Trustee
Scholars Program
The distinction of Trustee Scholar is the
highest honor awarded to students at Ringling College of Art and Design. Given
by the Ringling College Board of Trustees, the designation of Trustee Scholar
recognizes exceptional creative talent; demonstrated communication and creative
thinking skills; and exemplary service, to the department, to the campus, and
to the community.
Selected by the heads of each academic
department and the Office of Student Life, nominees for Trustee Scholar are
forwarded to the Board of Trustees for final selection. In making its
decisions, the Board considers the following criteria:
- Exceptional
creative talent, communication skills, and distinction of mind;
- Contributions to the department, College, and/or community; and
- Leadership, citizenship, and mentorship.
Every spring, the heads of the academic
departments and the Office of Student Life each select two nominees to
represent their areas as Trustee Scholars. Nominees submit portfolios that
include slides and/or videos sharing information about themselves, their work,
and their inspirations; a written statement describing their journeys and
aspirations; evidence of their contributions and service to the department,
school, and/or community; and a resume. These materials are then presented to
the ad hoc Trustee Scholars Selection
Committee of the Board of Trustees for review and recommendation to the full
Board at its April Board meeting. Students selected as Trustee Scholars must
complete their senior semesters on campus. The submission portfolios of the award
recipients are housed on file in the Alfred R. Goldstein Library.
Every Trustee Scholar is awarded a $6,000 scholarship;
the runners-up each receive a $1,000 scholarship. The Scholars are honored at a
hallmark event in the fall following their selection. Trustee Scholars may
represent the institution in various ways, attending events or engaging with
partners and friends of the College. Trustee Scholars often serve as mentors to
other students, inspiring them to reach higher and helping them to achieve
their goals.
