College of Design Commencement

HILAL IBRAHIM is the California born, Minnesota-based fashion designer, Entrepreneur, CEO, healthcare leader, and the visionary behind the world's first medical-grade healthcare hijab.

She is the founder and CEO of Henna and Hijabs, which is the groundbreaking United States based company addressing the lack of access Muslim women face in finding sustainable, fashionable hijabs and organic henna in retail settings. She is reshaping the fashion industry by designing sustainable and stylish hijabs, in mainstream retail spaces.

In a historic move, Hilal's company partnered with luxury retailer Nordstrom to launch their first-ever hijab line in 2021, setting a new standard for inclusivity in United States fashion. In 2023, the company partnered with Amazon global to provide uniform wear to Amazon employees across the world. Last month, Hilal launched a sister company, H+H Med and introduced a patent pending gown invention into healthcare systems across the United States.

Her achievements have earned her recognition, including spots on prestigious lists like 40 Under 40 and 100 People to Know in 2022, CNN heroes and she has been featured in Good Morning America, Entrepreneur, ELLE, NPR, Vogue.

With a design and healthcare background and a commitment to community and the environment, Hilal serves on the board of directors for Park Nicollet — one of Minnesota’s largest healthcare systems. Join us in welcoming Hilal Ibrahim, a dynamic force in fashion, design, and healthcare, to our commencement today.

Title: Founder and CEO, Henna and Hijabs 

• Students who have formally declared a) a College of Design undergraduate degree b) a College of Design graduate degree c) are pursuing a second major within the College of Design AND
• Have an Expected Graduation Term (EGT) of Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Summer 2024, or Fall 2024.

Note: The printed program will include all students who are invited to the ceremony, regardless of whether or not they attend.

College of Design students received an invitation on Monday, March 11 via their U of M email address. Students need to fill out the survey embedded within their email invitation to RSVP for the ceremony.

Ticket requests need to be made through the RSVP survey that was emailed directly to graduating students' U of M inboxes on Monday, March 11. The deadline to RSVP and request tickets for Commencement is Monday, April 8.
 

Each student who RSVPs by the Monday, April 8 deadline can request up to 6 tickets. Graduating students do not need a ticket for themselves.

We cannot guarantee that tickets will be available for those who do not take the survey by the deadline. In late April, the college will open up any remaining tickets for graduates to request more on a first-come, first-served basis. Graduating students will be sent a separate email and survey link to request additional tickets once they open.

Regalia is not required to attend Commencement but if you would like to wear a cape and gown you can order both at the University Bookstore in Coffman Memorial Union.

Northrop Auditorium is located on the Twin Cities’ East Bank Campus. The official address is 84 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Find it on the campus map.

Please remind your friends and family to leave plenty of time to arrive and find parking on campus. We suggest you explore all University parking options and plan ahead. 

For individuals with mobility concerns, Northrop has several accessible entrances and an accessible drop-off and pick-up location on its east side.

GradImages will attend the College of Design Celebration and will be taking photographs of each graduate. They will send you color proofs via your U of M email and, if you decide to purchase copies of your photo, the proofs will be mailed within a week of the ceremony.

Guests are encouraged to relax in their seats and limit their personal picture-taking to before or after the ceremony.

Yes! The College of Design Commencement will be live-streamed at z.umn.edu/2024designcommencement.  

If you are an undergraduate student graduating with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or above, and/or if you are completing the honors program, please be sure to note that on the online survey you received in March.

• If you graduate with an overall GPA of 3.750 – 3.889, you will earn a level of Distinction.
• If you graduate with an overall GPA of 3.900 or higher, you will earn a level of High Distinction.
• Latin Honors: for students participating in the University Honors Program (UHP).

A notation will be included next to your name in the printed program.

Most students receive their diplomas two to three months after completing their degree requirements. For diplomas sent to an international address delivery may take an additional two to three months longer. Be sure to contact your advisor if you have questions or concerns about completing your degree requirements.

You can watch previous College of Design Commencement Ceremonies on the College of Design YouTube page.