2025 d.school celebrations
• Two design milestones, two days of events.
Fifty years ago, David Kelley came to Stanford as a student, seeking a creative outlet. Fifty years later, he's helped countless students do the same. Twenty years ago, the d.school opened its doors to curious minds from across Stanford (and beyond!) to collaborate and create together. Today, we're thrilled to invite you to celebrate these milestones with us!
At this two-day celebration on October 3-4, we’ll explore the past, present and future of design at Stanford and spotlight some of our alumni, students, and educators who are making a positive impact on the world. This is a moment to connect with the legacy that brought us here and the vision that's driving us forward. We hope you'll join us to celebrate the community we've built together over the past decades.
David Kelley’s Creative Essentials
Friday, October 3
Doors open at 2:30pm (fun activities here — details coming soon!)
Show runs 3:30-5:00pm, Bing Concert Hall
Join us for an intimate celebration beneath the lights of Stanford’s Bing Concert Hall honoring David Kelley's five decades at Stanford. We'll reflect on his transformative creative philosophies and showcase how they continue to shape how many people think, create, and design. This performance-based event will be followed by a cocktail reception. Tickets are limited; if you’d like to bring a spouse or partner, please contact us at celebrations@dschool.stanford.edu.
Design Dinners
Friday, October 3
7:00-9:00pm, Locations around the Bay
Good food and good conversation — what could be better? Join us for one of our festive, small group dinners, where we’ll match you with fellow attendees with a common interest. Dinners will be hosted at the homes of alumni and at local restaurants. This event is open to spouses/partners and families.
This is Design Work
Saturday, October 4
12:00-3:00pm, Stanford d.school
When you step through the doors of the d.school on October 4, you’ll experience two decades of our community’s design impact through hands-on exhibits and activities. You’ll have the chance to connect with folks you haven’t seen in years, celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together, and shape what’s next. This event is open to spouses/partners and families.
Casual Connections
Saturday, October 4
All Day, Terman Fountain
We’ll be here hosting an informal picnic zone, splash pad, and meetup spot at the Terman Fountain behind the d.school. Come hang out before and after This Is Design Work! No registration required. This event is open to spouses/partners and families.
Registration
Where do I register?
These events are invitation only, and the link to register for these events is in your inbox. The email has a subject line “You’re invited to our 2025 d.school celebrations”. If you have trouble finding this email, please contact us at celebrations@dschool.stanford.edu.
Can I bring an additional guest?
Yes! You can bring one guest to David Kelley's Creative Essentials on October 3, as seating is limited. For This is Design Work on October 4, you’re welcome to bring up to four guests. Adult guests need to register separately. If you’d like to bring a guest, please email us at celebrations@dschool.stanford.edu and provide their name and email address so we can send them a registration link.
How much do these events cost to attend?
The registration for these events is free. You should be prepared to pay for travel, lodging, and meals.
I heard about this event but I didn’t receive an invitation. How do I get one?
We’re so glad you’re interested in these events! Currently, we’re extending invitations to Stanford design alumni, d.school educators, d.school staff, design students, and David Kelley’s friends and family. Depending on availability, we may open tickets to members of the public later in the summer. If you have questions about this, please contact celebrations@dschool.stanford.edu.
I need to change or cancel my registration. How do I do this?
No problem! Please contact us at celebrations@dschool.stanford.edu. If you aren’t able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can release your ticket to another guest.
Can I bring my kids?
David Kelley’s Creative Essentials event on October 3 is a performance-based experience designed for adults, to be followed by a cocktail reception. The Distributed Dinners and This is Design Work on October 4 are open to everyone. Children do not need to register separately, but it would be helpful to know how many you're bringing. Please contact us at celebrations@dschool.stanford.edu so we can update your registration.
Accessibility
Will these events be accessible if I have mobility or health needs?
Yes. Bing Auditorium and the d.school are wheelchair accessible, and both have elevators. Our team can provide transportation via golf carts to our various event locations, and we can provide tailored transportation instructions (e.g. which door to use) as well as provide you with a point of contact during the events. For the Design Dinners on Friday, we can match you with a dinner location that will support your needs. While we will have first aid kits on hand, please bring any necessary medications with you. Overall, if you have mobility or health needs, please be sure to note this on your registration, or contact us at celebrations@dschool.stanford.edu.
Is handicapped parking available at Stanford?
Yes! Please check out Stanford’s page for navigating campus. If you’d like door to door service from one of our golf cart drivers, please contact us at celebrations@dschool.stanford.edu.
Travel & meals
Do you have travel and lodging recommendations?
Please check out Stanford’s resource for lodging. If you’re flying in to join us, we recommend flights to San Francisco International Airport, or San Jose Mineta International Airport.
Will food be provided?
Light cocktail refreshments will be provided after the David Kelley Creative Essentials event on October 3. Optional Design Dinners will be held in the evening of October 3. If you have any severe food allergies (e.g. peanuts) please let us know at celebrations@dschool.stanford.edu.
Events
Which Design Dinner should I attend?
We are still finalizing the details, but the intention is to invite attendees to join dinners aligned with their areas of interest, which we’ll gather at a later stage. These themes may include topics such as business leadership, design in healthcare, and other shared professional or affinity based interests in design.
Where will my Design Dinner be held?
These small-group meals will be hosted throughout the Bay Area at local restaurants and the homes of attendees. We’ll share more information about these soon!
Questions? Contact us!
If you have a question that's not answered here, please get in touch with our event team!