11/11/2025
Last week, had the chance to go back to Auburn University to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD).
Lindsay: I’m so glad I made the trip as it brought back a sense of nostalgia and sparked excitement for the future of design.
Walking through Wallace Hall, where the program now thrives, brought back so many memories of my own time in Biggin Hall — the late nights, the critiques, the excitement of making ideas come to life. It was amazing to see how the spaces (and the work!) have evolved, yet still carry the same creative energy that shaped so many of us. Seeing Professors, Ray Dugas, Carlton Nell, and Ross Heck was a special treat!
The day included a tour of student work, a panel discussion reflecting on the School’s history and future, and an Alumni Design Show where I was honored to present my own work alongside so many talented alumni.
What really struck me was thinking about how much design has evolved since the program began in 1945 — from everything being done meticulously by hand, to the digital revolution of the 1990s, and now the emergence of artificial intelligence reshaping how we create in 2025. Through all of these changes, one thing remains constant: the heart of design. Auburn continues to nurture designers who think critically, solve problems creatively, and, above all, design for people.
A huge thank you to Dr. Wei Wang, Head of School, for putting together such a thoughtful and inspiring event — one that celebrated the past, embraced the present, and looked ahead to the next chapter of Auburn design.
Here’s to 80 years of creativity, innovation, and human-centered design, and to the generations of Auburn designers still to come!
