Distinguished Honorees

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bryan stevenson at podium commencement 2019 speaker

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.

Honorary degree recipients, 1990–present

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

Selected honorary degree recipients

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Rose B. Simpson, 2025 honorary degree recipient.

Rose B. Simpson – 2025

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playwright Lynn Nottage

Lynn Nottage – 2021

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Virgil Abloh sitting on an outdoor park bench

Virgil Abloh – 2020

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Annie Liebovitz 2018

Annie Liebovitz – 2018

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Hilton Als 2016

Hilton Als – 2016

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John Waters 2015

John Waters – 2015

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Todd Oldham 2014

Todd Oldham – 2014

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Maira Kalman 2013

Maira Kalman – 2013

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Yo-Yo Ma playing the cello

Yo-Yo Ma – 2008

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Seth MacFarlane

Seth MacFarlane (RISD BFA 95 FAV) – 2007

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Kara Walker

Kara Walker (RISD MFA 94 PT/PR) – 2006 | photo by Ari Marcopoulos

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Eva Zeisel

Eva Zeisel – 2005 | photo ©TalismanPHOTO

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Deborah Berke (RISD BArch 77)

Deborah Berke – 2005

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Jenny Holzer

Jenny Holzer (RISD MFA 77 PT) - 2003 | photo by Kyle Dorosz

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Lina Wertmuller | 1996

Lina Wertmuller – 1996

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Read about past honorees

student-decorated mortaboard says Time To Gogh

The RISD community comes together to honor graduating students driving change and to welcome new president Crystal Williams.

musician David Byrne holds up a sign that says Don't Worry

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.

Public interest lawyer and civil rights leader Bryan Stevenson, who delivered the keynote address at Commencement 2019

Keynote speaker Bryan Stevenson will highlight the commitment to equity and inclusion among RISD’s honored guests.

Get to know RISD

a group of graduating seniors celebrate in a full audience

Find out more about our annual celebratory salute to RISD’s newest art and design standouts.

risd_graduating_class_of_1902_black_and_white_historical_photo

Look back at how RISD’s commitment to art and design education has evolved since our 1877 founding.

students walking on the sidewalk in front of the red brick Waterman Building on RISD’s campus

Learn what drives all we do—as an institution and an engaged creative community.