2021 President’s Medal of Honor
Members of the Metcalf Family receive President’s Medal of Honor
On June 5, 2021, President Rosanne Somerson presented Pauline Metcalf, Stephen Metcalf and Vera Metcalf with the President's Medal of Honor Award at a private ceremony at the University Club in Providence, Rhode Island. All three honorees are descendants of RISD’s founder, Helen Metcalf. Vera Metcalf is her great-granddaughter-in-law. Vera’s son, Stephen, is Helen’s great great-grandson and Pauline is her great great-granddaughter.
Stephen shared his thoughts about the value he and his family see is supporting RISD. “Service to RISD has enriched the lives of many members of my family for generations. The faculty and students through their talent and discipline have infused our community with creativity which exceeds the aspirations of the founding generations. The RISD community includes faculty and students from across the globe and to echo an elder family member, I am confident they will infuse the future with creativity and enrich many lives. Thank you Rosanne for the President's Medal.”
The President’s Medal of Honor recognizes individuals and organizations who have enhanced RISD through their civic engagement, advocacy, philanthropy and other exceptional contributions to the institution. Established in 2019, the award commemorates deeds outside the areas of artistic or academic achievement that make an enduring and transformative impact on the college, museum and RISD community. In recognition of their dedication to improve the RISD experience for students, faculty and staff, President Rosanne Somerson commemorated each of their efforts with the distinguished President’s Medal of Honor Award.
Each honored recipient has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to RISD and its mission. All three recipients have been engaged with the governance of the institution and the creation and growth of the museum collection and libraries. President Rosanne Somerson presented this award in gratitude for their support of Rhode Island School of Design.
