Memphis College of Art (MCA)

MCA 2010
Commencement
and Awards

Memphis Collge of Art (MCA)
1930 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
901.272.5100 / 800.727.1088

www.mca.edu

 
MCA congratulates its newest alumni, the Graduating Class of 2010.
President Jeffrey Nesin presented the Memphis College of Art Graduating Class of 2010 Saturday, May 15 on the lawn at the Levitt Shell. The ceremony celebrated the conferral of 43 Bachelor of Fine Arts, 4 Master of Fine Arts, 4 Master of Arts in Art Education and 7 Master of Arts in Teaching degrees. Dr. Catherine Wilson, Associate Professor and Director of Art Education delivered the Faculty Welcome, Mark Waguespack (BFA '10, Printmaking) of Covington, Louisiana delivered the Student Address.

2010 Commencement Address

Beverly Robertson, President of the National Civil Rights Museum, delivered the Commencement Address.

Honorary Degree

Peter Formanek, a long-time supporter of MCA and former Trustee, was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree in recognition of his outstanding legacy of leadership to the College and community.  

Presidential Purchase Prize

Each graduation, MCA recognizes the outstanding artwork by a Master of Fine Arts graduating student. The artwork chosen by the president then becomes part of the Memphis College of Art permanent collection. This year's recipient of the Presidential Purchase Prize was Elizabeth Noel Pontvik of Star, Mississippi (MFA '10, Studio Arts).


Elizabeth Pontvik, Roar, collage and paint on wood

Fellowship Awards

Mark Ryan Steed (BFA '10, Photography) of Jonesboro, Arkansas was honored with the William Roberson Alumni Traveling Fellowship for travel to the Sudan, as well as the Dolph and Jessie Smith Emeritus Fellowship, the highest honor the faculty can bestow upon a student.

The ceremony marked the 19th and final Commencement for President Nesin. Professor Tom Lee presented President Nesin with a ceremonial mace. MCA Board Chairman Gary Backaus (MFA, '86) honored the President with these remarks: "To Jeff, along with the students, alumni, faculty, staff, administration, the Board of Trustees, friends and supporters of the College and the entire City of Memphis, I would like to say thank you for your friendship, your service, your leadership and your undying respect for the history of the College, as indeed now you become an enormous and special part of that history."

For his years of service to the College, Backaus, on behalf of MCA's Board of Trustees, bestowed upon Jeffrey D. Nesin the title of President Emeritus.

Click here for more MCA 2010 Commencement photos on Flickr.

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