Distinguished Honorees
For more than four decades, RISD has recognized selected leaders in contemporary culture with honorary degrees. Presented each year at Commencement, honorary doctor of fine arts degrees celebrate the work of innovative individuals who have made significant social and cultural contributions to society. Honorary degree candidates are selected not only for advancing their fields but for embodying RISD’s values and furthering its mission.
Nomination process
Each spring RISD’s Honorary Degree Committee—appointed by the president and comprised of students, faculty, staff and trustees—solicits, reviews and recommends nominees to the Board of Trustees for the following year’s Commencement ceremony. Once the Board reviews and approves the committee’s nominations, the president selects and extends an invitation to each candidate, who is asked to accept the award in person at Commencement.
Every member of the RISD community is encouraged to submit nominations at any point in the year, with the understanding that the committee reviews nominations a full academic year in advance of when these degrees are awarded.
For more information, read the full honorary degree policy.
President’s Medal of Honor
The President’s Medal of Honor recognizes individuals and organizations who have enhanced RISD through civic engagement, advocacy, philanthropy and other exceptional contributions to the institution. Established in 2019, it commemorates deeds outside the areas of artistic or academic achievement that make an enduring and transformative impact on the college, museum and RISD community.
Honorees
2021
Pauline C. Metcalf — RISD trustee emerita, RISD Museum governor
Stephen Metcalf — RISD trustee emeritus, RISD Museum governor
Vera Metcalf
2019
Dr. Joseph A. Chazan — nephrologist, art collector and advocate
Selected honorary degree recipients
Read about past honorees
The RISD community comes together to honor graduating students driving change and to welcome new president Crystal Williams.
An in-person and online Commencement ceremony features student leaders from the classes of 2020 and 2021 and an eclectic array of honorary degree recipients.
Keynote speaker Bryan Stevenson will highlight the commitment to equity and inclusion among RISD’s honored guests.
Get to know RISD
Find out more about our annual celebratory salute to RISD’s newest art and design standouts.
Look back at how RISD’s commitment to art and design education has evolved since our 1877 founding.
Learn what drives all we do—as an institution and an engaged creative community.