The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) recently announced the university’s new classroom building at 641 Indian St. in Savannah has a meaningful new name: the Graham Scott.
Named for dedicated, long-standing staff members James Graham and Trá Scott, the Graham Scott welcomed students this fall, and is home to the university’s top ranked photography degree program.
Officials said Graham and Scott have been a special part of the SCAD family for 34 and 35 years, respectively. They are both lifelong Savannahians.
“James Graham and Trá Scott are deeply devoted and brilliantly talented individuals,” said SCAD president and founder Paula Wallace. “Their indefatigable contributions and inspiring positivity have helped create life-changing experiences for generations of SCAD Bees. The entire built environment of SCAD forever bears the imprint of their expertise and care, and it is wholly fitting to recognize their many decades of transformative work with a SCAD building named in their honor.”
Graham grew up in the Brickyard community in West Savannah and attended Johnson High School. He joined SCAD in 1990. He is the university’s Support Service Supervisor and graduated from SCAD in 2010 with a B.F.A. in film and television. Graham manages the set up for SCAD events such as the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Sidewalk Arts Festival, Fashion Show and he oversees the setup of all SCAD buildings and residence halls.
“It is such an honor to have SCAD name a building named after my friend and colleague Tra Scott and me. I am so thankful and grateful to President Wallace and everyone at SCAD. This shows how much they pay attention and how much they care about the hard work we do,” said Graham. “The thing I love most about working at SCAD is being a part of the student experience and watching them grow. It was the students who encouraged me to get my degree.”
Scott grew up in the Hudson Hill neighborhood and attended Groves High School. He joined the university in 1989 and serves as the Facilities Manager.
“I am still in awe and total shock, but it feels really good. This just shows hard work and determination can get you places you never dreamed possible!” said Scott. “SCAD is the only place I have ever worked. The faculty and staff are like my family and this university is my love story.”
President Wallace sent an email to the all SCAD faculty and staff announcing the new Graham Scott building. A formal dedication of the building will take place later this fall.
“Trá and James, my deepest appreciation goes to you for your many contributions to SCAD,” Wallace wrote. “Your love and loyalty are woven into the fabric of our university. You truly embody our student-centered mission and exemplify our SCAD values. May the Graham Scott long remind us all of your brilliant legacies.”
