PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2019*

*All the interesting stuff we could fit from the past year. FROM THE PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT’S Looking to our strengths REPORT 2019 Rochester Institute of Technology to move the world forward

their fields, shaping the future, Executive Editors IT isn’t like any other university. John Trierweiler And we don’t want it to be. improving the world, and giving back Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer R As you’ll see in this—my first to their communities and to their Bob Finnerty ’07 annual President’s Report—RIT wants alma mater. Chief Communications Officer to be distinctive, to do things in our We at RIT have a great story to tell, and own way. That mentality of uniqueness this report is only the beginning. We trust is baked into our university, from the that by the time you finish reading, you’ll Editor Design Director Mindy Mozer Jeff Arbegast ’93 students to the faculty and staff, to our want to know more. And we’ll be happy leadership’s 2018-2025 Strategic Plan, to share. which outlines our course ahead. Lead Photographers Lead Researcher Elizabeth Lamark ’00 Luke Auburn ’09, ’15 Our university, founded in the 19th cen- Sincerely, A. Sue Weisler ’93 tury with the marriage of a cultural asso- ciation and a largely vocational school, is Photographers Writers today one of the top research universities Mark Benjamin ’76, ’93 Luke Auburn ’09, ’15 in the nation working at the intersection David C. Munson, Jr., President Matteo Bracco Scott Bureau ’11, ’16 Gabrielle Plucknette- Michelle Cometa ’00 of technology, the arts, and design. We [email protected] DeVito ’07 Susan Gawlowicz ’95 leveraged these strengths to build unique Twitter: @RITPresident Amelia Hamilton Rich Kiley programs such as color science, imaging Ellen O’Neill Greg Livadas Vienna McGrain ’12 science, new media design, and digital Ellen Rosen humanities. Copy Editor Felicia Swartzenberg ’19 We’re supplementing our classroom Amber Webb Marie Lang and online teaching with interdisci- plinary and experiential learning and Print Production expanding our influence with global Brenda Monahan partnerships and overseas learning opportunities at our campuses in Office of the President China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. One Lomb Memorial Drive We pride ourselves in preparing Rochester, NY 14623-5608 585-475-2396 our graduates to be citizens [email protected] of the world. That means Turn the page preparing them for jobs and to see what we’ve careers, and also for life. Marketing and Communications been up to. 22 Lomb Memorial Drive Today’s world needs people Rochester, NY 14623-5608 who know how to create and 585-475-5064 innovate, analyze and imple- [email protected] ment, collaborate and lead. We put a high value on bringing good- ness to the world, and RIT’s diverse and

10M-P2325-1/19-COH-JSA gifted students are distinctly suited to ©2019 Rochester Institute of Technology All rights reserved become constructive agents of positive

Rochester Institute of Technology publishes President’s Report. change. Our students come from all 50 RIT does not discriminate. RIT promotes and values diversity within its states and 100 countries. Our alumni workforce and provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, base is 126,000 RIT Tigers strong— religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, or disability. graduates who are working at the top of TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 Today’s RIT For the first time ever, RIT enrolled more than 19,000 students last fall. See who is learning and why students are choosing RIT.

6 RIT’s New Education RIT is driving forward with innovative offerings and new ways to reach students. See what programs are uniquely RIT and learn about top degrees.

Experiential 12 Learning RIT complements its distinguished cooperative education program by extending experiential learning opportunities, such as global education and performing arts.

20 Research RIT’s upward momentum as a major research university got a boost, with sponsored research reaching nearly $78 million.

26 The Future MAGIC Spell Studios is helping students turn ideas into commercial products. A Global Cybersecurity Institute and an expanded makerspace are coming soon.

30 Tiger Success RIT for Life was a theme of the past year for the more than 126,000 alumni. In addition, the university publicly launched a blended campaign, opened a new alumni house, and hosted 50th anniversary celebrations.

1 TODAY’S RIT

19,000 students and growing

or the first time ever, RIT enrolled more than 19,000 Fstudents last fall. Much of RIT’s growth over the past decade has come from its international campuses in Croatia, Dubai, Kosovo, and China. Today, approximately 2,400 students study at those locations, more than double the number from 10 years ago. RIT students are enrolled in more than 200 programs of study across nine colleges and two degree-grant- ing units. The university’s two biggest colleges are the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Informa- tion Sciences, with more than 4,500 students, and the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, with more than 3,700 students. On the main campus, RIT’s student body is made up of students from all 50 states and more than 100 coun- tries. The main campus has become increasingly diverse. Today, roughly 28 percent of the student body, not counting international students, is composed of minority students, an increase of more than 10 percentage points compared to a decade ago. Women make up approximately one-third of the main campus student population and are making gains in RIT’s STEM programs. Over the past 10 years, there has been a 7.4 percent increase in women studying in the Golisano College and an 8.1 percent increase in women enrolled in the Gleason College.

2 President’s Report First-year students RIT is also home to parade last fall in the the National Technical Tiger Walk, a tradition Institute for the Deaf, of New Student which draws students Orientation. from all over the world.

3 TODAY’S RIT

Kevin Cooke is one of 344 Ph.D. students at RIT this academic year. Increasing the number of doctoral degrees awarded and developing new Ph.D. programs is part of RIT’s 2025 Strategic Plan.

Research attracts grad student

evin Cooke, a Ph.D. candidate studying astrophysical sciences and Astrophysical sciences and technology Did you know? Ktechnology, is on a quest to map the Ph.D. students may participate in one of most massive galaxies in the universe. Be- three research centers: the Center for • More than 3,100 graduate students Computational Relativity and Gravitation, yond Earth’s home in the Milky Way, there enrolled at all campuses this fall. are elliptical-shaped galaxies 10 times the the Center for Detectors, or the Laboratory size of our own, and Cooke is using Hubble for Multi-wavelength Astrophysics. • RIT’s graduate students come from Space Telescope data to investigate how more than 70 different countries. those galaxies came to be. • RIT’s Ph.D. programs have been Opportunities to conduct groundbreak- Cooke is fascinated by the seemingly steadily growing. Today, RIT has ing research and his program’s tight-knit endless things left to discover about the 344 Ph.D. students, up more than community are what drew Cooke to RIT. universe and believes the scientists in his 200 from 10 years ago. He’s been working closely alongside his field are just getting started. RIT’s largest graduate programs adviser, Assistant Professor Jeyhan Kartalt- “While we certainly understand a lot • are its MS in computer science epe, since he began researching massive of the basics in how they began, a lot of (436 students), MS in electrical galaxies for his dissertation three years ago. the specifics that make each galaxy or engineering (154 students), ME Cooke expects to complete the project this star unique and interesting are still these in mechanical engineering (133 spring, after which he’ll apply for post­ fantastic unknowns that a lot of people are students), and Master of Business doctoral and fellowship positions and working on,” said Cooke. “It’s still a very Administration (121 students). ultimately hopes to pursue a career vibrant field and I very much enjoy that.” advising lawmakers on science policy.

4 President’s Report Who’s learning

RIT is now reaching more learners than ever before, since it partnered with online course provider edX to begin offering “RITx” massive open online courses. With RITx offerings and the 35 credit-bearing online programs that RIT provides, the university is making sure that today’s students can learn on their own schedules.

881,546 576 206 RIT has 881,546 total enrollments RIT offers more than 576 RIT has enrolled learners from and growing in RITx offerings on online course sections for more than 206 countries or edX. (RITx offerings first launched on-campus and online regions in multiple runs of 23 in October 2016.) programs. RITx offerings.

Fall enrollment from all RIT campuses Our freshman class:

19,047 • This year’s freshman class was the 18,963 18,632 most academically qualified, with 18,606 18,292 an average SAT score exceeding 18,063 1300 for the first time. 17,950 • Of those students, 53 were ranked 17,652 first in their high school graduating 17,206 class; 56 students had a perfect SAT math score; and six students had a 16,774 perfect ACT score. • About 2,900 students came from 46 states; Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; the U.S. Virgin Islands; and 43 countries, with the most international undergraduate students coming from China, India, and Canada. • The most common first name for men is Matthew and for women is Jessica. • There are seven sets of twins. 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

5 RIT’S NEW EDUCATION

Innovation forges new degree paths

IT is moving forward with innova- New pathways for learning tive offerings and new ways to reach R students, reflecting the university’s There are many different ways to learn, belief that creativity and critical thinking as well as paths to a degree. Always strong are essential life tools. Driving that belief is in online learning, RIT now offers the the 2025 Strategic Plan: Greatness Through MicroMasters program through edX that Difference, in which RIT commits to “pro- allows students to sample credentials Uniquely RIT vide the education necessary to develop online and then apply them toward imaginative, resourceful students into earning an accelerated and reduced-cost Not every university offers innovators, into the people with the right master’s degree from RIT. a Ph.D. in mathematical stuff to effect powerfully positive change.” Have a passion that doesn’t fit neatly modeling. This distinctive It builds on a commitment to enrolling a into an existing RIT program translates diverse mix of multitalented students, program? RIT has complex problems—like attracting and retaining world-class Our kaleidoscope of a record number heart arrhythmias or the faculty and embracing alumni. Bring- curious minds is of students ing together opportunities for curious, designing their flow of plastic garbage in uncovering ingenious the Great Lakes—into analytical, and creative thinking ways to move the own majors in forges a unique learning environment. the School of measurable quantities. world forward. Individualized Outcomes predicted New degree programs Study and by modeling problems recently became provide researchers RIT is developing programs that offer one of the first private colleges with new insights to both broad-based and specialized in the U.S. to support a completer solutions. Launched in opportunities. For example, students program—where former students 2017, the program has from all majors can take part in who were just shy of graduating grown from eight to 13 “Computing for All,” customized can come back to finish their students, nine of whom computer science principle RIT education. are women, including Ph.D. courses to enhance their There are also student Nicole Rosato, right. proficiency in computing. new opportunities in There’s also a new associate experiential learning to degree in business adminis- supplement RIT’s well- tration aimed at individuals established cooperative seeking a broad foundation education program, for entry-level positions or including new programs planning to start their own for study and research on business. More specialized RIT’s global campuses and offerings include new master’s elsewhere abroad, partner- degrees in data science and ships with community health informatics, a new entities such as the Seneca bachelor’s degree in human- Park Zoo and Genesee centered computing, and Country Village & Museum, degrees in in-demand and “in-residence” guest business topics, such as supply faculty who share their chain management and real-world expertise. business analytics.

6 President’s Report PROBLEM SOLVERS

7 RIT’S NEW EDUCATION

CURIOUS

Students are able to take a variety RIT’s 2025 Strategic Plan calls for Game design and development major of electives, including Associate restructuring undergraduate degree Herman McElveen, Professor Bill Middleton’s requirements to ensure students above, is taking the Exploring Ancient Technology have room to pursue broader Exploring Ancient class, which has participants make curricular experiences to master Technology class. stone tools, use a variety of bows 21st century competencies. All undergraduates take liberal arts and spears, and analyze real and classes. fake Samurai swords.

8 President’s Report ARTISTIC Glass is one of several options to hone the design of pieces that Studio arts undergraduates are offered under a studio arts degree fuel their personal expression of the offered options including in the College of Art and Design. medium. As a result of the growing ceramics, furniture Students are provided full access to use of technology, the fine line design, glass, metals and complete glass facilities—including between handmade craftsmanship jewelry design, non-toxic the affectionately known “hot and high-tech creativity is blurring printmaking, painting, or sculpture. shop”—and individual studio space at RIT. to strengthen their technique and

9 RIT’S NEW EDUCATION ANALYTICAL

The Sklarsky Center for Business Students can work independently Students work in Analytics, which was formally or in groups to use the technology the state-of-the-art Sklarsky Center dedicated last May, is equipped to build investment portfolios and for Business with an electronic ticker streaming analyze the fluidity of stock prices Analytics in real-time market data, mounted on Dow Jones or Nasdaq, just like Saunders College flat-screen TVs, wireless professional financial analysts do. of Business. connections, and information services and research tools Bloomberg terminals and associated that support collaborative and software, in conjunction with a suite of project-based learning. analytics software, provide real-time data from every market, breaking news, in-depth programming, and research capabilities.

10 President’s Report Top degrees

The B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences and Kate Gleason College of Engineering are the largest colleges at RIT.

Top degrees awarded 2017-18 Ph.D. degrees awarded 2017-18 at RIT’s main campus

Microsystems Engineering Imaging Science 108 Astrophysical Sciences Game Design and and Technology Development Computing and (BS*) Information Sciences Sustainability 108 Color Science Electrical Engineering Engineering (BS)

2018-19 enrollment by college 128 Includes international campuses, online, and graduate students. Computer Science (BS) 4,505 3,734 2,092 2,018

B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing College of and Information Kate Gleason College Saunders Engineering Sciences of Engineering College of Business Technology 152 1,865 1,134 780 742 Computer Science School of (MS) College of College of Individualized Art and Design Science Study Non-degree 641 616 590 147

College of National Health Sciences and Technical Institute College of Technology for the Deaf Liberal Arts Other* 169 Mechanical Engineering 100 83 19,047 (BS*)

University Golisano Institute = Tot al Exploration for Sustainability

*Includes students enrolled in the College Restoration Program, English Language Center, and certain study abroad programs. *Includes students with two majors.

11 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

RIT students take national stage

xperiential learning—learning by “Packin’ Heat,” a display of hot sauces. doing—helps prepare RIT students Congratulations to Eto be innovators. • Students can find a club or organization One type of experiential learning is that inspires them. Oren Cohn ’18 our RIT Baja SAE provided by the university’s distinguished (environmental sustainability, health members, who are cooperative education program, in which and safety) served as chief of operations North American students are paid while gaining real-world for RIT Ambulance and was honored champions. Come work experience related to their field of as EMS Provider of the Year by the study. But whether it’s building something National Collegiate EMS Foundation. see the team in in a lab, being part of a performing arts Laura Branch, a third-year biotechnology action on June 6-9 ensemble, or joining a club of like-minded and molecular bioscience major, joined when RIT hosts its enthusiasts, RIT students have a host of av- RIT’s bowling team and was named a sixth international enues for putting their learning into action. member of the United States Bowling Congress’s Junior Team USA, an honor Baja SAE race. • At RIT, students can build a car. And then given to the nation’s top 12 male and they get to race it. In June, RIT’s Baja female bowlers under age 21. Racing team won the 2018 North American Championship title against • Or students can try something nearly 100 other college teams from totally new, like joining the RIT around the world. Baja Racing is one of esports team, which took several collegiate design competitions first place at the sponsored by SAE where students design Collegiate and build off-road race cars to compete Starleague in national and international races. (CSL) Dota About 75 RIT students are on the Baja 2 Grand Racing team, from each college at RIT. Finals About 30 percent of them are female. April 28 in Hunting- • Faculty and staff mentor students as ton Beach, they start their own companies. Brandon Calif. Hudson, a fourth-year student in RIT’s School of Individualized Study, is work- ing in RIT’s business incubator, Venture Creations, to develop a business that makes a unique web-based HVAC control system. He and his team representing Connexus won $250,000 in New York state’s 76West Clean Energy Competition.

• Students can flaunt their creativity as they practice their craft. RIT’s student team took first place among 58 collegiate entries in the national 2018 Paperboard Packaging Student Design Challenge for

12 President’s Report 13 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Cooperative education

More than 4,500 students each year complete 6,200 or more work assignments with roughly 3,400 companies through RIT’s cooperative education program. Aimee Spisak S M Huq New media design Microelectronics engineering The program kicked off in 1912 Digital user experience designer for Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) engineering The Corning Museum of Glass intern for II-VI Incorporated with 32 students at a dozen local What did you do on co-op? What did you do on co-op? companies. Since its inception, “One of the larger projects I “I did assembly testing and worked on was user testing engineering support for the de- work experience oppor­tunities for on a new museum app called velopment of next-generation PastPort that was developed for electro-optic modulator prod- students have greatly increased. the Corning GlassBarge. I also ucts. The modulator acts as a designed infographics for new high-frequency optical switch indoor and outdoor signage for lasers. The main project Here are some student stories that was placed throughout the I worked on encompasses museum campus buildings. I material sciences, mechanical of successful co-op experiences: engaged with museum users to design, optoelectronics, and gather data on usability lots of hands-on work.” issues, and this information How did RIT prepare you? was implemented into the de- “There were a couple of engi- sign to improve the user’s expe- neering classes that I depended Did you know? rience throughout their visit.” on while I was at this co-op. How did RIT prepare you? Statistics and design of experi- “RIT helped me learn a wide ments helped me a lot, as well • Top co-op locations last fall variety of skills so I could get as the integrated circuits tech- were Rochester, the Boston area, this opportunity to work in a nology course and the math San Francisco and Silicon Valley, professional, real-world setting. classes I’ve taken. RIT’s profes- Connecticut, and North Carolina. My professors also helped me sional code of conduct helped • Last fall, one student traveled 9,023 find resources I could utilize so me as well.” miles to Lincoln, Canterbury, in New I could continue to develop skills What are your future plans? Zealand to complete a co-op. while working at the museum.” “My plan after graduation is to What are your future plans? go to graduate school for my • Students complete roughly 150 “I would like to work for a master’s degree or go straight work assignments in 30 countries company where I can design into the workforce. I’m open every year. and utilize my digital media to both, but I would prefer to skills for a great purpose.” further my education first.”

14 President’s Report Bailey Reid Emily Mills Aaron Sowinski Eric Tong ’18 (applied arts and sciences) Mechanical engineering Human-centered computing Marketing Professional studies Propulsion academy research UX/UI intern for Oracle Customer relationship management Office support clerk at the assistant for NASA marketing intern at Nintendo U.S. Department of Defense

What did you do on co-op? What did you do on co-op? What did you do on co-op? What did you do on co-op? “I supported a team in the “I worked at the Oracle Health “I worked alongside a small “At the Department of Defense, spacecraft and auxiliary propul- Sciences Global Business Unit. group of peers and we basically I had to manage their inventory sion division at Marshall Space My deliverable for last summer set up a mock company among system and make sure that the Flight Center. I was working on was a fully designed mobile us. We all worked under an inventory was done correctly. subsystems for green mono- application targeted for actual supervisor who gave us I also operated as an IT person propellant, which is a chemical subjects in clinical trials. I col- real problems to solve. A major and I would travel with my used in combustion for propul- laborated with software devel- aspect of my job was analyzing supervisor to various sites all sion. I did a lot of prototyping, opment interns to design and how certain development cam- around Kentucky and Ohio.” design work, and things along develop a working prototype.” paigns affect customer relations How did RIT prepare you? those lines.” How did RIT prepare you? with the company.” “The Workforce Recruitment How did RIT prepare you? “I recently changed my major How did RIT prepare you? Program and an on-campus “A lot of my experience comes from computing security, so I “RIT helped prepare me through recruiter helped me find my job from working in the machine was able to apply my develop- all the amazing professors I had last summer for my bachelor’s shop up in Kate Gleason ment background to my design during my first two years in degree. The WRP is a program College. This type of engineer- approach. I think that this marketing. I always go to them aimed at helping students with ing is very experience-based, so knowledge helped me work first when I have questions and disabilities connect with the without working in the shop, with the development team they’re always happy to help. hiring authorities at different I wouldn’t know half of the because I understood their pro- Because of the support I got at agencies, like the Department things I know today.” cess and was able to make sure RIT, I possessed all the knowl- of Defense. I’m happy I was able What are your future plans? my designs were achievable for edge required for my job and to benefit from this program.” “I’m probably going to join the my team.” exceeded the expectations of What are your future plans? workforce right after I gradu- What are your future plans? my supervisor.” “My plan after I graduate with ate. I might get my Ph.D., but “My hope is to gain experience What are your future plans? my master’s degree is to go back I’m not sure if I will do that yet by working at a large company “Once I graduate I hope to work and work for the Department of because I am doing the dual for a few years after graduation, as a marketing manager at a Defense. The great part about degree with my bachelor’s and but to eventually go back for major game company, such as working for them is that I can master’s. I’m just going to go my MBA and become a product Nintendo or Valve, because of work anywhere.” wherever the wind takes me.” manager.” how fun and rewarding it is.”

15 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Student clubs There are approximately 300 active student all kinds, academic groups, and crafting, For students who may be interested in clubs and organizations at RIT, including there’s likely a club that would interest any starting their own clubs to pursue a specific RIT’s Equestrian Team. From recreational student. Most RIT clubs are recognized and interest—such as the Beekeepers Club and and competitive sports, hobbies, service managed through the Center for Campus the Hand Lettering Club—there is support organizations, performance groups of Life, within the division of Student Affairs. every step of the way.

Women’s volleyball won its first Liberty League championship in 2018 and earned its first NCAA Tournament victory since 1999.

Athletics RIT Athletics continues to lead on the field, court, and ice. And in the classroom. From Liberty League championships to NCAA berths to All-American status and Academic All-America plaudits, RIT’s 675 student-athletes have plenty to celebrate. This includes an overall GPA of 3.35, with 226 athletes earning league all-academic honors​. RIT has two Division I teams— men’s hockey and women’s hockey— and 22 Division III teams.

16 President’s Report Performing arts Deaf and hearing actors and Developing the leading performing arts music and dance ensembles that offer dancers from the National Technical program in the nation for non-performing academic credit, and 28 student clubs Institute for the Deaf Performing arts majors is a goal of RIT’s 2025 Strategic involving singing, dancing, instrumentals, Arts and College of Liberal Arts Plan. Already there are plenty of ways and theater. perform Cabaret in American Sign students can participate. There are nine Language and spoken English.

Greek life Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity hosted the annual Mud Tug fundraiser featuring tug-of-war competi- tions over mud pits. About 2,000 students participated in the event to raise money for Hillside Family of Agencies. Fraternities and sororities reported more than 12,000 volunteer hours in 2017-18.

Living and learning

There are seven special interest houses students may live in with others who share their interests in areas such as computer science, engineering, art, photography, and general science.

17 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Global partnerships

A B

D

C

A RIT China B RIT Croatia C RIT Dubai D RIT Kosovo RIT China opened in 2015 and Experiential learning oppor- Today, 661 students are at RIT RIT Kosovo was founded in now boasts enrollment of tunities are thriving at RIT’s Dubai, established in 2005. The 2003 and now enrolls 440 448 students between the BS Zagreb and Dubrovnik cam- campus has emerged as a leader students. The campus, in part- in management information puses, where 870 students in smart cities and data analyt- nership with IPKO Foundation systems in Weihai and the MS are enrolled. For their senior ics through its unique program and the Norwegian Embassy in entrepreneurship and in- project, RIT Croatia web and development and collaboration in Pristina, received a grant to novative ventures in Beijing. mobile computing students with various colleges at the establish a research and devel- The Weihai campus continues collaborated with peers from main RIT campus, including opment lab that will engage to cultivate its student life and Rochester and Dubai to develop the Golisano Institute for faculty, students, and industry experiential opportunities for a web application for a Sustainability. Last fall, in to conceptualize, research, students. RIT faculty teaching Croatian hospital. Students at cooperation with Smart Dubai, design, prototype, and test new in Weihai have inspired stu- the Dubrovnik campus worked RIT Dubai launched the MS products or service ideas. The dents to create a book club, cod- with industry experts for their in professional studies: data funding will in part support the ing club, and hiking club. Last project management for events analytics—the first program of development of a new web and fall, nine students from Weihai course work. The Dubrovnik its kind in Dubai. mobile computing lab as well as were selected as Global Scholars campus opened in 1997 and a makerspace. to study in Rochester. Zagreb in 2011.

18 President’s Report Going global

RIT students can study abroad by taking classes at one of RIT’s global campuses or by participating in faculty-led programs, affiliate programs from other universities, exchanges, or international research.

Students studying at RIT’s global campuses Top study abroad destinations 2017-18

Enrollment at RIT’s global campuses in China, Croatia, Last year, 388 students participated in study abroad programs. Dubai, and Kosovo has grown almost 90 percent since That is up from 232 students in 2009-10. the fall of the 2012-13 academic year. 2,419 Croatia 2,237 1 2,054

1,819 2 South Africa 1,475 1,365 1,292 3 Japan

4 Germany

5 Italy 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Global Scholars studying at RIT’s main campus

The Global Scholars program encourages students from RIT’s global campuses to spend up to two semesters at the main campus in Rochester. This program has brought some of the best and brightest from the RIT global network to Rochester to engage in course work, research, and student life.

60 64

30 17 14 10

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18

19 RESEARCH

Research hits record levels

IT’s upward momentum as a major research university continued, with Undergraduates sponsored research reaching nearly R can start research $78 million, a new record. RIT received 340 new awards and had a in year one. record 333 principal investigators associ- ated with active research awards. Among the funding sources, New York state provided a record $30.6 million, up from $17 million the previous fiscal year, and $11.2 million came from corporate and private sources, up from $7.1 million the previous year. “These record results reflect RIT’s success in executing a strategic plan that includes a focus on growing its reputation as a research university,” said Ryne Raffaelle, vice presi- dent for research and associate provost.

Award highlights include: • $4 million from New York State Empire Development to Charles Ruffing, director of the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) at RIT, for food waste diversion. The state contract for NYSP2I was re-awarded to the university for five years, following a competitive statewide application process. • $1.8 million from the New York State En- Undergraduate research ergy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to Richard Notargiacomo, Graduate students aren’t the only ones who do director of Venture Creations, for the research at RIT. More than 250 student projects RIT Clean Energy Incubator. were on display at the 27th annual Undergraduate • $1 million from the Howard Hughes Research Symposium Medical Institute to Scott Franklin, . Research proposals, shown here inside the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, College of Science professor and director of the Center for Advancing STEM Teach- featured themes including biomedical and life ing, Learning, and Evaluation (CASTLE) sciences; optics, photonics, and imaging; energy for the Inclusive Excellence Competition. and sustainability; business; chemistry, materials • $737,108 from the New York State sciences, and engineering; computer modeling, design, Division of Criminal Justice Services and simulation; ecology; and social sciences and to John Klofas, professor of criminal humanities. justice in the College of Liberal Arts and founder of RIT’s Center for Public Safety Initiatives, for support of the Monroe Crime Analysis Center.

20 President’s Report 21 RESEARCH

Christye Sisson, director of the photographic sciences program, is creating a database of image, video, and audio manipulations to improve methods of detection of altered media.

IT is part of a select group of these manipulations were performed, world-class researchers studying and determine the overall integrity of Rthe fact and fiction of imagery visual media. The research teams in- in today’s digital culture by developing clude imaging experts from academia, an algorithm-based platform that can industry, and government agencies. detect image manipulation. The RIT According to Sisson, RIT is creating team is being led by Christye Sisson, the high-provenance data and image manip­ Ronald and Mabel Francis Professor and ulations as part of the project’s data director of the photographic sciences team. Sisson noted that applications of Media program. the research findings are widespread— The surreptitious altering of images from law enforcement and intelligence and other media can be detected by agencies to counterterrorism and forensics techniques from media forensics, which academic research integrity. is the science of analyzing the authen- Along with these manipulations, ticity and provenance of audio, video, the RIT team will create an “answer photos, and other data. This is impor- key” that will chronicle all steps in a tant in many situations, including legal manipulation to see how well the algo- proceedings. rithms perform in their evaluation. The researchers’ goal for the media fo- “RIT has this unparalleled imaging rensics (MediFor) project is to automate continuum with our programs that the detection of image manipulations, you just don’t see anywhere else,” provide detailed information about how Sisson said.

22 President’s Report Caroline Easton, director of RIT’s Behavioral Health Sciences Clinic, created an avatar that helps patients take steps to end abusive relationships.

She is a co-investigator and a consultant on cal trial on her therapeutic model during Digital the project with addiction researcher Gail her prior tenure at Yale University Medical Gilchrist at King’s College in London. Center. The results confirmed her approach. Gilchrist won a grant from the UK’s During her clinical and research work at National Institute for Health Research to Yale, Easton perceived the standard method therapy adapt the platform and will visit RIT on of treating male aggression and alcohol/ sabbatical to work with Easton. substance abuse as deeply flawed. It failed “RITch” brings to life Easton’s evidence- to connect the two issues and ineffectively passion for preventing family and based model and is designed for use with dispensed therapy to large groups of men. domestic violence has made Caro- cognitive behavior therapy to reinforce Easton’s alternative therapy combines the Aline Easton ’90 (biotechnology) a clients’ positive behavior and coping skills. two behaviors in an integrated model of care leader in behavioral health research in the “We proved with our first avatar that to target the underlying causes of family, United States. Now, the professor in RIT’s digital coaches are an adjunctive tool to be domestic, and intimate partner violence. College of Health Sciences and Technology used with face-to-face therapy sessions,” Easton, who likens RIT to a “candy is helping adapt her innovative digital ther- Easton said. “Clients use it to do virtual store” of technological advancements, apy for clinical use in the United Kingdom. role playing and model conflict resolution has cultivated an interdisciplinary team Easton’s interactive digital “coach” called skills. And they like it.” that has drawn upon the expertise of “RITch” is about to get a British makeover. Easton is the director of RIT’s Behavioral faculty and students in the College of The app needs more than an accent to Health Sciences Clinic and a professor of Health Sciences and Technology, College make it culturally appropriate, Easton said, biomedical sciences, behavioral health, of Art and Design, RIT’s School of but with some changes it will be ready for and clinical psychology. She conducted a Interactive Games and Media, and RIT’s treatment in high-risk situations in the UK. National Institutes of Health-funded clini- medical illustration program.

23 RESEARCH

Jing Zhang, a National Science Foundation CAREER awardee, is a leading researcher in the physics of nanomaterials and devices, specifically ultraviolet optoelectronics.

ing Zhang is close to capturing light. breakthroughs. It is a broad field and there Researching technology solutions are many university research groups work- Jinto the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, ing in this area,” said Zhang, an assistant Zhang works toward creating professor of electrical engineering in RIT’s optoelectronic devices that are more Kate Gleason College of Engineering. “I efficient. think what distinguishes my work from The devices Zhang’s research group is others is, in the field of ultraviolet optoelec- Nanotech creating have the potential to demonstrate tronics, I have been able to figure out novel that a fairly unrealized range of the UV light solutions to issues with the fundamental spectrum is as efficient as near-UV and blue physics limitations.” research used in current LED lights. Increasing the Students are involved in her research, efficiencies of these types of optoelectronic and their work with her is published devices could have important applications regularly in leading engineering journals in nanomanufacturing, 3D printing, water/ and conference proceedings. air purification, energy management “I can recruit high-quality students from systems, and a variety of sensing our graduate and undergraduate programs,” applications. said Zhang, who has been at the university “This is still a very challenging field with since 2014. “That’s why I chose RIT—it is a a lot of research going on for the past two perfect match of my background in nano- decades, but there have not been a lot of technology and microelectronic devices.”

24 President’s Report Research portfolio

RIT became recognized as a doctoral university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in 2016 because of its growing research activity. RIT’s sponsored research portfolio has reached nearly $78 million.

Research proposals Awards by sponsor (in millions of dollars)

Information is by fiscal year Fiscal Year 2018

722 740 702 Federal 664 664 31.25 NY state 30.56

Private for-profit 3.77

Private nonprofit 2.45

Research gifts 8.7

Other 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 0.96

Sponsored research awards (in millions of dollars) Federal awards by agency

Information is by fiscal year Fiscal Year 2018 78 73

63 Defense $12,774,471 61

54 NSF $6,819,083

Health $4,154,881

Energy $1,966,473

NASA $1,860,314

Justice $1,285,027

Other $2,391,610

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

25 THE FUTURE

Looking ahead

hree big facilities projects will and digital media into commercial products. Library & Innovative Learning Complex transform the RIT landscape in the Construction now has begun on a new of the Future, which will include a vastly Tyears ahead. MAGIC Spell Studios, Global Cybersecurity Institute at RIT, which expanded makerspace. The new makerspace which opened last fall, will help students is expected to be finished in two years. will show off RIT’s creativity and innovation, turn ideas for film and animation, games, And design has commenced on the Maker in all its forms, under one roof.

Chris Cheney, a computing security student, is working to improve cyber defenses during a meeting of RIT’s cybersecurity student club.

Cybersecurity expanding

s cyber threats around the globe con- Global Cybersecurity Institute is expected With the new facility, RIT will be able to tinue to grow, RIT is taking another to be completed in 2020. increase student enrollment in computing Astep toward becoming a world leader Analysts expect that within the next security and add new faculty talent. in cybersecurity education and research. four years, the global shortage of qualified RIT will also collaborate more with The university is building on its existing cybersecurity employees will reach 1.8 mil- industry, government, and the public by expertise in computing security to create lion, and data breaches will cost the global offering training in specialized laboratories the Global Cybersecurity Institute at RIT. economy as much as $2.1 trillion. that enable real-time learning opportunities The institute will address the critical The Global Cybersecurity Institute will for students and partners. workforce needs in cybersecurity through significantly expand the reach and impact The institute is made possible from a education and professional development of RIT’s B. Thomas Golisano College of Com- donation made by 2009 RIT alumnus Austin programs, while also conducting research puting and Information Sciences, which McChord and a $5 million award through that advances the fields of cybersecurity is already one of the largest computing the New York State Higher Education and artificial intelligence. colleges in the nation with more than 4,500 Capital Matching Grant Program. The three-story, 45,000-square-foot undergraduate and graduate students.

26 President’s Report RIT Launch Initiative, a student organization that designs rockets for competitions, placed first for flight performance in the Spaceport America Cup competition last fall. Team members made the rocket in RIT’s Construct.

IT’s Construct, a 2,000-square- The Maker Library & Innovative foot makerspace, is open to all Learning Complex of the Future will Rstudents to design, build, and connect RIT’s Wallace Library and the realize new technologies that impact Student Alumni Union. the world. From printing 3D parts for McChord funds already are going robots to manipulating laser cutters toward purchasing equipment and to create decorative lampshades to endowing faculty positions and building working prototypes for student scholarships, including new inventions and class projects, the Entrepreneurial Gap Year fellowships communal space allows students access to help students advance their More to high-tech and low-tech equipment concepts into businesses. including CNC milling machines, router Esther Septimo, a fifth-year student tables, drills, saws, soldering irons, in the School of Individualized Study makerspace electronic circuitry, and woodworking focusing on mechanical engineering and metal working supplies. and business management, has used Created in 2014 and currently housed the Construct for more than three years. on the fourth floor of Institute Hall, “RIT’s makerspace has been one of the Construct—a part of the Albert the greatest sources of invaluable J. Simone Center for Innovation and knowledge I have acquired during my Entrepren­eurship—will greatly expand time on campus, and it has enabled me and move to a new location thanks to really apply what I’ve learned in the in part to proceeds from a $50 million classroom,” said Septimo. gift from RIT alumnus Austin McChord.

27 THE FUTURE

MAGIC Spell Studios

IT’s continued growth in the areas of Students can walk in with ideas for film game design and development, film and animation, games, and digital media RIT students Sam Cammarata, left, and and animation, and digital media is and walk out years later with a marketable Noah Ratcliff discuss the video game they R co-created along with Aidan Markham showcased in the new MAGIC Spell Studios product. building, which opened its doors last fall. David Long, MAGIC Spell Studios director through MAGIC Spell Studios. Crazy The 52,000-square-foot learning laboratory, and associate professor of motion picture Platez officially launched in December which is the first of its kind in the North- sciences, said MAGIC Spell Studios will on the Google Play Store for Android east, houses a massive sound stage, 180- continue to help boost faculty recruitment and the App Store for iOS. seat movie theater, audio mixing and color and student enrollment. correction studios, game design and media Along with helping students, MAGIC development labs, and unique spaces for Spell Studios is designed to stimulate the Outside companies are also invited to 2D and 3D animation and augmented and economy. campus to work in a dedicated collaborative virtual reality. In 2016, RIT was named one of three partner suite. The building is a “collaborative sandbox,” Digital Gaming Hubs in New York state by Funding came from New York state ($13.5 bringing together students and faculty from Empire State Development to increase the million), Dell ($3 million), Cisco Systems different disciplines and enhancing and economic impact to the state by fostering Inc. ($12.4 million), The Wegman Family complementing what they are learning in innovation and creating collaborative Charitable Foundation ($1.5 million), and the classroom. activities that spur new games or startups. Trustee Austin McChord ’09 $(1 million).

28 President’s Report Financially sound and growing

RIT’s future success depends upon strong financial results and a growing endowment.

Operating revenue (in thousands) Fiscal year 2018

Tuition and fees (net) $301,797* Sales and services of auxiliaries $87,163 National Technical Institute for the Deaf $69,882 Government grants and contracts $42,159 Private grants and contracts $4,189 Private contributions $1,150 Investment return $22,574 Other sources $22,994 Net assets released from restrictions $24,554 Total Operating Revenues $576,462

*$506.5 million less $204.7 million given in financial aid and scholarships.

Operating expenses (in thousands) Fiscal year 2018

Instruction $262,220 Auxiliary enterprises $86,864 Academic support $61,357 Student services $49,201 Institutional support $48,086 Research $44,770 Public service $16,167 Total operating expenses $568,665

Total endowment by fiscal year(in thousands as of June 30 each year)

RIT’s endowment has grown by more than $184 million over the past five years, an increase of more than 24 percent.

2014 $753,951 2015 $761,936 2016 $750,895 2017 $847,211 2018 $938,162

29 TIGER SUCCESS

house, a tour, reunions, and Alumni Chapters around the education for life were some country hosted Tiger Tour recep- Aof the highlights in 2018 for tions for alumni, parents, and RIT for Life the office of RIT Alumni Relations friends welcoming RIT President and the RIT Alumni Association. David Munson to the RIT family. The Joseph M. Lobozzo ’95 The tour continues this year. Alumni House began welcoming Reunions kicked into full gear highlights campus visitors in October. The during Brick City Homecoming & 5,700-square-foot house is the first Family Weekend, which included permanent on-campus facility special 50th anniversary celebra- built for RIT’s more than 126,000 tions for the RIT Henrietta campus 2018 alumni, primarily by alumni. and the placement of a historical

Deaf hip-hop artist Sean Forbes ’08 entertained the crowd during National Technical Institute for the Deaf’s 50th anniversary reunion last summer. More than 3,000 alumni attended reunion events.

30 President’s Report marker where RIT’s downtown our activities as more than in the Alumni Association’s campus stood until 1968. The happy hours and ballgames and Global Day of Service, making a More than 15,800 50th anniversary celebration for bowling nights,” he said, adding difference in their communities people attended the National Technical Institute that programming has more of through service projects around Brick City Home- for the Deaf culminated last a global reach than ever before. the world, all on the same day. coming & Family summer with a multi-day “We are trying to meet the Some of those participants reunion. needs of our alumni where they were alumni who work at RIT. Weekend events, Jon Rodibaugh ’12 (MBA), live and work, and sometimes The Office of Alumni Rela- which included executive director of Alumni that is New Delhi and Beijing.” tions has helped coordinate a 50th anniversary Relations, said education for Community service also burgeoning Alumni Faculty and celebrations for life has been a recent focus. remains a focus. More than 350 Staff Chapter featuring nearly “We want RIT alumni to see alumni and guests participated 350 active members. our suburban campus.

NTID is a jewel in the crown of RIT and adds vitality to the campus.

31 Alumni

RIT has more than 126,000 alumni, and they are active in chapters across the U.S. as well as internationally.

Top alumni employers Alumni chapter participation

• Amazon • IBM Rochester 39,102 • Amazon Web Services • Intel Corp. New York City • Apple • Lockheed Martin Corp. 8,749 • Cisco • Microsoft Corp. Washington, D.C. 5,640 • Eastman Kodak Co. • Paychex Inc. Boston • EY • RIT 5,308 • Facebook • Rochester Regional Health Buffalo 3,663 • Google • University of Rochester Syracuse 3,339 • Harris Corp. • Xerox Corp. Communication Systems Central Florida 3,206

Philadelphia 2,914 Where alumni live globally San Francisco Bay Area 2,525 Albany 2,493

Croatia 1,665 Chicago 1,620 Kosovo 1,098 Los Angeles 1,530 India 618 South Florida 1,510 Canada 375 Dominican Republic 358 Colorado 1,447 United Arab Emirates 246 Seattle 1,346 China 211 Czech Republic 178 Raleigh/Durham 1,344 Taiwan, Province of China 148 San Diego 1,320 Malaysia 132 Atlanta 1,314

Phoenix 1,169 Giving by source Charlotte 1,028

Total philanthropic giving in fiscal year 2018: $26,912,133 Austin/San Antonio 993 % 9 Dallas/Ft. Worth 939 Private foundation Pittsburgh 904 29% 14% Cleveland/Akron 885 Trustees Corporate Utica/Rome 841

Detroit 832 24% % 24 Other* *Includes students, Cincinnati/Dayton 615 Alumni friends, faculty/staff, former faculty/staff, Houston 609 and parents.

32 President’s Report THE CAMPAIGN FOR GREATNESS rit.edu/transformingRIT Transforming RIT

IT publicly launched a seeks support from a variety of Campaign for Greatness.” The public phase of the $1 billion campaign, the investors, including alumni “This campaign will allow us campaign follows five years R largest fundraising effort and friends, government and to build upon our updated of giving. To date, more than in the university’s history. corporate partners, and research strategic plan, engage alumni, $560 million of the $1 billion The campaign, which was foundations and agencies. grow our status as a research has already been raised. announced at a gala on July 12, RIT President David Munson university, and leverage The blended campaign impacts is unique because it is a blended said the campaign is aptly titled, relationships with government every area of the university. campaign. A blended campaign “Transforming RIT: The and corporate partners,” he said. The four pillars are:

Attract Exceptional Talent—This includes $200 million Enhance the Student Experience for increased undergraduate scholarship opportunities, RIT seeks to raise $280 million to broaden opportu- enhanced diversity programs, new endowed nities for experiential learning for students, as well professor­ships and teaching awards, and dollars for as build innovative maker and learning facilities 1 undergraduate and graduate student research projects. 2 and strengthen performing arts programs.

Improve the World Through Research and Discovery Lead Future Special Initiatives RIT is seeking $400 million to promote interdisciplinary The $120 million goal will go toward building research centers, expand and enhance fundamental and academic programs and growing unrestricted and 3 corporate research activities, and improve facilities. 4 endowment support. Creativity on display

A Free Festival For Everyone

Imagine RIT: Creativity What you’ll see and Innovation Festival Nearly 400 interactive is the university’s signature presentations, exhibits, event, a showcase that research projects, attracts 30,000 visitors hands-on demonstrations, to campus. and live performances displaying the ingenuity of When students, faculty, and staff. Saturday, April 27, 2019 10 a.m.—5 p.m. Learn more www.rit.edu/imagine

On to a world of possibilities.