prestigious Album of the Year. He is also celebrated for his role in Pixar’s film “Soul,” for which he earned an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a BAFTA.

The SCAD Savannah commencement ceremony will take place at the Savannah Convention Center, located at 1 International Drive. Meanwhile, the Atlanta graduation ceremony is scheduled at the Gateway Center Arena at 2330 Convention Center Concourse in College Park, Georgia. Both venues will serve as gathering spots for family, friends, and community members to support the graduating class.

This year’s graduating class boasts a diverse array of over 40 different degree programs, ranging from animation, fashion, and film and television, to interior design and user experience design. The event aims to celebrate the hard work and achievements of the graduates who have worked diligently to complete their studies. Selected students from various programs will also be recognized and given opportunities to speak during the ceremonies.

As an artist, Batiste expressed his enthusiasm for connecting with and inspiring the next generation of creative artists from SCAD, a university recognized worldwide for its exceptional arts programs. His presence is expected to uplift and motivate the graduates as they embark on their professional journeys.

The upcoming SCAD commencement ceremonies are not only a celebration of educational achievements but also a nod to the creative industries that play a vital role in shaping culture and innovation. The inclusion of a prominent figure like Jon Batiste underscores SCAD’s commitment to fostering artistic talent and engagement within its community.

For further information regarding the commencement ceremonies, interested parties may contact Joseph Schwartzburt, who covers education and workforce development for local news outlets.