LIM College Celebrates Class of 2025 at Prestigious Lincoln Center Commencement

LIM College's 2025 Commencement: A Day of Celebration

On May 9, 2025, LIM College proudly hosted its 86th annual Commencement ceremony at the prestigious David Geffen Hall in Lincoln Center, New York City. This remarkable event was graced by the presence of nearly 500 graduates who celebrated their hard-earned accomplishments, receiving master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees.

The commencement began at 9 a.m. with a captivating keynote address from Luisa Herrera-Garcia, the Chief Officer of Development and Production Sourcing at Alexander Wang, and a distinguished alumnus of LIM College's Class of 1988. Her words resonated with the audience as she emphasized the values of humility, teamwork, and empathy in their professional journeys.

"Greatness comes with a great deal of humility and hard work," Herrera-Garcia noted, encouraging graduates to lead with empathy and passion. "If you measure your success against others, you may miss your unique path. Every journey is different, and it's the dedication and perseverance that truly matter."

Her heartfelt reflections on her own career in the fashion industry highlighted the importance of resilience. She recalled her experiences, including the challenges she faced while helping to launch John Varvatos’ brand, underscoring that achieving success often requires sleepless nights and a relentless work ethic.

LIM College President Ron Marshall also addressed the graduates, stressing the concept of "grit," defined as a blend of passion and perseverance. Marshall shared inspiring stories of students overcoming diverse challenges to reach this milestone. “As first-generation college students or individuals from distant countries, many of you have made tremendous sacrifices to join LIM College. Your journey is a testament to your resolve,” he stated.

Throughout the ceremony, notable alumni were recognized for their achievements. Velissa Vaughn, a 2016 graduate, received the Shining Star Alumni Award, being the founder of JXV Collective, while Brandon Smithwrick from the Class of 2018 was honored with the Rising Star Alumni Award due to his role as Director of Content at Kickstarter.

The ceremony also remembered Dr. O'Rita Johnson, who was posthumously awarded the Adrian G. Marcuse Award for Teaching Excellence, reflecting the deep respect and fondness held by students and faculty alike for her contributions to the college.

Class representatives included Emaan Choudry from Portland, Oregon, as the undergraduate speaker and Jade Black from Montreal, Canada, presenting on behalf of the graduates pursuing advanced degrees.

LIM College, established in 1939 and located in the vibrant midtown Manhattan, is renowned for its focus on fashion and lifestyle business education. A distinctive aspect of LIM's program is its commitment to experiential learning, providing students with valuable internships and industry connections. With a notable Career Outcomes Rate of 97% for the Class of 2023, graduates are well-prepared for successful careers across various prestigious fashion and lifestyle brands such as Chanel, Gucci, and Michael Kors.

The ceremony concluded with a collective sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the future as graduates embarked on their next chapters in the fashion industry and beyond. The full commencement ceremony can be viewed on-demand at LIM College's Commencement Page.

As LIM College continues its commitment to fostering talent in the world of fashion, the Class of 2025 is now part of a legacy that inspires future generations of leaders in this vibrant industry.