Nearly every current student and graduate passing through Art Center’s doors has encountered the mentorship and teaching of Stan Kong. While that may be a slight exaggeration, Stan (his chosen moniker over ‘Mr. Kong’) has been responsible for shepherding more students to Art Center than any other. He is a living embodiment of Art Center as both an alumnus (BS 83 Product) and long-time faculty member. Wednesday night over 150 alumni, parents and children of former students, current students, friends and past and present colleagues came together with raised glasses and warm embraces to celebrate Stan’s lasting impact on the institution. The reception included attendees both young and old, as well as legendary (Syd Mead, BS 59 Transportation) and influential (Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard). The student dining room filled with laughter, shouts of, ‘I love you Stan,’ and even a few tear-filled moments. Speeches were given, which included an announcement from Provost Fred Fehlau (MFA 88 Art) awarding Stan the well deserved title of Adjunct Professor.
Tag Archives: Kristine Bowne
With Love from Vevey
Guest post by Alumni Relations Director Kristine Bowne
Art Center Europe opened in 1986 with 39 students from 13 countries. During the 10 years of its operation, more than 500 students graduated from the European campus. Art Center returned to Europe for a reunion of alumni, faculty and staff of that campus June 3 and 4 in Vevey, Switzerland. The reunion was hosted by Art Center and Nestlé, and organized by Alumni Relations and former ACE staff member and consultant Claire Halmos. It was an amazing weekend for everyone involved.
Friday, June 3
Friday night we welcomed more than 250 ACE alumni, former faculty and staff at Café Vè in Vevey. The event was packed with friends and alumni from 18 different countries—many of whom hadn’t seen each other in 20 years!
Saturday, June 4
The next day at noon we met at the field adjacent to former Art Center Europe campus, La Tour de Peliz. Some 200 alumni, former faculty and friends shared ACE memories, lots of laughs and champagne provided by former Art Center Europe Trustee Heinrich Baumann Sterner. Later that afternoon we walked through the field to assemble in the CESSEV auditorium, the former location of ACE graduation ceremonies. There Art Center President Lorne Buchman shared the College’s new strategic plan, which outlines the school’s future over the next five years.