Two Major Gifts Endow New Society of Presidential Fellows
Thanks to an anonymous gift of $10 million—the largest amount ever earmarked for financial aid—and a second significant gift, RISD is launching a new fellowship program to support graduate study.
Starting with fall 2020 admissions, accepted graduate students selected for the Society of Presidential Fellows will attend RISD tuition-free for the duration of their studies. These outstanding students from around the world will also benefit from professional development opportunities.
The new Society of Presidential Fellows opportunity represents a significant step towards addressing two priorities articulated in RISD’s 2020–27 strategic plan: enhancing advanced inquiry through graduate study and increasing access to these programs.
Inspired by the initial gift of $10 million, alumna Hillary Blumberg 92 FAV added to the fellowship endowment with the largest contribution ever from a RISD graduate in support of financial aid. “As I know firsthand, the RISD experience is second to none for fledgling artists and those pursuing the creative professions,” she says. “Yet the simple fact remains that... a RISD education is beyond the financial means of many.”
Photo by David O’Connor
