Meet the Graduating Class 2026

Aalika Bharti
Hometown: Mumbai, India 

Three words that describe you? Community-minded, bold, intentional. 

What’s something you learned at SAIC? I learned the true importance of collaboration. Before coming here, I was always in my own little corner making my artwork, mostly working very independently. But through the encouragement of my professors and the environment of the School, I began to understand how meaningful it is to work with others. Collaboration not only strengthens your own practice, but also expands the way your work can exist in the world and impact people beyond yourself. 

What inspires you? The community and the people around me inspire me deeply, especially this School and the city we are in. From the moment I leave my apartment to when I arrive on campus, I am surrounded by amazing art, architecture, and constant creative energy. The conversations I have in hallways, studios, and even in the café constantly push me to think deeper. Being in spaces where everyone is making and imagining inspires me to keep growing and creating. 

What advice would you give to incoming students? Take full advantage of how open the SAIC curriculum is and allow yourself to explore. I came in as a painter and believed that was who I would be when I graduated. But through trying new classes in different departments, I discovered photography and graphic design and completely fell in love with them. Now I am graduating as a graphic designer pursuing branding and marketing, which is something I never could have predicted. Let yourself change. That is where the most meaningful growth happens!

What’s your most memorable moment at SAIC? One of my most memorable moments was at the end of my freshman year when I ran for Student Government and was elected by my peers. It felt incredibly exciting and affirming to be trusted to represent a community I cared about. I still remember finally getting to sit in the cozy corner office on the second floor of Sharp that I had always been curious about. That experience shaped my entire time at SAIC. Now, as a thrice-elected representative, it has become one of the most meaningful and grounding parts of my journey here. 

What’s one sentence that describes your work? I like creating visuals (be it graphics, photos, or paintings) that feel more like emotions than explanations. 

Maggie Borota
Hometown: DeWitt, Iowa

Three words that describe you? Composed, resilient, playful.

What’s something you learned at SAIC? How absolutely necessary collaboration is! Working in tandem with a group of people, playing to each other's strengths, and knowing there's a support system there if you need it has really changed how I approach my work. In truth, collaborating with my cohort and beyond has been such an important and special part of my time here. 

What inspires you? Conversations with friends, artists who persist, a really good book/tv show/movie, and learning new things.

What advice would you give to incoming students? Utilize all the resources you can while you are here. Apply to grants for projects or trips, submit to open calls, join (and show up to) new student groups that pique your interest, get an on-campus job that supports your personal or professional interests, go to the museum, watch a film for $5 at the Siskel, attend a lecture.

What’s your most memorable moment at SAIC? The opening of the exhibition my Management Studio team helped produce last spring called Don't Make Photographs, Think Them! The exhibition was the second iteration of the Chicago Cluster Project and featured so much great artwork that activated photo archives. Seeing the public come into and interact with the space we collectively put together was deeply fulfilling. 

What’s one sentence that describes your work? My arts administration work is rooted in this innate desire to foster a sense of community or belonging—the mode in which it's executed constantly evolves as I switch between different hats.

Marlon Maidment
Hometown: London/Watford, England and Buffalo, New York

Three words that describe you? Mod, rebellious, driven.

What’s something you learned at SAIC? SAIC taught me that no one is going to do anything for you and no one is going to push you. The School will let you do the assignments and pass the classes but if you want to succeed and you want to excel, only you can do something about that. 

What inspires you? My father, my mother, my brother. My heritage; the fact that I have a long line of incredible people behind me that I have to live up to. 

What advice would you give to incoming students? Do what you love. If you pursue intelligence and authenticity relentlessly, success will come. There is so much happening around you and around the world. Take the time to listen and don’t worry if people don’t approve of what you’re doing. If they don’t approve, you’re probably doing something right.  

What’s your most memorable moment at SAIC? There are so many, but I think I will always remember the moment that I got my internship and stipend at Rag and Bone. That was an enormous moment for me. 

What’s one sentence that describes your work? Reshaping rebellious menswear as a contemporary mod. 

Galila Sima 
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Three words that describe you? Kind, passionate, and curious.

What’s something you learned at SAIC? I have learned that education can be deeply interdisciplinary. Exposure to practices beyond one’s own department allows for the creation of something entirely new. Coming from a structured educational background, I’ve learned how this freedom can inspire creativity. 

What inspires you? People and their culture inspire me. I also get inspired by my environment and surroundings. 

What advice would you give to incoming students? Time at school is limited, so make the most of every opportunity. Take full advantage of your teachers, the tools, events, and even your seniors; they’re all valuable resources. Get involved, be engaged, and enjoy the experience. It’s fun and rewarding!

What’s your most memorable moment at SAIC? One of my most memorable experiences at SAIC was during my second-year studio critique, when my professor stood up to shake my hand after my final review. It felt really nice to be appreciated in that moment, and it made me realize that all the hard work I had put in throughout the semester was actually seen. 

Another memorable moment was when a few of us in class took part in the Arts in the Dark parade. My friends and I wore a headpiece inspired by the patterns on the Sullivan Building and walked down State Street. It was such a fun and unforgettable experience.

What’s one sentence that describes your work? My work revolves around creating architecture that is thoughtful, adaptable, and impactful for communities.

by Megan Kirby
Illustrations by Luis Carrasco