President Somerson Engages with Students

If interim President Rosanne Somerson 76 ID could go back in time and give her 21-year-old self a valuable piece of advice, she’d urge: Plan way ahead.

“Think of yourselves as an institution,” she told students at the first session of RISD Leads on Monday night. “Where do you want to be in 20 years? Every skill you acquire here is crucial to your development and instrumental in building your future. Leaders are always looking to the future.”

Now in its second year, the RISD Leads series is organized by the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) as a means of helping students build leadership abilities, develop critical thinking skills and learn how to be catalysts for social change. 

Seated in front of approximately 100 artists and designers, Somerson shed light on how her own experiences as a RISD student, furniture maker and successful entrepreneur have helped her develop effective leadership skills. At one point during the discussion, a student asked the president to share what she learned through launching her acclaimed furniture studio.

“It’s important to retain an unwavering commitment to the vision of your practice,” Somerson responded. “If you remain focused on your ideas – and can act resourcefully – it’s possible to make something wildly innovative.”

This RISD Leads series continues this year with a line-up of great guest speakers. For example, Umberto Crenca – founder and director of the arts nonprofit AS220 – will come to campus on October 17 to discuss how his artist-run organization has helped revitalize downtown Providence. On November 3, students will also get the chance to hear from Bobby Gondola, operations director at Year Up, an organization that empowers underserved young adults to pursue rewarding careers.

With a particular interest in entrepreneurship, Kevin Cadena 16 GD is attending the workshop series to get inspiration for Sushi Time Co., his budding clothing company. The graphic designer looks forward to meeting with Bill Foulkes, a faculty member who is hosting a RISD Leads lecture on “creative intelligence” on November 17. “This is all good food for thought,” Cadena noted with a smile.