Sixteen of Ringling College of Art and Design’s most exceptional students were honored on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, during the 31st annual Trustee Scholar Awards Ceremony—an evening highlighting the bold, boundless spirit of the next generation of artists and designers. Held in Soundstage A at Ringling College Studio Labs with a reception and dinner for the formal awards presentation.
This year’s theme, Creativity Unbound, beautifully captured the daring, exploratory energy of this extraordinary cohort. Recognizing 16 Scholars, it was the largest group in the event’s history. Each student was selected for their exceptional creative achievement, commitment to community, and visionary leadership.
“Together, and with the support of the College’s faculty, staff, trustees, friends, families, and supporters, this cohort stands as proof of what’s possible when imagination meets ambition, and creativity is unbound,” Ringling College President Dr. Larry R. Thompson shared in his speech.
Each year, the Trustee Scholars choose a collective theme that reflects their shared identity. For 2025–26, Creativity Unbound pays tribute to the courage it takes to break molds, transcend expectations, and forge new creative paths.
For many Scholars, that courage is deeply personal.
Film Trustee Scholar Jayde Dauley shared a powerful reflection on owning her voice—one shaped by the resilience passed down through her family:
“From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a creative. A writer and director of something. But I didn’t exactly have the confidence to do so. At home, I was the next Spike Lee, but outside, I was barely anything. To most, I was an uptight black girl who was too intimidating. I always got cast as the maid in the school play and was never picked to have my stories read because they made others feel incompetent. That completely ruined me. I put myself into a corner and stayed there for years, quietly letting opportunities pass me by because I didn’t want to be what everyone thought I was.
Then my mother reminded me of the advice my grandfather gave her: ‘Eff ’em.’
From that moment on, I decided every step I took would be heard by someone. I didn’t care if people thought I was uptight or loud. I am uptight and loud—so what? What mattered was going beyond the limits placed on me as a child and achieving the dreams my younger self never thought I’d reach.”
Virtual Reality Development Trustee Scholar Nick Whittle moved the audience with an emotional tribute to his late grandfather and to the moments that shape a creative life:
“As I near graduation, I keep asking myself: What moments define us? For me, it was the last hug I ever gave my grandpa. With tears in his eyes, he told me his biggest regret was that he’d never get to see me graduate. This is the man who, at every chance he got, would drive hours with my grandma just to see me. To see the crayon cards I made for him. To see the light in my eyes when I showed him something. That moment defined my love for art as a kid.
International Affairs Amy Pettengill. Photo: Cecilia Marty ’26, Photography and Imaging
Whatever your version of those crayon drawings is, hold on to it. Tell the people in your life what they mean to you. And don’t be afraid to tell the world how much your work matters. These memories, these people, this school—this is what has defined me. There’s not a second I don’t feel grateful.”
The Trustee Scholarship is awarded annually to senior students who exemplify the highest levels of dedication, originality, brilliance, ambition, and service. Faculty from each academic department, along with representatives from Student Life, nominate students from the junior class. Nominees submit a written statement and a portfolio, which are reviewed by the Trustee Scholar Selection Committee, composed of members of the Board of Trustees.
Scholars are selected based on:
- Exceptional creative talent, communication skills, and distinction of mind
- Contributions to their department, the College, and/or the community
- Leadership, citizenship, and mentorship
This year’s Scholars demonstrated excellence across all criteria—each bringing a powerful combination of talent, vision, and heart to the Ringling community.
See all the 2025-2026 Trustee Scholars on our website.
The nomination process for the 2026–27 Trustee Scholars will begin this spring, with selections announced in May. As the College prepares for another year of inspiring artistic achievement, the stories shared during this year’s ceremony stand as a testament to the transformative impact of a Ringling College education.
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