To be able to follow the progress of our students as they pursue the growth of their skills and knowledge within their chosen discipline is a source of inspiration for me. As Dean and Director, I relish the privilege of greeting each graduate as they walk across the stage full of anticipation and enthusiasm for whatever is next.

We have already seen several transdisciplinary collaborations come together that are enhancing the student experience at ASU. Dance studios welcome design students, creating a new conversation about bodies and movement within and around physical space. The School of Art and The Design School established X-Square, a design and programming competition to activate an open space between two buildings on the northwest corner of campus, the first project-based collaboration between these two schools in the history of the university. The School of Arts, Media and Engineering is engaging with students and faculty across each of the disciplines to investigate how society is informed by and adapts to digital culture.

Along with the core study of each school, we are focusing our work at the Herberger Institute around the exploration of the contemporary human condition through creative practice and research. To do this, we have identified four central themes:

• Digital culture
• Health and wholeness
• Creativity and innovation
• Our desert environment

I invite you to take a closer look at the efforts within these four areas in the 2008-2009 Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts Annual Report. This report provides a sampling of the various work produced by the many students and faculty guiding these projects. I would also like to encourage you to visit a feature produced by ASU News on the Institute’s Launch. This collection of stories outlines the institute’s establishment in greater detail and covers current projects such as X-Square that are underway across the Institute.

What remains constant in the midst of these many exciting changes is my commitment to remain connected with our alumni and the alumni board and to find new ways to involve our alumni at all levels. We need your time, talent and treasure and we want to know about your accomplishments. Your stories of success and the challenges you have faced will help us to better prepare our next generation of alumni.

As part of my commitment to remain connected to our alumni base and to help make connections between our communities, the Herberger Institute launched the Virtual Mosaic, a “virtual homecoming” where you can post your work, provide updates on your achievements, network with colleagues and search for ASU friends you may have lost touch with.

Please stay in touch with us often and check the Herberger Institute website for information about events, student and faculty stories and alumni class notes.

With appreciation,

Kwang-Wu Kim,
Dean and Director

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