Patrick Whitney Dean Endowed Chair Celebration

Join us to celebrate Patrick Whitney’s legacy at ID and the announcement of the Patrick Whitney Dean Endowed Chair (supported by Godrej).

The Institute of Design (ID) cordially invites you to a special celebration honoring the establishment of the Patrick Whitney Dean Endowed Chair, generously supported by Godrej. This event is free and open to the public, and will cap off a day-long alumni-only event: Signals.

Attendees can expect the following:

• Remarks from Anijo Mathew and other distinguished guests
• A preview of a forthcoming documentary about Patrick Whitney
• A reception with alumni and people who influenced Patrick Whitney in his term as dean

This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in ID’s history as we recognize Patrick Whitney’s extraordinary contributions to the Institute of Design and the field of design. The endowed chair ensures that Patrick’s visionary approach to design thinking and education will continue to shape future generations of designers and innovators.

About Patrick Whitney
Steelcase Endowed Chair and Dean Emeritus Patrick Whitney served as Dean of the Institute of Design for over three decades, establishing ID as a global leader in design education and research. His pioneering work in human-centered design and strategic design has influenced generations of students and countless professionals and organizations worldwide. This endowed chair, made possible through the generous support of Godrej, honors Patrick’s legacy while ensuring his vision continues to inspire and guide ID’s future.

About Godrej
Godrej Enterprises Group is a leading Indian conglomerate headquartered in Mumbai, India, founded in 1897. The group operates globally across more than 60 countries, with diverse businesses spanning aerospace, defense, energy, security solutions, consumer durables, real estate, and information technology, primarily through its flagship company Godrej & Boyce. Jamshyd Godrej, the Chairperson and Managing Director of GEG, is an Illinois Tech alum and a member of the university Board of Trustees and the Institute of Design Board of Advisors. Navroze Godrej, a Non-Executive Director of GEG, is an Institute of Design alum, and a member of the Institute of Design Board of Advisors. Learn more about Godrej Enterprises group at godrejenterprises.com.