Celebrating the Classes of 2020 and 2022, the RISD community comes together to honor graduating students driving change and to welcome new president Crystal Williams. Keynote speaker and honorary degree recipient Cheryl D. Miller described the June 4 Commencement celebration at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center as “iconic, epic and historic” and praised the graduating classes of 2020 and 2022 for using their shared determination and vision to transform RISD into a more inclusive and equitable institution. “Your demands for diversity have moved the needle toward a palette of all colors and a family of leadership, faculty and students from around the globe who offer their own truest expressions of self,” she said.

Williams, who opened the ceremony by acknowledging that graduating students brought their people and their histories with them to RISD, praised their leadership and vision. “Your imagination is needed out in the wide world,” she added. “So, light the way, you courageous, beautiful creators… and think about what you want your legacy to be as part of this distinctive lineage.” She went on to award honorary degrees to Miller and acclaimed artist/educator Nick Cave.

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