A Lifetime of Love and a Legacy of Giving

Ernest 51 IA/BArch 56 P 84 and Constance Grant Kirwan 51 AD/56 PT P 84 and their legacy investment in future generations of artists and designers

Photo by Adam Mastoon

The love story of Ernest “Ernie” Kirwan 51 IA/BArch 56 P 84 and Constance “Connie” Grant Kirwan 51 AD/56 PT P 84 began at RISD in 1947 on Memorial Hall’s steps.

RISD may have inspired the universe to bring them together, but Ernie and Connie’s RISD experience also laid the foundation for vibrant careers in architecture and design. In addition to teaching at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Ernie became a partner and chief architect for Keyes Associates. Connie was an artist, graphic designer and co-director of the Edna Stebbins Art Gallery. They had four children who followed in their parents’ academic and creative footsteps.

Their commitment to each other and RISD continued to grow and deepen over the years. In addition to his early years on RISD’s faculty, Ernie served as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1975 to 1982. Together they served as class chairs for their 45-year reunion in 1996. They also became members of the Jesse and Helen Rowe Metcalf Society by creating a charitable gift annuity (CGA). Studying art and design at RISD was a dream for Ernie and Connie. RISD connected them with their passions, inspired them to expand their horizons and created a balance in their lives between the spiritual and the material. After their passing—Connie in 2015 and Ernie in 2019—their legacy ensures future generations of artists and designers can benefit from the many paths and opportunities RISD offers.