Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

SUNY Korea held its Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony and the AAS Exhibition for FIT’s graduating class of 2024 Fashion Design students on June 14th.

Spring 2024 Commencement 

A total of 158 people graduated, including 81 from five departments from Stony Brook University – Computer Science, Technology & Society, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Business Management – and 77 from the Fashion Design and Fashion Business Management Departments of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).

During the commencement ceremony, Arthur H. Lee, President of SUNY Korea, sincerely congratulated the graduates. He emphasized the SUNY Korea spirit to the graduates, urging them to put into action the knowledge acquired during their university years, execute their plans, and share these efforts with those around them to contribute to making a better world.

Deborah Klesenski, FIT’s Associate Vice President for Faculty and Student Academic Support Programs, gave a congratulatory speech. She praised the students for their hard work and advised the graduates to be artists who always question their own perspectives, emphasizing that what makes an individual's life special is their story. She encouraged them to never abandon three essential elements – art, passion, and friends – in order to better endure the various chapters of life. Klesenski reminded the graduates that their efforts and perseverance can lead to significant achievements in the future.

Carl Lejuez, Chairman of SUNY Korea LLC, also attended the graduation ceremony. He stated, "There is no predetermined correct path in life; I hope you walk a journey that is meaningful to you." He expressed gratitude for the students' dedication, which has enabled SUNY Korea to become a more advanced educational institution.

AAS Exhibition

The AAS Exhibition, organized by the graduates of FIT's Fashion Design Department, featured the theme of "Thierry Mugler." All garments on display were designed and produced by the graduating class of 2024 in remembrance of Thierry Mugler's design legacy. Mark-Evan Blackman, Fashion Design Chair, praised all the students for their hard work these past two years, and said, “This event allows you to appreciate a variety of skills, including illustration and color analysis, as well as the high-quality draping, flat patterns, and advanced sewing techniques that FIT is renowned for.”
The exhibition will be open free of charge from June 14 to September 7.

To watch the Commencement Video, CLICK HERE

To watch the AAS Exhibition Video, CLICK HERE