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2026 Graduation Remarks & Annual Showcase

May 15, 2026
6:00-9:00pm CST
Institute of Design (ID) at Illinois Tech
3137 South Federal Street
Chicago, IL 60616
Speaker at the lectern facing upward to full audience in the Pitch at the Institute of Design

ID’s Graduation Remarks & Annual Showcase highlights the work from the 2025–26 academic year and recognizes this year’s graduates.

Beginning with remarks from ID alumni and student speaker Faysal Biobaku (MDes 2026) and ID alum Brianna Sylver (MDes 2003), the 2026 Graduation Remarks & Annual Showcase also launches our exhibition of recent student work (previously End of Year Show). Virtual tickets are available for the Graduation Remarks; the Graduate Show & Annual Showcase will not be streamed.

Commencement is a separate ceremony on Saturday, May 16.

Join us in celebrating our ID students as they step confidently into the future—driven by intention, and prepared to spark innovation, foster growth, and create meaningful change.

Program

ID’s 2026 Graduation Remarks & Annual Showcase is part reflection, part exhibition, and part reception:

6pm: Graduation Remarks

  • Shari Jones, Director of Student Success, ID
  • Anijo Mathew, Dean, ID
  • Student Speaker Faysal Biobaku (MDes 2026)
  • Alumni Speaker Brianna Sylver (MDes 2003)

7:30pm: Graduate Show, Annual Showcase & Reception

  • Introduction from ID faculty Tomoko Ichikawa and Marty Thaler
  • Self-Led Tours
  • Celebrate the work that all ID students have achieved over the 2025–26 academic year!

Tickets

Portions of this event will be available both in-person and online as listed below. Note our different ticket types:

In-Person: Graduation Remarks + Showcase + Reception (6p CST)
Virtual: Graduation Remarks (6p CST)