Academy Award-winner Paul Tazewell tells UNCSA grads to ‘Lead with honest and heartfelt empathy’

“Design boldly. Perform with searing passion. Create with great conviction. And lead with honest and heartfelt empathy,” Oscar, Tony and Emmy Award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell told the graduates at UNCSA's 59th Commencement on Saturday, May 17. “As artists, you cannot create depth without understanding. You cannot create truth without empathy. That’s the real education — and it doesn’t end today.”

Though spring storms grounded his travel plans, Tazewell still made a lasting impact, delivering his commencement remarks by livestream. Speaking from New York, Tazewell — a UNCSA Design and Production alumnus — encouraged graduates to “trust the process,” reminding them that their artistic journeys are only just beginning.

“You are still becoming,” he said. “Give yourself time to evolve, and honor that time. Growth doesn’t happen all at once — it unfolds. I didn’t feel fully honed until 25 years into my professional career. And I work to keep myself open to grow into a more conscious artist.”

A diverse group of graduates wearing caps and gowns, celebrating their academic achievements together.

UNCSA 2025 Commencement Ceremony at the Benton Convention Center in Downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina / Photo: Jennifer Scheib

Tazewell recently made history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for costume design for his work on the film “Wicked,” directed by John M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Tazewell is also the first UNCSA alumnus to receive an Academy Award. Most recently, he was nominated for his 10th Tony Award, for “Death Becomes Her,” having won for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton” in 2016.

He spoke candidly about his time at UNCSA, describing it as a haven where he first realized the power of storytelling through design. “Little did I know at the time, but the rigor and practice of art that was manifested in me here would then and now become a meditation that I lean on throughout my life, even at the most challenging times.”

UNCSA also was where he discovered his voice and identity as an artist and as a person. “It was here that I first began to love myself — to trust my own voice. To trust my own vision of myself. And that love has shaped everything since.”

A man in a suit and tie stands confidently at a podium, preparing to address an audience.

UNCSA alumnus and Professor of Piano Dmitri “Dima” Vorobiev receives the 2025 UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching during commencement. / Photo: Jennifer Scheib

But he sees himself as more than an artist. “Over time, I’ve learned that our work as artists goes far beyond craft,” Tazewell said. “We’re visual historians, architects of identity, culture keepers. Our work digniﬁes, challenges, empowers. True artistic leadership is about more than talent — it’s how you show up, how you treat others, and how you push the work, your art, forward with integrity.”

428 graduates from the schools of Dance, Design and Production, Drama, Filmmaking and Music received degrees, certificates and diplomas during two ceremonies – a 10 a.m. University ceremony for undergraduates and graduate students, and a 2:30 p.m. High School ceremony – at the Benton Convention Center in downtown Winston-Salem.

In a special video message, UNCSA Chancellor Brian Cole also reflected on the students’ growth, calling them “storytellers with purpose.” He praised the graduates for their resilience and reminded them that “your creativity, your vision and your heart — those are your superpowers.” Cole was at his oldest daughter’s college graduation, which was on the same day.

A man stands at a podium, addressing an audience in front of a large presentation screen.

Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost at the UNCSA 2025 Commencement Ceremony / Photo: Jennifer Scheib

Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Patrick J. Sims led the ceremonies in Cole’s stead. “Change is one of the few constants we know in life — and you’ve already demonstrated great courage in making a change for the better when you chose UNCSA as the foundation to your artistic journey,” Sims said in his closing remarks.

In a whimsical moment beloved by the UNCSA community, the university’s Fighting Pickle mascot wearing a pointed black hat made a surprise appearance to help present diplomas — adding a playful nod to the commencement speaker.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional turning of tassels and a standing ovation for the Class of 2025. As they crossed the stage and into the next chapter, Tazewell left them with one final charge: “Be present in the rooms you enter and leave a mark and a memory.”

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May 19, 2025