Despite the deepening recession, I remain optimistic about RISD’s fundraising future. Why? I see examples of tremendous generosity all around me in the RISD community. When John Maeda talks about his commitment to increasing financial aid and making RISD accessible to more students, it is not idle talk. I asked John and Kris Maeda for their permission to share their story as an example of this generosity. John and Kris gave RISD the first $25,000 of their $100,000 commitment to financial aid in December. Recognizing that RISD needs to have funds immediately accessible to meet students’ needs, and that RISD also needs to rebuild its endowment, John and Kris will designate half of their gifts to current scholarships and half to an endowed scholarship fund. In addition, John has directed about $60,000 in lieu of speaking fees and honoraria to RISD since he became president. With five daughters, and the same declines in investments, home value, and retirement funds that we are all experiencing, John and Kris have the confidence and commitment to support RISD at unexpected levels. John’s extraordinary leadership inspires me daily, and I know it will inspire our donors. So I invite you to be optimistic with me. And hopefully you will agree that our RISD deserves our support. Anyone who cares about the future of creativity can make a gift of any size. Together, our collective gifts can make an enormous difference.

Beth Garvin
Vice President, Institutional Engagement