Keynote speaker changes for RISD Commencement

PROVIDENCE — NPR journalist Ari Shapiro will deliver the keynote address at Rhode Island School of Design’s Commencement 2023 Saturday, replacing an internationally renowned architect who was originally scheduled to speak.

A scheduling conflict left Francis Kéré, the 2022 winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, unable to attend the ceremony scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in downtown Providence. A community reception in Market Square to toast the Class of 2023 will follow the ceremony. 

Shapiro has been one of the hosts of All Things Considered, NPR’s award-winning afternoon newsmagazine, since 2015. He spent two years as NPR’s international correspondent based in London and four years as NPR’s White House correspondent during President Barack Obama’s first and second terms.

During the ceremony, RISD will present two honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degrees to visionaries in contemporary culture: designer Walter Hood and artist Do Ho Suh (RISD 94 Painting). In addition, Ilene Chaiken (RISD 79 Graphic Design) will deliver the keynote address at the Graduate Hooding Ceremony on Friday, June 2. 

RISD will award degrees to 531 undergraduate and 278 graduate students at what will be its 140th commencement ceremony.

Learn more about Commencement and the honorees.