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Renowned Creative Director and Designer David Korins ’99 Tells Graduates to Embrace Curiosity at UMass Amherst Commencement

May 22, 2025 Commencement 2025

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A global powerhouse in immersive storytelling and design, David Korins ’99 encouraged graduates at the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s 155th Undergraduate Commencement today to step boldly into their greatness and put aside ego for the collective good.

“Fear is an opportunity killer,” he said. “You don’t need to be fearless; you just need to be one percent more curious than you are afraid.” 

“Then let your curiosity lead you on a wild adventure to do what only you can do,” said Korins, who was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts before he addressed the approximately 4,200 undergraduate students and 16,000 family, friends and faculty at Warren P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium. 

Korins also suggested graduates reframe daunting obstacles so that they become opportunities; live their lives by design not default; and embrace bad ideas and be ready to surrender their favorite ones in the need for progress.

Read the full story in University News.

Article posted in Commencement 2025

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