Today was my very first commencement as RISD’s president. The weather was fabulous, the ceremony ran beautifully, and the spirits on campus were way high. As I stood at the podium I could only think about how many years of incredible effort stood before me. Of course there were the many hours in studio spent by our students. But in addition immediately visible to me there today were all the parents that supported their son or daughter since birth … and I thought of how proud they must have felt to see their son or daughter to be born again decades later as a master RISD-creative.

During the ceremony I shot various photos that I will post next week. Congratulations to the class of 2009 and please do stay in touch with your RISD! -JM