Acclaimed author Angie Kim to deliver 62nd Interlochen Arts Academy commencement address
A 1987 graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, Kim is the author of the New York Times best-selling novels ‘Miracle Creek’ and ‘Happiness Falls.’
New York Times best-selling author Angie Kim (IAA 84-87) will deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2024 during Interlochen Arts Academy’s 62nd Commencement ceremony. The event will take place on Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m. ET at Kresge Auditorium.
“Angie Kim is a wonderful role model for today’s students,” said Interlochen Center for the Arts Provost Camille Colatosti. “She shows us that a career in the arts does not necessarily follow a smooth or predictable path. Her need for creativity led her to where she is today–doing work that she loves and telling important stories. As an Academy parent now, Angie has generously served as a guest artist, visiting campus often and working with students. Her artistic spirit is infectious, and we are so lucky to have her as our commencement speaker.”
A former Harvard Law Review editor, trial lawyer, and Dot-Com entrepreneur, Kim published her debut novel Miracle Creek in 2019. Miracle Creek became an international bestseller and garnered numerous accolades, including the Edgar Award, the ITW Thriller Award, and a place on Time’s “100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time.” Her second novel, the New York Times best-selling Happiness Falls (2023), is currently being adapted as a television series by actor/producer Ethan Hawke, Stone Village Television, and Under the Influence Productions.
The commencement ceremony will also feature remarks and performances by the Academy’s 2024 Senior Speaker, Senior Performer, and Senior Composition winners. Singer-songwriter major Remi Baker (IAA 22-24) has been selected as the 2024 Senior Speaker. Senior Performer Bug Jaffe (IAC 22, IAA 22-24), double bass, will lead the Bug Jaffe Quartet—Jaffe, Levi Bennett (IAA 22-24), saxophone; Alex Sweeney (IAC 22, IAA 22-24), piano; and Max Young (IAC 21, IAA 21-24), drums—in a performance during Commencement; Senior Performer runner-up Aarushi Kombial (IAA 22-24) will perform at Honors Convocation on Friday, May 24. Luke Walker (IAC 22, IAA 22-24) penned this year’s Senior Composition, which will be performed during Commencement by cellists Wilson, Owen Aycock (IAC 21, IAA 22-24, IO 22), and Hank Cornette (IAA 23-24) and bassist CJ Moore (IAC 22, IAA 22-24).
Each year, Interlochen Arts Academy celebrates the multifaceted artistic and academic talents of Arts Academy seniors through the selection of one Senior Speaker and one Senior Performer. All seniors are eligible to apply for these honors. Candidates participate in a rigorous application and audition process led by a selection committee composed of faculty, administrators, and students.
