Remembering an Extraordinary Alumna
Veronica Kenny Farrell had an abiding belief in the importance of arts and design education—and supported it through her life’s work and philanthropy.
When she passed on April 21, 2020 at the age of 103, she was perhaps the oldest member of the RISD alumni community. She was certainly one its most loyal donors—having made gifts for at least 41 consecutive years in support of the RISD Scholars Fund. Her generosity helped ensure RISD was able to offer financial aid to attract and retain the most talented students.
Farrell majored in Art Education, served as Director of Art for the Pawtucket School Department, and also taught in Smithfield and Warwick public schools. Equally dedicated to the arts community, she was active with the RISD Alumni Association, RISD Museum, Providence Art Club, Rhode Island Watercolor Association and Retired Art Teachers of Rhode Island. She also supported Quota Club International, a service organization providing basic needs to women, children, the deaf and hard of hearing.
She established her connection to RISD early. With a love of painting and drawing, she attended Saturday classes that RISD offered to local children. She fell in love with the school, so when it came time to look at colleges Farrell applied for a scholarship to attend.
Ever resourceful, she found the name of the professor awarding the scholarships and where he lived. “She took the bus from Providence to Pawtucket and arrived at his front door step,” remembers Farrell’s niece Jacquelyn Kenny. “She bravely introduced herself and told him she had applied for a scholarship. She then made her case about how desperately she wanted to go to RISD and why she would be a good student. He responded that he would take what she said into consideration. Well, she got her scholarship and could not have been happier.”
She paid it forward through her philanthropy and remained an advocate of the RISD educational experience throughout her life. Jacquelyn Kenny recalls that whenever she spotted a child’s work of art that she admired she’d be sure to encourage them, tell them how talented she believed them to be and suggest they consider attending one of RISD’s programs for young artists.
“She was a spectacular person and very supportive of RISD. She was always excited to engage with RISD students and alumni. She was passionate about art continued taking art classes at Providence Art Club until last year,” says her niece Heidi Kenny.
The family has asked that, per her wishes, donations be made to the RISD Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers. Contributions are gratefully accepted here.
