Alumni Reunions

RISD welcomes the classes of 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020 and our 2-year reunion class of 2023 back to campus for RISD Reunion 2025!

Have questions? Be sure to check out our Reunion FAQs below!

2025 Events Schedule

THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025

RISD Archives Exhibition 
10 am–6 pm
Fleet Library at RISD
15 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903

The RISD Archives presents a special reunion themed exhibition of photographs, memorabilia and more from the classes of 1960–2023. Take a trip down memory lane at the Fleet Library and relive your time at RISD through this thoughtfully curated exhibition.
FF, CC

Welcome Reception 
hosted by RISD Club of Rhode Island
5:30–7:30 pm 
Radeke Garden, RISD Museum
20 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903
(please enter through the Chace Center entrance)

The Club of Rhode Island invites our reunion alumni for a welcome reception in the museum’s best kept secret, the Radeke Garden. Join us for light bites at a laid back, family-friendly meetup! A cash bar will be available.
FF

FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025

Nature Lab Open House
8 am–4 pm 
Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab
13 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02903

A beloved part of the RISD experience, the wonders of the Nature Lab have provided inspiration and sparked creative discourse for generations of our graduates. Stop in while you are on campus to reminisce and explore with your family and friends.
FF, CC

RISD Archives Exhibition 
10 am–6 pm
Fleet Library at RISD
15 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903

The RISD Archives presents a special reunion themed exhibition of photographs, memorabilia and more from the classes of 1960–2023 at the Fleet Library. Take a trip down memory lane and relive your time at RISD through this thoughtfully curated exhibition.
FF, CC

Nature Lab Photobooth
1–3 pm 
Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab
13 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02903

Take some Nature Lab memories home with you! Have fun and get creative (and maybe a little silly) with our Nature Lab props and specimens. 
FF, CC, ART

Nature Lab Drop-In Still Life Drawing
1–3 pm 
Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab
13 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02903

Relive the memories of still life drawing at the Nature Lab. Nature Lab staff will set up a still life for you to interpret and draw in this casual, unstructured, drop-in opportunity. Materials are provided courtesy of the RISD Store and 2nd Life.
FF, CC, ART

Sketching in the Galleries 
1–4 pm
RISD Museum, Metcalf Galleries, 4th floor.
20 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903

Take a break from the weekend’s activities and enjoy some downtime as you sketch in the museum galleries. Materials will be provided.
FF, P, ART

New (to you) RISD Campus Tour
2–3 pm 
Departs from the Chace Center Lobby 
20 N. Main Street, Providence, RI 02903

The more things change....join us for a campus tour of the new (to you) places and spaces on RISD Campus.
FF

Milestone Tour and Tea
2–4 pm 
Visual & Material Resource Library, 
Fleet Library at RISD 
5 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903

Take a trip down memory lane as our RISD Archives staff share photographs, memorabilia and more from your time at RISD. We will get a behind the scenes look at the Fleet Library’s archives exhibition thoughtfully curated for this year’s reunion, followed by a visit to Special Collections. Refreshments will be served. 
Open to the classes of 1980, 1975, 1970, 1965, 1960, 1955, and 1950.
CSE

New (to you) RISD Campus Tour
3–4 pm 
Departs from the Chace Center Lobby 
20 N. Main Street, Providence, RI 02903

The more things change....join us for a campus tour of the new (to you) places and spaces on RISD Campus.
FF

Class of 2005 Drawing Meetup at the Nature Lab 
3:30–5:30 pm
Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab
13 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02903

Get creative in the Nature Lab with your classmates from 2005! Have fun with laid-back drawing games and activities that are sure to bring back memories of the great times we’ve shared in and out of the studio! Materials and snacks will be provided. 
CSE, ART

Retired Faculty & Staff Reception
5–6 pm 
Market Square Tent
Canal Street, Providence, RI 02903

Join us as we honor and celebrate our professor emeriti and retired staff at a casual reception in Market Square.
FF, CC

Class of 2010 Meetup
5–7 pm 
Congress Tavern 
62 Orange St #2803, Providence, RI 02903

Join your classmates for a casual meetup at Congress Tavern. RISD is providing light snacks for our class, but it is a cash bar. 
CSE

Class of 2020 & 2023 Meetup
5–7 pm 
The Wild Colonial Tavern 
250 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903

Join your classmates from 2020 & 2023 for a casual meetup at Wild Colonial. RISD is providing light snacks, but it is a cash bar. 
CSE, 21+

Class of 2000 Meetup
6–8 pm 
The XO Bar 
125 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903

Join your classmates for a fun meetup at The XO Bar. RISD is providing light snacks for our class, but it is a cash bar. 
CSE, 21+

RISD Alumni Basketball Game
8:30–10:30 pm 
Wheeler School Gym
216 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906

Join us for an alumni vs alumni basketball game! We’ll do a full 90 minute game. Doors will open at 8:30 and tip off is at 9 pm. 
FF, CC

New Alumni Welcoming Ceremony
8–8:30 pm 
Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge
195 District Park, Providence RI 02903

Celebrate the Class of 2025 and welcome them into our alumni community in a truly unique and RISD way. Join us on the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge to congratulate our graduates and get the party started as local musicians lead the way over to the Artists Party!

Artists Party
8:30–11:30 pm 
Commencement & Reunion Tent
West side of the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge
195 District Park, Providence RI 02903

Dance the night away with reunion alumni and the Class of 2025. Enjoy music by DJ Atlas and refreshments under the Commencement + Reunion tent along the river. All alumni will receive one (1) free drink ticket for this event. A cash bar will also be available. 
21+

SATURDAY, MAY 31 2025

Breakfast at the Met*
8–10 am
The Met Refectory
30 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02912

Start your day off with a delicious breakfast at The MET. Catch up with friends, plan out your activities and get ready for another fun day on campus!
*Included in your reunion meal pricing 
FF

Registration & Check In
8 am–4 pm
Chace Center Commons
20 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903

Stop in to let us know you’ve arrived (or just to say hi!) and pick up your event tickets & vouchers. While you are here, grab some refreshments, swag and a schedule!

RISD Archives Exhibition 
10 am–4 pm
Fleet Library at RISD
15 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903

The RISD Archives presents a special reunion themed exhibition of photographs, memorabilia and more from the classes of 1960–2023. Take a trip down memory lane at the Fleet Library and relive your time at RISD through this thoughtfully curated exhibition.
FF, CC

Volunteering Info Booth
10 am–12 pm
ProvWash
20 Washington Place, Providence RI 02903

We invite anyone interested in learning more about volunteering with our regional clubs and affinity groups to stop by and speak with us about the opportunities we have for you to get involved. Stop by, say hi and grab a snack.
CC

RISD Asian Alumni Affinity Group Reception 
10–11 am
ProvWash
20 Washington Place, Providence RI 02903

Interested in connecting with the RISD Asian Alumni community and learning more about our affinity group and the 2026 Asian Alumni Reunion? We welcome all alumni to join us, learn more and enjoy some refreshments.
FF, AG, CC

Affinity Groups Reception 
11 am–12 pm
ProvWash
20 Washington Place, Providence RI 02903

Did you know that the RISD Alumni Association has a wide variety of affinity groups based on interest and identity? We welcome everyone to stop by and learn more about our current groups and our plans for the future! 
FF, AG, CC

Art Activity with Ricky Rainbow Beard
11 am–2 pm 
RISD Beach
Corner of Benefit & Waterman, Providence RI, 02903

Join Ricky Katowicz 05 AP, aka Ricky Rainbow Beard, and friends on RISD Beach for a surf party! There will be water tables and crafts, surfing with “Mister Waves” and make-your-own shark costumes.
FF, CC, ART

Caricatures on RISD Beach
11 am–3 pm 
RISD Beach
Corner of Benefit & Waterman, Providence RI, 02903

Stop by RISD Beach for a caricature by Noa Juarez 97 PR of Noa's Art.
FF, CC, ART

RISD Craft
11 am–5 pm
Benefit Street, Providence RI, 02903

Our spring sale returns to Benefit Street! Browse the work of over 100 alumni artists and designers. 
FF, P

Post Commencement Community Reception
12–1:30 pm 
Market Square and Riverwalk
Canal Street, Providence, RI 02903

Our entire community is invited to celebrate the Class of 2025 at this festive reception in Market Square.
FF, CC

Nature Lab Open House
12–4 pm 
Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab
13 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02903

A beloved part of the RISD experience, the wonders of the Nature Lab have provided inspiration and sparked creative discourse for generations of our graduates. Stop in while you are on campus to reminisce and explore with your family and friends.
FF, CC

Nature Lab Photobooth
1–3 pm 
Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab
13 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02903

Take some Nature Lab memories home with you! Have fun and get creative (and maybe a little silly) with our Nature Lab props and specimens. 
FF, CC, ART

Nature Lab Drop In Still Life Drawing
1–3 pm 
Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab
13 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02903

Relive the memories of still life drawing at the Nature Lab. Nature Lab staff will set up a still life for you to interpret and draw in this casual, unstructured, drop-in opportunity. Materials are provided courtesy of the RISD Store and 2nd Life.
FF, CC, ART

Sketching in the Galleries 
1–4 pm
RISD Museum, Metcalf Galleries, 4th floor.
20 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903

Take a break from the weekend’s activities and enjoy some downtime as you sketch in the museum galleries. Materials will be provided.
FF, CC, ART

Class Photos
1–4:30 pm 
The lawn of the First Baptist Church in America
75 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903
(please see individual schedule closer to the event for your class’s photo call time.)

New (to you) RISD Campus Tour
1:30–2:30 pm 
Departs from the Chace Center Lobby 
20 N. Main Street, Providence, RI 02903

The more things change....join us for a campus tour of the new (to you) places and spaces on RISD Campus.
FF

Class of 1995 Scavenger Hunt Kick Off Meetup
2–3 pm 
Waterman Building, Room 32
13 Waterman Street, Providence RI, 02903

How well do you remember our time together at RISD? Join your 1995 classmates for a scavenger hunt across campus. We will kick off at the Tap Room and outline the rules of the game, enjoy some snacks and then we are off. At our reunion dinner under the Commencement + Reunion tent, we will have some fun prizes for the winners!
FF, CSE

Black Alumni Affinity Group Community Cookout
2–3:30 pm 
Ewing Multicultural Center
41 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02906

Join us for our second Black Alumni Affinity Group Community Cookout. Fresh from our successful Black Alumni Reunion last year, we want to keep the momentum going and make this an annual tradition for our community. 
AG, FF, CC

Class of 1990 Drawing Session Meetup
2–4 pm 
Waterman Building, Room 31
13 Waterman Street, Providence RI, 02903

Join the Class of 1990 for a laid-back drawing session on campus! We plan to relax and catch up as we do some sketching and enjoy some snacks. Basic materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite supplies.
CSE, ART

Class of 2015 Meetup
4–6 pm 
The Wild Colonial Tavern 
250 S Water St, Providence, RI 02903

Join your classmates for a casual meetup at Wild Colonial. RISD is providing light snacks for our class, but it is a cash bar. 
CSE, 21+

Class of 1975 Meetup
4–6 pm 
The XO Bar 
125 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903

Join your classmates from 1975 for a casual meetup at The XO Bar. RISD is providing light snacks for our class, but it is a cash bar. CSE, 21+

Class of 1980 Meetup
4–6 pm 
The XO Bar 
125 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903

Join your classmates from 1980 for a casual meetup at The XO Bar. RISD is providing light snacks for our class, but it is a cash bar. CSE, 21+

Class of 1985 Meetup
4–6 pm 
The XO Bar 
125 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903

Join your classmates from 1985 for a casual meetup at The XO Bar. RISD is providing light snacks for our class, but it is a cash bar. CSE, 21+

Class of 1970 Meetup
5–6 pm 
Providence Art Club  
11 Thomas Street, Providence RI 02903

Join the Class of 1970 for a meetup before heading into our Milestone Dinner at the Providence Art Club.
CSE

Milestone Dinner
6–10 pm 
Providence Art Club  
11 Thomas Street, Providence RI 02903

Join alumni celebrating 45-years, 50-years, 55-years, 60-years and more at our Milestone Dinner at the Providence Art Club. Open to the Classes of 1980, 1975, 1970, 1965, 1960, 1955, 1950 and earlier.
CSE

Reunion Dinner
6–10:30 pm 
Commencement + Reunion Tent

Share a meal with your classmates. Catch up, reminisce and some enjoy good vibes and good friends in a casual setting by the river.

Open to the Classes of 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020 and 2023.

Your meal and two drink tickets are included in your reunion meal pricing 
FF, CSE

WaterFire
8:30–10:30 pm 
Canal Walk, Providence, RI 02903

Reunion alumni, the Class of 2025 and their families are welcome to experience Providence’s iconic WaterFire, sponsored by Rhode Island School of Design in honor of Commencement + Reunion Weekend.
FF, P

SUNDAY JUNE, 1 2025

Breakfast at the Met
7–11 am
The Met Refectory
30 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02912

Start your day off with a delicious breakfast at The MET. Catch up with friends, make plans to stay in touch and get ready for the last day of reunion weekend!
*Included in your reunion meal pricing 
FF

Visit Tillinghast Farm
11 am–4 pm 
Shuttles depart from the Chace Center and
Tillinghast Farm

Have some fun in the sun by beautiful Narragansett Bay. Bring your beach blankets, art supplies or games and enjoy the food truck while you relax and unwind with friends and classmates. 
FF
 

AG = Affinity group event; ART = Art-making opportunity; FF = Family-friendly; CC = Open to the campus community; CSE = Class-specific event; P = Open to the public

Attending RISD Reunion Weekend FAQ

How do I register for Reunion Weekend 2025?
Online Registration for Reunion 2025 opens in March.

Is there a cost to attend Reunion Weekend?
Many of our reunion events are free, including the Artists Party and most class-specific events. Our community events are free and open to the entire RISD community.

Reunion Meal pricing covers your Reunion Dinner, two drink tickets at the Reunion Dinner and breakfast at The MET on Saturday and Sunday. Reunion Dinners are free for the Class of  2023 and for Classes of 1970 (55-year reunion) and up.

Early Bird pricing ends on May 1, 2025 so be sure to register early!

Where can I stay during reunion weekend?
RISD works with several area hotels to provide special group pricing during Commencement + Reunion Weekend. These room blocks with the special rate often fill up quickly. In order to secure the special room rates, you must book through the links provided on our Hotels & Lodging page.

If you need further hotel options, please take a look at the Visiting Campus section of the risd.edu website for more area hotels.

Can I bring my family to RISD Reunion Weekend?
RISD Reunion is a family-friendly event, with youth focused activities happening during the weekend, including free access to the RISD Museum. Although there are some events, like the Artist Party, which are 21+ most events do not have an age restriction. Events with age restrictions are noted in the registration process.

I have questions about accessibility around RISD’s campus.
Please contact reunions@risd.edu for questions about accessibility at various event venues around campus.

Reunion Giving

When you make a gift in honor of your reunion, you fuel RISD’s creative community, showing our students and faculty that alumni believe in their creative practice in the studio and beyond.

This year, RISD is hosting a Giving Day challenge through March 20, 2025. A generous alum will match any gift to the RISD Fund or Museum Annual Fund up to $35,000—so your gift can help us unlock an additional $35,000 for RISD. And the reunion class with the highest Giving Day participation will get a fun extra treat at reunion!

Do you have questions about Reunion Weekend? If so, please email us at reunions@risd.edu.

_{Photo credits: Reunion Weekend 2024 by Dee Speaks and Leah LaRiccia.}