A Foundation Day is more than just an anniversary on a calendar. For Ellen College of Design, it serves as a vital touchstone—a day to pause, reflect on our origins, and realign with our vision for the future. Our recent celebration was a perfect blend of professional reflection and collective joy, marking another year of growth, innovation, and community.
Why Do We Celebrate Foundation Day?
While it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of classes and projects, observing a Foundation Day is essential for several logical reasons:
- Honoring the Vision: Every institution begins with a single idea. Celebrating this day allows us to honor the founders' original vision while seeing how far that idea has expanded.
- Measuring Growth: It provides a yearly benchmark. By looking back at where we were twelve months ago, we can tangibly measure the progress of our students, the expansion of our facilities, and the success of our alumni.
- Strengthening Community: In a professional environment, "culture" is the invisible thread that holds everyone together. Sharing a day of happiness outside the classroom builds the trust and camaraderie necessary for a collaborative campus.
Highlights of the Celebration: Work, Play, and Everything In Between
The day was structured to balance the "work" we’ve accomplished with the "happiness" that fuels it.
1. A Year of Achievement & Awards
We began by acknowledging the collective milestones of the past year. To mark this, we held an Awards Ceremony recognizing excellence across various categories. These awards didn't just celebrate final results, but also honored:
- Consistency & Dedication: For those who showed unwavering commitment to their craft.
- Innovation & Problem Solving: For students who pushed the boundaries of conventional design.
- The "Spirit of Ellen" Award: Given to those who contributed most to the positive campus culture.
2. Recharging Through Recreation
A creative mind needs rest and play to stay sharp. The afternoon transition into games and activities wasn't just for fun—it was a strategic "mental reset."
- Team Games: These fostered healthy competition and broke down the silos between different departments.
- Dance & Music: These performances allowed students to showcase their multifaceted personalities, proving that inspiration comes from all forms of art.
3. The Happiness Quotient
At Ellen, we believe that professional excellence is unsustainable without personal happiness. The laughter shared over meals and the energy on the dance floor were evidence of a healthy, vibrant campus culture.
A Message from the Director
"Foundation Day is a reminder that a college is not made only of bricks and mortar, but of the people and the passion within it. As we celebrate another year of excellence, our focus remains on nurturing not just skilled professionals, but well-rounded individuals who are ready to lead with empathy and innovation. This year of happiness and hard work is just the beginning of many more milestones to come."
Looking Ahead
As the decorations are packed away and we return to our studios, we carry with us a renewed sense of purpose. Foundation Day reminded us that we are part of something larger than ourselves. We aren't just a college; we are a legacy in the making.
Thank you to every student, faculty member, and staff person who contributed to making this year—and this day—unforgettable.