Seth Feman shares post-graduation advice with Class of 2024

Convocation on Tuesday, May 14, in Durnan Auditorium, recognized Distinguished Alumnus Seth Feman '97 and welcomed the Class of 2024 into the PDS/USN Alumni Association.
By Kevin Fleming, Alumni Director

From a student at University School of Nashville to a successful professional, the journey of Seth Feman '97 is a testament to the transformative power of education. Addressing the Class of 2024 during Convocation on Tuesday, May 14, Feman told seniors his deep passion for photography was ignited during his junior year when USN’s photography program was revitalized under the guidance of former faculty member Wendi Parker. This class sparked his creativity and paved the way for his future in the field. After graduating from USN, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Art History at Vassar College. His love for photography led him to San Francisco, he said, where he immersed himself in the world of photography, producing photoshoots for Wired Magazine.

He issued the soon-to-be graduates a thought-provoking challenge, urging the class to embrace moments of doubt as opportunities for personal growth and introspection. 

"I'd like to insist that we think a little differently on doubt and uncertainty, especially in these very uncertain times," he said. "You're entering a world that has recoiled from doubt itself, one that sees uncertainty and mystery as things to overcome rather than to admire." 

Feman advocated for embracing doubt as an act of hope, an assertion that there must be more to discover in the world.

As Deputy Director for Art and Interpretation and Curator of Photography at the Chrysler Museum, Feman led the curatorial, education, and registration departments in crafting innovative exhibitions, fostering enriching educational experiences, and organizing captivating programming. In 2022, Seth returned to Nashville as the Executive Director and CEO of the Frist Art Museum. 

The PDS/USN Alumni Association presented Seth Feman '97 with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award for his contributions to fostering cultural enrichment through the visual arts during Convocation. The award was established in 1978 to honor graduates of Peabody Demonstration School and University School of Nashville who have made outstanding professional or civic achievements on a local, national, or international level. Recipients have included authors, educators, researchers, musicians, and volunteer leaders. In addition to honoring these individuals, the award brings them to the attention of the PDS/USN community and the city at large. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to students and graduates as well as a reminder to the citizens of Nashville of the high-quality education that has long been at the foundation of USN. Nominate alumni for a future Distinguished Alumna/Alumnus award by emailing alumni@usn.org.
Back

More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • The Quiz Bowl team poses for a photo after another successful tournament.

    MS Quiz Bowl team heads to national championships

    The Quiz Bowl team traveled to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to face several top teams from across the country at this year's South Warren Tournament. USN's second-place finish earned the team an invitation to the National Academic Quiz Tournaments' National Championships in May.
    Read More
  • Alumni and students pose for a photo during the first-ever health care career spotlight at USN.

    Alumni return to share insights with students

    In an inspiring new initiative, USN's health care career spotlight, organized by Ruchika Ramachandran ’27 and Yvonne Wang ’27, brought a wealth of alumni back to the school for an evening of shared expertise and personal stories. This first-of-its-kind event was a great example of the power of connection, mentorship, and community evident throughout the USN community.
    Read More
  • Band Director John Hopkins conducts the band as composer Larry Clark looks on.

    Band students meet composer Larry Clark

    Ahead of the All Bands Winter Concert, students got to play for Larry Clark, the composer who arranged the holiday medley that the band will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 9 in Durnan Auditorium.
    Read More
Archive

Contact

Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  615-321-8000
Fax:       615-321-0889 
Email:    info@usn.org

River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218

Resources

USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.