Theaster Gates

Theaster Gates is the recipient of the 2024 Christian Petersen Design Award presented by the Iowa State University College of Design. Established in 1980 to recognize alumni, staff, and friends of the university for contributions to the advancement of design through personal aesthetic achievement, exceptional support or extraordinary encouragement and service the Christian Petersen Design Award is the highest honor the college bestows.

Gates received a bachelor of science in community and regional planning in 1996, a master of arts in interdisciplinary graduate studies in 2005, and an honorary doctor of humane letters in 2018, all from Iowa State.

The artist will be recognized as part of Iowa State’s homecoming celebration at the ISU Alumni Association’s 93rd Honors and Awards Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. CT Friday, Nov. 1, at Stephens Auditorium in Ames and streamed live online. A dessert reception will follow. Both the ceremony and reception are free and open to the public.