Alumni Association Awards
One of the signature events of RISD Weekend 2019 was the presentation of new RISD Alumni Association awards to three alumni who, in their work, creative practice and service, embody RISD's most cherished values.
On the evening of Friday, October 11, the RISD Alumni Association honored three alumni with newly established awards recognizing distinguished achievement, service, leadership and commitment to education.
The recipients were selected by an Alumni Awards Committee chaired by Daria Askari 05 PH from nominations made by RISD alumni. "The process was challenging and equally as rewarding," said Askari. "So many alumni are doing amazing things in their practices and communities. It was difficult to choose just three."
Donald Choi BArch 82, P 07, President of the RISD Alumni Association, presented the awards:
- Todd Bartel 85 PT, Art and Design Educator Award
"I have learned that teachers’ ideas are very loud things, but student’s under developed skills are very quiet. RISD trains the eye and mind to critique anything and everything. I am so very grateful to have my eyes opened and my mind widened here."
- Grace Jun 09 GD, Emerging Leader Award
"As a student, I never had a thought that I would be teaching today and my work focuses on helping creatives connect more with disabled communities. This work has profoundly influenced my life."
- Deborah Berke BArch 77, The Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf Award
"I am a very proud RISD alumna and I truly love this place. I learned here that architecture students being surrounded by artists is absolutely the right thing. This proximity to other disciplines influences architects' creative capacity."
