✕
Events
September 26, 27 and 28, 2025

Alumni Reunion 2025: Connect. Celebrate. Commemorate.

Come home this September for the 2025 ArtCenter Alumni Reunion.

It’s more than a reunion — it’s a celebration of ArtCenter’s legacy. Reconnect with fellow alumni for three days of creativity, community and a special evening honoring the 2023 and 2024 Alumni Award recipients. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening each day—check out the full schedule for details and ticket info.

  • Friday, September 26: Kick off the weekend with Inside the ArtCenter Studio, a Presidential Address, and the Welcome Party.
  • Saturday, September 27: Join campus tours, workshops, the Art Market, Archives Conversation, and the ArtCenter Awards dinner.
  • Sunday, September 28: Wrap up with the FullCircle Brunch, Design Invitational, a talk with Matthew Rolston, screenings, and peer-led roundtables.
View the Full Schedule

Save Your Spot

Join hundreds of fellow alumni for a weekend of fun, events and connecting with friends.

Register Now
Gallery

Moments from Past Reunions & Events

Additional Information

Full Schedule Location and Lodging Who's Attending Frequently Asked Questions

ArtCenter Awards

Chair Emeriti to be Honored

Wendy Adest (BFA 87)

Laura Cooper

Stewart Reed (BS 69)

Faculty Emeriti to be Honored

Lita Albuquerque

Louis Danziger (48)

Gaylord Eckles (BS 70) posthumous

Simon Johnston

Gloria Kondrup (MFA 93)

Gary Meyer (BPA 59) posthumous

Ramone Muñoz (BFA 77; MFA 90)

Robert Schureman

2024 Alumni Award Winners to be Honored

Outstanding Service
Luis Fitch

Young Innovator
Bijan Machen

Distinguished Midcareer
Thomas Mueller

Lifetime Achievement
Diana Thater

2023 Alumni Award Winners to be Honored

Outstanding Service
Robert Matsumoto

Young Innovator
Nidhi Singh Rathore

Distinguished Midcareer
Rafael Lopez

Lifetime Achievement
Matthew Rolston

Reunion Sponsors

Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting the 2025 ArtCenter Reunion.

Gold Sponsor

Reunion Sponsor: FullCircle

Silver Sponsor

Reunion Sponsor: Haworth

Interested in becoming a Reunion Sponsor? Connect with alumni, elevate your brand and make a lasting impact on our community.

View Sponsorship Opportunities

ArtCenter Award Recipients

%3Cp%3E%3Ca+href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.luisfitch.com%22+target%3D%22_blank%22%3ELuis+Fitch%3C%2Fa%3E+%28BFA+90+Graphic+and+Packaging+Design%29+is+internationally+renowned+Mexican+artist%2C+mentor%2C+and+creative+entrepreneur+specializing+in+visual+art+and+working+across+gallery+and+urban+art+settings.+%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3ELuis%27s+artwork+has+garnered+widespread+recognition+both+nationally+and+internationally.+His+art+pieces+are+featured+in+over+500+private+and+institutional+collections+throughout+the+United+States%2C+Europe%2C+Dubai%2C+Mexico%2C+and+Latin+America%2C+including+prestigious+institutions+such+as+the+Cooper+Hewitt%2C+Smithsonian+Design+Museum+in+New+York%2C+the+Minneapolis+Institute+of+Art+in+Minneapolis%2C+the+Minnesota+History+Museum+in+Saint+Paul%2C+the+National+Museum+of+Mexican+Art+in+Chicago%2C+The+Minnesota+Museum+of+American+Art%2C+The+City+of+Albuquerque%2C+National+Hispanic+Cultural+Center%2C+and+the+Tamarind+Institute.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3ELuis%27s+creative+journey+continues+to+evolve%2C+marked+by+recent+milestones+that+underscore+his+indomitable+spirit.+Notably%2C+he+was+commissioned+to+illustrate+four+stamps+for+the+United+States+Postal+Service%2C+a+testament+to+the+profound+impact+of+his+artistry+on+a+national+scale.+Additionally%2C+Luis+crafted+the+first-ever+art+collection+by+a+Mexican+artist+for+Target+stores%2C+commemorating+the+revered+D%C3%ADa+de+Muertos+%28Day+of+the+Dead%29+tradition.+In+2024%2C+Luis+was+awarded+the+prestigious+Distinguished+Mexicans+Award+by+the+Institute+for+Mexicans+Abroad+%28Instituto+de+los+Mexicanos+en+el+Exterior%29.+His+involvement+as+the+Commission+Chair+of+the+State+Flag+and+Emblem+Redesign%2C+appointed+by+the+Minnesota+Council+on+Latino+Affairs%2C+further+exemplifies+his+dedication+to+shaping+cultural+narratives.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3ELuis+Fitch%27s+legacy+transcends+barriers%2C+cultivates+cross-cultural+connections%2C+and+infuses+design+with+meaning+and+purpose.+His+relentless+commitment+to+bridging+divides+through+his+creative+endeavors+inspires+the+world%E2%80%94a+testament+to+the+enduring+power+of+art+and+design+to+foster+unity+and+understanding.%3C%2Fp%3E
Outstanding Service Award, 2024

Luis Fitch
%3Cp%3E%3Ca+href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bijanmachen.com%22+target%3D%22_blank%22%3EBijan+Machen%3C%2Fa%3E+%28MFA+18+Art%29+is+a+Los+Angeles-based+multidisciplinary+artist+whose+work+exists+at+the+luminous+intersection+of+abstraction%2C+sound%2C+and+social+impact.+He+holds+a+Master%27s+degree+in+Fine+Art+from+ArtCenter+College+of+Design%2C+as+well+as+a+Bachelor%27s+degree+in+Science%2C+Technology%2C+and+Culture+from+The+Georgia+Institute+of+Technology.+As+the+founder+of+%3Ca+href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.weuplifttheworld.com%22+target%3D%22_blank%22%3EWe+Uplift+The+World+Foundation%3C%2Fa%3E%2C+Machen+has+emerged+as+a+guiding+force+in+the+contemporary+art+and+education+landscape%2C+championing+access+to+creativity+and+wellness+for+creative+entrepreneurs+through+programs+that+integrate+fine+art%2C+emerging+technology%2C+and+personal+development.+To+date%2C+We+Uplift+The+World+has+worked+with+thousands+of+artists+and+creative+entrepreneurs+globally%2C+fostering+purpose-driven+careers+and+sustainable+creative+ecosystems.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3EMachen+is+the+author+of+%22%3Cem%3EWhat+Is+My+Why%3A+How+You+Can+Use+Ikigai+to+Clarify+Your+Purpose%3C%2Fem%3E%2C%22+a+widely+appreciated+art+%26+personal+development+book+that+reimagines+ancient+Eastern+philosophy+through+the+lens+of+creative+self-actualization.+His+voice+also+resonates+through+The+Abundance+Universe+Podcast+and+its+broader+wellness+community%2C+where+he+explores+consciousness%2C+purpose%2C+and+the+role+of+art+in+the+cultivation+of+collective+abundance.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3EClassically+trained+as+a+saxophonist+and+vocalist%2C+Machen%E2%80%99s+visual+art+language+is+profoundly+musical%E2%80%94his+abstract+paintings+vibrate+like+compositions%2C+echoing+the+improvisational+cadence+of+jazz+and+the+layered+structure+of+symphonic+scores.+He+often+describes+his+unique+drawing+%26+painting+style+as+%22deconstructed+music+notes%2C%22+and+indeed%2C+each+canvas+bears+the+imprint+of+rhythm%2C+gesture%2C+and+emotional+tonality.+As+a+house+music+composer+and+DJ+under+the+moniker+LAMBO+M%C4%80CH%2C+he+furthers+this+synesthetic+dialogue+between+sound+and+image%2C+creating+immersive%2C+multidimensional+experiences+that+transcend+traditional+boundaries.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3EMachen%E2%80%99s+abundant+interdisciplinary+practice+embodies+a+rare+synthesis+of+aesthetic+rigor%2C+visionary+purpose%2C+and+widespread+community+impact.+Whether+through+color%2C+sound%2C+or+educational+mentorship%2C+he+cultivates+a+world+in+which+art+is+not+only+seen+and+heard%2C+but+deeply+felt+as+a+force+for+healing%2C+empowerment%2C+and+transcendence.%3C%2Fp%3E
Young Innovator Award, 2024

Bijan Machen

%3Cp%3EOriginally+from+Germany%2C+Thomas+Mueller+%28MFA+95+Communication+and+New+Media+Design%29+began+his+career+in+the+US+after+completing+a+MFA+in+Media+Design+at+the+Art+Center+College+of+Design%2C+and+spent+10+years+at+Razorfish+in+New+York+where+he+worked+as+Design+Director.+After+time+at+Havas%E2%80%99+Arnold%2C+Martha+Stewart%E2%80%99s+living+Omnimedia+as+Sr.+Creative+Director%2C+more+recently+he+acted+as+Chief+Experience+Officer+at+Siegel%2BGale+before+joining+Accenture+Interactive+as+General+Manager+of+Fjord+in+Europe.+%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3ENowadays+he+is+looking+after+design+as+Global+Lead%2C+Accenture+Design+with+a+mission+to+build+the+industry%E2%80%99s+leading+team+driving+meaningful+transformation+and+delivering+business+results+via+human+impact.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3EIn+his+life+at+Accenture%2C+he+splits+his+time+between+three+main+pursuits.+Firstly%2C+creating+the+environment+necessary%2C+as+well+as+removing+obstacles%2C+in+order+for+design+teams+to+be+innovative+and+inspired.+Secondly%2C+managing+key+client+relationships%2C+and+building+up+a+a+global+design+network.+Thirdly%2C+working+on+new+business+development+including+speaking+at+events%2C+interacting+with+the+media%2C+and+helping+Accenture+leading+iconic+design+pitches.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3EA+huge+fan+of+simplicity%2C+Thomas+loves+using+design+as+a+process+to+both+facilitate+people+and+ultimately+create+clarity+in+both+form+and+function.+He+believes+that+design+is+key+ingredient+in+modern+adaptive+strategy%2C+because+it+puts+people+first.+He+wants+to+give+people+something+to+smile+about%2C+and+make+the+world+a+better+place%2C+and+design+is+one+precious+approach+that+has+the+power+to+do+this.%3C%2Fp%3E
Distinguished Mid-Career, 2024

Thomas Mueller
%3Cp%3ESince+emerging+in+the+early+1990s%2C+Los+Angeles%E2%80%93based+artist+%3Ca+href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.DianaThater.com%22+target%3D%22_blank%22%3EDiana+Thater%3C%2Fa%3E+%28MFA+90+Fine+Art%29+has+pioneered+the+use+of+film%2C+video%2C+light%2C+and+sound%2C+continually+challenging+the+boundaries+of+time-based+media+and+installation+art.+Her+work+explores+the+relationship+between+the+natural+and+man-made+worlds+while+critically+examining+the+structures+of+mediated+reality.+Drawing+on+a+wide+variety+of+sources%2C+including+literature%2C+animal+behavior+sciences%2C+mathematics%2C+chess%2C+and+sociology%2C+her+evocative+works+directly+engage+their+surroundings%2C+producing+an+intricate+relationship+between+time+and+space.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3EBorn+in+San+Francisco%2C+Thater+studied+Art+History+at+New+York+University%2C+before+receiving+her+MFA+from+the+Art+Center+College+of+Design+in+Pasadena%2C+California.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3ESince+1992%2C+Thater+has+had+92+solo+exhibitions+and+has+been+included+in+over+200+group+exhibitions.+In+June+2024%2C+a+solo+exhibition+of+Thater%E2%80%99s+work%2C+%3Cem%3EPractical+Effects%3C%2Fem%3E%2C+opened+at+LUMA+Arles%2C+France%2C+where+it+was+on+view+through+May+2025.+In+2018%2C+a+solo+presentation+of+the+artist%E2%80%99s+work+was+held+at+the+ICA+Watershed%2C+Boston.+The+artist%E2%80%99s+solo+show+%3Cem%3EA+Runaway+World%3C%2Fem%3E+was+first+exhibited+at+The+Mistake+Room%2C+Los+Angeles%2C+in+2017%2C+and+later+traveled+to+the+Borusan+Contemporary%2C+Istanbul%2C+and+the+Guggenheim+Bilbao%2C+Spain.+In+2015%2C+a+comprehensive+mid-career+survey+of+her+work%2C+%3Cem%3EThe+Sympathetic+Imagination%3C%2Fem%3E%2C+was+organized+by+the+Los+Angeles+County+Museum+of+Art+and+later+traveled+to+the+Museum+of+Contemporary+Art+Chicago.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3EAdditional+institutions+that+have+hosted+solo+exhibitions+of+Thater%E2%80%99s+work+include+the+Aspen+Art+Museum%2C+Colorado+%282015%29%3B+San+Jose+Museum+of+Art%2C+California+%282015%29%3B+Institute+of+Modern+Art%2C+Brisbane+%282011%29%3B+Santa+Monica+Museum+of+Art%2C+California+%282010%29%3B+Kunsthaus+Graz%2C+Austria+%282009%29%3B+Natural+History+Museum%2C+London+%282009%29%3B+Kunsthalle+Bremen%2C+Germany+%282004%29%3B+Museum+f%C3%BCr+Gegenwartskunst+Siegen%2C+Germany+%282004%29%3B+Dia+Center+for+the+Arts%2C+New+York+%282001%29%3B+and+Secession%2C+Vienna+%282000%29.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3EIn+July+of+2025%2C+Thater+was+awarded+a+Milestone+Grant+from+the+%3Ca+href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.trellisartfund.org%2Fprogram%22+target%3D%22_blank%22%3ETrellis+Art+Fund%3C%2Fa%3E.+In+2018%2C+the+artist+was+received+an+Art+%2B+Technology+Lab+Grant+from+the+Los+Angeles+County+Museum+of+Art.+Other+notable+awards+and+fellowships+include+a+California+Community+Foundation+Fellowship+for+Visual+Artists+%282014%29%2C+as+well+as+an+award+for+artistic+innovation+from+the+Center+for+Cultural+Innovation%2C+Los+Angeles+%282011%29%2C+the+James+D.+Phelan+Award+in+Film+and+Video+%282006%29%2C+a+John+Simon+Guggenheim+Memorial+Foundation+Fellowship+%282005%29%2C+and+a+National+Endowment+for+the+Arts+Fellowship+%281993%29.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3EA+prolific+writer%2C+educator%2C+and+curator%2C+Thater+lives+and+works+in+Los+Angeles.+She+is+currently+the+Chair+of+the+Art+Department+at+ArtCenter+College+of+Design%2C+an+institution+at+which+she+has+taught+since+1995.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3EWork+by+the+artist+is+represented+in+museum+collections+worldwide%2C+including+the+Art+Gallery+of+Ontario%2C+Toronto%3B+The+Art+Institute+of+Chicago%3B+Berkeley+Art+Museum+and+Pacific+Film+Archive%2C+University+of+California%3B+The+Broad%2C+Los+Angeles%3B+Carnegie+Museum+of+Art%2C+Pittsburgh%3B+Castello+di+Rivoli+Museo+d%E2%80%99Arte+Contemporanea%2C+Turin%3B+Centre+national+des+arts+plastiques%2C+Puteaux%2C+France%3B+CU+Art+Museum%2C+University+of+Colorado%2C+Boulder%3B+Fonds+R%C3%A9gional+d%E2%80%99Art+Contemporain+%28FRAC%29+Rh%C3%B4ne-Alpes%2C+Institut+d%E2%80%99art+contemporain%2C+Villeurbanne%2C+France%3B+Friedrich+Christian+Flick+Collection%2C+Hamburger+Bahnhof+-+Museum+f%C3%BCr+Gegenwart%2C+Berlin%3B+Hirshhorn+Museum+and+Sculpture+Garden%2C+Washington%2C+DC%3B+Kunsthalle+Bremen%2C+Germany%3B+Kunsthaus+Z%C3%BCrich%2C+Switzerland%3B+Los+Angeles+County+Museum+of+Art%3B+Montreal+Museum+of+Fine+Arts%3B+Mus%C3%A9e+d%E2%80%99Art+Moderne+et+Contemporain+de+Strasbourg%2C+France%3B+Museum+Ludwig%2C+Cologne%3B+The+Museum+of+Contemporary+Art%2C+Los+Angeles%3B+Museum+of+Contemporary+Art+San+Diego%2C+California%3B+Museum+f%C3%BCr+Gegenwartskunst+Siegen%2C+Germany%3B+National+Gallery+of+Canada%2C+Ottawa%3B+Orange+County+Museum+of+Art%2C+Newport+Beach%2C+California%3B+Pinault+Collection%2C+Paris%3B+Portland+Art+Museum%2C+Oregon%3B+Sammlung+Falckenberg%2C+Deichtorhallen+Hamburg%3B+Santa+Barbara+Museum+of+Art%2C+California%3B+San+Jose+Museum+of+Art%2C+San+Jose%2C+California%3B+Solomon+R.+Guggenheim+Museum%2C+New+York%3B+Stedelijk+Museum%2C+Amsterdam%3B+Mus%C3%A9e+d%E2%80%99art+moderne+et+contemporain%2C+Strasbourg%2C+France%3B+The+Museum+of+Modern+Art%2C+New+York%3B+Thyssen-Bornemisza+Art+Contemporary%2C+Vienna%3B+Vancouver+Art+Gallery%3B+Walker+Art+Center%2C+Minneapolis%2C+Minnesota%3B+and+the+Whitney+Museum+of+American+Art%2C+New+York.%3C%2Fp%3E
Lifetime Achievement Award, 2024

Diana Thater
Outstanding Service Award, 2023

Robert Matsumoto
%3Cp%3ENidhi+Singh+Rathore+%28MFA+19+Media+Design+Practices%29+is+a+South+Asian+designer%2C+researcher%2C+and+educator+who+explores+the+application+of+design+methodologies+to+civic+engagement+and+social+innovation.+She+is+an+Assistant+Professor+of+Design+at+the+Corcoran+School+of+the+Arts+%26+Design+at+George+Washington+University%2C+where+she+centers+equity+and+ethics+in+design+practice.+Also+serving+as+one+of+the+GW+Public+Interest+Technology+Scholars%2C+Rathore+is+currently+asking%3A+How+might+we+go+beyond+theoretical+critiques+and+provide+evidence-based+insights+into+whether+AI+is+fulfilling+its+promise+of+democratizing+opportunity+or+reproducing+colonial+patterns+of+technological+dependency%3F%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3EWith+a+value-centered+approach%2C+her+work+deconstructs+nebulous+concepts%2C+brings+people+together%2C+and+breaks+down+intricate+challenges+to+create+better+and+more+equitable+interventions.+Her+unique+blend+of+creative+expertise%2C+analytical+rigor%2C+and+social+consciousness+positions+her+as+a+leading+voice+in+the+realm+of+civic+design+and+social+impact.+Rathore+also+writes%2C+publishes%2C+and+forwards+the+discussion+on+design%27s+relationship+with+power+hoarding+to+critique+design+practice+through+a+lens+of+race%2C+gender%2C+and+privilege.+This+understanding+comes+from+her+lived+experience+as+a+public+servant%2C+where+she+developed+an+understanding+of+the+ways+marginalization+and+inequity+stand+in+the+way+of+civic+participation+and+the+role+design+can+play+in+activating+democracy.%3C%2Fp%3E+%3Cp%3ERathore+holds+a+Postgraduate+certificate+in+Aesthetics%2C+Criticism%2C+%26+Theory%2C+Jnanapravaha%2C+Mumbai%3B+a+Masters+of+Fine+Arts+from+Art+Center+College+of+Design%3B+and+a+Graduate+Diploma+from+National+Institute+of+Design%2C+Ahmedabad.+%3C%2Fp%3E
Young Innovator Award, 2023

Nidhi Singh Rathore
%3Cp%3ERafael+L%C3%B3pez+%28BFA+85+Illustration%29+is+an+award-winning+illustrator+and+muralist+whose+work+is+rooted+in+social+justice%2C+and+community+empowerment.+Born+in+Mexico+City+to+architect+parents%2C+he+draws+on+his+rich+cultural+heritage+to+create+books+that+honor+the+lives+of+all+young+people%2C+especially+those+too+often+left+out.+An+advocate+for+representation%2C+he+is+the+illustrator+of+three+%3Cem%3ENew+York+Times%3C%2Fem%3E+bestsellers%2C+three+Pura+Belpr%C3%A9+Medals%2C+the+Jane+Addams+Book+Award%2C+the+Schneider+Family+Book+Award%2C+and+the+Tom%C3%A1s+Rivera+Book+Award.++Rafael%E2%80%99s+art+doesn%E2%80%99t+just+live+in+books%2C+it+lives+on+walls+and+in+communities.+He+created+two+official+Artists+for+Obama+posters+in+2008+and+2012%2C+using+art+to+mobilize+the+pivotal+Latino+vote.+As+a+founder+of+the+Urban+Art+Trail+he+works+with+communities+around+the+nation+transforming+city+streets+with+murals+that+uplift+and+unite.+As+the+first+guest+artist+of+the+Smithsonian+National+Postal+Museum+in+2022+he+continues+to+redefine+the+role+of+the+artist+as+activist.+That+same+year+he+created+57+portraits+documenting+Latino+heritage+and+culture+in+the+U.S.+for+the+Smithsonian+National+Museum+of+the+American+Latino.+Rafael+splits+his+time+between+a+downtown+San+Diego+loft+and+his+studio+in+the+historic+town+of+San+Miguel+de+Allende%2C+Mexico.%3C%2Fp%3E
Distinguished Mid-Career Award, 2023

Rafael López
Lifetime Achievement Award, 2023

Matthew Rolston

Stay Connected

Make sure we have your current contact information to stay in the loop.

Update Your Information


Questions?

Reach out to our Alumni Office for assistance with registration, sponsorships, or general inquiries.

Email: alumni@artcenter.edu

Ready to Join the Celebration?
Reconnect with classmates, explore campus innovations, and celebrate the ArtCenter community.

Register Now