Towards the end of yesterday I had an out-of-the-blue telephone call from one of our graduates, Prof. Jan Wampler ‘63 of MIT. Prof. Wampler is highly esteemed at MIT, and I had the opportunity to meet him a few times during my tenure there and was aware of his RISD roots. He asked me, “How are you doing?” And I spoke about my excitement for being part of a tradition dating back to 1877 that is grounded in critical making and critical thinking. Prof. Wampler gave a wistful sigh of happiness, “Foundation studies. It’s where I … became.”

In a few weeks from now the incoming class of 2013 will be at our doors. And you will know what Prof. Wampler speaks of — a first-year transformational experience that is legendary for its dedication to materials-based thinking and arduous training in process as the outcome. I look forward to seeing the new students in our Edna Lawrence Nature Lab and enjoying a lot of exercise walking up Waterman Street. Regards, -JM