GDC is proud to have been able to contribute to the growth of the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda) and GDC members can take pride in the important contributions made by three former presidents of Icograda. Please read the following letter from Jacques Lange, the 2005-07  President of Icograda.

Letter to GDC from Jacques Lange, Icograda President, November 29, 2005

“Ever since I became involved in design profession management I have been inspired by the work of the GDC. The high level of professionalism in which it conducts its business, the vigour with which it promotes the status of the profession, the serious commitment that it has to develop its members, the innovative way that it embraces technology and develop original programming, and the great sense of community that it fosters for its members is truly admirable.

GDC has also been one of the most active members in the Icograda community and has contributed greatly to the work of the Council. It has delivered an unprecedented three Icograda presidents, Walter Jungkind (1974-1977), Jorge Frascara (1985-1987) and Robert L Peters (2001-2003), and two other executive board members, Albert Ng (1995-1997) and now, David Berman (2005-2007). Under Walter's tenure, he and Kenji Ekuan initiated the first discussions to form an formalised alliance between Icograda and the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID). It took around 35 years to realise this vision bur Walter and Kenji's foresight, is today more relevant than ever before. Under Jorge's leadership Icograda expanded its membership in Latin America and he continued to build upon the remarkable work that Walter initiated in making design education a strategic imperative for Icograda.

I had the privilege to serve on the Icograda board in Robert's tenure. He was responsible for bringing Icograda into the Cyber Age and he conceived and implemented Icograda's digital resources - a WWW presence that is now the anchor of Icograda's activities and an eNews that disseminates worldwide information on design activities to tens of thousands (possibly many more) of designers on a weekly basis. Rob also developed the Icograda Media Network (IDMN), rekindled the Friends of Icograda initiative, made a huge contribution to the activities of Design for the World, as well as being a key player in final formation of the International Design Alliance (IDA). For me personally, Rob was an inspiring leader, a great mentor and trusted friend.

Additionally, the Canadian design community and the Québec government had made a great contribution to the global design community by offering Icograda, Icsid and the IDA a home base for its secretariats in Montreal. It is a space that all are proud off.

Canada has done lots of good for international design and I am specifically humbled by the GDC's support of me as an individual since it nominated me for the position of president elect in 2001 and again in 2003. During the next two years, Icograda is planning two official events in Canada and many of its initiatives will be steered from there. I am looking forward to collaborating with David Berman and many others during the next two years.”

Jacques Lange
President
ICOGRADA