At the end of April, over 400 students walked across the stage in Kingsbury Hall as family, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate their success. Graduates from the School of Architecture, Division of Games, Division of Multi-Disciplinary Design, and the City and Metropolitan Planning Department attended separate undergraduate and graduate ceremonies to accommodate the growing student population within CAP and maximize capacity for friends and family. Between ceremonies, the celebration continued on the lawn of President’s Circle, with photos, a food truck, and CAP swag for our newest members of the alumni community.
The undergraduate ceremony featured four student speakers representing each of the college’s academic units: Mads Ward (CMP), Baylie McKinney (Arch), Xuan Huang (Design), and Leah Breyer (Games). The students shared meaningful memories and highlights from their experience.
The graduate ceremony included a keynote address delivered by Laura Warner (BFA ’10, MFA ’12). Warner is a proud “C1” – a member of the Division of Games’ first Master’s cohort. Her career includes work as a Lead Game Designer on Pokémon GO, and she currently serves as Creative Director at Entangled Publishing. Warner’s remarks emphasized the value of exploring new paths while celebrating the mentorship and support of faculty and staff.
Alongside the students, three faculty and three staff members were recognized for their outstanding work, both within the College and across the University, during the 2025/26 academic year. CAP award recipients were selected for their exemplary achievements and service that reflected the highest standards of excellence over the past year.
2026 CAP Award Recipients
Performance Award: For their dedication, reliability, and professionalism, exceeding expectations and playing a vital role in supporting the success of the college community.
Recipient: Hannah Logan – Administrative Assistant, Games
Innovation Award: For their creativity, initiative, and forward-thinking problem-solving, leading to improved operations and a transformative process or system.
Recipient: Yasmine Jarvis – Administrative Assistant, Dean’s Office
Service Award: For their service and leadership, having a meaningful impact at the university, and the broader community.
Recipient: Ellis Valdez – Systems Administrator
Service Award: For their service and leadership which has strengthened the university, advanced the profession, and enriched a community.
Recipient: Corrinne Lewis – Associate Professor (Lecturer), Assistant Chair, Games
Teaching Award: For their excellence and innovation in teaching, exceptional mentorship, and deep commitment to student success.
Recipient: C. Aujean Lee – Assistant Professor, CMP
Dean’s Special Achievement Award: For their exemplary achievements and service reflecting the highest standards of excellence and lasting impact at the university.
Recipient: Valerie Greer – Assistant Professor & Director of Graduate Studies, Arch
Erin Carraher Receives University Distinguished Teaching Award
The college also congratulated School of Architecture Associate Professor Erin Carraher on receiving the University Distinguished Teaching Award for the 2025–2026 academic year. This honor recognizes her consistent innovative and effective instructional methods, and deep commitment to student learning, mentorship, and career preparation. Since joining the faculty in 2018, Professor Carraher has also played a key role in developing the Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies (BAAS) program and supporting a successful transition for many architecture graduates. Her contributions reflect the strength of the faculty and the School of Architecture’s culture of educational excellence.