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Written by: E. George
Published May 8, 2025 @ 12:35 PM ET
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. – Musician Jon Batiste will headline commencement ceremonies for the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) this year as the institution celebrates its largest graduating class to date. The Academy Award and Grammy Award-winning artist is set to address more than 3,800 graduates across SCAD’s campuses in Savannah and Atlanta during events scheduled for May 30 and 31.
The graduating class spans over 40 academic programs, including animation, fashion, interior design, film and television, and user experience design. The ceremonies will feature both a commencement address and a live performance by Batiste, highlighting a weekend dedicated to student achievement and creative futures.
SCAD’s president and founder, Paula Wallace, will preside over both ceremonies. Degrees will be awarded to the Savannah and SCADnow program graduates at the Savannah Convention Center on May 30. The Atlanta-based event will take place a day later at the Gateway Center Arena. In addition to his role as speaker and performer, Batiste will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the university.
Batiste, recognized for his genre-spanning music and cultural contributions, has earned significant acclaim for his work. His 2021 album “We Are” garnered 11 Grammy nominations across multiple categories and secured the Album of the Year award. He also shared an Academy Award for his work on Pixar’s “Soul.” Batiste previously served as the bandleader on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” bringing his distinctive energy to a national audience for seven years.
The 2025 SCAD commencement underscores the university’s ongoing mission to prepare students for professional success in creative industries. According to a 2024 study, 99% of recent SCAD graduates were either employed or pursuing further education within a year of completing their degrees.
SCAD, a private nonprofit institution, offers more than 100 degree programs through campuses in Georgia, France, and its SCADnow online platform. Its academic offerings are consistently recognized in national and global rankings, particularly in disciplines such as digital media, architecture, and design.
The university’s commitment to career readiness includes access to industry collaborations, internships, and SCADpro, a research and development lab that connects students with top-tier corporate partners. As the class of 2025 prepares to cross the stage, SCAD continues to reinforce its role as a leader in arts education and innovation.