Internationally Famed Designer to Receive Honorary Doctorate at RIT Nov. 8

World-renowned designer Massimo Vignelli, co-founder and president of Vignelli Associates and CEO of Vignelli Designs in New York City, will be granted an honorary doctorate of fine arts by Rochester Institute of Technology.

RIT officials will present the degree to Vignelli during a ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, in RIT’s Webb Auditorium, James E. Booth Building. The free event is open to the public and will conclude with a reception.

An exhibition of Vignelli’s work, Continuum, will accompany his visit to campus. The display is open from Oct. 25 to Nov. 20 in RIT’s Bevier Gallery.

Vignelli, whose clients include American and European companies and institutions, is well known for his various contributions to design, including corporate identity programs, architectural graphics, and designs for interiors, furniture, consumer products and publications. His work has been published and exhibited throughout the world.

"Massimo Vignelli has dedicated his efforts to helping people understand the important role that design plays in business and life," explains Nancy Ciolek, RIT associate professor of design. "He has given freely of his time and knowledge to assist design students by lecturing and holding workshops at numerous schools and universities, including RIT."

The ceremony and exhibition are in association with RIT’s centennial celebration for programs in art, design and photography. Events are scheduled throughout the year within RIT’s College of Imaging Arts and Sciences to commemorate this milestone.