The Class of 2025: Where Design Meets Possibility

A Graduation Story from the Siebel Center for Design

At SCD, graduation isn’t just the end of a chapter—it’s the culmination of bold ideas, meaningful relationships, and transformational learning.

Each year, we say farewell to a remarkable group of student team members who brought their unique perspectives to our human-centered mission. They leave with degrees in everything from engineering and psychology to journalism and fine arts. And they leave SCD having not only grown as professionals—but as people.

This is their story.

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Beginnings That Bloomed into Belonging

Many of our 2025 graduates first came to SCD in search of a job. But what they found was much more: a creative community that valued their voice, a workplace that welcomed their full selves, and a launchpad for passions they didn’t know they had.

"I almost rescinded my offer to start work...but joining the team at SCD taught me a new understanding about empathy and inclusion that I didn't realize I needed." 
Darina Lubenov, Journalism & Public Relations

“SCD has contributed to my personal and professional growth by giving me the tools to approach solving complex challenges in a human-centered manner.”
—Lucia Moss, Organizational and Community Leadership

Some, like Lucia, became deeply embedded in our research and academic programs. Others, like Keegan Teal, found unexpected creativity through hands-on work in The Shop.

“I started as a sophomore who had never used most of the machines. Now, as a senior, I teach others. SCD helped me grow into who I am.”
— Keegan Teal, Computer Engineering

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Designing Across Disciplines

What makes SCD unique is not just what our students do—but how they do it: collaboratively, creatively, and with curiosity. Our 2025 graduates brought diverse academic backgrounds and turned that diversity into a shared strength.

From psychology and advertising to industrial design and mechanical engineering, their varied paths converged through design thinking.

“Since SCD isn’t tied to one college, you meet people from all over campus. The perspectives you get from that mix are invaluable.”
— Benita Romero, Information Science & Game Studies

“I wouldn’t have explored UX or human-centered design if not for SCD. It opened my eyes to possibilities beyond my major.”
— Giovanna Gutierrez, English & Public Relations

Some designed art installations. Some built robots. Some helped lead teams through high-stakes events. Many did all of the above and more.

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Voices of the Class of 2025

We asked our grads to reflect on their time here. Here’s what they had to say—in their own words.

Designing Belonging: Their Impact on SCD

 

Through their projects, mentorship, and energy, these graduates helped us build more than programs. They built culture. Whether through inclusive marketing, community programming, or friendly front-desk conversations, they made SCD a place people wanted to return to. 

"SCD became a place where I could try new ideas, lead a team, and be fully myself." 
Evan Walker

"Working at SCD gave me real-world experience—and a workspace that felt like family."
— Stephanie Zarate, Graphic Design

"I've made lifelong friends here. I'll miss chatting endlessly at the desk or in the office."
— Indra Vogel

"Being surrounded by different majors and mindsets made me realize creativity lives in every discipline."
— Giovanna Gutierrez 

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From All of Us at SCD

 

To the graduating class of 2025: You inspired us.

Thank you for your leadership, laughter, curiosity, and care. You made SCD what it is—a creative, inclusive, human-centered home for all.

We are endlessly proud of who you are and all that you’ll do next. Wherever you go, you’ll carry this community with you, and we’ll be cheering you on.

Congratulations, Class of 2025.