2011 Ceremonies

Three students in blue cap and gown with their arms around each others backs smiling

The Fashion Institute of Technology conducted its 2011 commencement exercises for all associate's, baccalaureate, and master's degree candidates at Javits Center North on May 24, 2011.

School of Art and Design and School of Graduate Studies Ceremony

Lifetime Achievement Award: Simon Doonan, Creative Ambassador-at-Large, Barneys
Speaker: Aerin Lauder, Creative Director and Chairman, AERIN LLC, and Style and Image director, Esteé Lauder

Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology and School of Liberal Arts Ceremony

Speaker: Tony Hsieh, Chief Executive Officer, Zappos.com
Lifetime Achievement Award: Glenda Bailey, Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar

Video: 2011 Commencement Ceremonies

2011 PHOTO GALLERY ON FLICKR

Creative Ambassador-at-Large, Barneys

Tony Hsieh, chief executive officer of the shoe and apparel website Zappos.com is a visionary internet entrepreneur. Harvard University graduate, Hsieh (pronounced “shay”) founded the online company LinkExchange when he was 23 years old, selling it not long after to Microsoft for $265 million. He then joined Zappos.com as an advisor and investor, eventually becoming CEO. Under his leadership, the company has reached more than $1 billion in annual sales. In 2009, Zappos.com merged with Amazon.com in a deal valued at $1.2 billion. In his book, Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose, published in 2010, Hsieh wrote about his personal evolution, the growth of Zappos.com, and his philosophy of establishing a corporate culture rooted in service, core values, and putting vision above short-term profit. The book debuted at number 1 on the New York Times bestseller list and remained on the list for 27 consecutive weeks.

Editor in Chief, Harper’s Bazaar

2011 Ceremonies

Speakers and Honorees