AS220 congratulates our Founder Plenipotentiary, Umberto Crenca, who will receive two honorary degrees from two Rhode Island institutions of higher learning this May! These awards honor his on-going contributions to art, culture, education, and community development for more than 30 years, as well as his role as a civic leader in the City of Providence.

Crenca will be receiving an honorary doctorate from Roger Williams University on Saturday, May 14th, at a Commencement ceremony that will “recognize three individuals whose contributions to the revitalization of Providence during the last three decades personify a commitment to improve the quality of life for all Rhode Islanders” according to RWU President Donald J. Farish. Also honored are WaterFire founder Barnaby Evans, and architect William D. Warner (posthumous award).

He then heads up College Hill on Sunday, May 29th, where he will be one of eight recipients of an honorary doctorate from Brown University. Prior to receiving his degree, Bert will be presenting on “Arts and Culture: a Means to an End?” at Brown’s Commencement Forums on Saturday, May 28th.