Accelerate: The Campaign to Create Change

Thank You!

The Accelerate Campaign was about building capacity – space and resources – to ensure society has the art and design talent it needs to open possibilities and solve complex problems with imagination, creativity and courage.

Together, we surpassed the largest fundraising goal in the College’s history. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the 3000+ donors that made this possible.

32% growth in student population
53% growth in college footprint
Allotment of funds raised graphic: 58% capital improvements, 42% scholarships and programs
Infographic depicting grant and scholarship increases. 35% annual donor scholarship increase, 115% economic diversity grants increase, 12% general scholarship awards increase
graphic depicting 10 new programs and educational tracks



  • Graduate Graphic Design
  • Graduate Transportation Design
  • Graduate Environmental Design
  • Interaction Design
  • Entertainment Design tracks: Animation and Game Design
  • Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography
  • Illustration tracks: Motion and Surface
  • Designmatters Minor in Social Innovation

Milestones

2019

Major Gifts

  • Bruce Heavin (BFA 93) and Lynda Weinman
  • Melissa and Michael Lora
  • J. Yang & Family Foundation
  • Eric Boisvert (MS 04)/Meaningful Works
  • Jeffrey and Margo Barbakow
  • Alyce Williamson
  • Su Mathews Hale
  • Esko USA
  • Haworth, Inc.

Philanthropy

Accelerate Campaign is completed.


2018

Major Gifts

  • Bruce Heavin (BFA 93) and Lynda Weinman
  • The Estate of Jerry V. Johnson (BFA 59)
  • The Estate of Jo Torrelli Thomas
  • The Rose Hills Foundation

Philanthropy

Public phase of Accelerate campaign announced with $84MM raised.

Planning

Pasadena City Council approves the ArtCenter master plan.

Renovation

The Heavin Studio—ArtCenter’s state-of-the-art digital learning production facility—opens at South Campus.

New Alumni Center and gallery open on the 4th floor of 1111.

Ground floor of 1111 transformed with the Peter and Merle Mullin Gallery.

Leadership

Karen Hofmann (BS 97) named Provost.


2017

Major Gifts

  • Bruce Heavin (BFA 93) and Lynda Weinman
  • Lowell Milken Family Foundation
  • The Ahmanson Foundation
  • John Baldessari Family Foundation
  • The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
  • The Rose Hills Foundation
  • Huace Pictures (USA)

Philanthropy

FullCircle membership community launched.

Renovation

5th floor of 1111 becomes new home and community space for Graduate and Undergraduate Graphic Design and Advertising departments.

Graduate Environmental Design leaves the Annex for newly redesigned Hillside space.

Leadership

Lorne M. Buchman renews his contract as President and Chief Executive Officer through 2023.


2016

Major Gifts

  • Bruce Heavin (BFA 93) and Lynda Weinman
  • The Fletcher Jones Foundation
  • William Randolph Hearst Foundation
  • Honda R&D Co., Ltd.
  • Hyundai Motor America
  • Kia Motors America

Philanthropy

ArtCenter 100, founded by Alyce de Roulet Williamson, celebrates its 30th year of supporting scholarships.

Planning

Create Change 2.0 developed. New five-year plan leverages opportunities initiated by Create Change and organizes the College’s thinking around student success, educational innovation and strategic infrastructure.

Architect Michael Maltzan releases a vision of a fully actualized two-campus college. Master plan includes dorm facilities for 1,500 students.

Renovation

Hyundai & Kia Innovation Lab opens at Hillside—the first of its kind in the transportation design education field.

New 3rd floor of 1111 anchors Integrated Studies program, Humanities and Sciences and sewing lab.

Entertainment Design reinvented at Hillside Campus, testing a new “home room” concept to anchor the program’s identity and create a stronger sense of community.


2015

Major Gifts

  • Antoinette Adams (BFA 14)
  • Bruce Heavin (BFA 93) and Lynda Weinman
  • David and Mary Martin
  • Estate of Jeanne Skalsky-Carter

Renovation

Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography opens in 950 building.

Illustration Department gets expanded home on the 6th floor of 1111 building, which extends the studio/gallery design prototype from 870 building.


2014

Major Gifts

  • Sam and Emily Mann
  • The Estate of Thomas J. Dunaski (BS 57)
  • Elise Mudd Marvin Trust
  • Lowell Milken Family Foundation
  • Hutto-Patterson Charitable Foundation

Renovation

Grand opening of 870 building as the dedicated home of undergraduate Fine Art and Illustration. Provides a platform for new design concepts in learning spaces based on student and faculty needs assessment.

Purchase

1111 S. Arroyo Pkwy. building. A major commitment to grow South Campus and free up space at Hillside Campus.


2013

Major Gifts

  • Frank Lanza (BFA 57)
  • Melissa and Michael Lora
  • Peter and Merle Mullin
  • The Fletcher Jones Foundation
  • The Rose Hills Foundation

Philanthropy

Peter and Merle Mullin make the College’s largest donation to date, a $15MM gift to South Campus in support of Transportation Design.


2012

Major Gifts

  • The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation

Philanthropy

In response to alumni support, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation makes capstone gift for 870 and 888 S. Raymond Ave. purchase.

Purchase

870 and 888 S. Raymond Ave. New possibilities for South Campus begin to emerge.


2011

Major Gifts

    • Bruce Heavin (BFA 93) and Lynda Weinman
    • Phil Hettema (Illustration)
    • Richard Law (MS 58)
    • Steven (BS 74) and Ruth Rieman

Philanthropy

Quiet phase of Accelerate campaign begins.

Planning

ArtCenter community generates new five-year strategic plan, Create Change.


2009

Lorne M. Buchman becomes President. “Where Are We Going?” strategy and vision planning begins.