Today was the 125th commencement of the Rhode Island School of Design. I didn't have a camera with me, but as luck would have it, President Maeda was taking pictures of it from the stage and posting them on the RISD flickr account. How cool is that? The image above is of President Mandle giving the opening remarks.

RISD is unusual in that it encourages its graduates to creatively alter and/or destroy their cap and gowns for the ceremony, which results in a parade-like atmosphere as everyone files in for the first time. After the initial "viewing," things are pretty standard from then on. Its a small enough school that everyone walks across the same stage, and the actual masters hoods are actually conferred on stage as well.

Today I stayed for most of graduation, but then raced out towards the end to help set up for a reception that the graduating class was having for their friends and family. There was food from Costantino's Venda Ravioli, cupcakes and amazing baked goods from Scioli Brothers (holy crap their tiramisu was awesome!), wine from Eno, and 60-70 of our closest friends!

It was a great afternoon of toasts, hugs, and relaxed socializing, and now I am totally beat. Time for bed.