Congratulations to the College of Creative Studies (CCS) Class of 2025
A ceremony defined by reflection, passion, and a forward looking spirit
The College of Creative Studies (CCS) at UC Santa Barbara celebrated the Class of 2025 on Sunday, June 8, at Campbell Hall. The event honored 86 graduates representing all nine CCS majors: Art, Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computing, Marine Science, Mathematics, Music Composition, Physics, Writing & Literature. The ceremony featured remarks from Chancellor Henry T. Yang including a special award presentation, Dean Timothy Sherwood, and student speakers Amanda Harris ‘25 (CCS Art) and Derek Uy ‘25 (CCS Writing & Literature).
CCS alumna Dr. Angela Belcher ’91 (CCS Creative Studies), ’97 (UCSB Ph.D., Chemistry), renowned innovator and James Mason Crafts Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, delivered this year’s alumni commencement address in what she warmly described as a “commencement conversation.” During the ceremony, Dr. Belcher received the Santa Barbara Medal, the campus’s highest honor, from Chancellor Henry T. Yang in recognition of her pioneering research and far-reaching impact. The award was created to “honor and celebrate the gift of wisdom and the service to the advancement of intellectual communities.”
On receiving the recognition, Belcher said, "I have to say that this is the biggest honor for me. I love this place so much. It's everything to me." A 2024 National Medal of Science recipient, Dr. Belcher is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work in nanotechnology and bioengineering, including advances in sustainable energy and cancer detection.
In his opening remarks, Chancellor Yang applauded the graduating class for their perseverance, innovation and contributions to the campus community. Dean Sherwood emphasized the distinct spirit of CCS, commending students for their collaboration, creativity and impact. “You remind us that the spirit of this university—collaboration, innovation, excellence, kindness and creativity—lives in the creative work we do and the connections we make with one another,” Sherwood said.
“You remind us that the spirit of this university—collaboration, innovation, excellence, kindness and creativity—lives in the creative work we do and the connections we make with one another,”
—CCS Dean Timothy Sherwood
This year’s Sara Sterphone Student Service Award was presented to Meiya Sidney 陳美亞 ’25 (CCS Art), recognized for her leadership, mentorship and culturally inclusive creative practice. The award honors the legacy of Sara Sterphone, a beloved CCS academic advisor who served from 2013 to 2019 and whose love for community and impact continues to shape the College’s culture.
“Meiya has consistently gone above and beyond in her service to the CCS community, bringing together creativity, empathy, and dedication in everything she does,” said Dean Sherwood. “Her artistic practice fosters connection and reflection, offering spaces that promote healing and inclusion.”
In his address, Sherwood highlighted the many accomplishments of the graduating class, including dozens of original works, exhibitions, publications, conference presentations, internships and research fellowships. Many graduates will continue their studies at institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Oxford and UC Santa Barbara.
Student speakers Amanda Harris ‘25 (CCS Art) and Derek H. Uy ‘25 (CCS Writing & Literature) reflected on personal growth, identity and the power of community. Harris spoke with warmth about the CCS building as a symbol of memory and transformation for those who passed through it.
“We take with us a greater understanding of ourselves shaped by our passions and the people we surrounded ourselves with,” said Harris. “And while change will always be a constant, so is our ability to adapt, question and create.”
Uy shared his journey from suburban Texas to UCSB and how CCS gave him a sense of purpose. "CCS has given me the ability to feel confident about my education, my perspective, and an unshakeable belief in the potential of us all together, as a greater whole," said Uy.
"CCS has given me the ability to feel confident about my education, my perspective, and an unshakeable belief in the potential of us all together, as a greater whole."
—Derek H. Uy '25 (CCS Writing & Literature)
The ceremony also featured four original musical works by graduating Music Composition students. Donavan Walker ‘25 (CCS Music Composition) presented “Stop by the Beach,” a music video capturing moments of reflection and gratitude at UCSB. Terry Wong ‘25 (CCS Music Composition) performed “11 AM Rose Goodbye,” a melancholic ballad about parting, joined by vocalist Chelsea Hastings ‘27 (CCS Music Composition) and percussionist Hudson Rose ‘26 (CCS Music Composition). Finlay Christensen’s ‘25 (CCS Music Composition) “Élégie for Piano,” performed by Vineeta Muthuraj ‘24 (UCSB Ph.D., Materials Science) was a contemplative solo originally written for a short film. Cameron Schubert ‘25 (CCS Music Composition) concluded the performances with “O’Driscol’s March,” inspired by Irish mythology and the poetry of W.B. Yeats.
Rather than deliver a traditional speech, Belcher continued the conversations she had with CCS students earlier in the week, noting their rare passion and sense of purpose gave her hope for the future:
"So after listening to the students that I met over the last week, I say to you that maybe you were born at the best possible time. And maybe it doesn't feel like it, but maybe you were born at the best possible time for the rest of the planet, because you can bring your creativity, your passion, your brilliance with you as you walk into this next change, because we need you. We need you to be leaders and thought leaders on the planet. So it's time for you to step into your future. And I know that you're ready. I know that you have what it takes."
Read more about CCS Commencement in The Current, June 9, 2025.
Watch the full 2025 CCS Commencement ceremony.
Congratulations to the class of 2025!
