profile / alumni / students / illustration / student-leadership-awards
April 15, 2025
By Solvej Schou
Work images courtesy of Alan Smith-Daigle

Student Leadership Award winner Alan Smith-Daigle cultivated community

Described by other students as supportive and enthusiastic, Illustration student and Spring 2025 Student Leadership Award winner Alan Smith-Daigle cultivated a community of belonging as a student leader who inspired his peers to think creatively, ask questions and be themselves.  

“I lead by helping other people find their voices,” says Smith-Daigle, in a personal statement for the award.

Each ArtCenter Graduation, the College has the honor of presenting the Student Leadership Award to a graduating student, fulfilling ArtCenter's vision of educating artists and designers who are not only leaders within their professional fields, but leaders in their communities.  

Based on recommendations from faculty, staff and students, this award recognizes a student who has provided leadership through participation in ArtCenter’s campus life, community outreach, student organizations and department initiatives.  

As an Orientation Leader, Teaching Assistant and president of the LGBTQ+ student club OutCenter, Smith-Daigle created safe, fun and welcoming spaces for all. OutCenter’s popular Drag and Draw events, during which a drag queen poses for figure drawing, demonstrated the impact of queer joy, he says.  

In 2024, Alan Smith-Daigle presented on the AICAD panel “Limber Learners: Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders” about fostering connection.  

“My skills lie in helping others in their pursuit of joy, discovery and self-expression,” says Smith-Daigle, a creature designer. “I’ve spent four years learning alongside other passionate artists, building confidence, testing limits, and getting ready to fly.”