The heart of a great education is the people around you – who will open your eyes and your mind, challenge your preconceptions, inspire your efforts, support your failures and help celebrate your successes.  More often than not, these are your classmates and faculty.

There is, however, another important element in that web of people which adds to the great glory of the mix.  At RISD each year, there are hundreds of artists, designers, thinkers, public officials, teachers and authors who lecture, act as critics in the studios, read their poetry, play their music, share their crusade, collaborate to publish portfolios and on and on.

From a sample of visitors in just the last week, RISD students have been challenged by Trevor Paglen, been inspired by the words of poet, Mark Doty, and critiqued by industrial designer, Raphael Zammit.  Coming to campus tomorrow is Falling Whistles, a campaign to end the devastating conflict in the Congo.

So many incredible people, ideas and influences will flow into your education at RISD.

Ed Newhall, Director of Admissions.  Contact me at enewhall@risd.edu