Hurley founder to speak at LCAD graduation
Bob Hurley, founder and chief executive of Costa Mesa-based clothing company Hurley International, will speak at Laguna College of Art + Design’s graduation, the college announced in a news release.
“Bob is more than a business success story,” college President Jonathan Burke said in the release. “He led a cultural phenomenon that brought the surfing lifestyle into the mainstream. His philosophy of hard work and nurturing great talent — many of whom are LCAD students and alumni — is significant to our new generation of graduating artists and designers.”
Hurley partnered with the college five years ago to develop a degree program in action sports design, in which students collaborate with Hurley art directors to understand industry methods and develop designs for use on surf and lifestyle apparel.
Nike, Hurley’s parent company, recognized LCAD’s design and digital media school as one of the four best design schools in the world, according to the release.
Catharin Eure, the college’s design and digital media chairwoman, pitched the partnership idea to Hurley and Roger Wyett, Nike’s former vice president of action sports.
“Bob’s response was, ‘I’ve always liked to surround myself around talent and I see real talent here,’” Eure said in the release. “Our partnership with Hurley and Nike has opened the door for our students to receive experience in their chosen field and graduate with opportunities for rewarding work that utilizes their artistic design talent and skill.”
LCAD alumni and interns have provided valuable contributions, Hurley said in the release.
“Our team of designers ... bring so much vitality and innovation to our culture and our products,” Hurley said. “We’re excited to share our experience with these young graduates and urge them to continuously seek opportunities to grow in all aspects of their lives.”
Hurley and Nike employ LCAD alumni and students in their digital media, apparel and marketing departments. This year, students Miranda Jaocbucci, Jessica Necor and Abram Goglanian will spend the summer interning at Hurley International.
LCAD’s graduating class is one of its largest — 90 students will receive bachelor of arts and master of fine arts degrees.
The ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. May 19 at the college’s main campus, 2222 Laguna Canyon Road. For more information, visit the college’s website at https://www.lcad.edu.