Dennison W. Griffith

What does it feel like when a college is good? Not just ok, but really good?

To be honest, at CCAD, we’re starting to think we know. Of course it’s great to have a compact, attractive campus right in the heart of downtown. Lots of new talent arriving every semester. Strong fundraising, with committed donors and dedicated volunteers. Insightful, thought-provoking conversations going on all over the place.

But what comes of all this after students graduate and leave campus? That‘s what’s making us feel extra-great this spring, so we’re putting it right up front in this issue. A college’s truest measure is the accomplishments of its alumni—and we’re ready to brag.

• Nathan Greno (Associate 1993–1996) made his feature film directorial debut with a movie that not only updated some hoary gender clichés, but also topped the box-office rankings for weeks. … more
• Package designer Michael Carney (CCAD 2004) won a 2011 Grammy. (For his work on an album by an Ohio band, no less!) …more
• Je Jung (CCAD 1998) and Rujira Lawonvisut (CCAD 1999) are pulling down raves in places like Vanity Fair as they take their fashion line global. …more
• Corey Favor (CCAD 2002) is back on campus at the center of a revival of CCAD’s Black Student Leaders Association—and he’s brought Marshall Shorts (CCAD 2006) with him. …more

Feeling really good yet? There’s more. Don’t delay, start reading!

Warm regards,

Dennison W. Griffith

President

Je Jung and Rujira Lawonvisut

You might say that Fashion Design alumni and husband-and-wife team Je Jung (CCAD 1998) and Rujira Lawonvisut (CCAD 1999) have done well—but it would be a major understatement. Between the two of them, they’ve designed for Gap, Theory, and Urban Outfitters. Last year, they debuted their own fashion line, WRKROOM, during New York Fashion Week. Now WRKROOM is on clothing racks in eight U.S. states and recently went international, finding a spot on the shelves at Mob.F, a multi-brand store in Thailand.

People are talking. Exciting people. Here’s a sample.

Vanity Fair: “Their double-breasted jackets and sporty anoraks are the kind of thing you want to wear every day, but their tissue-weight T-shirts steal the show…The careful construction and easy versatility of each piece makes for a wearable collection of modern essentials.” (September 16, 2009)

Thrillist: “WRK’s a fashion-forward, nose-to-tail line whose travel-friendly details are designed to help you live a life of global rootlessness.” (January 26, 2010)

Bangkok Post: “WRKROOM boasts collections which exhibit this modern era’s simplicity and shaped wardrobe staples with refined vintage touch. Its garments are designed with a combination of subtle details and fabrications to help project intricate and mature style for discerning clients.” (December 27, 2010)

Asian News Network: “And while WRKROOM is a men’s line, the label gets a lot of women in its Asian stores. ‘In the US a men’s line is a men’s line, but here it’s more open. If people like something they buy it,’ said Je Jung.” (January 21, 2011)