RISD Works Series: Dieng Cameron, Alumni + Family Relations Officer
From the dining hall to the mailroom and beyond, RISD staff work hard to make the campus a home for our students.
What do you do?
My main goal is to be a guide for new and established families. I can share information on things from campus resources for physical and mental health support to events on campus and around the world.
Why does connecting with RISD families matter?
RISD does Summer Welcomes, events that gather incoming students and their families with current students and families and alumni. Going to these events, I can see that in many cases, families are more nervous than students. It is really valuable for them to connect with current families to share any fears and start to feel more relaxed. Meeting staff members like me and others on the Alumni + Family Relations team helps families to put faces to names and understand that we are really here to support the success of their students.
You’ve been at RISD for almost a year. What moments stand out?
Definitely Commencement + Reunion Weekend. I was prepared for pomp and circumstance. I was not prepared for the ceremony to include the energy of and pop covers by the Providence Drum Troupe. It was celebratory and unexpected, and felt very RISD. That weekend, I attended some of the Black Alumni Reunion events and seeing that group of people coming back to campus and sharing their stories was really nice.
What is the one thing you want RISD Families to know?
I’m really here for your students. I’m your connection if it's a moment of crisis and you need to find a campus resource for support or if it is your student’s birthday and you want to figure out how to get a cake delivered. That’s the care we want to provide for students.
The Office of Alumni + Family Relations is one of many offices at RISD that supports students and families. If you have a question or want to get involved, you can contact Dieng Cameron at dcameron@risd.edu or reach out to families@risd.edu.
