2015 Academic Awards

Elizabeth Jeane “Izzy” Savage, an Architecture/Landscape/Interiors major, has been named Valedictorian of the Class of 2015. This award is bestowed annually on the member of the senior class whose work presents the pinnacle of academic excellence. This graduate wears a special medallion at the Commencement ceremony. Izzy was chosen for her consistently stellar academic performance throughout her Otis career and the exceptional quality of her work, which has focused on designing environments that promote vibrant social and cultural interactions.

 

Izzy grew up in Santa Barbara, where as a child she helped her father build a playhouse and remodel the family home. Once in A/L/I she quickly distinguished herself both with her ability to form close bonds with peers and colleagues, and with her capacity to stay highly focused, engaged and ambitious. Izzy won the A/L/I program’s Studio 1, 2, and 4 Excellence in Design Awards, and exhibited two of her projects in the program. She has also completed two successful internships at local firms: John Friedman-Alice Kim Architects and Bricolage Design.

Last year, Izzy won the prestigious Angelo Donghia Foundation Senior Scholarship. Her project Illuminated Tapestry documented her proposed renovation of the Santa Fe Building in downtown Los Angeles into live/work apartments meant to stimulate a socially interactive and vibrant culture, uniting the building’s inhabitants with the general public. Among her future goals is a desire to teach  ̶  to help future students become inspired in their craft just as her professors have inspired her.  A dedicated student, generous colleague, and remarkable talent, Izzy truly embodies the aspirations of the College. Samples of her work may be seen at izzysavage.com

The Academic Excellence Award is the highest honor given to graduating students in a major program. Selections are made by program leaders and faculty, and affirmed by the College’s academic awards committee. Criteria include a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher (for undergraduates), quality of work, personal character, and contributions to Otis and the larger community. These students wear a special purple cord at the Commencement ceremony. The 2015 Academic Excellence Award recipients are:
 



Sheri Chillingworth, Fine Arts with an emphasis in Painting
Ju Yun (Jessica) Choi, Fashion Design


Gabriela (Gaby) Gorostieta, Digital Media

Emi Ichikawa, Product Design

Maxfield Miles, Fine Arts with an emphasis in Sculpture/New Genres

Avalon Murray, Communication Arts with an emphasis in Illustration

Eric Nishioka, Communication Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design
SuJung (Esther) Oldenkamp, Toy Design
Alexandria (Lexi) Rodriguez, Communication Arts with an emphasis in Advertising Design
Elizabeth (Izzy) Savage, Architecture/Landscape/Interiors
 


Graduate

Daniel Chang, MFA Graphic Design
Sean Pessin, MFA Writing

Yasmin Than, MFA Fine Arts
Carol Zou, MFA Public Practice
 

 


Many major programs honor graduating students for distinctions in studio work. Among students so honored in 2015 are:


Fashion Design Student of the Year

Ju Yun (Jessica) Choi
 


Architecture/Landscape/Interiors Awards for Excellence in Design

Adam Harris, Studio 1, Fall 2014
Yoon Hwang, Studio 1, Spring 2015
Ryan English, Studio 2, Summer 2014
Maegan Iamjan, Studio 2, Spring 2015
Ryan English, Studio 3A, Fall 2014
Raymond Tran, Studio 3B, Fall 2014
Kelvin Tseng, Studio 4A, Spring 2015
Paulina Benavides, Studio 4B, Spring 2015
Suna Jaen, Studio 5, Fall 2014
Merve Onur, Studio 6, Spring 2015


Fine Arts – Senior Exhibition Jurors Awards

Chelsea McCarthy
Nicholas Ramsey
John Hourihan

 

Students whose cumulative grade point average is 3.5 or higher earn a place on the Dean's List. 

---