Rihanna to Be Honored at This Year's Parsons School of Design Benefit
As a philanthropist.
Rihanna is going to be honored at this year’s Parsons School of Design Benefit, alongside Eileen Fisher and Neiman Marcus. This will be the school’s 69th annual benefit, and will take place on May 22 at Pier 60. According to Joel Towers, Parsons’ executive dean, “Parsons is proud to present Rihanna with this honor, as she has inspired millions through her powerful music and distinct style. She has championed our recent alumni on a number of occasions by wearing their designs. She is also creating important philanthropic programs, which support communities by fostering effective education, health, and emergency response programs around the world through her Clara Lionel Foundation.”
Rihanna responded, saying, “It’s such a thrill to know that a design school as prestigious as Parsons School of Design would present me with this honor. I consistently find creative and exciting designs coming from Parsons alumni, so I feel a deep connection to the school. But I am especially grateful that Parsons would recognize me for the work I’ve done in regards to philanthropy.”
Earlier this year, Harvard also presented Rihanna with its Humanitarian of the Year award.