Ringling College of Art and Design one week ago today held its 22^nd annual Evening at the Avant-Garde. This event is a celebration held on our campus dedicated to raising scholarship funds for our amazing students. This year’s theme—“In Color”—inspired so many from this community to don their boldest and brightest shades, and show up in full-spectrum force to share their generosity and enjoy the kaleidoscope of creativity that is Ringling College. Imagine, nearly over 400 guests in every hue, tint, and tone imaginable. It was quite a spectacle!

While fun was had by all, the most important part of the evening is celebrating our Avant-Garde scholarship finalists and winner, as well as raising funds for one of the most important scholarships we offer at the College, entitled “Crossing the Finish Line”.

So what is meant by this Crossing the Finish Line and why is it is important?

Let me explain. My most difficult day as president of Ringling College is when an upper class student—a junior or senior—comes into my office to tell me they have loved their time at the College but have to say good-bye because they must drop out. It’s not because of grades. It’s because their family’s financial situation has changed. It may be due to an illness in the family or even the death of a parent, a divorce, a natural disaster (like a hurricane) or a parent’s lay-off from a job. In none of these instances is it the students’ fault, but because of them, it makes it impossible for them to afford the cost of continuing their education and completing the degree to which they have already dedicated so much time and energy. For me, this is an absolutely devastating moment.

And this moment is the reason the “Crossing the Finish Line” scholarship fund was put in place. The idea is to support our students in this time of crucial need with the financial resources they need to finish their degree. I can assure you it is one of the absolute greatest gifts we can offer here at Ringling.

That’s in part because what we do at Ringling College is truly transformative for both the students and our community, and the greater society. By giving our students the very best art and design education in the world, we are nurturing and developing the creative leaders of tomorrow.

Our students are a true inspiration. So too are all the faculty, staff, other students, community leaders and benefactors who support them with their contributions to their education and personal and professional development. And our gratitude runs so very deep for those who gave so generously during the Avant-Garde paddle raise, as we raised over $260,000 [LT1] in scholarship funds needed for students to “cross the finish line.”

Ringling College continues to stride down the pathway to preeminence—in art and design education to be sure, but also in providing the financial resources to the incredibly talented and community-oriented students who otherwise could not achieve the creative careers of their dreams today in order to make a better world for tomorrow.

Sometimes, we just need a little help from our friends to see their dreams through and help them finish their education.

Dr. Larry Thompson is president of Ringling College of Art and Design.