Tad Carpenter was announced as the distinguished alumnus to speak at graduation for the class of 2016. Carpenter is an author, teacher, illustrator, and designer in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born into the design business. His mother is a fiber artist and his father has been working at Hallmark for 40 years. He also married a graphic designer. Together they manage their own studio, “Carpenter Collective.”

Carpenter has gained well known clients such as Target, Macy’s, Nick Jr- and MTV just to name a few. He has also illustrated, written, and published children’s books like Zoom! Zoom! and Sad Santa. Carpenter has been teaching graphic design at the University of Kansas since 2009.

“I feel teaching makes me a much better designer and illustrator,” Carpenter said. “Being able to talk, dissect, and enjoy design several times a week with enthusiastic students is serious motivation.”

Shawnee Mission North’s class of 2016 commencement ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 18.