From its inception in 1998 to its successful conclusion on June 30, 2006, the Future by Design campaign relied on thousands of individuals in the RISD community and exceeded the $85-million campaign goal. The campaign grew from a shared vision for improving the student experience and enhancing public engagement in the life of the college and museum. There was no precedent for an endeavor of this magnitude at RISD, and yet it succeeded because we all worked together like never before. Our heartfelt thanks go, first and foremost, to our trustees, who led by example and commitment; then to the numerous friends who joined us, many for the first time, in this ambitious effort; and finally, to the staff, who nurtured old and new relationships to new levels.

The Fleet Library is a majestic space filled with books and images, plus places to read and talk about ideas. When the Chace Center opens in 2008, it will fit seamlessly into its surroundings, as has always been here. The campaign raised nearly $12 million in new scholarship funding and $17.5 million to further educational programming, both of which will help to sustain the magic that happens when the best students and faculty come together.

Raising $99.3 million — $87.7 million in new campaign funds and $11.3 million in bequests, government grants and gifts-in-kind — is a dramatic accomplishment that reaffirms the importance of RISD’s distinctive art and design education. This is remarkable news for art and design, education and the economy.