To the Class of 2026
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To the Class of 2026 //
Pretty cool projects and love seeing where technology and design overlap as they are, for the most part, not mutually exclusive. Bringing your passion for design and a heightened ability to do technical work is a real strength in professional settings, especially in an innovation space. Good luck as you approach your graduation!
Nick Savidge, Wabtec
The work was outstanding—the storytelling and empathy presented towards people was so great to see from this group.
Robert Zolna, University of Illinois Chicago
Each year, even more inspiring projects come to life…
I truly admire the creativity and dedication behind them, and I wholeheartedly congratulate everyone involved.
Renda Helin Çilalioğlu Çizer, Renda Helin Design Studio
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
Latrina Lee, University of Illinois Chicago
As a graphic design professional that focuses on addressing customer friction points, I’m very impressed by each of the project’s analysis and research centered around a core problem that will lead to meaningful outcomes for users on the other end. I also feel like all solutions have commercial viability, revealed through the thoughtful and carefully crafted prototypes, renderings, and end products. It’s clear you all are ready for the next stage of your design journey!
Jason Ackley, University of Illinois Chicago
Follow your passion and be confident to take the plunge.
Oliver Roeger, University of Illinois Chicago
Huge congrats to such a special cohort! I will remember your class always <3
Sharon Oiga, University of Illinois Chicago
Congratulations on your graduation! As the first CS+DES cohort, you hold a special place in our hearts. We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and deeply inspired by all that we’ve learned from you along the way, and excited to see your continued success.
You’ve learned to think across disciplines, to imagine boldly and embrace complexity, to create, and to push scientific and creative boundaries while collaborating side by side. Trust your voice, support one another, and build the future you want to create.
We already miss you, and you will always remain part of us—our first cohort, forever connected to the beginnings of this journey. Thank you for all your hard work and curiosity. Spread your wings and keep reaching. Onward!
Daria Tsoupikova, University of Illinois Chicago
Congrats class of 2026! Best wishes for the future!
Jess Giffin, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
An impressive assembly of work—thoughtful, relevant thematically to our times, and courageous experimentation that expanded the boundaries of graphic design. Stay with it!
Michael Carabetta, Chronicle Books, Emerirtus
You are all so talented, don’t compare yourself to anyone.
Linda Bracamontes-Roeger, University of Illinois Chicago
Congratulations to a truly outstanding class. From your Foundation Year to now, I’m so proud of all you have achieved. Please keep creating, keep questioning, and keep fighting. Thank you for your hard work and dedication – even when the task seemed impossible, you all kept pushing to achieve beyond what I expected. I’m so sad to see this cohort leave, yet so excited to see what you’ll all do next, because I know it will be incredible.
Grace Spee, University of Illinois Chicago
I always really enjoy seeing the students’ work and this year was no exception. There are always a diverse range of projects and it is interesting to see how many students showed interest in ideas surrounding disconnecting from a behavioral addiction to phones. However, what I found most impressive this year was identifying a few projects I think have some real commercial viability. It’s a testament to having a real strong process, and perspectives into problems and opportunities in the world. While the job market is tough, it comes in waves, so continue to refine your skills and the narratives around your projects which will give you the greatest chance for early opportunities in your career. Good luck and congratulations!
Nick Savidge, Wabtec
It’s wonderful to see the range of deeply thoughtful and skillfully crafted work. It also warms my heart and brings a smile to my face when I see well set, painstakingly refined typography :) Good luck to you all on the next stage of your design journey. Your future is bright!
Jason Ackley, University of Illinois Chicago
Congrats! Great work!
Guy Villa Jr, Columbia College Chicago