A Non-Profit Vocational Center & Animation Studio

Featuring Young Adults On The Autism Spectrum

June News

June 13th, 2014 - Vol. 26

Exceptional Minds congratulates our first graduating class...What a milestone! Eight young adults ready to go out into the world and pursue their careers. A dream some thought impossible, but now true, thanks to the dedication of our students and families, teachers, staff, Board of Directors, and you--our ardent supporters.

We are so grateful to our Exceptional Heroes--Bob Stevenson, Neil Young, Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors Foundation, Ellen and Gary Bialis--for supporting us from the beginning. And we salute Sam Nicholson of Stargate Studios for being the very first to employ one of our Exceptional Minds graduates, Kevin Titcher.

We invite all of you to share in the joy of this occasion with the photos below and those on our website.

With Exceptional Joy and Gratitude to all,

Yudi Bennett & Ernie Merlan

Exceptional Minds

CLASS OF 2014!

EM 3rd year students prepare to give graduation speeches and accept

Adobe Certification and EM Diplomas. Way to go grads!

EM Advisory Board Member, Ed Asner, assists Ernie in presenting diplomas!

EM Parents go wild for their "exceptional" graduates!!!

Industry Open House Is Huge Success!

EM Students impress guests with their personal reels.

1st year students Noah Schneider and Nico Arredondo discuss animation with Industry Professionals.

EM Graduates address a packed house at EM Open House last Friday afternoon!

Special Thanks to...
Our "Exceptional" Heroes!

CEO & Founder of Stargate Studios, Sam Nicholson with Board Member, Susan Zwerman & newly employed graduate, Kevin Titcher.

Meg Wade accepts "Exceptional Hero Award" from Board Member Cathee Weiss on behalf of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors Foundation.

Ron Burns & Mollie Burns Keith present award to Bob Stevenson & Neil Young for their "exceptionally" generous donation that opened the doors to Exceptional Minds.