At the Institute of Design (ID) at Illinois Tech, we look at the world in new ways to create the change we hope to see in it. Since our founding by Bauhaus émigré László Moholy-Nagy in 1937, we’ve continually turned design into a powerful tool anyone can use to transform the systems that shape our lives—from cities, education, and finance to food, healthcare, and technology.

We’re the only U.S. design school devoted completely to graduate students, and the first to offer a Ph.D. Uniting science and rigor with creativity and rapid iteration, we’re recognized around the globe as pioneers in human-centered design, systems design, and other methods that apply design to the real world.

It’s through these unique approaches that students, communities, and corporations learn to observe the systems they’re surrounded by—and envision the new worlds they can build from them.

Here, learners and leaders discover what design makes possible. It enables us to adapt with the speed, scale, and complexity of life. To anticipate change and the impact of our actions. And, most importantly, to imagine—then create—brighter futures for us all.

The average number of fellowships per year for the last five years is six. From Fall 2018 to Fall 2023, 33 students have benefited from all the fellowships offered at ID.

We use the fellowships to attract our best and brightest students. The fellowships go toward student tuition cost only; therefore, the impact of students receiving fellowships has helped with other out-of-pocket expenses since they have to spend less on tuition. After receiving the fellowship, they are able to focus on using that out-of-pocket money they are saving to instead make sure they have the best technology available, as well as cover any other costs they may accrue in order to be successful at ID.

Daniella Veléz, (MDes + MBA 2025), Fellowship Recipient

Lauren Johnson, (MDes + MBA 2025), Fellowship Recipient

Faysal Biobaku, (MDes 2025), Fellowship Recipient

Rhea Shah, (MDes + MBA 2025), Fellowship Recipient

Learn more about ID at id.iit.edu.

Thank you to the members of our Board of Advisors who supported us on Giving Day 2023!

- Donna Flynn

- Eric Larson

- Terry Mazany

- Brianna Marie Sylver-Galvao (M.Des. '03)

- Denis Weil (M.Des. '01)

Frequently Asked Questions

I live outside of the United States. How can I support Giving Day 2023?

To make a gift from outside the U.S., please visit https://www.iit.edu/givenow-international.

I would like to make a gift in support of Giving Day 2023 using a Donor Advised Fund or other method of payment. How can I make that gift?

Please contact giftadmin@iit.edu to make a gift using a Donor Advised Fund, IRA, or other payment method.

If you have any questions, please contact Joe Volin, senior director of constituent engagement, at jvolin@iit.edu.