intro
By Amy Karagiannakis
Internationally renowned architect and College of Fine and Applied Arts alumna Jeanne Gang (BSAS ’86) delivered an inspiring commencement address to over 7,000 graduates at the University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium on May 11, 2024. Addressing the challenges faced by the class of 2024, Gang’s speech resonated deeply, reflecting her own journey and philosophy in architecture and beyond.
Gang began by acknowledging the unique struggles our 2024 graduates faced, especially those who started their academic journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. She recognized the resilience and adaptability they demonstrated in the face of unprecedented social isolation and global upheaval. “Undergrads, you dealt with the worst of a pandemic in your very first year… Nevertheless, you found ways to build relationships and grow your knowledge even in such an uncertain time,” she said.
two
Drawing from her experience in architecture, Gang emphasized the importance of passion and alignment between one’s work and personal interests. She highlighted the dedication of architecture students, who are known for their tireless work ethic. “Anyone who knows Architecture majors, knows that the lights at the Architecture Building are always on… We are working in studio, creating projects, and envisioning future cities,” she shared, underscoring the idea that true engagement with one’s work makes the effort feel less like labor and more like a fulfilling pursuit.
A key theme of Gang’s speech was the power of imagination. She cited the influential thinker bell hooks, stating, “Imagination is essential to my job as an architect… It is about seeing a possible future that doesn’t yet exist.” Gang encouraged graduates to harness their imagination to envision and create a better world. She referred to this concept as “actionable idealism” which combines visionary thinking with practical steps to effect change. “We have to imagine the future we want before we can make it a reality,” she asserted, highlighting the role of empathy and understanding in this process.
Gang’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility was evident throughout her address. She spoke about the need to imagine and strive for sustainable futures and social change. “[Imagination] is about taking the time to visualize something that you want to see in the world… and through this visualization, you have taken the first steps to actually making it happen,” she said. This vision aligns with her professional work, where she integrates environmental sustainability and community connection into her architectural designs.
The architect’s speech concluded with a powerful reminder of the graduates’ potential to impact the world positively.
three
Jeanne Gang’s commencement address was not only a celebration of the graduates’ achievements but also a call to action. She urged them to embrace their creativity, pursue their passions, and contribute to building a more equitable and sustainable world. Her words were a fitting tribute to the resilience and potential of the class of 2024, inspiring them to envision and realize their own futures with courage and imagination.
Jeanne Gang was awarded with an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts before giving her commencement address to graduates and their families. The following day, on May 12, she received the Illinois Medal in Architecture from the School of Architecture. This medal is awarded to distinguished alumni of the School of Architecture to recognize a lifetime of professional dedication and excellence in the practice of architecture.
In addition to being the founding partner of Studio Gang and her many architectural achievements, Gang is a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and a recipient of numerous accolades, including a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship and TIME magazine’s recognition as one of the most influential people in the world.