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Momentum Fall 2020

Discover how people are making a difference through philanthropy and service at RISD.

As the COVID-19 global pandemic continued, the RISD community accomplished incredible things. We invite you to read more about our extraordinary students—and the efforts of alumni, families, patrons and friends to ensure every student can take full advantage of  the RISD educational experience. 

Now More Than Ever

Times of rapid change and growing uncertainty call for the leadership of artists and designers. 

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President Rosanne Somerson, (c) Cary Wolinsky, Trillium Studio

Generosity in Challenging Times

Thank you for showing RISD students you have their backs when they need it most.

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Thinking Critically about Design

Thanks to her fellowship, Katrina Machado is exploring how design can better understand, care and empathetically serve people. 

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Channeling Life Experiences

Financial Aid offers Abenda Sohn the opportunity to forge his creative path.

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Bouncing Back

Scholarship support ensures Denni Zhao can resume her studies after taking a leave due to family illness. 

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Society of Presidential Fellows

Since August 2019, RISD has raised a $15 million foundation for a new program to recruit and support outstanding graduate students at RISD. 

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Strengthening Collections

Alumni make generous contributions to the RISD Museum. 

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Red silk dress with cartridge pleated skirt, circa 1949 by Norman Norrell. Gift of Mark Pollack 76 TX.

Stepping Up to the Challenge

As RISD students and their families faced the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Trustees and RISD community sprang into action.

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Honoring a Commitment to Art and Equity

Family and loved ones of Maddy Parrasch 19 PT establish a travel fund in her memory. 

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Families Association

A single digital destination serves the needs of RISD families. 

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Advancing Zero Waste

Fueled by their passion for eliminating waste and finding creative solutions to environmental problems, Callie Clayton 17 TX, Annie Keating 17 TX and Juliana Sohn 92 PH formed a new affinity group to connect interested alumni to work together for change. 

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Connecting Cherished Traditions

Linking commencement and reunion celebrations offers new opportunities for graduating students and alumni to build community. 

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Honoring Outstanding Alumni

The RISD Alumni Association will honor these exemplary alumni at Commencement + Reunion Weekend (June 4-5, 2021).

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Celebrating Published Alumni

Fleet Library at RISD and the Alumni Association have established a new book collection featuring alumni authors, illustrators, designers and publishers. 

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Full Steam Ahead

RISD is rapidly expanding engagement of alumni and families in the vital work of the college and museum. 

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