The annual Thesis Defense is an important milestone for second-year students in the SVA MFA Design program. Nineteen MFA candidates each stepped into the spotlight to articulate not only what they made but why it matters.

From reimagined cultural traditions to recycled denim, playful education tools to women’s health issues, the diversity of topics was as thrilling as the clarity of each concept. These were not merely “projects”—they were provocations, prototypes, and, in some cases, fully launched businesses.

The students presented to a discerning panel of professional design leaders, entrepreneurs, and strategists, who posed questions designed to challenge assumptions and surface clarity.

With Venture Forum just weeks away, this year’s Thesis Defense felt like a launchpad. What stood out most was the sincerity, originality, and determination in each candidate’s presentation. The Class of 2025 reminded us that design is not only about solutions, it’s also about asking better questions and taking risks.

Invited panelists included: Lita Talarico and Steve Heller (Co-Chair Emeriti), Randy Hunt (Chair, ’07), Ada Whitney, Kelsey Taylor Hunt, Deborah Adler (’02), Johnson Tang, Tim Cohan (’14), Jane Fujita, Melisa Ozkan (’16), Mingxuan Shen (’23)