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NTID

FOCUSNational Technical Institute for the Deaf • Rochester Institute of Technology

NTID Job Fair Fond Farewell MARK BENJAMIN

r. T. Alan Hurwitz, NTID president and RIT vice friend. I wish him the very best and know that he will be as president and dean for NTID, is leaving RIT/NTID productive, creative and innovative in his new post as he has Dto become president of Gallaudet University in been during his tenure at RIT.” Washington, D.C. Dr. James J. DeCaro, who served as dean of NTID for 14 Hurwitz came to RIT/NTID in 1970 after working as an years, including two years as interim director and CEO, has engineer and computer programmer for McDonnell-Douglas. been selected to serve as interim president of NTID and He taught and served in various administrative positions and interim RIT vice president and dean for NTID, effective Dec. 1. has headed NTID since 2003. “I leave NTID in good hands,” says Hurwitz. “We’ve never “Dr. Hurwitz has been an outstanding faculty member, been in better shape. Our applications continue to be strong. educational administrator and leader at our university,” says Enrollment is the highest it’s ever been in our 42-year RIT President Bill Destler. “He is highly respected by the history. Our students are still finding good jobs upon students, faculty and administration of NTID and the greater graduation, despite tough economic times. Our reputation university. It has been my distinct pleasure to work with is well regarded throughout the nation. And our faculty and Alan since assuming the presidency of RIT, and I have staff are dedicated, hard-working men and women who have nothing but the highest respect for him as a colleague and a passion for their mission here.” FALL/WINTE R 2 0 0 9

NTID

National Technical Institute for the Deaf • Rochester Institute of Technology

FEATURES 3 The Power of Positive Mentoring 5 RIT/NTID Welcomes Veterans with Hearing Loss 6 Dual-credit Program Makes the Grade COVER PHOTOS JASON BY WITTIG AND AUSTIN WHITNEY

ABOUT THE COVER 10 Making Connections with Social Media More than 85 representatives from 33 companies from all over the 12 Pathway to Career Education country talked with, and gathered resumes from, hundreds of deaf and Precision Partnership hard-of-hearing students, alumni and 16 community members who participated in the ninth annual NTID Job Fair DEPARTMENTS on October 14. BNY Mellon, IBM, Microsoft, Raytheon Company, the U.S. Department of Defense, and 2 Alan’s Update: Making the Investment Naval Air Systems Command were just some of the employers who shared information about their organizations 8 Profiles in College: and reviewed resumes of potential Conniree Francis future employees. Jeret Hackbarth Janna Luksha Azael Perry

11 Alumni Profiles: Alumni Fly High at NASA

RIT/NTID 2009 FOCUS magazines are printed on a paper that has 10-percent postconsumer recycled fiber, which results in a total environmental 14 Faculty/Staff Profiles: savings of 10.02 trees; 28.96 pounds Kathleen Dollinger-Meyer waterborne waste; 4,260 gallons wastewater flow; 472 pounds solid waste; 928 pounds Thomas Warfield net greenhouse gases and 7,103,110 BTUs. 15 Advancing the Mission: 10% BNY Mellon and RIT/NTID: A Long-standing Relationship Alan’s update

Center on Employment offers a NTID comprehensive array of services that help students put their best foot forward in the marketplace. Secondly, our co-op program continues to be outstanding. Editor All RIT/NTID programs include Pamela L. Carmichael, ’04 mandatory or optional cooperative Writers work experiences or some other Ilene J. Avallone Kathy A. Johncox form of experiential education, Greg Livadas such as field placements or Susan L. Murad, ’01 internships. Such opportunities Kathleen S. Smith help meet employers’ desire to Graphic Designers hire workers who can adapt quickly Jeff Arbegast, ’93 Alexander Gartley, ’07 to evolving technologies and who RIT University Publications are ready to meet the needs of a global workplace. Photography Mark Benjamin, ’76, ’94 Finally, the fact that we are part Debora McCallum of RIT, one of the country’s fastest A. Sue Weisler, ’93 growing private universities, means Austin Whitney Jason Wittig that employers around the country

MARK BENJAMIN and around the world recognize FOCUS is published by the Marketing the quality of our students and Communications Department at the National Technical Institute for the graduates. As we look to the future, Deaf, a college of Rochester Institute Making the RIT/NTID will continue to provide of Technology, Rochester, N.Y. The outstanding career education that views expressed in guest columns do not necessarily reflect the position of prepares students to find rewarding NTID or FOCUS magazine. Investment jobs after they graduate. College historically has been an Marketing Communications 585-475-6906 (voice or TTY) investment for the future. It still is. 585-475-5623 (fax) e all know that the And RIT/NTID offers students [email protected] (e-mail) next several years may a terrific return. Admissions Whold great uncertainty I want to take this opportunity 585-475-6700 (voice or TTY) in terms of the economy. And as to thank all of the students, 585-475-2696 (fax) a result, some students and their alumni, faculty, staff and friends of [email protected] (e-mail) www.rit.edu/NTID families may be thinking, Can I RIT/NTID for all of the wonderful afford college? Will I get a job opportunities, experiences and The NTID Foundation when I graduate? Is all this time, memories over the past 40 years. 585-475-6836 (voice or TTY) 585-475-5949 (fax) money and energy worth it? As you may know, I will be leaving [email protected] (e-mail) Unequivocally, yes. RIT/NTID to become president of www.rit.edu/NTID/Foundation For the past five years, the Gallaudet University in January. To subscribe or unsubscribe to FOCUS employment rate for our graduates The RIT/NTID community will magazine or to update your mailing has been an impressive 94 percent. always hold a special place in my address, please contact NTID Marketing Few colleges can boast that kind of heart. I wish you all the best. Communications, 52 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, N.Y. 14623-5604 or success for their deaf and hard-of- visit www.rit.edu/NTID/FOCUS. hearing graduates. How do we do it? RIT will admit and hire men and women; veterans; persons with disabilities; and First, our academic programs individuals of any race, creed, religion, have never been stronger or more Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz color, national or ethnic origin, sexual diverse. We forecast job trends, NTID President orientation, age or marital status, in compliance with all appropriate legislation. adjust curricula accordingly RIT Vice President and Dean for NTID and help students find great job 27M-P0845-11/09-CAN-JSA/ASG ©2009 Rochester Institute of Technology opportunities. And the NTID All Rights Reserved

2 FOCUS The Power of Positive Mentoring by Ilene J. Avallone

reshman year of college is an exhilarating and sometimes Fchallenging time. New friends, new freedoms and new responsibilities can create both excitement and apprehension. Learning to navigate a campus, deciding on a major or joining a club or sports team can sometimes seem overwhelming. It’s this strange mix of feelings that can make the first year of college unsettling for some new students. Zohaib Qureshi, however, says his transition from high school in Milton, Ontario, Canada, to RIT/NTID was not as intimidating as he thought it would be, in part, because of his involvement with NTID’s Big Brother/Big Sister Program, a Business Studies Department mentoring program that groups first-year students with second-

and third-year students to provide A. SUE WEISLER support, encourage student Making Connections Peer mentor Nathaly Mendez, an Accounting major in RIT’s College of involvement and promote success by Business, introduces herself to a first-year student at the NTID Business Studies Department’s first fostering a sense of community among Big Brother/Big Sister event of the academic year. students, faculty and staff. “National research shows that if we “Instead of pairing students one to feel more comfortable talking to can increase peer interaction among one, we assemble them in small groups someone closer in age. I’m both first-year students, and help them to encourage peer interaction and a friend and a resource.” navigate through their first year of relationship development,” says Moore. During the academic year, first-year college, we’ll increase the retention rate Being a big brother or big sister is students informally meet with their for those students,” says NTID Counselor an opportunity for NTID student peer mentors and let them know what and Academic Advisor Bill Moore, mentors to be leaders and role models help they need. It might be finding whose idea it was to implement the Big for students new to the RIT/NTID their way around campus, getting Brother/Big Sister Program within the community, and to provide support information about an organization NTID Business Studies Department. and resources that enhance the or learning about campus social life. “Students who don’t access available transition to college for new students. All participants also get together support systems are more likely to “Our big brothers and big sisters are as one large group for structured transfer or drop out,” he explains. knowledgeable about academic issues, activities several times per quarter. “Students who are connected to college life and campus resources,” “At these events, we hold team- RIT/NTID and feel comfortable here says Mary Lou Basile, the program’s building activities for the students, are more likely to graduate from advisor and chairperson of the Business and bring in professional speakers this institution.” Studies Department. “Their goal is to to discuss business topics of interest,” Since its inception in 2007, the Big make life easier for first-year students, says Basile. Brother/Big Sister Program continues to and they gladly meet with those students At a recent gathering, teams competed grow in popularity. It’s open to all new to talk about their concerns, answer against each other to see who could RIT/NTID first-year Business Studies their questions or just chat with them.” build the tallest free-standing structure. students, who are grouped with “First-year students really need With paper, cardboard and tape in experienced Business Studies student someone to look up to and confide in,” hand, students learned the importance mentors. Approximately 40 first-year says big sister Maneesha McIlwain, an of sharing ideas, communicating and students participate in the program Accounting Technology major. “And working together. every year, and meet in groups of four many times they prefer to talk to a peer “It was my favorite event because with one student mentor per group. instead of a teacher because they we inspired each other in creative

FOCUS 3 ways that made the activity fun and interactive,” says Robin Ching, a second-year student in the 2+2 (associate + bachelor’s degree) Business program. Peer mentors are enthusiastic about sharing their experiences with new students and helping them adjust to college life. Many were themselves former little brothers and sisters. “I decided to be a big brother, so I could pass down everything I learned from my big brother,” says Harry Chang, a graduate from NTID’s 2+2 program in Hospitality and Service Management, and now a student in RIT’s College of Applied Science and Technology. “I wanted to make a difference in another student’s life just as my big sister did for me,” adds McIlwain. A. SUE WEISLER The opportunity to be a role model Guiding the Way Sally Skyer, NTID counseling and academic advisor, works with business is extremely valuable, according to big students as they participate in a relationship building activity. sister Nathaly Mendez, a 2+2 Business Studies graduate and an Accounting Other staff and faculty involved with academic year, especially the first-year major in RIT’s College of Business. the program, including Sally Skyer, students,” says Kavin. “My experience was rewarding,” counseling and academic advisor; Denise “Seeing the impact older students she says. “It gave me the opportunity Kavin, associate director, PEPNet- have on younger students, and the to meet many new students and enhance Northeast; and Michael Kane, Business enthusiasm shared by all, is what I my leadership skills, and influenced me Studies faculty member, value the enjoy the most about participating to start the NTID Business Club to give unique relationships the program has in the program,” adds Skyer. business students even more opportunities enabled them to have with their students. Initial results from the NTID for personal and professional support “It’s wonderful to see students Retention Committee show that the and development.” progress and grow throughout the Big Brother/Big Sister Program has had a positive effect on students achieving their educational goals. First-year business students who participate in the program have high grade point averages and feel supported within their department. “While NTID presently enjoys one of the highest graduation rates in the world among programs serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students, we are committed to continuous improvement by implementing effective retention strategies like this program,” says Basile. The Big Brother/Big Sister Program has been adopted by other NTID academic departments, including Information and Computing Studies, and most recently, Arts & Imaging Studies. The next step will be for the

A. SUE WEISLER NTID Retention Committee to analyze Sharing Experiences At the Big Brother/Big Sister kick-off meeting this fall, first-year business what impact the student mentoring students were grouped with their peer mentor. Seated left to right are peer mentor Nathan program has had on students within Reichert and first-year students Kristen Hanes, Umar Zubair and Ashleen Evans. those departments as well.

4 FOCUS RIT/NTID Welcomes Veterans with Hearing Loss by Susan L. Murad

he U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that more than T78,000 veterans will return from Iraq and Afghanistan with some form of hearing loss. In response, RIT/NTID has launched the Veterans with Hearing Loss Project. Veterans can earn bachelor’s or graduate-level degrees at RIT and receive access services, including real-time captioning and notetaking services, and benefit from NTID’s fully staffed audiological services department. “When we learned of the number of military personnel who will be transitioning to civilian life with adult-onset hearing loss, we felt it was our duty to develop a program to help,” says Dr. Gerard Buckley, NTID assistant vice president for college advancement. “We put together a core team of professionals on campus and appropriate personnel A. SUE WEISLER from veteran service organizations, and others, to ensure we developed veterans than any other college in between GI Bill benefits and the cost a program that would meet the needs the country.” of tuition. As many as 10 veterans of these veterans.” RIT/NTID also has partnered with could be admitted to the Veterans Buckley then tapped Allen Ford, the Hearing Loss Association of with Hearing Loss program each assistant professor in NTID’s Business America to provide additional services year, growing to up to 50 veterans over Studies Department, as the project to veterans. The college plans to time. The same standard academic coordinator. A former second partner with still more national requirements for admission to lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Ford organizations to broaden the types RIT/NTID will be applied to veterans. retired from military service after of opportunities available to veterans. “It makes sense for RIT/NTID to experiencing hearing loss. U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan welcome the men and women serving “Allen is uniquely qualified to serve and Iraq have been in combat longer our country who will benefit from the as the coordinator of this project, since than troops who have served in any other education and access services we offer,” he has a firsthand understanding of the U.S. military conflict. The Department says Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz, NTID needs of military personnel with of Veterans Affairs notes that hearing president and RIT vice president and hearing loss who are adjusting to life damage is the most common disability dean for NTID. “Our faculty and staff outside of the military,” says Buckley. for veterans of Operation Enduring have experience working with those Ford has been meeting with military Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. who have experienced a sudden and veteran service organizations Along with traumatic brain injury, hearing loss. RIT/NTID is a perfect across the country, and has presented it is considered one of the top two option for veterans seeking to continue at national conferences to spread the “signature” injuries of these conflicts. their education. We are proud to word about the project. RIT recently announced it has been serve the men and women who have “We want vets to know that we’re designated as a “Yellow Ribbon” sacrificed so much for our country.” here, that we understand their needs, university by the Department of Veterans For information about the Veterans and that we can help,” says Ford. Affairs, which will allow RIT to work with Hearing Loss Project, visit “RIT/NTID has more to offer these with the VA to cover any difference www.rit.edu/ntid/veterans.

FOCUS 5 Dual-credit Program

Makes the Grade by Ilene J. Avallone MARK BENJAMIN

Hands-on Preparation RIT/NTID faculty member Karen Beiter (standing) works with high school teachers who teach dual-credit information technology courses at their schools.

eaf and hard-of-hearing students professor, applied for the National Research shows that students who interested in information Science Foundation grant in 2006, complete dual-credit courses benefit Dtechnology can take advantage specifically to increase the number of in several ways: they not only receive of Project Fast Forward, a program deaf and hard-of-hearing students who college credit, but their academic funded by a National Science Foundation choose computer-related fields in college. transition from high school to college grant to jump start students’ transition Now, three years later, Project Fast is smoother. The transition is easier from high school to college. Forward has grown steadily, both in because students who complete dual- Project Fast Forward makes it possible student enrollment and geographic credit courses demonstrate their ability for qualified deaf and hard-of-hearing reach. Starting with six high schools to do college-level work, and as a students to simultaneously earn high in 2006, more partnerships have been result, gain the confidence and skills school and college credit for information added with schools across the country, they need to succeed in college. Some technology courses they take at their schools for the deaf as well as public of these useful skills are organizing and high school. Through Project Fast high schools with large mainstream managing their time effectively, using Forward, deaf and hard-of-hearing programs. At present, RIT/NTID is self-discipline, following a syllabus and students can use the credit they earn working with 14 high schools in improving and applying high-level toward a degree at RIT/NTID, or at New York, Texas, Florida, Virginia, thinking skills. other colleges across the country that California, Massachusetts and “When I was a senior at Rochester will accept it. Maryland, and nearly 140 deaf and School for the Deaf, I took dual-credit “Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals hard-of-hearing students have completed courses in Office applications and historically have been underrepresented dual-credit courses in three areas: Web development because I thought in the information technology field,” Microsoft® Office applications, Web it was a great opportunity for me to says Myra Pelz, principal investigator development and desktop publishing. earn college credit and learn about on Project Fast Forward and associate “We are particularly proud of this computer-related careers,” says Monica professor in RIT/NTID’s Information accomplishment, since we originally Wilmot, now a second-year student in and Computing Studies Department. proposed that only 65-85 students RIT/NTID’s Administrative Support Pelz and Donna Lange, co-principal would be able to receive dual-credit Technology program. “The classes were investigator and RIT/NTID associate over the course of the grant,” says Pelz. challenging, and I struggled at times,

6 FOCUS but I learned so much, and I’m glad I were better able to manage their time, teachers, administrators and students took them.” and were more adept at learning to assess student progress in the courses, Second-year Psychology major Lisa independently. and to gauge student and high school Meyer says that the chance to fulfill her “The program helps students to start satisfaction with the project. His high school requirements at Lexington thinking about their future, and allows findings are reported yearly to the School for the Deaf while earning them the ability to see how things they National Science Foundation. college credit was what motivated are doing now really do relate to their “What I enjoy most is witnessing, her to take a dual-credit course in future,” says a faculty participant. through my school visits and the Office applications. Karen Beiter and Deborah Poe, subsequent interviews, the combined “I knew this computer-related class faculty members in the RIT/NTID effect that all the project components would challenge me and help me Information and Computing Studies have on students successfully gaining prepare for college,” she says. Department, work as “consultant college credit,” says Walter. “Perhaps Deaf and hard-of-hearing students teachers” for the project. They visit most notable to me is the effect the who take dual-credit courses are not partner schools during the academic summer training has had on improving the only ones who benefit from Project year and meet with teachers, teachers’ and counselors’ ability to Fast Forward—their teachers and administrators and students to assess use the dual-credit option to stretch guidance counselors do, too. student progress in the dual-credit the expectations of their students to During the summer, high school courses. They also consult with attend college.” teachers participate in a week-long professional development training program at RIT/NTID to learn about the course content and new methods of classroom instruction. They also receive training on careers in information technology, and learn about the opportunities available for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in computer-related fields. Faculty who teach in mainstream classrooms receive additional training to help them improve their teaching practices, so that deaf and hard-of-hearing students have better access to learning. Guidance counselors also participate in training workshops. They meet

with RIT/NTID career counselors MARK BENJAMIN to discuss student issues, and with Facilitating Instruction Karen Beiter (left) and Deborah Poe, both RIT/NTID consultant teachers admissions representatives to get on Project Fast Forward, work with Mark Sperr, a senior at Rochester School for the Deaf, in a dual- answers to questions regarding credit Web development course. admission requirements and procedures for first-year students. teachers on curriculum and teaching Project Fast Forward will continue To date, 26 teachers and 14 issues throughout the school year. through the 2009-2010 academic guidance counselors have completed “I’ve been very pleased with the year, with additional funding support the professional development training results of this program,” says Beiter. from NTID. program at RIT/NTID. “The students have proven that they “RIT/NTID has the experience and Says one participant, “Project Fast can do college-level work.” resources to provide high schools with Forward made it possible for me to Adds Poe, “What I enjoy most about course materials and career information provide deaf and hard-of-hearing traveling to schools is chatting with to help move deaf and hard-of-hearing students access to technology courses students and learning about their students from high school to college previously not offered at my high career interests, as well as reviewing and on to professional careers in many school. And through my training, I their class work. I am so impressed different areas,” says Lange. “We think learned new teaching styles to keep with the quality of work these high Project Fast Forward can serve as a these students motivated and engaged.” school students produce.” framework for an envisioned national High school teachers also felt that Dr. Gerard (Jerry) Walter is the dual-credit program, offering a range students taking classes through the evaluator for Project Fast Forward. of college-credit courses within high Project Fast Forward program gained a He also visits partner schools during schools that serve deaf and hard-of- realistic expectation of college work, the academic year, and meets with hearing students across the country.”

FOCUS 7 Profiles IN COLLEGE

Conniree Francis by Susan L. Murad

uch of Alaska’s beauty comes Francis, an RIT Business Management from its solitude. But when graduate, is a second-year student in the Myou’re the only hard-of-hearing Master of Science program in Secondary student in your mainstream high school in Education of Students who are Deaf or Hard- Chugiak, Alaska, that solitude can motivate of-Hearing. She decided to enter the MSSE you to look for a place where you’ll find program because it offers dual certification others who have similar experiences. And that will allow her to teach deaf and hard-of- like many students, Conniree Francis spent hearing students as well as hearing students. her last year of high school searching for a “I can work in either a residential school college with the right “fit” for her. for the deaf or in mainstream public schools,” “I wasn’t too certain that I would stay in she says. Alaska to attend college,” the 25-year-old Of her growth through the MSSE program, explains. “Then my VR counselor, Andrew Francis says, “I had to keep in mind that Jose, told me about RIT/NTID and his there would be times when I’d be given experience when he attended there. He said constructive criticism. I use that feedback to that the services for deaf and hard-of-hearing enhance my teaching skills. It helps give me students were wonderful, and he showed me confidence for my time in the classroom.” a video about the campus with information For Conniree Francis, the solitude and on majors, campus diversity, as well as the beauty of Alaska have been replaced by the various services and activities that all students beauty of teaching other deaf and hard-of- benefit from. After viewing the clip, my hearing students. family and I decided that RIT/NTID would be the best place for me.” A. SUE WEISLER

Jeret Hackbarth by Kathy A. Johncox

hen his high school English “I started acting because I was a little teacher at the Florida School bored, then I discovered I had a knack for W for the Deaf and Blind asked it,” he says. “I like being someone different. who would like to make a movie for a Being onstage in front of an audience allows major class project, Jeret Hackbarth’s me to be a storyteller.” hand shot up. During the project, his Hackbarth has appeared in NTID teacher recognized his acting, directing performances of Macbeth, in which he held and editing abilities and encouraged him the title role; The Crucible; The Elephant to attend RIT to study film and animation. Man; and Noises Off! He earned an NTID Hackbarth, 23, originally from Irvine, Performing Arts Scholarship for 2007-2008, Calif., enrolled at RIT, but his interests have and was awarded the Elizabeth Williams taken him in a different direction. He is Scholarship in the Performing Arts the pursuing a Web Production concentration following year. in the Arts & Imaging Studies program When he’s not studying or rehearsing, because he feels the major offers him Hackbarth enjoys socializing with friends, many opportunities. making videos, taking photos and “My program is so creative,” he says. being outdoors. “I’m learning many new things about the While he’s not sure what the future potential of computers. I chose RIT because will hold, Hackbarth is sure that his Web it has the technology that helps me specialize production skills will help him get a good and offers deaf students the opportunity job. For now, he sees RIT as a second home. and support to take advanced courses in “I have lived both in the dorms and in different technologies.” an apartment and have made a lot of friends Hackbarth also is drawn to the performing here who support me,” he says. “RIT is a arts, which have been an important part of good place to live and experience life on

A. SUE WEISLER his RIT experience. my own.”

8 FOCUS Profiles IN COLLEGE

Janna Luksha by Ilene J. Avallone

anna Luksha, 20, from North Yarmouth, She admits that blueprint reading has Maine, credits her father with helping been her biggest challenge within her Jher make the decision to attend college. major so far, but her professors are very “He told me earning a college degree was approachable, and her classmates are essential for having a successful future,” helpful, too, when she needs clarification. she says. “I chose RIT because it offered me Luksha completed a cooperative work what other colleges didn’t—the opportunity experience at Tobyhanna Army Depot in to get the best career preparation and to Pennsylvania, and learned a lot. form friendships with other deaf students. “I was amazed at how many different “RIT is a perfect match for me,” says machines I was required to learn how Luksha. “I attended a mainstream high to use during my co-op, and I know the school, but I grew up in a deaf family, experience I gained will help me when so I’m comfortable in both the hearing I look for employment after I graduate,” and deaf environments. I like that there she says. is a large deaf community that I can Luksha keeps busy outside of class— communicate with here.” playing basketball, skiing and socializing Luksha is pursuing an associate degree with her friends. She enjoys her time here in Computer Integrated Machining at RIT, and still is undecided about her Technology. She likes working with immediate plans after she graduates. numbers and her hands, and prefers not “I may continue my education and sitting at a desk all day. pursue a bachelor’s degree instead of “The CIMT program is the best program heading directly to work,” she says. “But for me,” she says. “I really enjoy the hands- in five years I see myself working at a job, on work I get to do on state-of-the-art earning good pay and having a great life.” industrial machines.” A. SUE WEISLER

Azael Perry by Susan L. Murad

zael Perry believes in seeking new Perry’s goal shifted, and he decided to experiences. The only deaf member become a counselor in the United States Aof his family, Perry was adopted as well as in Honduras, and he is from Honduras. The 20-year-old, third-year considering continuing on to seminary Psychology major attended Rio Mesa High school and earning a degree in religion. School in California. When it was time for “My goal has changed because I college, he chose RIT/NTID over colleges know that God is calling me to work in in his home state, because he wanted to a Christian ministry for deaf people in broaden his horizons. Honduras,” he says. “I wanted to experience a whole different He is an active member of Campus culture, environment and people,” he Crusade for Christ and was vice president explains. “I also wanted to learn more of NTID’s Hispanic Deaf Club. about Deaf culture.” Perry advises others who are trying to When Perry first came to RIT, he majored search for the purpose in their lives or in Applied Mathematics and planned to decide what to do with their future to look become a math teacher for deaf students. to their faith for inspiration. “As a teacher, I wanted to make a “Ask yourself: is this something that difference in young deaf students’ lives motivates you to work harder? Is it and see them grow to become awesome something that you would be happy with people,” he says. “I switched to psychology at the end of the day? By turning to your because it offers me the opportunity to faith for the answers, you will be able to help individuals with their personal issues discover your life’s purpose,” he says. and mental health.” Last summer, at a Honduran deaf Christian camp, he had a life-changing experience. A. SUE WEISLER

FOCUS 9 Making Connections with Social Media by Susan L. Murad

he desire to communicate is as for its additional security options. version of AlumniNews old as humanity itself. Each new “We wanted parents to feel (www.ntid.rit.edu/alumni/news). Tgeneration develops innovative comfortable that the only people in the RIT/NTID recently moved its twice- ways to communicate to meet this Ning group were other EYF attendees,” yearly printed alumni newsletter to this basic human need. Here at RIT/NTID says Dana. “Ning also offered other new format. Now, alumni and friends some of the newest communication features such as an integrated way can enjoy AlumniNews four times developments—incorporating social to share video and photos, chat, an a year, complete with video and media applications such as Facebook® activity feed and discussion forums full color photo galleries of recent and sending news and information via that were not available on other social alumni events. They can explore YouTube® and Twitter™—are providing media products at the time.” links and comment on articles in the enhanced communication opportunities RIT/NTID’s YouTube channel newsletter, answer the “Question of and increased interaction between (www.youtube.com/user/RITNTID) the Quarter” and even register for RIT/NTID and prospective and current and Twitter newsfeed (twitter.com/ alumni receptions and events such as students, parents, alumni, employers NTID_News) also provide audiences RIT’s Brick City Homecoming. and the world. with access to archived videos and the “Our goal in moving to an online “Every potential audience for RIT/ latest news and information. version of AlumniNews is to connect NTID benefits from increased with alumni more frequently use of social networking and and provide them with Web 2.0 innovations,” says timely, relevant content,” Matt Dana, NTID’s marketing says Director of NTID Alumni communications web Relations Matthew Driscoll, manager. “We know that ’94. “Better engagement these applications bring leads to stronger loyalty, RIT/NTID to the world and increases the affinity and the world to us.” our alumni have for their But have no doubt, each “gee alma mater.” whiz” application has a strategic Current students also find purpose behind it. social media an effective way “We don’t just adopt these to communicate about new technologies without Be a fan! RIT/NTID’s Facebook fan page is part of the college’s activities and events to having a specific goal outlined,” overall social media strategy. encourage participation. explains Dr. Gerard Buckley, “More than ever, we NTID assistant vice president for For those who use the popular depend on the strength of visual college advancement. “Each is a social network Facebook, RIT/NTID communication such as texting, solution to a very real set of goals and has developed a Facebook “fan” page Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, videophones areas the college and greater university (www.facebook.com/RITNTID) that and webcams,” says Greg Pollock, a has identified.” has more than 2,000 members. It’s third-year Professional and Technical One example is the development a way for prospective and current Communication major and president of a private social media experience students, alumni, parents and friends of the NTID Student Congress. for high school juniors and seniors of the college to stay connected and to “Technology has allowed us more attending RIT/NTID’s Explore Your stay informed about RIT/NTID news virtual interaction. Why? Because Future, a summer career exploration and events. it’s easy. Time is increasingly valuable program. For the past three years, these RIT/NTID alumni have also created in today’s society, and people want students have been able to upload additional Facebook pages for information quickly. Information going their EYF photos, chat with each other individual college Summer Vestibule out to hundreds of receivers in seconds and stay in touch after EYF through Program entry years, affinity groups makes our communication lines the program’s Ning®-based social and majors. shorter and faster, and fuels the life networking account. Dana chose Ning Alumni also connect to the institute of our student community.” over other social networking products through a new online, interactive

10 FOCUS ALUMNI PROFILES

Alumni Fly High at NASA by Susan L. Murad

tudents often are encouraged to “reach for the stars” as they begin Stheir careers, and four RIT/NTID alumni have taken that advice literally. Bryan Dixon, Namrita Owens, Apurva Varia and William Yuknis reach for the stars and beyond every day in their work at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

Bryan Dixon DEBORA MCCALLUM/NASA Bryan Dixon, a senior network engineer Bryan Dixon, William Yuknis, Apurva Varia at Goddard, works in the Unified NASA Information Technology Services program, senior electronics engineer at Goddard. says. “Also, taking general technical courses which is part of NASA Integrated Services “I provide engineering support to the and doing hands-on activities really helped Network Mission Communications Instrument Electronics Module Subsystem hone my skills.” (http://nisn.nasa.gov/) and provides of a science instrument called the Advanced To learn more about two of Varia’s network engineering and operations Topographic Laser Altimeter System on recent projects, visit http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/ support to NASA’s mission networks. the satellite, ICESAT-2,” Owens explains. and http://stp.gsfc.nasa.gov/missions/mms/ He earned an associate degree in NTID’s “The ATLAS instrument primarily uses mms.htm. Electro-Mechanical Technology program, lasers to perform ice measurements and will a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering be launched on the ICESAT-2 spacecraft William Yuknis Technology in RIT’s College of Applied mission in 2014.” Known as “Yuke” during his under­graduate Science and Technology and a number She also chairs NASA’s Equal Accessibility years at RIT/NTID, William Yuknis was of IT/networking certifications, including Advisory committee, a center-wide the first deaf person to graduate from the Cisco System’s Certified Inter­network committee that serves all employees with Computer Engineering program in RIT’s Expert, recognized as one of the highest- accessibility needs. College of Engineering in 1994. The Laurel, level qualifications in the industry. Her RIT co-op experiences led to her Md., resident went on to earn a master’s The Springfield, Va., resident’s duties career at NASA. degree from Johns Hopkins University in at Goddard include engineering analysis, “My co-ops at NASA gave me an Electrical Engineering with an emphasis on design, implementation, troubleshooting opportunity to experience a few different data communications. and operations of mission networks. areas of engineering and to choose one Yuknis was the product design lead Dixon credits RIT/NTID and additional that interests me most,” she says. for the Command and Data Handling certifications as key to his success. Owens also is involved in Deaf Women in Subsystem for NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance “I got my start in this industry because I Science and Engineering, and has developed Orbiter, which launched in July, and he is had computer programming experience from a website: www.deafwise.org. responsible for leading a team of engineers RIT/NTID,” he says. “Maybe that’s why my To learn more about NASA’s ICESAT-2 to design, build and test electronic hardware favorite phrase is ‘Knowledge is POWER!’” project, visit http://icesat.gsfc.nasa.gov/. for various missions. “I supported LRO’s recent launch Namrita “Rita” K. (Kapur) Owens Apurva Varia and helped ensure that the spacecraft Namrita Owens graduated in 1993 with a Apurva Varia graduated in 1997 with a arrived safely on the moon,” he says. “My bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering favorite part of my work is when we finish from RIT’s College of Engineering. The from RIT’s College of Engineering and went designing, building and testing spaceflight Potomac, Md., resident went on to earn a on to earn a master’s degree in Aerospace hardware. It’s an immensely rewarding master’s degree in Electrical Engineering Engineering at Syracuse University. experience because the road taken during from Johns Hopkins University. She is a The Columbia, Md., aerospace engineer that process of building and testing is often designs, builds and delivers propulsion fraught with emotional highs and lows.” systems, including tanks, thrusters and Yuknis says his RIT education was the various components as part of spacecrafts. framework for his success at NASA. “The best part of my job is working with “As I have progressed through my fellow engineers to solve problems as a career, my RIT education has served as team,” he says. “Building spacecrafts is both a solid foundation to build upon,” he challenging and wonderful.” explains. “I believe that with a strong Varia also credits his co-op experiences as foundation, you can build skills for life.” key to finding the right career for him. To learn more about NASA’s LRO project, “The experience I gained from co-ops was visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/LRO/main/.

DEBORA MCCALLUM/NASA an important part of my RIT education,” he Namrita “Rita” K. (Kapur) Owens

FOCUS 11 Pathway to Career Education by Kathy A. Johncox

n 2006, RIT/NTID launched Amy Lucero and accessible environment at RIT. its first outreach programs, With the encouragement of her 11th “I was amazed that RIT had such designed to connect with grade science teacher, Amy Lucero, good support systems, providing I ® younger deaf and hard-of-hearing of Santa Fe, N.M., entered the RIT interpreters, notetakers and C-print students to help them learn, science fair with a project comparing captionists,” she says. “After I grow and be exposed to a variety heart rates of video game rookies and returned home, I decided that RIT of careers. video game experts of both genders had a lot to offer me, and that I “Our outreach programs are before, during and after they played would apply.” designed as career education an Xbox® video game. Her project Lucero, who started in NTID’s experiences,” says Dr. Gerard was a winner. Laboratory Science Technology Buckley, NTID assistant vice “I felt so awestruck and proud of program, is taking advantage of the president for college advancement. myself because I knew I had worked LST+2 program, which allowed her “The pre-college experiences so hard on the project,” says Lucero. to transfer into RIT’s Biochemistry introduce deaf and hard-of-hearing “The project turned out to be an program this fall. students to career opportunities and enriching experience. To prepare for She used her networking skills this connect them with role models in the fair, I learned how to create an past summer to get an interview at the field who can help to mentor excellent laboratory report to go along Los Alamos National Laboratories in them. These experiences foster with my display board, and I learned I New Mexico, where she was hired personal and social growth as well.” could present my information without for a co-op in the bioscience division, In 2007, high school students being too nervous if I showed I knew working on genotypes of various Amy Lucero and Luis Fernandez what I was talking about.” kinds of bacteria. came to RIT to participate in the On her visit to campus, Lucero was “My goal is to graduate with my RIT National Science Fair for impressed by the friendly, pleasant bachelor’s degree, get a master’s degree Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students. and then hopefully get into medical Warrance Yu and Toby Fitch made school,” says Lucero. the trip to RIT in 2007 and 2008, respectively, as winners of the Luis Fernandez Digital Arts, Film and Animation Luis Fernandez, a second-year Competition. None of these students student from Providence, R.I., had had ever been to RIT before their participated in many science fair visit, but after experiencing the competitions in the Rhode Island university and looking at the area. When he was a high school different career options available senior, his teacher told him about through RIT majors, each decided the RIT science fair, and both his that this was the place to be. Today, teacher and his mother encouraged they all are RIT students with him to enter the competition. unique goals and dreams, well on This 2007 science fair winner says their way to successful futures. his experience in the competition “Career education is a lifelong was awesome. process,” says Mark Sommer, “I didn’t have any idea which college director of NTID Pre-College Outreach. to enroll in,” says Fernandez. “I “The value of a college education is thought I’d give the science fair a shot clear, and the path to career success to see what RIT was all about. I was often can begin when students like so proud when I learned I had won. Amy, Luis, Warrance and Toby can But coming to campus and making participate in pre-college programs friendships with other science fair that help focus their plans for participants and learning about their

the future.” A. SUE WEISLER projects was almost more rewarding.” Amy Lucero

12 FOCUS Warrance Yu Toby Fitch A poster at his high school advertising “My teacher urged me to enter the RIT’s Digital Arts, Film and Animation Digital Arts, Film and Animation Competition for Deaf and Hard-of- Competition because he felt I was Hearing Students caught Warrance Yu’s talented, and both he and my parents attention. Yu says his love of art made were confident I could do it,” says him want to enter the competition, and Toby Fitch, a second-year student he’s glad he did because he won first majoring in Arts & Imaging Studies place for graphic design during the with a concentration in New Media 2007 competition. It was his first time Design. Fitch, from Zanesville, Ohio, entering a contest, and winning won a trip to RIT in 2008 for his it made him want to do more. first-place, 3-D animation project, “I was overwhelmed with happiness, Jay Leno on Vacation. and even more motivated than before,” When Fitch got word that he had says Yu, a second-year student from won, he says he felt “overwhelmed Markham, Ontario, Canada. “I hadn’t and a little shocked” because it was planned to visit RIT, but when I won the a national competition, and he never contest, I got a free trip for a three-day expected to win anything national. visit. I immediately decided to go to RIT “As soon as I left for home after the no matter what. And now, here I am.” awards weekend at RIT, I really felt I His major is Arts & Imaging would fit in, and that RIT had so much Studies with a concentration in to offer me,” says Fitch. “While I was Graphic Design, and his dream is to there, I learned that RIT is a well- A. SUE WEISLER Luis Fernandez work for a large company like IBM, known school with a high job-hire maybe as a graphic designer. rate, and that pretty much sold me. “From my very first visit to RIT, I I knew it was the college for me.” In addition to being amazed at was psyched!” says Yu. “I felt I was a Fitch’s goal is to influence the the size of the campus, Fernandez step closer to my dreams.” world with his art and maybe someday was surprised to learn that more own his own design firm. He’s got a than 1,200 students with hearing good start—the paper construction loss from around the world live sculptures he designed for one of his and study with more than 12,000 classes were chosen for the RIT/NTID hearing undergraduate students on 2009 Student Honors Exhibition. the RIT campus. “I chose RIT because of the LST program and how it fits with my love for science,” says Fernandez, who currently is enrolled in the LST+2 program. “I enjoy this major because of the quality of instruction, high-tech analytical instrumentation and because many graduates of the program have great careers in the field of chemistry.” He intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at RIT, and then pursue his ultimate goal of being a veterinarian. Fernandez says, “There is no doubt that my strong chemistry background and bench skills from the LST+2 program will give me many options for future study and

help my career choice.” A. SUE WEISLER Warrance Yu

Toby Fitch

A. SUE WEISLER

FOCUS 13 FACULTY/STAFF Profiles

Kathleen Dollinger-Meyer by Kathy A. Johncox

athleen Dollinger-Meyer knows counseling and human resources at what it’s like to have dreams— Rochester School for the Deaf, NTID and K and to make them come true. the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Dollinger-Meyer, an employment Then in 1998, a position became available specialist at the NTID Center on at NCE, and she jumped at the chance. Employment, is living her dream by “I like to mentor students and encourage working with students and helping them them to go for it,” says Dollinger-Meyer. pursue their own dreams and goals. “Some are a little intimidated by the idea of Dollinger-Meyer worked at NTID as going on cooperative work experiences, but a teaching assistant for American Sign I tell them they can do it. It’s so gratifying Language classes and as a counselor during to talk to my students when they return the Summer Vestibule and Explore Your from co-op and see how their self-esteem Future programs. She then completed her and confidence has grown. It’s amazing.” bachelor’s degree at Nazareth College of Professionally, Dollinger-Meyer’s proudest Rochester and earned a master’s degree in achievement is traveling to different states Rehabilitation Counseling for the Deaf from to present NCE’s Working Together: Deaf Northern Illinois University. and Hearing People workshop to employers. “I started college in the 1970s, and it was Her proudest personal achievement is her difficult,” says Dollinger-Meyer. “Colleges family. She says that her husband, Gary, were not required to offer access services. and her children, Ashley, age 22, and My Vocational Rehabilitation counselor Jonathan, age 19, and even their dog, Lucy, paid people in the community who knew have taught her so many things about life. sign language to be ‘interpreters’ in most “I have benefited from many people and of my classes at the college. With that many deaf role models in my life, and I support, I managed it well.” hope I can be that for the students I work

A. SUE WEISLER After college, she had jobs involving with,” she says.

Thomas Warfield by Kathy A. Johncox

have had a magical life,” says Thomas the Opera Company Children’s Chorus Warfield, assistant professor in in Rochester, and by sixth grade, he had “INTID’s Cultural and Creative Studies written his first play. After graduating Department, and former chairperson of the from SUNY Purchase, he joined the RIT President’s Commission on Pluralism Dragon Dance Company of Macao and and Inclusion. Other titles Warfield can was influenced by his global experiences claim are world-renowned dancer, singer, to become the founder/artistic director of actor, choreographer, director, producer, PeaceArt International, a global outreach educator, activist and poet. not-for-profit organization using the “In some ways I haven’t chosen my life’s arts and the creative process to foster direction,” he says. “I’ve tried to allow it to world peace. unfold and be open to opportunities as they He came to RIT/NTID in 1998. present themselves.” “Working with deaf students made me Warfield has welcomed many develop new ideas and expand my thinking opportunities. Names of people he’s worked about dance and the meaning of it as well with—Spike Lee, Marvin Hamlisch, Carl as embrace the many levels of experience Sagan, Beverly Sills and Placido Domingo, and the diversity here,” says Warfield. and places he’s performed—the Joffrey He enjoys having the ability to Ballet, the Martha Graham School of create his own dance composition/ Contemporary Dance and the Alvin Ailey choreography program. School—give an idea of the scope of “The word ‘adventure’ comes to Warfield’s experiences. mind when I describe my work here,” The son of a minister and a musical says Warfield. “It’s both challenge and conductor, Warfield grew up in Rochester, discovery. The challenge is making it N.Y., and started performing as a first all happen—the discovery through that grader. At age 12, he performed with process is unparalleled.” A. SUE WEISLER

14 FOCUS ADVANCING THE MISSION BNY Mellon and RIT/NTID:

A Long-standing Relationship by Susan L. Murad

partnership between RIT/NTID provide accommodations for deaf and BNY Mellon that began and hard-of-hearing employees and A in 2003 continues to have a how they can be accessed. positive impact on both organizations. “This type of initiative demonstrates Since that initial contact, members BNY Mellon’s commitment to ensuring of the NTID Center on Employment that deaf employees will have the staff have continued to develop the tools necessary to fulfill their roles relationship by serving as members effectively,” Macko says. of a committee established at BNY Since 2003, the company has hired Mellon to increase the organization’s more than 10 summer co-op students employment of people with disabilities. in various departments of the company.

As part of BNY Mellon’s diversity Audrey Bonnett, HR governance/ COURTESY OF BNY MELLON initiatives, NCE has provided affirmative action manager of BNY A Day at the Park RIT/NTID student feedback on enhancing the company’s Mellon, and the recruitment team come Jay Monitz (left) at a Boston Red Sox game recruitment website, making it easier to campus each fall to participate in with BNY Mellon Recruiting Administrator for RIT/NTID students and graduates NTID’s Job Fair, and set-up interviews Keith Wayshville. and other candidates with disabilities and informational workshops for deaf to access the site. and hard-of-hearing students looking educational workshop program in 10 “BNY Mellon has enlisted the for summer co-op positions. cities nationwide for deaf and hard-of- services of our co-op students every “An internship is a great way to hearing middle and high school year since 2003,” says NCE Director apply coursework to a real-work students and their parents. As a result, John Macko. “They also have hired setting,” says Jay Monitz, a fourth- NTID offered these workshops to more our students for full-time employment year Finance major from Chicago, Ill. than 300 parents and students. In after graduation.” “After my internship with BNY Mellon, September, a grant from The Bank NCE staff have advised BNY Mellon I feel prepared to begin full-time of New York Mellon Corporation on the development of an internal employment after I graduate.” Foundation provided $25,000 to document that provides information “Our two institutions share common continue these outreach efforts to parents to department managers about goals, specifically the support of and students in 10 additional cities. current technologies available to educational and professional skills Also in 2009, the BNY Mellon development, and scholarship support Charitable Foundation approved a for people with hearing loss,” says Dr. grant to implement technology job T. Alan Hurwitz, NTID president and training and career development RIT vice president and dean for NTID. workshops in the Pittsburgh region “We are very grateful for the steadfast through NTID’s Deaf Initiative in support that BNY Mellon continues to Technology program, a series of provide our students and alumni.” workshops that provide a variety of Since 2007, BNY Mellon has provided technical and business-based training scholarships for students from the New for deaf and hard-of-hearing adults. York State School for the Deaf, Horace “BNY Mellon’s mission fits perfectly Mann School for the Deaf and Western with NTID’s,” says Bonnett. “BNY Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, Mellon is committed to enriching and JASON WITTIG making it possible for deaf and hard-of- strengthening the diverse communities From Intern to Employee Audrey hearing high school students to attend served by the company. BNY Mellon Bonnett (left), HR governance/affirmative RIT/NTID’s Explore Your Future career Foundation supports nonprofit action manager of BNY Mellon, shares information with Fan Zhang, a former exploration program each summer. organizations and projects that increase RIT/NTID student from Pittsburgh, Pa., who, In 2007, the former Mellon Financial inclusion and create opportunities for after completing his co-op experience, is Corporation Foundation awarded diverse populations, which is exactly now a member of BNY Mellon’s employee NTID a $25,000 grant to implement what RIT/NTID is all about. It has been, recruitment team. the Reaching Out to Rising Stars and continues to be, a great partnership.”

FOCUS 15 Precision Partnership by Greg Livadas

their 10-week internships. And Macko says, NAVAIR has always agreed to help accommodate students as needed. Laurel Ann McLeod had co-ops with NAVAIR in Florida and Maryland when she was a student at RIT/NTID in 2005. She worked then as a student assistant, helping with accounting, scanning and filing. “The work environment was casual and friendly,” she says. “I was not scared or nervous because I knew there were some other deaf people who worked there, too.” McLeod, a native of Florida, said NAVAIR always provided an interpreter for weekly team meetings. At the NTID Job Fair in 2008, McLeod gave her resume to a NAVAIR representative. COURTESY OF NAVAIR “They called me for an interview, Expert Machining RIT/NTID alumnus Ben Johnson manufactures aircraft parts for the Naval and we were on the phone for an hour,” Air Systems Command. His supervisors were so impressed with his skills that they sought she says. “In a few months, they sent additional co-op and permanent hires from RIT/NTID. me an email, and they offered me a job.” McLeod, who received an associate hen Ben Johnson began N.J. Several NAVAIR co-op students degree in Accounting Technology and a manufacturing aircraft parts have been permanently employed by bachelor’s degree in Business Management Wat the Naval Air Systems NAVAIR or have landed jobs with Command (NAVAIR) in Cherry Point, other government agencies. N.C., his supervisors were impressed. NAVAIR values diversity in its national They wanted to know where he learned workforce, and the organization’s his machining skills and if they could website affirms this by noting that, find more employees like him. “Every employee will be valued and Johnson graduated from NTID’s respected and have the opportunity Manufacturing Processes program in to reach his or her full potential.” 1982, and those skills that impressed NAVAIR provides engineering, his bosses eventually led to a close testing, evaluation, in-service support relationship between NAVAIR and and program management capabilities NTID, and a formal Memorandum to develop, deliver and sustain aircraft of Understanding (MOU) was launched for the Navy and Marine Corps. NAVAIR to help find students who could work has been a frequent exhibitor at the for NAVAIR as they gained valuable NTID Job Fair, held each fall when real-world employment experience. prospective employers come to campus COURTESY OF NAVAIR It remains the oldest partnership to collect resumes and talk with students. between NTID and an employer. “NAVAIR has always been very in 2008, returned to NAVAIR in Since 2002, nearly 50 RIT/NTID supportive of our students,” says John Maryland in May as a business assistant students have completed cooperative Macko, director of the NTID Center and is training to become a contract work experiences, or co-ops, with on Employment. He says students also specialist, a three-year process. NAVAIR in Cherry Point as well as benefit from learning a variety of jobs “The co-workers are very friendly NAVAIR centers in Patuxent River, during their co-op experience because and have dignity and respect for other Md., Orlando, Fla., and Lakehurst, they often rotate positions throughout people. I admire that the most,” she says.

16 FOCUS Hollywood Comes to Campus A. SUE WEISLER

A Los Angeles-based film crew was in The movie was written and is being produced As an RIT/NTID student, Hamill won Rochester this fall to make a movie based by Eben Kostbar and Joseph McKelheer of three NCAA Division III national wrestling on Matt Hamill, the RIT/NTID championship Film Harvest, an independent film production championships. He was a three-time All- wrestler who graduated in 1999 with a degree company. Hamill was shot entirely in the American, New York State Champion and in Electromechanical Technology, and who Rochester area, including several places on the RIT Invitational Champion. He achieved a since has gained fame in the Ultimate Fighting RIT/NTID campus. The title role in the film is career record of 89-3 and was undefeated Championship. Hamill (sitting at right) was on played by Russell Harvard, a deaf actor from in his senior year. He also holds the all-time the movie set during filming in RIT’s Clark Gym Texas. RIT/NTID alumnus Michael Spady, who RIT record for the most tournament wins (71) on Sept. 29. graduated in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree and was inducted into the RIT Athletic Hall in Applied Science and Technology, also has a of Fame in 2007. leading role as Hamill’s friend and roommate. Rochester Institute of Technology Non-profit Org. National Technical Institute for the Deaf U.S. Postage Lyndon Baines Johnson Building Paid 52 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY Rochester, NY 14623-5604 Permit 626

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED MARK BENJAMIN Tiger Spirit Woven In Created in 2005 by RIT/NTID alumna Theresa Matteson Coughlan, who graduated in 1994 with a BFA from the Weaving and Textile program, Tiger Diversity Quilt weaves together RIT’s tiger mascot, bricks that are so prevalent in campus buildings, and hand shapes representing American Sign Language and the presence of NTID on campus. The quilt is part of NTID’s permanent collection of art and hangs in the CSD Student Development Center. This fall, it was part of a quilt show in NTID’s Dyer Arts Center, which featured work by Coughlan as well as quilts by RIT/NTID alumna Rita Straubhaar. BC1 FOCUS