Innovator Lorrie Vogel ’88 will deliver the 2022 convocation address to bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates of Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) at the college’s convocation ceremony on Saturday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Stadium.
Vogel, who earned a bachelor of industrial design degree from VPA’s School of Design, is the founder of ImagineNOW Inc., an innovation consultancy that accelerates innovation by using the power of design thinking. She provides innovation consulting services to such large corporations as Google and to small technology start-ups.
Prior to founding ImagineNOW, Vogel enjoyed a 21-year career at Nike, with her last role in 2017 as the vice president of Nike’s Material Science and Innovation, where she incorporated emerging science and technology into materials, creating game-changing performance innovations for athletes. Her passion for design, innovation and sustainability made her a recognized global leader in bringing innovation to all facets of Nike’s products as well as shaping the future of the apparel and footwear industry.
Vogel has received several honors throughout her career. In 2011 she was named by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry as one of the top 12 innovators, holding over 20 utility patents. She was the co-creator of GreenXchange, which debuted at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos in 2010, and she led the regional WEF discussion on sustainable consumption in India. In 2007, she was named to Fast Company’s “Fast 50,” the magazine’s annual compilation of innovative companies and the “incubators of genius.” Her sustainable design work has been recognized in several publications: “Strategies for Sustainable Design” (Adam Worbach), “Green to Gold” (Dan Estby) and as an MIT case study.
Vogel continues to be a frequent presenter at universities and is a celebrated keynote speaker for such symposiums as PopTech, Back End Innovation and Design Management Institute’s annual conference.