University Magazine Spring 2020 Using Design Tech to improve lives

Also inside: Longest-serving faculty member leaves legacy of design

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Creating our destiny while

RIT University Magazine hen RIT President Executive Editors Mark Lisa Cauda, Development and Alumni Relations W Bob Finnerty ’07 MS, Marketing and Communications Ellingson dedicated Deborah M. Stendardi, Government and the opening of a Community Relations modern campus in John Trierweiler, Marketing and Communications Henrietta in 1968, Editor he predicted that Mindy Mozer, Marketing and Communications the new facilities Art Director were a “bare beginning” and that the Jeff Arbegast ’93 MS, Marketing and Communications university’s future would be going Photography Editor at a “constantly accelerated pace.” Gabrielle Plucknette-DeVito ’07 President Ellingson’s wisdom still The Innovative Maker and Learning

Contributing Editors guides us. And while it is satisfying Complex: This 100,000-plus-square-foot Jon Rodibaugh ’12 MBA, to reflect on how far we have come, facility will become the epicenter of what Development and Alumni Relations Cindy Sobieraj, Development and Alumni Relations we must always look forward. RIT represents—creativity and innovation This spring semester, I have been at the intersection of technology, the arts, Photographers making presentations to the RIT and design. The complex will connect the Elizabeth Lamark ’00, Marketing and Communications A. Sue Weisler ’93 MS, Marketing and Communications community describing the major Student Alumni Union with the Wallace investments we are making during Library to create a nexus point on campus. Writers: Marketing and Communications Luke Auburn ’09, ’15 MS Rich Kiley the next few years. The investments The design includes a huge makerspace, Scott Bureau ’11, ’16 MBA Greg Livadas are designed to make RIT more student project areas, active learning Michelle Cometa ’00 Vienna McGrain ’12 MS distinctive and attractive to prospective Susan Gawlowicz ’95 Ellen Rosen classrooms, a black-box theater, a dance students. Our challenges over the next studio, and music rehearsal spaces. This is Copy Editor decade are a looming decline in the the largest of all the projects and a grand Marie Lang, Marketing and Communications number of high school graduates opening is estimated for spring 2023. Print Production nationwide due to lower birthrates Brenda Monahan, Marketing and Communications and an expected decline in overall Marketing and Communications attendance among those seeking University Communications bachelor’s degrees. 22 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623-5608 We are strategically preparing for Voice: 585-475-5064, Fax: 585-475-5097 a much more competitive landscape Email: [email protected] in recruiting students. That is why we Office of Alumni Relations recently financed $346.2 million in Crossroads 41 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623-5603 bonds—the largest in our history— Voice: 585-475-ALUM, Toll Free: 866-RIT-ALUM allowing the university to refinance, TTY: 585-475-2764, Fax: 585-475-5308 save money, and create a pool of funds Email: [email protected] to invest in our future. Guided by our Tait Preserve of RIT: The university 2025 Strategic Plan that is aligned with now owns 177 acres in the nearby town of Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, our $1 billion fundraising campaign— Penfield, which will be the home of the New York, publishes RIT University Magazine. RIT does not discriminate. RIT promotes and values diversity “Transforming RIT: The Campaign for Tait Preserve of RIT and Leenhouts Lodge. within its workforce and provides equal opportunity Greatness”—we are about to embark This substantial gift of real estate from to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, on the largest facility upgrades in our the Tait family will expand our research creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, history since President Ellingson’s 1968 and educational offerings in ecology, national origin, veteran status, or disability. campus dedication. agriculture, sustainability, and other fields. Vol. 22, No. 1, 124M-P2447-3/2020-LANE-JSA So, what does distinctiveness look We will add facilities to the site, including Printer: The Lane Press; Burlington, Vermont © 2020 Rochester Institute of Technology like? Let’s take a tour of the projects labs and classrooms, in the coming year. All rights reserved that will continue to transform RIT: Read more on pages 14-17. transforming RIT

the leading performing arts program in the plan to hire a design firm to manage the nation for non-majors, attracting talented expansion project. The expansion will and creative students who can continue include learning laboratories, collaborative their passions for music, dance, theater, student spaces, and room for hospitality and other performing arts. We expect and service innovation degree programs. construction on phase one of the project Plans also are underway to construct event to conclude in spring 2023. spaces that will accommodate business conferences and speakers.

Let me add that we also are creating a new land-usage master plan for our The Global Cybersecurity Institute: 1,300-acre campus that will establish the There’s an overwhelming shortage of blueprint for the next 50 years. Perpetual trained computing security professionals progress: We’re transforming the future around the world. RIT is working to by transforming RIT. change that as we expand our focus in computing security research and education. Yours in Tiger pride, A three-story, 45,000-square-foot facility already under construction will include a Cybersecurity Learning Experience Center, five research labs, student lounges, David C. Munson Jr., President instructional labs, faculty offices, and Athletic facilities: We have 640 [email protected] a Cyber Range—a lab where network varsity athletes and thousands more Twitter: @RITpresident cyber-attacks can be simulated. RIT’s in club and intramural sports. Some of prowess in cybersecurity began more our facilities, including the main outdoor than a decade ago and we were among stadium, are subpar. We plan to construct the first universities in the nation to a new stadium complex for soccer and Transforming RIT create a department of computing security. lacrosse, including concessions, locker Behind all of these projects is a A dedication ceremony in October will rooms, and artificial turf practice fields. $1 billion fundraising campaign— officially open the institute. Design begins this spring. “Transforming RIT: The Campaign for Greatness.” This is a blended campaign that continues to seek support from a variety of investors, including alumni and friends, government and corporate partners, and research foundations and agencies. Many pillars of the campaign go beyond the noted construction projects. They include student scholarships, Performing Arts Center: Design of Saunders College of Business: fellowships, faculty endowments, a two-theater complex has just begun. Major renovation and expansion is and more. Learn more at rit.edu/ The smaller theater with approximately 800 coming soon to Max Lowenthal Hall. transformingRIT. seats will house musical theater, including E. Philip Saunders, the college’s namesake, a historic organ. We seek to add a 1,500-seat announced a $7.5 million gift to the orchestra hall for larger audiences in a business college. The Saunders College second phase. We are striving to develop is still raising matching funds. Soon we

Spring 2020 | 1 University Magazine Spring 2020

Features Departments

10 Life Journey 4 On Campus Student crosses 8 About Students countries to reach 12 Research academic and sports milestones. 38 Faculty Profile 40 Alumni Updates Did you 14 Tait Preserve 46 Class Notes RIT was gifted an 48 Legacy Family estate to expand 50 Tiger Cubs research and Archives know... 56 educational offerings. As RIT strives to become one of the nation’s top the #1 university universities, the philanthropic spirit of our alumni 26 LiveAbility Lab must also rise to match our academic rigor and Students combine in the nation also overall student experience. When it comes to technology and rankings, RIT is at the top in almost every category design to help except alumni giving. In order to join this elite others. has the highest club of prestigious colleges and universities with significant alumni support, we need YOUR help. 32 Tiger Brewers percentage of RIT alumni hop on the craft-beer boom. * By making a gift to RIT each and every year—no alumni donors? matter the amount—you can help students in 38 Faculty Profile need, increase the value of your degree AND Meet RIT history improve RIT’s standing in the rankings. Alumni professor Richard giving is considered an indicator that you are Newman. satisfied with your educational experience—a key factor in ranking higher education institutions. We need you to help close the gap in alumni participation in giving.

The best universities have the best alumni 18 donors. Tigers, let’s be one of them. Cover R. Roger Remington, An electric wheelchair controller box driven by facial the Vignelli Distinguished Make your gift today at muscles was designed and Professor of Design and built by student members longest-serving faculty rit.edu/AlumniGive. of RIT’s Neurotechnology member at RIT, will retire Exploration Team. The project will soon be tested in in May after 57 years at © 2020 Rochester Institute of Technology. All rights reserved.

Elizabeth Lamark Elizabeth RIT’s LiveAbility Lab. Lamark Elizabeth the university. Rochester Institute of Technology | One Lomb Memorial Drive | Rochester, New York 14623 Did you know...

As RIT strives to become one of the nation’s top the #1 university universities, the philanthropic spirit of our alumni must also rise to match our academic rigor and in the nation also overall student experience. When it comes to rankings, RIT is at the top in almost every category has the highest except alumni giving. In order to join this elite club of prestigious colleges and universities with percentage of significant alumni support, we need YOUR help. * By making a gift to RIT each and every year—no alumni donors? matter the amount—you can help students in need, increase the value of your degree AND improve RIT’s standing in the rankings. Alumni giving is considered an indicator that you are satisfied with your educational experience—a key *According to U.S. News and World factor in ranking higher education institutions. Report, Princeton University has a We need you to help close the gap in alumni two-year average alumni giving rate of participation in giving. 59%. The university also ranks number one overall in the United States by the media outlet. RIT’s alumni giving rate The best universities have the best alumni last year was 5.2%. donors. Tigers, let’s be one of them.

Make your gift today at rit.edu/AlumniGive.

© 2020 Rochester Institute of Technology. All rights reserved. Rochester Institute of Technology | One Lomb Memorial Drive | Rochester, New York 14623 4 |RITUniversity Magazine In Brief for fall2020. management program the health andwell-being is accepting studentsto of Health andNutrition programs. and health-related Ph.D. medical/dental school health programs, orfor America, andcommunity mary health care, corporate students forcareersinpri- management willprepare in health andwell-being A newgraduate degree New MSdegree New vicepresident keynote Commencement his RITdutiesonFeb. 1. Fisher College. Hebegan advancement atSt.John president forinstitutional and AlumniRelations. president forDevelopment fundraising, asitsnewvice advancement and and Activities Center. in theGordonFieldHouse for 10a.m.Friday, May 8, Academic Convocation, set mencement celebration. for RIT’s annualcom- On Campus RIT’s Wegmans School Castleberry was vice Olsen willspeak atthe education eran ofhigher a 20-year vet- D. Castleberry, lected Phillip RIT hasse- note speaker will bethekey- Olsen “Jody” Josephine Director Peace Corps Plastic stirrers Plastic straws Plastic bags greener RIT a year. containers (that’s 4tons) ofthe use 94,000 disposable Brick CityCafé. They eliminate containers at Gracie’s and RIT offers Ozzi reusable gets P • • and plasticwaste: RIT campustohelpreduce food landfills each year asaresult. are expected tobedivertedfrom stirrers, and324,000plasticbags plastic straws, 140,000 plastic director ofRITDining. said Kory Samuels, executive suit tomake agreater impact,” other universitiesoursizefollow request atcashregisters. and bagsbeingofferedupon being offered,withpaperstraws straws, andwoodenstirrersare As alternatives, paperbags, paper on theRITcampuseach weekday. and was supportedby students. ban onplasticbagsMarch1 Jan. 31,was inadvance ofastate paign todecrease plasticwaste. its “DitchtheDisposables”cam- Reusable foodcontainerswere 7,000 to10,000poundseach year. programs andcollectivelydonate area universitiesestablishsimilar shelters. Theyhave helpedother from RITtoarea meal centers and lecting anddonatingunusedfood student organization,begancol - In 2012,Recover Rochester, a It’s thelatest initiativeonthe He saidapproximately 413,500 “Ultimately, wehopetosee About 14,700 meals areserved The initiative, whichbegan as theuniversitycontinues are athingofthepastatRIT lastic bags, straws, andstirrers • • and campushereatRIT.” steps toamoresustainablefuture all forms, isthefirststepofmany “Reducing single-useplastic,in for oursocietyaswell,” shesaid. mental shift,notonlyforRITbut on campussince 2015. for alternativestoplasticbags said studentshave beenasking Government’s sustainability chair, major fromBuffaloandRITStudent mechanical engineeringtechnology atives arebeingstudied. and knivesoncampus, butaltern­ to replace plasticspoons, forks, ronmental problemglobally.” sustainability. “Itisamajorenvi- president forstrategic planningand Enid Cardinal,senioradvisortothe reducing disposableplastics,” said advancing sustainabilityeffortsand work socloselywithRITDiningin Greg Livadas to anaerobicdigestersannually. waste isdivertedfrom landfills Approximately 150tons offood to buybottledwater. to notuseuniversitydollars RIT created apolicyin2013 been eliminated. to-go containersayear have As aresult,94,000disposable first available atRITin2013. “This changemarksamonu­ Hannah Emminger, afourth-year There arenoimmediateplans “We’ve beenexcited tobeable

Chase Gunner RIT’s K-12 program partners with Army A. Sue Weisler Donna Burnette, executive director of RIT’s K-12 University Center, is leading the partnership with the Army Educational Outreach Program. The goal is to expose the next generation of students to careers in science, math, and engineering.

IT’s K-12 University Center is le- High school and undergraduate students potential growth area for the university and veraging the university’s strength gain mentorship and authentic research ex- a way to share the RIT brand, Burnette said. Rin experiential learning and career periences at university and Army research “We are now interfacing with every readiness in a new partnership with the laboratories through the Science and Engi- single one of these students who will be Army Educational Outreach Program. neering Apprenticeship Program, the High part of our future workforce, and we get to RIT will receive $14 million to expand School Apprenticeship Program, Research bring the RIT flavor to their experiences.” the Army’s apprenticeship programs and and Engineering Apprenticeship Program, Burnette joined RIT in 2016 from Virginia cultivate a STEM-literate workforce that Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Tech, where she led the first consortium in reflects the nation’s demographics. Program, and the College Qualified Leaders. support of the Army Educational Outreach The five-year grant is funded through “We’re soliciting new sites and contrib- Program. the Department of Defense Army Material uting programmatically by developing Burnette has strengthened relation- Command and administered through resources for apprentices and mentors to ships between RIT and the K-12 community Battelle Memorial Institute. make the experience more enriching,” said through increased grant-funded program- The competitive award is RIT’s single Donna Burnette, executive director of RIT’s ming that draws upon the university’s largest research grant to date and elevates K-12 University Center and project lead. “We subject matter experts. the university’s scope, said Ryne Raffaelle, are also aligning the programming with “I’m personally interested in the K-12-to- RIT vice president for research and the Army’s career and workforce develop- college-to-career pipeline,” Burnette said. associate provost. ment initiatives. Now that we are part of the “RIT is already great at preparing students “RIT is partnering with the Army to Army Educational Outreach Program, we’ve for careers. Connecting the pipeline to high engage, inspire, and attract the next genera- become part of the national conversation. schools and further down to middle schools tion and expose them to STEM careers,” We have a seat at the table in this kind of is the next step, I think, and a natural fit for Raffaelle said. “Enabling the STEM pipeline work at a level we haven’t had before.” RIT and our K-12 program.” is something that the RIT community has None of the existing Army apprentice- long been passionate about.” ships takes place at RIT. This represents a Susan Gawlowicz ’95

Spring 2020 | 5

On Campus

Spotlight on performing arts Members of the Latin Rhythm Dance Crew Performance Team took the stage in Ingle Auditorium with “Fuego Pulse” during President Munson’s Performing Arts Challenge on Jan. 31. They were among 12 student acts to compete for a $1,000 top prize. RIT is working to develop the leading performing arts program in the nation for non-majors.

6 | RIT University Magazine A. Sue Weisler Spring 2020 | 7 About Students

RIT 365 teaches first-year students about RIT, and themselves A college student’s first year on campus can be adventurous, exhilarating, challenging, academic, rewarding, and even a bit scary.

o help make the transition into weekly all over campus during the fall RIT 365 continues this semester with the higher education a bit easier, RIT semester, from visiting a cadaver lab to a first-year students who are new to campus, T has started an innovative program glass blowing studio. They encountered and will continue for the thousands of new, to help students discover how they can be others with diverse cultures and were able first-year students again in the fall. active on campus and engage with new to consider study abroad options. They then Previously, first-year programs at RIT— people and places. reflected on these experiences in facilitated and many other colleges—taught new Called RIT 365, the program, believed dialogue with their classmates. students survival skills such as how to to be the first of its kind, is intended to “It helps them understand RIT in a enroll in classes and manage their time, provide exposure to educational and social broader sense,” said Stacy Nation-Knapper, skills students often need when they arrive opportunities within a framework of reflec- director of Year One Programs at RIT. “We’re on campus. tion, self-awareness, and community. introducing them to a whole array of things Each RIT 365 class had up to 24 students Some 2,600 first-year students met available to them.” of varying majors; no more than 10 students

8 | RIT University Magazine In this together Michael Vernarelli, professor emeritus in the Department of Economics, hosts an existential discussion during an RIT 365 session for first-year students.

A college student’s first year on campus can be adventurous, exhilarating, challenging, academic, rewarding, and even a bit scary.

A. Sue Weisler

from the same college could be in a group. Students brought chopsticks, headphones, “I have family spread around the country, More than 100 second-year or higher even pizza slices. and this reminds me of just how important under­graduates were also involved, helping Mason Lapine, a computing exploration family and communication is,” he said. facilitate the classes and sessions to reflect student from Stamford, Conn., took off his Taylor Liotta, a biomedical sciences upon their experiences. necklace and showed his mezuzah which major from Mississauga, Ontario, brought In 115 sections of the class, students en- contained specific Hebrew verses from the a hockey puck. She explained she’s a goalie gaged in experiential opportunities based on Torah. on the RIT women’s hockey team. themes they ranked by preference: creativity, “I wear it every day,” he said. “It reminds “Hockey has been a huge part of my life and entrepreneurial, technology and society, well- me what values I have.” has given me the chance to meet so many being, innovation, and global citizenship. Paavo Hegley, a mechanical engineering people and travel around the world,” she said. In sessions about culture, students were technology major from New York City, held told to bring items of significance to them. up a postage stamp. Greg Livadas

Spring 2020 | 9 About Students

Hassan Eissa , an undergraduate student from Chad, will be the first person in his family to earn a college degree.

10 | RIT University Magazine Student crosses countries to reach academic and sports milestones

unning an 8-kilometer cross “My brother didn’t refuse. ‘Hassan,’ workers in the camp to translate country race is hardly a he said, ‘I will give you the sheep. I words. R challenge if you’ve already will tell our family that they just got In 2013, Eissa was allowed to go to walked across the Sahara. lost.’” Baltimore where he would live with Hassan Eissa has a life journey His first stop was a small village other African refugees who were that reads like a Hollywood script— nearby where he went into a make- starting new lives in the U.S. born in Chad, left home at an early shift restaurant for a meal. When he Now in the U.S., with no formal age, traveled across the continent went back outside, the sheep were education, limited English, but a before making his way as a refugee gone. And he was alone. great desire to learn, Eissa told a to the United States. And he has a “I walked that night. I grew up case worker that he wanted to go to résumé to match—shepherd, trans- with mountains on all sides, but the school. He started classes through porter of camels—and now engineer- night was a little bit scary,” he said. a vocational school, eventually ing technology student and standout “But I was determined to leave.” earning his high school equivalency cross country runner at RIT. In 2008, he joined a caravan taking within three years. camels from Chad into Libya to sell. Eissa applied and was admitted in “It was exciting,” he said of that 2016 to Harford Community College, I went through so many first trip covering more than 750 in Bel Air Township, a few miles of the hardest tasks miles. “I was the youngest, there north of Baltimore. already—surviving a were seven of us, and we had 400 At HCC, he asked the cross country war, coming to America, camels together. It took us 16 days coach for a try out even though he walking because you cannot rest too had never been on a team. Despite his seeing different places. much.” inexperience, he rapidly advanced When I look back to my He said there were breaks, at noon with the team to regional and national past, my story, and my and midnight. It was important to championships. life, it encourages me keep moving or risk injury, even In 2018, he began coursework in that I have come so far. death, because of the harshness engineering technology, and he ap- of the desert with so little water or plied to nine four-year colleges. He shade and blazing heat. was accepted at all of them, and he Eissa said he knew from a young Eissa was with the caravan for chose to attend RIT. age that he would leave his North a few years and made several trips The third-year electrical engineer- African village and seek his fortunes. between Chad and Libya. One trip ing technology major came to the He’d follow the traditions of his in 2010 landed him in the middle of university this past fall. community, and it led to new experi- Libya’s civil war. The caravan lost the He is excelling in classes and ences as well as some challenges. camels; its herders, regardless of age, intends to use his degree to become He came from a large extended were suspected of supporting the part of the solar energy industry. He family, and he lived for a short time Khaddaffi government even as it was is also part of a strong men’s cross with his grandmother, helping being overthrown. country team at the university. manage her herds. Although he was Some wanted to return to Chad, “He’s incredibly disciplined, happy with his family, he was drawn but Eissa was determined to and so is cross country,” said David to seeing the rest of the world, to continue. With just the clothes on Warth, head coach of the RIT cross learn new languages, and perhaps his back, he headed east to Egypt, country team and the men’s and start his own business. joining thousands fleeing Libya to women’s track and field teams. At 15, he’d take that first step. border refugee camps. By chance, Eissa says his future looks bright. “I was young and I didn’t tell anyone he came upon one administered by “I went through so many of the except my half-brother that I was the United Nations, and he saw it as hardest tasks already—surviving leaving. If I told them they may not a chance for passage out of Africa a war, coming to America, seeing let me,” he said, remembering the through refugee resettlement. different places,” he said. “When I morning in 2006 the two boys left for “After the first year, we started to look back to my past, my story, and the countryside where they tended believe we were going to a new coun- my life, it encourages me that I have the family’s sheep and goat herd. He try,” he said. come so far.” asked for two of the animals to trade He taught himself the English for a ride into a nearby city. alphabet, asking for help from case Michelle Cometa ’00

Spring 2020 | 11 Matteo Bracco Matteo Quantum technology Research The United States showed its commitment to developing quantum technology late in 2018 when it passed the National Quantum Initiative Act, committing $1.2 billion in funding for quantum technology research over five years. In 2019, RIT received $150,000 in funding from the NSF’s Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes program to create a plan for an institute that would expand quantum science and technology capabilities through quantum photonic integrated circuits. Researchers help develop fully integrated quantum photonics wafer

esearchers from RIT’s develop quantum computers. RIT. The wafer includes chip Photonics). Future Photon Initiative, Scientists are racing to de- designs from both RIT and Air “The traditional quantum Rin collaboration with the velop quantum technology that Force Research Laboratory, optics experiments done with Air Force Research Laboratory, would revolutionize fields such along with designs by collabora- single photons up until a few have produced the Department as computing, communication, tors at MIT, Purdue University, years ago were all realized on of Defense’s first-ever fully imaging, and sensing. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, giant optical tables with lots integrated quantum photonics Quantum technology lever- Army Research Laboratory, of mirrors, lenses, lasers, and wafer. ages the effects of quantum and Rensselaer Polytechnic other bulk optics equipment,” Wafers are used to mass physics at the atomic level, Institute. said Stefan Preble, RIT’s lead on produce integrated circuits or where different rules govern The wafer was fabricated by the project and a professor in microchips. The microchips the universe and classical SUNY Polytechnic Institute, microsystems engineering. produced by this wafer are physics is defied. which leads the American “That’s not very scalable intended to be used to explore The project is led by the Air Institute for Manufacturing because it obviously takes up a how photonics can be used to Force Research Laboratory and Integrated Photonics (AIM lot of space,” he said. “Through

12 | RIT University Magazine Researchers

Cutting edge help develop RIT researchers inspect the quantum photonics wafer under a microscope. From fully integrated left to right, professor Stefan Preble; microsystems engineering Ph.D. student Matthew van Niekerk; microsystems engineering Ph.D. student Michael Fanto; and assistant professor quantum Gregory Howland.

photonics wafer Elizabeth Lamark

this project, we are taking that down to chips that are about “There are a lot of important giant optical table that proves one square millimeter, they building block experiments on If you go these quantum concepts and can explore bigger and more here,” Howland said. “We’re RIT will host the Photonics for miniaturizing it down onto a complex systems. working on making good Quantum Workshop June 23-25 microchip.”​ Other RIT collaborators sources of photons, circuits to explore how photonic devices Once the 300mm wafer was working on the project include for manipulating them, and will impact quantum science, technology, and applications. created, it was divided into Gregory Howland, an assis- calibration circuits. We’re refin- The workshop will feature individual chips and the chips tant professor in the School of ing these individual devices international pioneers in the were distributed to the collabo- Physics and Astronomy, and and, in the future, they will be advancement of photonics for rators so they can begin using microsystems engineering Ph.D. combined together to make a quantum devices and in their use them in experiments to develop students Matthew van Niekerk quantum computing device.” in five applications: computing, communication, imaging, quantum photonics devices and and Michael Fanto. Fanto is also sensing, and clocks. Go to circuits. a research physicist at the Air Luke Auburn ’09, ’15 MS rit.edu/fpi/pfq2 for details. By scaling these experiments Force Research Laboratory.

Spring 2020 | 13 Tait Preserve

RIT gifted 177-acre estate to expand research, educational offerings

IT will use a substantial gift of The site, home of a former Dolomite sand real estate in Penfield, N.Y., to quarry, will be dedicated as the Tait Preserve R expand the university’s research and of RIT. educational offerings in ecology, agricul- “With this generous donation, the Tait ture, sustainability, and other fields. family is providing RIT a transformative Amy Leenhouts Tait and Robert C. Tait, opportunity to expand our experiential Rochester natives and highly successful education and research opportunities in real estate entrepreneurs, have gifted to the many of our programs,” said RIT President university their 177-acre property, which David Munson. “The Tait Preserve of RIT will includes a 60-acre lake and a private mile of provide nearly endless possibilities for RIT. Irondequoit Creek adjacent to Ellison Park. We are deeply grateful to the Taits for their

14 | RIT University Magazine Clyde Gillam Clyde A transformative opportunity Amy Leenhouts Tait and Robert C. Tait donated their property near campus to establish the Tait Preserve of RIT and Leenhouts Lodge.

The property stretches over 177 acres and includes a 60-acre lake and a private mile of Irondequoit Creek adjacent to Ellison Park.

magnificent gift and commitment to this a chef’s kitchen, a massive stone fireplace, uents, the Penfield community, the broader university and the Finger Lakes region.” and an open concept interior with huge region, and potentially even the planet.” Over the past four years, the Taits have sections of glass walls that mechanically The Tait Preserve of RIT is located 25 worked to clean up the abandoned industri- open to the outdoor patios, firepit, and view minutes from RIT’s Henrietta campus and al site and restore its natural beauty, of the lake and surrounding hillsides. 10 minutes from downtown Rochester. constructing a 5,000-square-foot luxury “Bob and I are delighted that this property, RIT expects to use the facility for a wide lodge amidst its wooded hills and open which has special meaning to our family, variety of education, research, and conser- meadows. will be loved and enjoyed for generations to vation activities including: The Leenhouts Lodge, named in honor come under the responsible stewardship of • Environmental education and research, of the Leenhouts family members, has RIT,” Amy Tait said. “We are so inspired by incorporating K-12 programming. geothermal heating and air conditioning, RIT’s vision, which will benefit its constit- • Agriculture and aquaculture research Tait Preserve

Educational possibilities The gift is expected to expand RIT’s research and educational offerings in ecology, agriculture, sustainability, and other fields.

Transforming RIT RIT is in the midst of “Transforming RIT: The Campaign for Greatness” which aims to raise $1 billion to fund the university’s future. With this gift, the campaign has now secured more than $680 million in gifts, research grants, and other support.

and education, including we also see this as an opportunity communities in ways that fasci- benefit both the land and sustainable agriculture and to offer the city of Rochester’s nate and inspire.” community. community engagement. K-12 students unique experiences RIT is committed to preserving “The Tait Preserve’s local field • Conservation, sustainability, they would not otherwise have and protecting the ecosystem and sites will be highly advanta- and urban ecology research access to,” said James Watters, only anticipates adding infra­­ geous for our environmental and training. RIT senior vice president for structure as required to maxi- science and biology programs,” • Events and hospitality Finance and Administration mize the site’s potential. said Sophia Maggelakis, dean community functions. and treasurer. “The Leenhouts Portions of the land have been of RIT’s College of Science. • Youth recreation. Lodge will provide a first-class earmarked for agricultural “Exclusive and protected access “With the Tait Preserve’s event center where we can research and education to to the property is particularly close proximity to downtown, engage the RIT and Rochester develop farming practices that valuable, as it will give access

16 | RIT University Magazine Photos by Clyde Gillam Clyde by Photos

The Leenhouts Lodge has a massive stone fireplace and an open concept interior with huge sections of glass walls that mechanically open to the outdoor patios.

of the available field sites to our ing business and community modeled, in part, after Amy’s Rochester Historic Ventures. faculty and undergraduate and leaders. parents, Norman and Arlene The building, now called the graduate students to work on Robert and Amy Tait, togeth- Leenhouts, and Norman’s twin RIT Downtown Center for Entre- research projects in a number of er with Norman Leenhouts, brother, Nelson Leenhouts, preneurship, is home to RIT’s areas such as ecology, agricul- co-founded Broadstone Real founders of Home Properties. Center for Urban Entrepreneur- tural biotechnology, wildlife Estate in 2006, following their This is the second major gift ship, which provides business, management, plant biology, leadership roles at Home the Taits have made to RIT. The mentoring, and consulting wetland biogeochemistry, and Properties. former Rochester Savings Bank services targeting new urban geographic information sys- Their involvement with real building, located at 40 Franklin entrepreneurs. tems, just to name a few.” estate and their demonstrated St., was donated to RIT in 2012 The Taits are longstand- support of the community is by Amy and Robert Tait through Luke Auburn ’09, ’15 MS

Spring 2020 | 17 Remington timeline

Retiring Remington leaves legacy of

designR. Roger Remington, the Vignelli Distinguished Professor of Design and longest-serving faculty member at RIT, will retire in May after almost six decades.

18 | RIT University Magazine Elizabeth Lamark Elizabeth 1958 1960 1963 1970 1978 1983 Remington graduates RIT establishes Remington begins Remington becomes Remington receives RIT hosts Coming with BFA from RIT College of Graphic Arts teaching at RIT chair of new RIT’s Eisenhart Award of Age History of and Photography Department of for Outstanding Design Conference Graphic Design Teaching

hile he’ll soon step away from the door and walking away because I don’t and Design, said Remington’s impact on the day-to-day at the university intend to,” Remington said. “I’m planning RIT students has been immeasurable. Wto which he has dedicated nearly to stay around and be as much help as I can “Roger Remington has been a titan in six decades, R. Roger Remington wants to my successor and to others involved in the field of design both at RIT—through his people to know, “I’m not going anywhere.” the Vignelli Center for Design Studies and efforts that established design as a pillar at The Vignelli Distinguished Professor of the college.” our university—and in the broader world Design and longest-serving faculty member He leaves an indelible mark on the uni- of design, where he is known as a world- at RIT will retire in May after 57 years at the versity—and the design industry at large. class historian, scholar, and designer, at university. “Roger has been the face of design at RIT large,” he said. “The impact Roger has had In addition to building a nationally for nearly six decades, raising the profile of on the College of Art and Design as well recognized graphic design program in RIT’s the college and the university in the design as the field of design, overall, cannot be College of Art and Design, the 83-year-old world to new heights,” said Ellen Granberg, overstated.” Remington has transformed the university RIT provost and senior vice president for into an international archival resource for Academic Affairs. “He leaves a wonderful Continues on next page design, earning many of the industry’s most legacy that will benefit the university— distinguished accolades along the way. and the design world—for years to come.” “It doesn’t feel at all like I’m closing Todd Jokl, dean of the College of Art

Spring 2020 | 19 Remington

In 1959, Remington, left, shared this house with other RIT students including Marvin Hardee Tributes Jr., Robert Brown, John Boyd, and Chris Mayer. Marvin Hardee Jr. ’59 Sorry such a great guy is retiring. I know why he aged so well. Roger, Bob Brown, John Boyd, and I roomed together at RIT in the late ’50s. We had to be very quiet every night because Roger went to bed at 8 o’clock sharp. He teased me about my photography clipping files, but apologized when he needed some of my files when he was working on one of his degrees—way before computers. Pictured top right.

Martha de Lyra Barker ’80 I was a student of the mid-to-late ’70s, fresh from Maine, a little out of sorts as to what I was doing at RIT. I was overwhelmed by the campus, the environment, and my classmates—all of whom had so much more talent than I ever thought I would have. But the entire staff of the College of Fine and Applied Arts was wonderful. And when I chose communication design as my major, it was because I found my stride with a handful of faculty who pushed us, made us think Remington in and work harder, made us ask the early 1940s. ourselves (and each other) “why,” He grew up in Remington in a and helped us master the craft. upstate New York 1955 self portrait Roger Remington was no near Lake George. with art tools exception. Senior year, when we in the style of spent days and nights in the studio, El Lissitzky. Roger was there to critique, advise, encourage, and laugh along with our foolishness. He emphasized From student to chair learning and understanding the Remington, who grew up in Glens Falls, history of all the great designers, N.Y., was first introduced to RIT in the 1950s who paved the way in editorial, when he was an art and design student. advertising, and corporate design. The head of the School of Art and Design Roger, congratulations on your at the time, Stanley Witmeyer, began tran- retirement and from my heart, I sitioning the program from a traditional thank you for laying a foundation of Beaux Arts academy to a modern design knowledge and curiosity. I learned program. As a result, Remington recalled, more than just design in those he graduated from RIT in 1958 with a strong classes, and I appreciate everything foundation in both styles. that you did to help me shape and He applied to several graduate schools enjoy a design life. and was attracted to the University of

20 | RIT University Magazine 1984 1989 1993 1998 2000 2002 Cary Graphic Design Remington and Barbara RIT acquires George RIT forms RIT acquires Massimo Vignelli Archive collections Hodik co-author Nine Giusti archive School of Design Will Burtin archive awarded an honorary begin with designer Pioneers in American doctorate and Lella Lester Beall Graphic Design Vignelli awarded the President’s Medal

This portrait of Remington was taken in Remington is pictured here in 1967 working on graphics for RIT’s new campus. 1958 by a classmate.

Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied “Then I got a call from Stan Witmeyer,” the branding program for the new school, printmaking and took advantage of the Remington said. “He said, ‘Would you which was used by RIT for two decades. He school’s art history program. like to come back to RIT to teach? We are helped build the first graphic design depart- After graduating, he returned to New building a new campus, and we would ment, which he chaired for seven years, York state and worked in packaging design like to have you be part of our faculty.’” while he began to make a significant impact for three years before the call to teaching Remington said those early years at on students in the classroom. grew stronger. Montana State University RIT were “both challenging and exciting Remington considers himself primarily a in Bozeman needed a design teacher and at the same time.” The transition from teacher who has critical interests in design Remington took the job, “sight unseen,” an intimate downtown setting to the studies and graphic design practice. He he recalled, becoming the only graphic sprawling Henrietta campus was stressful, received the Eisenhart Annual Award for designer in the school’s small art depart- yet exhilarating. Outstanding Teaching—RIT’s highest recog- ment until 1963. He had the opportunity to work on nition of teaching excellence—in 1978.

Spring 2020 | 21 Remington

Kevin Hall ’77 As a communication design major from 1974-1977, Roger Remington was one of my RIT professors. He was someone I respected very much. He brought out the best in his students and encouraged us to strive for creative excellence in all of our design pursuits. Role model and mentor, Mr. Remington taught me to appreciate the value and importance of graphic design.

Darryl Degelman ’73 MFA As a graduate design student under Roger Remington in 1972-73, I enjoyed the family environment that he helped create with all of the students. In addition to the challenging assignments, we shared personal stories that were documented on a large chart. We repeated experiences about gorillas and unusual sculptures A. Sue Weisler made from items purchased at a Remington enjoys work- drug store. It was fun and informa- ing with students. From tive. Thanks, Roger! You made your left are graduate students mark on me and many others! Emma Canfield, Marie Fabozzi, and Samantha Maida in an avant-garde John Malinoski ’87 MFA typography workshop. Roger was my mentor in graduate school at RIT. He created and brought countless meaningful and impactful stories to the studio that continue to influence and measure my design practice. His teaching in- troduced me to design with a capital D, with great rigor, professionalism, passion, form, expectations, experi- ences, and joy accompanied by an amazing level of energy, activity, and realization. He changed me. I remain grateful and very proud to be one of his students.

Trista Finch ’20

Roger has been an incredible A. Sue Weisler mentor to me for a few years now. Remington talks with Massimo I've taken his classes, served with and Lella Vignelli, who attended him on the Vignelli Council, and the unveiling of the Vignelli Center received a great deal of advice and for Design Studies in 2010. many books from him—all of which I will treasure for the rest of my life. The legacy that Roger is leaving behind at RIT will last forever.

22 | RIT University Magazine 2008 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Remington inducted RIT opens Vignelli Vignelli Design Remington inducted RIT hosts Vignelli Remington receives into New York Art Center for Design Conversations into membership of Master Designer RIT Trustees Lifetime Directors Club Studies lectures begin Alliance Graphique Workshop Achievement award Hall of Fame Internationale

Elizabeth Lamark Remington and Josh Owen, director of the industrial The Vignelli Center for Design Studies opened on campus Kalle Bailey design program, hold up a “V” for Vignelli in the Vignelli in 2010 in a building designed by Massimo Vignelli. Center for Design Studies.

Archives catalyst Remington is renowned worldwide for his business around 2005, there was only and a formidable legacy to RIT. critical interests in design studies, research, one place in the world where he wanted “Roger was the driving force at bringing writing, and graphic design practice. Since his archive housed. The problem was that the Vignelli archive to RIT, establishing 1982, he has been engaged in the research, the collection was too large to fit with the and growing the world-class collection interpretation, and preservation of the others at The Wallace Center. now housed in the Vignelli Center, and in history of graphic design. Following five years of planning and realizing the remarkable building that now He was the leading catalyst in estab- substantial institutional support, the houses this astounding archive,” Jokl said. lishing RIT’s Cary Graphic Design Archive, Vignelli Center for Design Studies opened “Due in large part to Roger’s tireless work, which now features 45 existing graphic on campus in 2010 in a building designed the Vignelli Center for Design Studies now design collections of Modernist American by Vignelli himself. Inside, students have serves as an invaluable resource to our graphic design pioneers such as Lester access to original source materials and students, our faculty, and design scholars Beall, Will Burtin, Cipe Pineles, William examples of the late couple’s finished work, around the globe.” Golden, and Alvin Lustig. which includes corporate identity cam- Josh Owen, director of the industrial The crown jewel of his archival efforts, paigns for Xerox, American Airlines, and design program, said the Vignelli Center the Vignelli Center for Design Studies, Bloomingdale’s; street signage; jewelry; is a landmark gift to the world. Owen said houses the archive of the late renowned glassware; and furniture. The Vignelli Cen- the center’s archive is a uniquely valuable designers Massimo and Lella Vignelli, ter is currently marking its 10th anniversary. tool for RIT students. whose graphic and product designs are At the time of the center’s dedication, “The center is like an eternal flame icons of international design. Vignelli said the project would never have for design education—Roger has provided When Massimo Vignelli, whose friend- been built without Remington, whom the the fuel,” Owen said. ship with Remington began in 1979, decided late designer called the center’s soul who Remington said his ambition since open- it was time to downsize his New York City made the archive a teaching instrument ing the center was to make it even more

Spring 2020 | 23 Remington

Carla Tedeschi ’92 MFA valuable. He achieved that by expanding I have held faculty positions at educational programming, including the University of North Texas, workshops and lecture series presented Metropolitan State College in by modern-day design leaders. Denver, and am currently the “It has been my major goal to help graphic design program coordinator students achieve the highest possible at Texas Tech University. Professor level of visual aesthetics in their work,” Remington has influenced my Remington said. “Developing the Cary teaching style, curriculum develop- Graphic Design Archive and the Vignelli ment, and professional research Center for Design Studies has been a for the past 27 years. major contribution to students, to RIT, I have fond memories of our group and to the profession.” critiques and Professor Remington’s thoughtful and gentle guidance. Design accolades He never directed but asked Remington has won many of the design poignant questions that made one industry’s most prestigious awards. He think and pursue different paths received the Ladislav Sutnar Prize from into the unknown. After years of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, working as a professional designer Czech Republic, in 2015. The Ladislav Sut- in the field, the experience was nar faculty of Design and Art has awarded unfamiliar—where was the the prize to honor out- map I was supposed to follow? standing international designers, He introduced me to creative educators, artists, and institutions for methodologies and interdisciplinary their contributions to design and art. theories that changed the way In 2012, he was asked to join Alliance I look at everything from the way Graphique Internationale (AGI), an elite I design, teach, and think. I am and society of graphic design professionals will forever be grateful for the worldwide. Widely considered the Acad- experience of working with such emy Awards of the design industry, AGI a profound and wise professor. only admits members who have achieved high professional standing in the field of Albert Paley, world-renowned graphic design in their native country or metal sculptor, RIT artist- internationally. Nominated by Massimo in-residence Vignelli, his official induction in London Education is transformational and came after he celebrated 50 years at RIT. Roger has served as a pioneer and The impressive list of inductees visionary, one of the educational into the New York Art Directors driving forces behind design’s Club Hall of Fame throughout nearly evolution into an independent 50 years includes such luminaries as discipline. He was there at the Walt Disney, Andy Warhol, Ray Eames, beginning to help usher in this and Paul Rand. Remington became a transformational change in the laureate for the Hall of Fame in 2008. 1960s. Seeing Roger in the context He has published seven books on of his many contributions at RIT design history and “has another one would be myopic; he’s raised what in the pipeline,” he said. To that point, was once a trade school onto the Remington said he doesn’t plan on national and international stage. slowing down in retirement. Very well done, my friend. “I’m still going to be in Rochester… and I’d like to continue in an active role, More tributes to Remington but work on my own unique projects,” he We ran out of room for the dozens said. “I’m not really seeing retirement as of tributes and had to edit some for the end of my relationship to RIT at all.” space. Read more at rit.edu/news/

tributes-roger-remington. Lamark Elizabeth Rich Kiley

24 | RIT University Magazine 2015 2017 2018 2019 Remington honored Vignelli Center Remington opens Vignelli Center with Ladislav Sutnar sponsors Norman Vignelli exhibit embarks on Prize Ives Exhibit in Bevier and lectures at 10th anniversary and University Italian Embassy, programming Galleries Washington, D.C.

Remington has been called the soul of the Vignelli Center for Design Studies, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Spring 2020 | 25 Third-year interior design students Emma Canny, left, and Thomas Richter demonstrate the capabilities of MO:KI, a mobile kitchen, to Ann Kurz, an Al Sigl Community of Agencies board member who has cerebral palsy.

Students combine technology and design to help others

or more than a year, third-year The LiveAbility Lab is a partnership interior design student Emma between RIT and the Al Sigl Community FCanny has been working with a of Agencies, a collaborative network of multidisci­­­­ plinary­ team on a universally organizations in Rochester that serves designed kitchen that meets the needs children and adults with special needs. of people with disabilities. The lab, which is located on Al Sigl’s Wolk Canny’s project is more than a classroom Campus, opened in 2018. assignment. It is one of several working The goal is to develop a pipeline of acces- prototypes that is being tested in RIT’s sible technology projects that are conceived LiveAbility Lab so end users can provide at RIT and take root at the LiveAbility Lab on students with immediate feedback. their way to development in the marketplace.

26 | RIT University Magazine A multidisciplinary student team exhibited the mobile kitchen at the 2019 Inter­ national Contem- porary Furniture Fair as part of New York City Design Week and most recently at the Toronto Interior Design Show.

“I’ve been able to attend worldwide design exhibitions, while learning about designing for people with dis- abilities,” says RIT student Emma Canny, who has worked on MO:KI for more than a year.

The mobile kitchen is a collection of modular units that push the boundary of the cooking experience and traditional work triangle.

Photos by Elizabeth Lamark technology and design to help others

Data gathered from the World Health enter and exit a vehicle. positively impact the lives of people with Organization and the World Bank estimates Dan Phillips, an associate professor in different abilities. that more than 1 billion people in the world the Kate Gleason College of Engineering “Not only are our students designing and live with some form of disability, of whom and faculty associate for the Partnership revising prototypes based on the feedback nearly 200 million experience considerable for Effective Access Technology Research of the end users, they are engaged in hands- difficulty in their daily lives. and Development at RIT, leads the lab, on learning about universal design, Ameri- Along with the mobile kitchen, current which is a collaboration across colleges. cans with Disabilities Act compliance, and projects in the lab include an accessible He said the unique space is designed the daily challenges faced by individuals bathroom, 3D-printed prosthetic devices, to incorporate teaching and experiential with special needs to fully participate in and a functional car door that enables indi- learning. life’s opportunities,” he said. “When that viduals with mobility challenges to safely The goal is to develop projects that will happens, the entire community benefits.”

Spring 2020 | 27 LiveAbility Lab

LiveAbility Lab projects The LiveAbility Lab is home to inter­ disciplinary projects that impact people living with different abilities. In addition to MO:KI, projects at the lab include:

• Upper-arm prosthetics: Jade Myers, a Ph.D. student in Kate Gleason College of Engineer­ ing, is developing low-cost, context sensitive, upper-arm prosthetics for people with limb abnormalities in under-developed countries. • Accessible bathroom: Industrial design MFA students and students in the multi­disciplinary senior design program in Kate Gleason College of Engineering are developing an accessible lavatory designed for people who use walkers and wheelchairs. • Assessment tools: Zhi Zheng, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, is working with a team to develop sensory abnormality assessment and intervention tools for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and a robot-mediated cognitive and physical exercise device for older adults with mild Projects that are tested in RIT’s LiveAbility Lab often begin cognitive impairments. as sketches or tabletop models. The idea for an accessible • Brain imagery and brain-computer interface bathroom was created by industrial design MFA students and testing: This project is coordinated by students students in the multidisciplinary senior design program. on RIT’s Neurotechnology Exploration Team, a student-run research group that builds assistive technologies that use electrical signals in the brain and muscles to help people with neuro­ muscular disorders move and communicate. • Turn About: Multidisciplinary senior design program students have partnered with BZ Design to develop an automated device that uses swiveling and lifting technologies to allow a driver or passenger to easily enter and exit a vehicle. The device is designed for those Real challenges push around the movable components, who have mobility issues associated Canny, from Rochester, N.Y., is working use them as they would in their lives and with disorders such as ALS. with industrial design students to refine homes is invaluable.” the mobile kitchen, called MO:KI. Because of this experience, Canny said, • Therapeutic and sensory play devices: The kitchen is a collection of modular she plans to implement universal design Students in the industrial design MFA program units that highlight work zones for into all of her projects. And after RIT, and electrical engineering students have continued to develop interactive modules that cooking, cleaning, and food preparation. she wants to work in medical design, use textures, lights, and sounds to increase the The free-standing, multifunctional designing for people with disabilities. attention spans of children with special needs. MO:KI system is interchangeable and The MO:KI system began with RIT They are also developing a rock climbing wall uses a plug-and-play approach, a grid Assistant Professor Mary Golden, who and an interactive toy for children with autism. with custom pegs, and hard and soft brought the discussion of universality storage solutions with varied height and aging in place for the cooking expe- • Accessible toilet: The project is being evaluated work surfaces. Set on casters, the units rience into her interior design studio at by multidisciplinary senior design students. mobilize to fluidly reset the cooking RIT. A select team of students, including • Pediatric stander: This device, under the environment based on changing needs. Canny, furthered the premise. direction of Steven Day, chair of RIT’s biomed­ “In the past, we would try to test our LiveAbility Lab projects start in a ical engineering program, allows for upright projects with us sitting in wheelchairs, variety of places on campus. maneuverability opportunities for children with but it’s not the same,” Canny said. “Seeing RIT’s Albert J. Simone Center for Inno- certain mobility impairments. our partners from Al Sigl use the kitchen, vation and Entrepreneurship is an incu-

28 | RIT University Magazine Photos by Elizabeth Lamark Elizabeth by Photos Projects that are selected for the LiveAbility Lab and have reached the prototype stage are tested by volunteers working through the Al Sigl Community of Agencies. Here, Andrea Gonzalez, an MFA student in industrial design and the LiveAbility Lab manager, explains the accessible bathroom to volunteer Frank Seilier. Seilier’s role is to provide feedback to the students on this particular space in the lab that has been designed for people who use walkers and wheelchairs.

bator where students from any major gather For example, a mind-controlled wheel- student and team leader. to work with coaches on idea generation chair and a thought keyboard are being Projects also come from Studio 930 and business development. developed by RIT’s Neurotechnology Design Consultancy, led by Associate Idea Lab employs multidisciplinary Exploration Team, a student-run research Professor Stan Rickel, who had the initial student teams to solve unique problems group that builds assistive technologies vision for the LiveAbility Lab. Studio 930 identified by organizations or institutions that use electrical signals in the brain and is a interdisciplinary studio focused such as Al Sigl, Rochester Regional Health, muscles to help people with neuromuscular on the design of access and health and others. disorders move and communicate. technology products. Each year, senior engineering students The wheelchair and keyboard projects Rickel said the group is motivated work on team-based projects as part of the will eventually move to the LiveAbility Lab equally by real-world learning and helping multidisciplinary senior design program. for a large human subject research trial to people with disabilities in the community. This two-semester capstone experience collect brain signal data—and the team will He added that it’s emotional when students builds upon earlier coursework by integrat- also conduct usability testing in the facility. understand that there is a person behind ing engineering theory and practice within “It is incredibly motivating and re- the product that they are designing. a structured, collaborative environment. warding to know that the problems we are “As soon as the students meet the users, Phillips said that if there is a definitive addressing within the Neurotechnology it’s no longer a school project, it’s real life,” problem that can be solved and an engaged Exploration Team directly impact indiv­ Rickel said. “It brings a whole new level of end user, chances are the project is a good iduals in a significant way,” said Adam Del empathy and the students are proud of the fit for the LiveAbility Lab. Rosso, a fourth-year software engineering work they are doing.”

Spring 2020 | 29 LiveAbility Lab

Students, clockwise from bottom left, Arthur Thompson Johnson, third- year mechanical engineering; Andrew Dettor, a first-year student at the University of Rochester; Andrew Doran, sitting, fifth-year biomedical engineering; and Adam Del Rosso, fourth-year software engineering, are building an electric wheelchair controller box driven by facial muscles. The wheelchair is expected to move into the LiveAbility Lab this fall, contingent on human research approval.

Elizabeth Lamark

Meaningful solutions Another project, in conjunction with and their development.” Yueyue “Zoey” Zhang, an industrial design Rochester Regional Health, is a design for a Zhang also enjoys connecting with an graduate student from China, is working on hospital bedside table that will enhance the interdisciplinary group of engineers and several projects within the LiveAbility Lab. experience of patients with mobility issues. researchers and the sense of fulfillment One of Zhang’s projects is an interactive Zhang also will soon begin work on a device working in the field of access technology. toy for children with autism. The project that encourages children with special needs “From the beginning of my academic started in Studio 930 about three years ago, to feed themselves. career, I knew that I wanted to be an indus- but through the LiveAbility Lab, Zhang is “It’s been amazing to spend time with trial designer, working to make the world now regularly working with children at the children and observe how they play better. Based on this experience showcasing Rochester Hearing and Speech Center, a with toys they already have and how they my projects in the LiveAbility Lab, I feel like member of the Al Sigl Community of interact with their physical therapists,” she I’m prepared to do this in the real world.” Agencies, to refine the design. said. “I take that information back to the RIT’s partnership with Al Sigl began in It’s in the final stages of product devel- lab and think about the toy we’re creating— 2012 with conversations about how the uni- opment, which includes adding textures, the shape, the form, and how all of that versity could study the barriers for people colors, and lights. impacts the interaction, their learning, with disabilities and special needs and how

30 | RIT University Magazine Yueyue “Zoey” Zhang, an industrial design graduate student, regularly brings a therapeutic toy she is developing, shown below, to Rochester Hearing and Speech Center, a member of the Al Sigl Community of Agencies. As the children test the prototype, Zhang makes careful notes regarding necessary modifications. The toy is in the final stages of product development, which includes adding textures, colors, and lights.

Gabrielle Plucknette-DeVito

Elizabeth Lamark

RIT could contribute to solving these prob- and others that are close to finalization lems using technology and innovation. and market launch. “We are so fortunate to be aligned with Ultimately, Phillips said, he hopes the Imagine RIT a world-class institution like RIT,” said Tom LiveAbility Lab becomes a place where Several projects associated with O’Connor, CEO of Al Sigl Community of members of the community can go if the LiveAbility Lab will be on display Agencies. “When you look at the talent of the they’re looking for distinct and meaningful April 25 at Imagine RIT: Creativity and students, the professors, and the adminis- solutions to accessibility problems. Innovation Festival. The campus- trators, and knowing the innovative model “The LiveAbility Lab is a real example wide event that showcases the that the Al Sigl community presents to the of how our students are combining tech­ creative and innovative spirit of RIT nation, it’s a perfect match. Together we’re nology, art, and design to create new students, faculty, and staff will feature trying to develop ideas and products that solutions that can change the world.” therapeutic toys, MO:KI, and the will advance people of varying abilities.” accessible bathroom, among others. Phillips said the LiveAbility Lab will Vienna McGrain ’12 MS The festival is open to the public. eventually reach a point where projects are Learn more at rit.edu/imagine. staggered—some in the conceptual stage

Spring 2020 | 31 RIT alumni hop on the craft-beer boom

hile dating in college, Aaren Putnam said. “We became the odd couple Simoncini ’09 (finance) and that brought craft beer to a keg party and WPrecious Putnam ’09 (ASL- asked for a glass, instead of a Solo cup.” English interpretation) wanted to take a Today, Simoncini and Putnam live and class together. They settled on Wines of breathe craft beer as owners of Beer’d the World, which then led to Simoncini Brewing in Stonington, Conn. taking a Beers of the World elective. They are just two of many RIT alumni “It was like a great awakening for me,” who have tapped into the craft-beer boom said Simoncini. that has swept across the country in the “Beer pong was never the same for us,” past 10 years.

32 | RIT University Magazine Tiger Brewers

An IPA, a chocolate milk stout, and a watermelon wheat are just a few of the beers created by Scott DeLap ’88 (computer science). More than a dozen RIT alumni have opened breweries. RIT alumni hop on the craft-beer boom

In the U.S., the number of craft brew- Steve Kaplan ’05 (mechanical engineering). “And they are willing to pay more for eries grew from fewer than 1,600 in 2009 “People are more educated about beer something special.” to 7,346 in 2018, according to the Brewers now than ever and realize that traditional That’s good news for the RIT alumni Association. lagers, while still representing the majority who have founded their own breweries. This growth can be attributed to the of beer sold in the world, really only Some never imagined managing a legalization of home-brewing in the late represent one of thousands of styles of company, while others are fulfilling a 1970s and recent policy changes on how beer out there,” said Kaplan. “People want lifelong dream of being an entrepreneur. craft breweries can sell their beer. to experience new flavors and go to a local Through brewing, these Tigers get to flex Even more, consumer tastes have brewpub to interact with the brewers their scientific and technical backgrounds, changed, stressed Genesee Brewmaster themselves. while showing off a little creativity.

A. Sue Weisler Spring 2020 | 33 Aaren Simoncini ’09 (finance) and Precious Putnam ’09 (ASL-English interpretation) went from a Wines of the World course at RIT to building a brewery in Connecticut.

Beer’d Brewing what would cheer him up. do all of our own manufacturing, distribu- Not many couples approach each other “We bought him a homebrewing kit,” said tion, and sales,” said Putnam, who worked with a business proposal. That’s what Putnam. “We figured, since he was spend- for several years in disability services before Simoncini did to tell Putnam about his ing so much on craft beers, why not save committing full time to the brewery. “When idea for what would some money and make the brews himself.” I started my interpretation degree, I never become Beer’d Simoncini calls brewing an artistic thought I’d be managing people and con- Brewing Co. expression and a practice in science. trolling a business.” The founders recently He was so into it that he thought about The Beer’d Brewing name was inspired celebrated “Seven Years starting his own brewery. To gain some by the beard that Simoncini grew in college of Beers,” after open- more experience, he began volunteering and still has to this day. ing their Stonington, at a local brewery. “And it all started at RIT,” said Putnam. Conn., brewery in 2012. “At that point, I knew this was the life “Not only is it the place where we met, but Beer’d now is known for for me,” said Simoncini. “It meant I could it’s the place that gave us the knowledge and its clear double IPAs, has 30 be my own boss, that the sky was the limit, skills needed to run a successful business employees, and opened a second taproom and I could climb the ladder as high as as a team.” in Groton, Conn., earlier this year. I wanted to. But we would also have to After meeting at RIT, the couple moved bare the risk of falling off.” to Simoncini’s hometown of Mystic, Conn., His initial business plan called for a where he got a job in accounting. 15-barrel system. They agreed on three What to try “I was raised in a family that has a his- barrels. Financing it themselves, the Putnam recommends tory of entrepreneurship, and that job just couple built the taproom and brewhouse Dogs & Boats— wasn’t scratching my itch,” said Simoncini. over seven months. a big juicy Imperial IPA. Simoncini’s mother and Putnam knew “We don’t want a middleman, so we

A. Sue Weisler 34 | RIT University Magazine Mashing is just one step in Tiger Brewers the brewing process for Scott DeLap ’88 (computer science), as he makes his “Chapter Haze Reboot” beer. Next Chapter Scott DeLap ’88 (computer science) spent 30 years doing information systems work. Now, as owner of Next Chapter Brewpub in Auburn, N.Y., he has the chance to get in front of his customers and see how they enjoy his products. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s quite reward- ing,” said DeLap, who opened the brewpub in 2018 with his wife, Michelle. The DeLaps moved to Rochester from their hometown of Auburn in 1985— one week after getting married—so Scott DeLap could get his bachelor’s degree from RIT. After graduating, he went on to work for Kodak and then Frontier Communications, where he helped create some of the company’s first data warehouses. The couple started a family and moved around the northeast. When they ultimately decided to make their way back home to Auburn, DeLap had a choice. “I asked myself, ‘do I want to go back to IT or try something new?’” he said. “We were both passionate about beer and we already had some practice with homebrewing.”­ The Next Chapter Brewpub has a relaxed atmosphere, where elements of the DeLaps’ past are showcased around the building. The pub is known for its wood-fired pizza and “sessionable beers,” which DeLap said are lower in alcohol. For DeLap, a brew day is about 12-hours long. “You can relate brewing to computer science because it’s analytical and you need to be able to follow a process and repeat beers that people really like,” he said. “At the same time, there is really no limit on what you can put together, so I get to experiment and create things that people enjoy.”

What to try DeLap recommends Chapter Hopped Up Blondie—a sessionable dry hopped blonde ale with a light tropical fruit flavor.

Photos by A. Sue Weisler

Spring 2020 | 35 Tiger Brewers

It’s a team effort for Nica (Crowley) Bellenger ’03, Rick Solomon ’05, Joe Provo ’04, Doug Bellenger ’04, and Matt Bolton ’02—five packaging science majors who opened a brewpub.

Well Crafted more efficient,” said Nica Bellenger. between jobs in the pharmaceutical and It wasn’t until after college that the group “Everyone was assigned a specific job.” home automation industries. When it of five packaging science majors really It was Solomon, now the head brewer, came time to start packaging their beer for started getting together as a group. who took it to the next level by getting a distribution, the group said they felt pretty Rick Solomon ’05, Doug brewer’s degree and part-time commercial well prepared. Bellenger ’04, Joe Provo brewing job. Along with the business Well Crafted has also held two RIT alumni ’04, Matt Bolton ’02, development expertise of the Bellengers, nights, where the group gets to socialize and Nica (Crowley) Bolton, and Provo, the company began with many alumni and parents of current Bellenger ’03 each to form in 2017. students. took jobs in the “The name was inspired by the well “It’s nice to reminisce and hear stories Philadelphia water that we used to make our homebrew about how RIT has changed over the years,” area and started beer,” said Nica Bellenger. “We think it’s a Nica Bellenger said. reconnecting over a great starting point for beer, and although few craft beers. What we don’t have a well water source at our Scott Bureau ’11, ’16 MBA started as a homebrew- commercial brewery, we replicate that same ing collaboration turned well water with filtration and minerals in into an efficient assembly line where the today’s brew process.” team could experiment with different Well Crafted is housed in a 100-year-old hops, malts, and yeasts. building that used to be a Masonic Temple. Today, the RIT group meets up at their The brewpub normally has 15-20 different What to try own brewery, Well Crafted Beer Co. in beers on tap, along with live music, events, Nica Bellenger recommends Lansdale, Pa.—just outside of Philadelphia. and food. Hop Monger—a super fruity “Rick, Doug, and Joe had been home- Solomon and Nica Bellenger now work double dry hopped IPA with brewing separately, but in 2007 realized at the beer company full time, while Bolton, notes of peach ring candy. that if they brewed together it would be Provo and Doug Bellenger split their time

36 | RIT University Magazine Tiger beer trail RIT alumni around the world get to flex their entrepreneurship, creativity, and scientific skills as brewery owners. Here’s the story behind 10 other establishments with RIT roots.

Dublin Corners Deep River Crafty Dee’s Brewing Co. Farm Brewery Brewing Co. ROC Brewing Co. Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania York, N.Y. Clayton, N.C. Rochester, N.Y. Chintu Patel ’02 (management Justin Grant ’00 (mechanical Paul Auclair ’02 (civil engineering When Chris Spinelli’s mother information systems) gained a engineering), ’04 MS (manu­ technology) and his wife used bought him a homebrewing kit in love for craft beer while living facturing management and their engineering backgrounds 2009, she was just trying to give in the U.S. He then moved back leadership) and his wife started to design the first legal brewery him something to do. Since then, home to open the first craft a brewery on his family farm in Johnston County, N.C. Spinelli ’08 (economics), ’09 (MBA) brewery in Tanzania. after several years of growing co-founded a brewery in down- hops. They recently opened a town Rochester that has won taproom in Geneseo, N.Y. Grant national awards. Nick Mesrobian also works as a plant manager ’08 (photojournalism) serves as at Dolco Packaging. head brewer for the company.

Fifth Frame Brewing Co. Rochester, N.Y. St. Pete Brewing Co. Jon Mervine ’07 (economics) Saint Petersburg, Fla. and Noah Morgenstern ’07 Michele Conklin Williams ’94 (finance) opened a micro­ (food marketing and distribution) brewery and scratch kitchen started a brewery with her in 2017. husband in 2014. She also Stoneyard serves as vice president of sales Brewing Co. for Taylor Farms Florida. Resurgence Brewing Brockport, N.Y. Buffalo, N.Y. Jeff “Oz” Osborne ’08 (mechanical Orchard Park native Jeff Ware engineering) went from being an ’04 (business management) aspiring homebrewer to starting saw the need for an indoor/ a new career as head brewer outdoor beer garden that cele- Element Brewing & Distilling at Stoneyard. Today, as part- brated his beloved Buffalo, N.Y. Millers Falls, Mass. owner, he enjoys crafting many He has opened two locations Rochester-themed brews. and hosted a free Intro to Beer Daniel Kramer ’86 (printing webinar with RIT Alumni management)­ co-founded Relations. Watch the webinar Element Brewing in 2009, after Sabaja Craft Brewery more than 20 years in the brewing Prishtina, Kosovo at https://www.rit.edu/alumni/ Did we miss you? node/85547. industry. In 2015, the company Alex Butler ’11 (MBA) and Etida added a distillery to the operation. Are you a graduate Zeka ’09 (applied arts and with a brewery? sciences), ’10 (MBA) introduced Tell us about it at American-style craft beer to [email protected]. Kosovo in 2013.

Spring 2020 | 37

Faculty Profile A fan of jazz, he An avid cyclist, he used once worked as to ride 250 miles a week the host of a radio each summer when he jazz show on raced competitively. WBFO in Buffalo. Now he only rides about 150 miles a week, often from his home in the Park Avenue area of Rochester to Mendon, N.Y., and back. Richard Newman

When Richard Newman graduated from Does living in Rochester Have you kept in contact You’ve authored or edited high school, he never imagined he’d wind offer unique opportunities with students who have seven books. Do you have up being a college history professor. to teach local history? graduated? other books you plan to write? “I was going to be a physical therapist, Rochester is a great place to Yes, I’m always interested in Yes, two. One is a 200-year or a journalist, or work in business,” he said. research and teach about early hearing their stories about history of emancipation “I never had any intrinsic love for history.” American history because what happened in the job and civil rights struggles in That changed in his junior year at the you’ve got all these reformers market and in their careers. America, which tries to retell University at Buffalo, when he realized such as Frederick Douglass Some have worked on digital the history of civil rights history was more than names, dates, and Susan B. Anthony, and mapping, communications, all the way back to 1776. and facts. you also have a very interest- in city government, public In a weird way, we’re still “It’s about argumentation and debate,” ing business and technology radio, helping businesses in a cycle of advancement he said. “It’s about how changes occur history with Kodak, Bausch work on digital applications and entrenchment like the throughout time and how certain issues & Lomb, and Xerox. Those that relate to history, people before the Civil War get put on political or social maps, and I got topics make their way into museums, education. Some were involved in. The other really excited about that.” some of my classes. It’s a have gone to Silicon Valley to book will look at the debate Newman, a professor of history in RIT’s great place to study women’s become entrepreneurs, some about Confederate statues College of Liberal Arts, came to RIT in 1998. history. It’s a great place to become dentists…all of them in America from the end of He specializes in early American, African- study religious history. It’s a have passed through my the Civil War to the present American, and environmental history. great place to study business classes and hopefully learned with a focus on putting up In 2014, Newman took a leave of history. I find it constantly something about the impor- statues of African-Ameri- absence from RIT for nearly three years inspiring. tance of history and the cans. Rochester is a key place to work as the executive director of importance of liberal arts. for that debate because it’s The Library Company of Philadelphia, What can your students the city associated with the Benjamin Franklin’s library founded in 1731. expect in class? Do RIT students learn statue dedicated to Frederick “It was one of the best experiences of my I want them to be excited history differently than Douglass in the 1890s. life because it wasn’t just a history institution about history and the study other college students? which I had fallen in love with—you have of history. We’re constantly For their final exam in my original copies of the Declaration of shifting from little mini lec- introduction to history class, Independence and Ben Franklin’s books tures to discussions to some they get the option of either there,” he said. “It was also a small business. video to maybe some debate doing a traditional final paper, Tune in I had to think about accounts payable, to some historical role based on class research, or Intersections: The RIT balanced budgets, endowments… learning play because I think that’s they could do a final project Podcast is a twice-monthly about all those things was invaluable.” the best way to really keep where they could do a digital conversation between That experience helped when he people excited about history. project, an online exhibit, people whose daily work is returned to the classroom. Sometimes I’ll ask them an even a video montage. That’s making a difference in the “I think that’s a really important lesson for open-ended question about because students with all world. To listen to Richard students that their whole college education a contemporary issue. I try their technical or artistic Newman’s episode, go to is what makes them a powerful candidate to use media and technology majors have all of these dif- http://bit.ly/RITpodcast.

for a job, not just their major,” Newman said. as much as possible, so often ferent tools at their disposal “It’s everything you learn.” I’ll put up an image of a mon- to do some really interesting ument and have a discussion things in the classroom, so about that. I’m letting them run with that.

38 | RIT University Magazine

He’s authored four books He’s involved in animal about abolitionism, Love rescue and has four cats Canal, and a biography and a dog. “I’m a huge about Richard Allen, the animal nut. We love them founder of the African all. If I wasn’t married, I’d Methodist Episcopal probably have 20 cats Church. All have remained and five dogs.” in print by their publishers.

He met his wife, Lisa Hermsen, at RIT’s College of Liberal Arts, where she was an English professor and now the Carolyn Werner Gannett Chair in the Humanities. They married in 2007 in the house they moved into the same day.

Elizabeth Lamark

Spring 2020 | 39 Alumni Updates

A. Sue Weisler Madeleine Rabil ’13 (3D digital graphics) works as an environment artist for Bethesda Studios, developers behind video games such as Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and Starfield. She uses 3D modeling to build out virtual environments for game players to explore.

Role with game developer took root at RIT

uring a 2008 visit to RIT while she game publisher. working with students from university- was in high school, Madeleine Rabil “Funny enough, I had no idea that a wide programs. D ’13 (3D digital graphics) learned that major studio resided just 20 minutes away “I was involved in a multidisciplinary the university’s then-called College of Imag- for the majority of my life,” she said. “Being project of some kind every single year I was ing Arts and Sciences had just announced local to Bethesda ended up being a huge at RIT,” recalled Rabil, the most notable of the creation of a new major for incoming part of what enabled me to do my intern- which was an augmented reality (AR) golf students. ships in quality assurance and later as an project showcased at Imagine RIT. “It was a program focusing specifically environment artist because I didn’t have to That experience has served her well at on 3D as a medium,” said Rabil, referring relocate my home.” Bethesda. to what is now 3D digital design in RIT’s Today, she’s feeling right at home at “Video game development is such a col- College of Art and Design. “A lot of other Bethesda. laborative process that spans multiple dis- colleges offered programs that covered 3D “My main responsibility is to help build ciplines,” she said. “Learning to be able to in one or two classes, but I knew I needed to out the environments for our games in communicate effectively with people who specialize in it.” virtual space,” Rabil said. “I use different 3D think differently, or have different priori- “I was very fortunate,” she added. “I knew modeling and texturing packages to create ties, isn’t something that is easily learned in immediately that RIT was where I needed and edit various assets like trees, rocks, and the classroom—mostly because you’re often to be.” walls before using our game engine to as- interacting with other people who special- Rabil combined that good fortune and semble everything into a complete scene or ize in the same things as you. hard work into a job as an environment art- environment for players to explore.” “After I graduated, I found that experi- ist for Rockville, Md.-based Bethesda Game Her favorite project thus far is the highly ences working with students outside my Studios, developers behind highly success- popular Fallout 4 game. “I was so proud of expertise was really the closest thing to my ful role-playing video games like Fallout, how it turned out,” she beamed. real-world circumstances in the workplace. The Elder Scrolls, and Starfield. Rabil said she thrives on the “highly I think that’s something that RIT in particu- A self-described “gamer” since a young collaborative” creative process that she lar is uniquely suited to offer,” she said. age, Rabil grew up in nearby Montgomery enjoys with her Bethesda colleagues, which Village, Md., a short distance from the video hearkens her back to when she was at RIT Rich Kiley

40 | RIT University Magazine Megan Wiseman Reuben Zielinski ’85 (electrical engineering), ’96 (EMBA) has developed patented vacuum drying technology that removes moisture from electronic devices including cell phones, tablets, and hearing devices.

Get your cell phone wet? Redux has a solution

ntrepreneur Reuben Zielinski ’85 drying has been around since the 1940s, his deaf and hard-of-hearing students in my (electrical engineering) ’96 (EMBA) patented technology, which boasts a greater classes, and I thought that NTID was the Ebelieves that generating a great idea than 80 percent success rate, allows for the coolest place,” he said. “When the company is actually the easiest part of the product measurement of the amount of vapor com- decided to branch out and develop a hear- development process. ing off of the device and records the amount ing aid and cochlear implant drying system, The hardest part? Convincing other after it has been dried—something no other I thought it would be important to some- people that what you have is a great idea technology in the marketplace can do. how partner with NTID.” and getting them to buy what you have “I actually used what I learned from my Two hearing aid and cochlear implant developed. Executive MBA studies at Saunders College dryers have since been donated to NTID. Zielinski’s latest great idea—patented of Business to write a successful business In addition, Redux technology has been technology that removes moisture from plan,” said Zielinski. “Rather than just wait used to dry drones, high-tech objects for the delicate electronics like phones, tablets, around for people to get their cell phones military, game controllers, and high-end laptops, and hearing devices—is not only wet, we instituted a membership model. cameras. helping people who are deaf or hard-of- When people purchase cell phones, they After Hurricane Michael hit in 2018, the hearing, but it has also found its way into have the option to purchase the Redux Pro- company dried and saved hundreds of hard the hands of consumers everywhere in tection Package, too. It’s a great way to sell drives holding precious data and memories. more than 2,300 retail stores of the nation’s peace of mind.” “In my experience, engineers want to largest cell phone carrier. To date, Redux has sold more than 2.6 perfect things before they get into the A western New York native living in million memberships in mobile phone retail market,” he said. “What’s worked for me is Indianapolis, Zielinski co-founded Redux stores, and the company is negotiating con- progress before perfection. Get it into the in 2013 and has developed a patented tracts with other cell phone carriers in the market, see if people buy it, and then per- vacuum drying process that turns the water U.S., Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and Europe. fect it. Continuously improve it and always trapped inside electronic devices into gas In 2019, Zielinski, who is also a member keep moving forward.” within minutes and allows the gas to escape of the RIT President’s Roundtable, began through crevices. looking at new ways to use the technology. Vienna McGrain ’12 MS Zielinski explained that although vacuum “When I was at RIT, there were always

Spring 2020 | 41 Alumni Updates Joanna Eldredge Morrissey, courtesy of The MacDowell Colony. The MacDowell of courtesy Morrissey, Joanna Eldredge

Charles Gaines ’67 MFA (art and design), a leader in the conceptual art movement, received the Edward MacDowell Medal in August. About 1,400 people gathered at The MacDowell Colony in New Hampshire for the award ceremony.

Gaines receives prestigious Edward MacDowell Medal

harles Gaines ’67 MFA (art and arts. Previous recipients include Toni from a young age and he was encouraged to design) made his name working out- Morrison, Nan Goldin, Georgia O’Keefe, pursue a career in art or music. Cside of the boundaries of traditional Robert Frost, and others. After completing his undergraduate western art practices. Now, he’s on a list of “The MacDowell is a funny medal because degree from Jersey City State College, he ap- artistic legends as the 60th recipient of the not everyone has heard of it, but it’s one of plied and became the first black man to be Edward MacDowell Medal. the most important recognitions you can accepted into RIT’s MFA program. The Edward MacDowell Award is pre- get as an artist. The history of the medal is Gaines, from Newark, N.J., learned sented every summer to an American artist really impressive,” said Gaines. “When they what it meant to pursue a professional art who has made an “outstanding contribution called me and asked me if I would accept it, practice during his time as an RIT student. to the national culture.” I couldn’t believe it. I thought someone was Rather than working within the structures The medal is given to artists of all trades, playing an April Fools’ joke on me.” given to him, he wanted to explore other whether it be musical, written, or visual People saw Gaines had creative talent methods of creating art outside of the status

42 | RIT University Magazine Jeff McLane Jeff McLane Jeff Hauser and Wirth Images of trees have been prominent in Gaines’ work. From left to right: Numbers and Trees: Central Park Series II: Tree #3; Numbers and Trees: Central Park Series IV: Tree #7; and Night/Crimes: Taurus, a black-and- white photograph with silkscreened text.

Motion: Trisha Brown Dance: Set #10 includes four small drawings, two large drawings, and two photographs on Strathmore paper.

Gaines receives prestigious Edward MacDowell Medal

quo, which is part of the reason why his After graduating, Gaines taught art at “It’s hard to imagine that you are properly work is so unique. Mississippi Valley State University for one located in that kind of company. My friends “Art was defined by intuition and expres- year before accepting a job at Fresno State always tell me that I underestimate myself,” sion. I took the idea of undertaking that University. said Gaines. “But the people on that list, binary by introducing the idea of rational Now, he lives in Los Angeles, owns his to me, are super-humans. They’ve reached systems to art making. By using rational own art studio, and teaches at the California the maximum point of contributions to systems, I would form a critique of the Institute of the Arts because he enjoys society. I don’t feel that way about myself, standard western practices of making art. working with students. but, the more I think about it, they probably Even though I thought it was purely a Like many of the professionals before didn’t either.” conceptual critique, I really started doing him, Gaines sees this award as a benchmark it because it’s also a reflection of my own of his progress, and he feels his art and Felicia Swartzenberg ’19 temperament and interests,” said Gaines. vibrant career can only improve from here.

Spring 2020 | 43 Alumni Updates

A. Sue Weisler Karen Braun ’96 Ph.D. (imaging science) returned to her RIT roots in August as the associate director for the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science. Braun is the first woman to earn her Ph.D. at RIT. Alumna returns to guide the next generation of imaging scientists

aren Braun had a clear picture of what including data visualization, gamification, Braun said she is energized by getting to she wanted to do with her life at a and medication adherence. work in a program that emphasizes hands- Kyoung age. Now she has returned to her roots at RIT, on, interdisciplinary research. “My childhood dream was to be an inven- helping to guide the next generation of im- “It’s so nice to see the undergrads tor,” she said. aging scientists to achieve their aspirations. involved in research from day one,” said As Braun grew up, she developed a wide In August, Braun joined RIT as the associate Braun. “From the freshman project all the variety of interests including photography, director for the Chester F. Carlson Center for way through to the senior research proj- psychology, and physics. She ultimately Imaging Science. ect, they’re working closely with faculty found a new cross-disciplinary Ph.D. pro- “I was so happy to get back to imag- members. I think that’s so critical. The fact gram in imaging science at RIT that let her ing and back to this place, which is very that the students are doing real research pursue those interests all at once. special,” said Braun. “I feel happy when I and publishing and going to conferences is She earned her Ph.D. at RIT in 1996—be- drive up in the morning. It feels like coming so great.” coming the first woman to do so—and with home.” She also loves that RIT provides such a several offers on the table, she jumped into In her role she works closely with Direc- career-focused education and draws upon a 20-year career at Xerox. tor David Messinger to run the center. industry experts to help guide its students. Throughout the course of her career, she Braun’s responsibilities include helping “RIT sees value in hiring people with was granted 25 patents in areas including with day-to-day operations, planning spe- long industrial careers such as myself,” color reproduction, skin tone mapping, and cial events, prospective student outreach, she said. “RIT appreciates people who have gamut mapping, fulfilling her childhood and helping to guide students in the Center practical experience.” dream. As she rose to the management for Imaging Science’s Innovative Freshmen level, her research branched out into areas Experience class. Luke Auburn ’09, ’15 MS

44 | RIT University Magazine Entrepreneurship— blazing new trails, believing in yourself and inspiring others to join in the journey.

Fostering a robust entrepreneurial culture maximizes economic and social success on a local, national and global scale, and it begins by growing the next generation of entrepreneurs. “I have the instincts and am At RIT, entrepreneurship education cultivating my knowledge equips students to seek out problems, and abilities here at RIT. I am think creatively, take risks, accept working on exciting projects failure as part of growth, and with some of the best and appreciate the hard work necessary brightest students imaginable. in order to achieve success. It is invigorating knowing that with the research work With your help, we can provide both we’re doing, coupled with learning and practice in all facets of drive and ambition to move entrepreneurship to students from all our prototyping project ever areas of the university. forward, my team and I have Learn more and make your gift at the ability to change lives for rit.edu/transformingRIT. the better.” — Anika Aftab ’20 (neuroscience and entrepreneurship)

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Spring 2020 | 45 1974 1977 local groups in the Great Lakes and Sherry Ohio Valley Region, which includes (Taylor) Miller Rochester, he is one of 15 voting Key to abbreviations ’77 (GAP) members at the national level. worked for 26 Class Notes years at Moore 1980 Business Forms Barbara-Ann Research Mattle ’80 Center in Grand (CCE) has Island, N.Y., been selected where she by the Abbreviations managed print quality testing, product Rochester development, government standards, Business CAST and launched the company’s first Journal as a College of Applied Science intranet. She retooled her skills by 2019 Icon and Technology (now CET) achieving a certification in project Honors award recipient. Icon Honors management in 2003 and joined recognizes Rochester business CAD HSBC Bank Information Technology leaders over the age of 60 for their College of Art and Design Services. She retired in 2018. She is notable success and demonstration president-elect to the Grand Island of strong leadership within and CCE Rotary Club and launched a 4-H Club outside their fields. College of Continuing Education Theodore Braggins ’74 MST to service children in the community, (now SOIS) (FAA) retired in June from Arlington which includes her granddaughter, High School in LaGrangeville, N.Y., Kinsey. CET after 33 years as an art teacher. College of Engineering Technology In addition to teaching, Braggins 1978 CHST and his wife, Melissa Katzman ’76 Dave “Bippy” College of Health Sciences (CAD), have operated Pondside Boyer ’78 and Technology Press Graphics Workshop & Gallery (CAST) (pondsidepress.com) in Rhinebeck, celebrated his CIAS N.Y., since 1985. They produce 30th anniver- College of Imaging Arts their own original graphic art sary of working and Sciences (now CAD) using lithography, relief printing, freelance as a David Price ’80 MS (GAP) was and monotype. cartoonist, visited by retired CIAS professor CLA world noted caricaturist, past president Bob Chung ’76 MS (GAP) in summer College of Liberal Arts 1975 of the Rotary Club Rochester 2019. They earned degrees together COS Robert Dawley ’75 (SCB) recently Southeast, 2020 President “Country from the School of Printing and lived College of Science retired as a code enforcement officer. Dancers of Rochester,” and news near each other at Perkins Green. He is a published author of book one photographer. He credits his success FAA in a series of three titled Pink isn’t the to his spouse, Cindy Boyer. They 1981 Fine and Applied Arts only Cancer, a personal story on his celebrated their 40th wedding Kimberlie (now CAD) cancer odyssey, most recently with anniversary in September. Barrett ’81 prostate cancer. (SCB) is proud GAP to announce Graphic Arts and Photography that the (now CAD) company she founded, owns, GCCIS and operates in Golisano College of Computing Rochester, and Information Sciences Magellan Inc. KGCOE Real Estate and Relocation, is Kate Gleason College celebrating 25 years serving the real of Engineering estate industry. Deborah Marcuccilli ’78 BS/ME NTID (KGCOE) and her daughter, 1982 National Technical Institute Alyxandra Sherwood ’15 MS (CLA), for the Deaf both completed the October 2019 Gary Staffo ’75 (KCGOE), Detroit Marathon with personal best SOIS a resident of Springfield, Va., this finish times. School of Individualized Study past summer was able to visit RIT and spent three hours walking the 1979

SCB campus and sharing memories from John Voymas Saunders College of Business his undergraduate days. With the ’79 (SCB) SVP help of the RIT Alumni Office, he was re-elected Thomas Newberry ’82 (KGCOE) NTID “Summer Vestibule Program” was able to contact his roommates to a second has the honor of coaching a great and another friend who was also a two-year term bunch of boys in the Westborough, resident of Kate Gleason floors 6 on American Mass., varsity soccer program. They and 7. They are: Brad McCarthy ’73 Mensa’s created a Cinderella season in earning About Class Notes (KGCOE); Bill Provinski ’73 national board a berth in the district semi-finals game. Class Notes are edited for space, (KGCOE); Joe Widay ’74 BS/ME of directors. Newberry coaches in addition to clarity, and style. Share information by (KGCOE); and Pat Muscarella ’73 Besides operations management and helping going to rit.edu/alumni/class-notes. BS/ME (KGCOE). supporting the members of the 16 companies present to investors.

46 | RIT University Magazine 1983 1994 Sharon (Chesson) Cochran ’83 Alumna’s paintings featured in car magazine (CAST) is a principal packaging engineer at Conagra Brands, Omaha, Neb. Before that, she was employed at Pinnacle Foods as a senior pack- aging engineer. 1985

Bob Wagner ’94 MBA (SCB) has Catherine (Spilman) Lane ’85 been named chief communications (FAA) and Brett Lane ’82 (CAST) officer at Ithaca College, reporting are proud to have a double legacy to the president. Before joining student, son Cody T. Lane ’20. Cody Ithaca College, he spent 30 years is in the industrial design BFA program. at Xerox Corp. in marketing and communications roles. 1987 Edward Shanshala ’87 (COS), ’00 MS (CAST) has been appointed by the New Hampshire Commissioner of Health and Human Services to serve on the State Health Assessment and the State Health Charles Bjanes ’94 (CIAS) and Improvement Plan Advisory Council. Chris (Mino) Bjanes ’94 (CIAS), ’95 He is also part of the working group MST (CIAS) visited the RIT campus on the plan preparation of a Medicaid in June to celebrate a 25-year adult dental benefit. graduation anniversary. Upon Liz Price Kellogg entering the residence hall tunnels, Christine Tisa ’92 MFA (painting) was featured in a recent issue of Timothy LaLonde ’87 (SCB) started they were excited to see that a new job in April 2019 in Los Angeles “Wolverine” still existed. They fondly Audi Magazine for using her car to transport her artwork. as chief financial officer at Overhill remember painting this mural as Farms, one of the leading frozen food freshmen with classmates including manufacturers in the USA, and part Jen Pogorzola ’94 (CIAS), Josh hristine Tisa ’92 MFA the cargo I carry in my car,’” of CP Foods. Maruska ’95 (CIAS), and Phil Hoff (painting) has made a said Tisa, explaining how her ’94 (CIAS), with a shout-out to Cliving as an artist, edu- art, and her Audi Q3, ended 1988 Derick Burns ’94 (CIAS). cator, gallery owner, and yoga up in the magazine. “The very Peter Gousios ’88 (KCGOE), ’99 instructor since she graduated next day, they called me back MS (CAST) earned his AWS system David Loy from RIT. Most recently, her and asked if I would consider architect associate’s certification. Frishkorn ’95 art has jumped off the gallery being their featured artist in the MBA (SCB) walls and onto the pages of magazine for the following year.” 1990 has retired Audi Magazine. Even though a car magazine Jeffery Wilkins ’90 (KGCOE) start- from both Audi Magazine is published isn’t a place one expects to see ed a new segment of his career with Xerox and Xura annually and highlights new art, Tisa encourages people to Collins Aerospace in Fairfield, Calif., Inc. and innovations and general news share their art in non-tradi- as the site senior quality manager in published his about the luxury German car tional formats. November 2019. This is after spend- first novel, The company. “I did it because I think out ing 19 years in the semiconductor Great Divorce. After seeing a story in a pre- of the box. Some artists think industry with Lam Research and then vious issue about a surfer who that their work only belongs Comet Technologies. Jeffrey Salava ’94 (CIAS) recently transported her surfboards in places like the Metropolitan quit his position as a lead graphic in her Audi, Tisa was amused Museum, but that’s not true,” 1993 designer to direct his full attention to because she used her car in said Tisa, from Clayton, N.Y. David Finkelstein ’93 (GAP) is his fine art reproduction business. the same way. “I’m always looking for new proud to announce that the RIT Ven- He started Archival Arts out of his “I sent the editor the photo places to feature my art, and ture Fund has made an investment in basement in Baltimore in August of that appears in the magazine, for new patrons. I’m trying to his company, BDEX. The company is 2000 and it has grown into a full-time of my car with the painting raise my bar and be exposed to excited to work with RIT as it scales business servicing more than 2,000 outside of it, and said ‘look at different people.” its proprietary consumer data ex- local and national artists. Learn more change platform business. at archivalarts.com.

Spring 2020 | 47 Legacy Family

John Lawrence ’93 (packaging science), left, and his wife, Maryjane, are proud that their sons, fourth-year dual-degree student John B., second from left, and incoming freshman Jared, are RIT Tigers. Tiger blood flows in Lawrence family

hen new students didn’t want to make the final because we knew what to head off to college, he said his come to RIT, they choice for them. expect. We knew it was without dad’s and brother’s experiences Wjoin the ever- “My wife and I planned for a doubt an engaged academic at RIT have made him more growing Tiger family. For John the kids to go where they want- community, and he wouldn’t comfortable with his decision B. Lawrence and his younger ed and do what they wanted, just be one of many students on to attend the university. brother, Jared Lawrence, the within reason. RIT was always a roster. His advisers know him, “I’m already comfortable Tiger family is more than just a on the list of their college selec- his professors know him, and with the campus, especially proximal community; it’s also tions, but we kind of left it up that gives you a good feeling as having been up there on visits,” based on actual bloodlines. to them. We aren’t the kind of a parent,” said Maryjane. Jared said. “I look forward to John B. is a fourth-year dual- parents that force their kids to John B., the Lawrences’ oldest moving on to RIT. I am excited degree computing security stu- do things, but we did encourage son, was originally hesitant to leave the comfort of my own dent getting ready to graduate them to make choices based on about attending the same uni- home and start on the next jour- with his master’s degree in May. what they wanted out of their versity as his father. However, ney of my life.” Jared is an incoming freshman education and career,” John said. after visiting several other col- who will major in packaging They wanted to give their leges, RIT was a clear fit for him. Felicia Swartzenberg ’19 science. John B. and Jared’s fa- kids freedom, but, like any par- “RIT really makes you feel ther, John Lawrence, graduated ent, John and Maryjane wanted like a professional in your field from RIT in 1993 with a degree to make sure that their kids while you’re in school. The in packaging science. would be supported and able to co-op program, how the courses When both of their sons thrive in whatever environment are structured, and generally Future Tigers began looking at colleges, John they chose. Having knowledge just the people who are around If you are an RIT alumnus/a, you and his wife, Maryjane, from of the RIT student experience you create a pretty good envi- can request one $65 application Spring, Texas, made sure they eased their parental worries ronment for you to develop into fee waiver for a prospective RIT student per year. Learn more at didn’t pressure either son to when John B. headed off to the person you need to be when rit.edu/alumni/admissions- attend RIT. They knew the value college. you leave college,” he said. fee-waiver-request-form. the university offered, but they “It really lightened the load Now that Jared is ready to

48 | RIT University Magazine

Honoring a brother

Members of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, alumni, family, and friends attended a tree rededication ceremony during Brick City Homecom- ing and Family Weekend last October to honor the memory of Kevin Smith. Smith was a sophomore at RIT and a member of Phi Delta Theta when he died in a car accident near campus in 1991. His Phi Delta Theta brothers, family, and friends also launched a fundraising initiative last fall which raised more than $26,000 to further support the endowed scholarship which bears his name.

Matteo Bracco

David Cox ’94 1996 Stacy at the University of Maryland, MS (CAST) Johnson ’96 Baltimore County, in August. worked for a BS/MS He has taken on the role of few years at (KGCOE) Paramedic Program Director, Xerox after received a which is one of 13 accredited graduation and Society of bachelor degree programs in the then moved to Women United States. Prior to this, he was an Raleigh, N.C., in Engineers educational designer and developer 2001. Since (SWE) for the Maryland Fire and Rescue 2001, he has Spark Award at the SWE National Institute, University of Maryland, worked at ABB Conference. The Spark Award honors College Park. Corporation in an individual who has contributed to the U.S. Corporate Research Center. the advancement of women by 2000 In 2010, he completed his Ph.D. in mentoring those around them. Brian Moon computer science. In 2015, he was ’00 (CLA) was elected to the Raleigh City Council David Stern ’96 (KGCOE) received promoted to where he represents 90,000 citizens two notices of allowance for his first vice president, in northeast Raleigh. two patents from the United States sales and Patent Office, both within the cyber business domain. development at the Timothy Cosgriff ’96 MS (CAST) 1997 Consumer had work in the Sweet Creations Electronics Association. In his exhibition at the George Eastman new role, he oversees global sales Museum. His work, “Le Voyage Dans and business development for la Lun, Possible!” was a celebration of CES, the world’s largest technology the work of Georges Méliès and the event, and CES Asia, Asia’s premier 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon technology event. landing. Cosgriff also had work in the Nancy Weigle ’94 (CIAS) and her International Art of the Book at the 2004 husband celebrated their 20th Central Library of Rochester and Nathan Gardner ’04 (COS) has anniversary in the fall of 2019. They Monroe County. His work, “Young been appointed as the program also celebrated his 50th birthday by Frankenstein Steampunk Bookends,” director of the Center for Physician attending an RIT Women’s Hockey is an altered book creation. He used Assistant Studies at Albany Medical game at Penn State. She still gets discarded books, found objects, and College in Albany, N.Y. He currently together with her friends from discarded hardware to make this Kyle Bates ’97 (CIAS) assumed the holds the faculty rank of assistant Photo House. creation. position of clinical assistant professor professor in the college.

Spring 2020 | 49 1

2 Tiger Cubs

3

4

5

6

1 Ryan Griske ’98 (CAST), ’00 MS 3 Alexander Gartley ’07 (CIAS) Craig Nairn ’11 (CLA) and 6 Jessica Wiltey ’17 (CIAS) (CAST) welcomed Jasper Patrick and his wife, Cristin, welcomed Colleen Nairn welcomed and her fiancé, David Cassidy, Griske in November 2019. their second son, Coda Levi, William J. in February 2019. welcomed Connor Michael in in December 2018. June 2019. 2 Annie Browar ’07 (CIAS) 5 Stephany (Wedgwood) Frey and Will Browar ’07 (CIAS) 4 Gabrielle Plucknette-DeVito ’14 (CHST) and Jeremy Frey ’10 celebrated the first birthday ’07 (CIAS) and her husband, Joe (CAST) welcomed their first child, of their second son, Owen, DeVito, welcomed their daughter, Jackson, in May 2019. He loves to in June 2018. Penelope Marianna, in June 2019. hang out with his dog, Beckham.

50 | RIT University Magazine receivable at the NASA Shared Services Center located at Stennis Griffith takes over as new alumni board president Space Center. His duties involve monitoring, reviewing, reconciling, and analyzing NASA’s accounting transactions and data to ensure that all are in compliance with federal regulations and that the NASA Shared Services Center is delivering quality service to its sister agency centers and customers. He is also the Special Emphasis Program Orlando Ortiz ’04 (CAST), ’08 MBA manager for individuals with a (SCB) and Denishea Ortiz ’04 disability at the NASA Shared (SCB) received the 2019 Young Services Center. Philanthropist of the Year Award from NextGen Rochester in November 2008 2019. 2005

Emilio Frattaruolo ’08 (CAST)

started in a new role as vice Fletcher Ken president of innovation, passive New Alumni Association Board President Victoria Decker Griffith systems with CSafe Global in ’93 (hospitality) wants alumni to know that RIT is there for them. Stacy Lake ’05 (SCB), ’07 MBA Dayton, Ohio. CSafe Global is the (SCB) started in a new role as only full-line provider of both active corporate communications manager and passive cold chain packaging ictoria Decker Griffith regional events, participating for Bergmann, a full-service solutions addressing the tempera- ’93 (hospitality) says she in ROAR Day initiatives, and architecture, engineering, and ture management needs of Vis who she is because being involved with her soror- planning firm headquartered in pharmaceutical and life science of RIT and that doesn’t just ity, Zeta Tau Alpha. In 2009, Rochester. companies around the globe. include her time as a student. she was the recipient of RIT’s “I was a student for four Volunteer of the Year award. 2007 2011 years but I have done more As president, engaging Matt DePersis ’07 MBA (SCB) with RIT since then,” said alumni is her top priority. The recently started a new opportunity Griffith, who took over as Alumni Association is for ev- at BounceX as director, strategy president of the Alumni As- eryone, she said. That includes consulting. BounceX is an interna- sociation Board of Directors in helping alumni stay relevant tional marketing technology solution January. “RIT continues to be a in their careers, offering helping brands drive revenue through resource for people long after volunteer activities that make identification, personalization, and they graduate.” a difference, and encouraging retargeting. The Alumni Association fellow alumni to stay connect- Board serves as the advisory ed, stay informed, and create a body of the RIT Alumni Asso- great RIT for future Tigers. ciation, which represents RIT’s Griffith said she will also Elizabeth Kiefer ’11 (CAST) and more than 135,000 alumni. The work toward achieving RIT’s Patrick Ciambrone ’11 (KGCOE) board’s primary responsibility is vision of getting 10 percent were married on Aug. 10, 2019, to provide leadership in devel- participation in alumni giving. on Seneca Lake in Dundee, N.Y. oping and executing alumni “We know it is a tall mountain They met on move-in day in 2006 programs and activities. but we have to talk about it, as members of Engineering House. Griffith, who is vice presi- focus on it,” she said. Many RIT and Engineering House dent of quality assurance and “It is a super exciting time alumni were in attendance to purchasing for the Farmers at RIT,” she said. “There are op- celebrate. Restaurant Group, began serving portunities for change, oppor- on the board in 1999. She has tunities to make a difference. Sarah Bicsak ’11 (COS) recently been active in the RIT com- We want alumni to remember celebrated her one-year anniversary munity for years, attending that RIT is here for them.” Juan E. Rodriguez ’07 (SCB) works as a chemist at Paragon Laboratories as an accountant in accounts in Livonia, Mich.

Spring 2020 | 51 Class Notes

2012 Alumnus named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List

Kathryn Goodridge ’12 (CIAS), ’19 MS (SOIS) married Leo Rausch ’13 (GCCIS) in Richmond, Va., on Oct. 11, 2019. They met through Greek Life at RIT through mutual friends. Other Tigers at their celebration included several members of their wedding party. The bridesmaids were: matron of honor Emalee Shea ’13 (CAST); Liane (Schneegass) Sauda ’12 (CHST); Anna Hazelwood ’12 (CIAS), ’19 MS (SOIS); and Lia Jordan Darling ’15 improved jet ski designs by incorporating more durable materials that he tested while he Schapero ’21 (SOIS). The grooms- was an undergraduate. He’d go on to establish a company that was later acquired by Nikola Motor Corp. people included: best man Greg Warchol ’13 (GCCIS); Alex Bowden ’12 (GCCIS); John McCall ’12 ordan Darling’s career has prestigious designation given division to further expand its (GCCIS); Stephanie Johnson ’13 soared as rapidly as the sleek annually to top entrepreneurial market, and Darling became (CHST); and Katie Burke ’12 (CIAS), Jwatercraft he designs. talent in the United States and the start-up company’s 21st ’15 MS (SOIS). The vice president of Nikola Canada. The College of Engi- employee. Powersports was named one neering Technology alumnus Darling had several options of Forbes’ 30 Under 30, the is among an elite group for his successful Free Form of trailblazers from 20 Factory. Instead of selling it or industries chosen from seeking expansion funding, he thousands of nominees became a part of Nikola Motor who are considered to- Corp., the parent company day’s bold risk-takers. of Nikola Powersports that is Darling ’15 (me- getting a lot of attention for its chanical engineering quick rise in the highly technology) is a desig- competitive trucking and nee in Forbes’ Manu- powersport industry. facturing & Industry “I believe in Nikola and category emphasizing thought this is one of those rare individuals “creating opportunities to literally be on the products, meth- the ground floor of fulfilling a ods, and materials of bold vision—one that will make E. Nicole Arroyo ’12 (COS) success- tomorrow.” a significant impact in how we fully defended her Ph.D. in immunol- At Nikola, he over- live, and move, in the future. In ogy from the University of Washing- sees the divisions the three years since becoming ton, Seattle, on July 24, 2019. She of both land and sea part of the team, Nikola Motor then married Jeremy Fowers in vehicles. While at Corp. is now valued at more Snohomish, Wash., on July 27, 2019. RIT, Darling founded than $3 billion,” said Darling, Several RIT alumni were in atten- Free Form Factory who holds patents in pow- dance, including: Jeremy Allston ’10 Inc., creating and ersports and manufacturing (GCCIS); Brittany Ambeau ’13 manufacturing technologies. (COS), ’17 Ph.D. (COS); Alexandra technology for When the company produces Atzl ’12 (CIAS); Nicholas DeFiore personal watercraft Darling’s version of a personal ’14 (KGCOE); Bryan Fitzgerald ’12 and building the watercraft, it will be among (CHST); Sarah Hannon ’12 (CAST); first mainstream the top battery-powered jet ski Josh Kramer ’13 (KGCOE); Kristen electric personal products with zero emissions Kramer ’12 (SCB); and David watercraft. and reduced noise—and fast. Stalnaker ’13 BS/MS (GCCIS). His high-flying The Nikola team will bring jet skis were made several new off-highway ve- 2013 Jordan Darling ’15 (mechani- of novel, more durable materi- hicles and personal watercraft William Craig ’14 BS/MS (KGCOE) cal engineering technology) als and its e-vehicle technology to market in 2021. successfully completed his Ph.D. in is vice president of Nikola would outperform other more “I am honored to be one aerospace engineering at the Univer- Powersports. He was named well-known watercraft. of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and sity of Maryland in June of 2019. Dur- to the Forbes’ 30 Under Free Form Factory was plan to uphold this honor by ing his Ph.D. program, his wife, Anna 30 list in Manufacturing & acquired by Nikola in 2017. It continuing to drive innovation (Guthrie) Craig ’13 (CHST), worked Industry 2020. became the company’s newest forward for decades to come.” as a hospitalist physician assistant at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Md. They moved to Boston this summer where William

52 | RIT University Magazine began work at the Charles Stark 2017 Draper Laboratory. Anna started a new job at Boston Medical Center’s gastroenterology clinic and has been appointed faculty at Boston Univer- sity School of Medicine. 2014 Emi Sano ’14 (CIAS) self-published two books in 2019. Voices: A Short Story Collection is a collection of 15 short stories written over a course of a year, and We Don’t Talk About That is a young adult novella focusing on teens struggling with mental health and suicide.

Nicole Casacci ’17 (KGCOE) and David Gooden ’17 (KGCOE) got married in Buffalo, N.Y.

Andrea Shaver ’17 (CIAS) and Andrew Carpenter ’17 (GCCIS) were married on Sept. 28, 2019, in Telluride, Colo. They met in Student Picnics, Parties Samantha Robinson ’14 (SOIS) Government their second year at RIT. married Ryan Thompson ’14 BS/ Twenty RIT and SG alumni were in MS (COS) on Aug. 10, 2019. Their attendance to celebrate, including and Pictures— ceremony was officiated byJay the best man, Jumoke Ridley ’17 Howson ’13 (COS). They were (GCCIS); two bridesmaids, Claire joined by many other alumni, Fleming ’17 (CLA) and Rebekah including members of their bridal Geller ’17 (CLA), ’18 (SOIS); and Oh, my! party: Tricia Chapman ’12 (COS), Kathy Hall ’68 (CCE), who was the Chelsea Viele ’16 (COS), and Tim SG office manager when they met. Shank ’11 (COS). Their photogra- pher was Bob Kniley ’05 (CAST). 2019 Your perfect summer event can be held at the Lobozzo Alumni House. Schedule a family 2016 reunion, hold a graduation party, celebrate an engagement or bridal shower, even let us host your wedding.

Coming back to RIT with a new Tiger in August? Book the house as a stunning backdrop for your Tiger Legacy Family portrait.

Sophie Phillips ’16 (CIAS) and For more information and to book your next Patrick Seypura ’16 (SCB) were event, visit rit.edu/alumni/lobozzohouse married on June 22, 2019, in Tarrytown, N.Y. After meeting during or call 585-475-7412. their freshmen orientation, they quickly became best friends and later fell in love. RIT alumni in their wedding party included Christina Rizzetta ’16 (SOIS), Kelly Jo Hill ’17 Sophia Dower ’19 (CET) and Evan (SCB), Alex Saunders ’17 (CHST), Oslakovich ’17 (KGCOE) met at RIT Justin Simmons ’17 (CAST), and and are planning to get married in Matt Ballerini ’16 (KGCOE). October 2020.

Spring 2020 | 53 In Memoriam

Alumni

1942 1958 Walter J. Yovaish ’64 (FAA) Dennis M. Carpin ’72 (SCB) James Charles Szczepanski Rita (Argana) Cinquino ’42 Theresa (Olszewski) Binkley Oct. 13, 2019 Dec. 5, 2019 ’78 (CCE) Oct. 19, 2019 (SCB) Oct. 15, 2019 ’58 (COS) Sept. 6, 2019 Robert R. Eckenbrecht ’64 Donn W. Meade ’72 (FAA) Dec. 29, 2019 1979 1947 William F. Elsbree ’58 (KGCOE) Oct. 13, 2019 (KGCOE) Sept. 19, 2019 John E. Reigelsperger ’64 John A. Berry ’72 (GAP) Vernon E. Collier ’79 (CCE) Jane M. Milne ’47 (SCB) Donald F. Rice ’58 (COS) (SCB) Nov. 6, 2019 Nov. 7, 2019 Oct. 5, 2019 Sept. 16, 2019 Oct. 12, 2019 William M. Brown ’64 (FAA) William James Ross ’79 1949 Boyd Reynolds ’58 (GAP) Dec. 24, 2019 1973 (KGCOE) Sept. 21, 2019 James R. Kraut ’73 (FAA) John Charles Miller ’49 (GAP) Nov. 3, 2019 James R. Nederlk ’79 (CCE) Dec. 29, 2019 Dec. 25, 2019 Emil E. Deutschman ’58 1965 Oct. 15, 2019 Brian H. Sutton ’73 (CCE) John C. Muldowney ’49 (GAP) (GAP) Oct. 30, 2019 Gerald Madalena ’65 (CCE) Drexel S. Andrews ’79 (SCB) Jan. 1, 2020 Dec. 9, 2019 Oct. 27, 2019 Nov. 29, 2019 1959 Keith Henry ’65 (SCB) Irwin E. Magerkurth ’73 (SCB) 1950 Larry A. McNelly ’59 (KGCOE) Nov. 25, 2019 Dec. 2, 2019 1980 Harry G. Steinorth Jr. ’50 Oct. 5, 2019 David W. Jones ’65 (GAP) Bernard R. Whaley ’73 (SCB) Charles H. McCain Jr. ’80 (KGCOE) Oct. 18, 2019 A. Bruce May ’59 (SCB) Sept. 27, 2019 Sept. 7, 2019 (CCE) Dec. 9, 2019 Gilbert Stark ’50 (GAP) Sept. 7, 2019 Robert A. Fuss ’65 (SCB) Donald Lee Bowman ’80 Nov. 4, 2019 John L. Johnson ’59 (KG- Nov. 16, 2019 1974 (CAST) Nov. 18, 2019 Addis V. Adams Jr. ’74 (CCE) Robert G. Martin ’50 COE) Sept. 7, 2019 Oct. 29, 2019 (KGCOE) Dec. 6, 2019 1967 1981 1960 William J. Schweickhard ’67 Dieter W. Arendt ’74 (CCE) Cheryl R. Cooper-Caster ’81 1951 Weston D. Kemp ’60 (GAP) (CCE) Dec. 24, 2019 Dec. 31, 2019 (SCB) Oct. 6, 2019 Casimer Pawluc ’51 (GAP) Sept. 28, 2019 Joyce M. Kleber ’67 (SCB) Ronald R. Wallace ’74 (SCB) Kathleen (Helmer) Barone ’81 Nov. 27, 2019 William H. Athawes ’60 Sept. 25, 2019 Sept. 10, 2019 (SCB) Dec. 2, 2019 Gerald Gilbert ’51 (KGCOE) (KGCOE) Sept. 26, 2019 Richard L. Tallinger ’74 (SCB) Cheryl Jean Leclaire ’81 (FAA) Dec. 23, 2019 Thomas A. Olson ’60 1968 Oct. 19, 2019 Oct. 7, 2019 Robert L. Gates ’51 (SCB) (KGCOE) Oct. 23, 2019 Dennis D. Ryan ’68 (CCE) Charles W. Reed ’74 (NTID) Dec. 11, 2019 Robert H. Kofsky ’60 (CCE) Dec. 11, 2019 Oct. 9, 2019 1982 Edith (Purdy) Steele ’51 (SCB) Nov. 28, 2019 Linda (Enlund) Lyons ’68 Richard Moore ’74 (KGCOE) Mike Loftus ’82 (SCB) Oct. 29, 2019 Peter S. Clark ’60 (KGCOE) (SCB) Sept. 13, 2019 Sept. 29, 2019 Dec. 21, 2019 Carl Frederick Miller ’51 Oct. 4, 2019 Roger W. Wahl ’68 (FAA) Gary W. VanScoter ’74 (CCE) Karl H. Ruppersberger ’82 (CCE) Dec. 12, 2019 Nov. 19, 2019 Oct. 17, 2019 (CCE) Sept. 23, 2019 1961 Douglas A. Rieger ’68 (CCE) Alva Hood Angle ’82 (CAST) 1952 Lee K. Austin ’61 (KGCOE) Nov. 12, 2019 1976 Sept. 23, 2019 Kenneth L. Shelter ’52 Dec. 4, 2019 Donald P. Cotriss ’68 (CCE) Jo E. Albert-Smithe ’76 (CLA) Valerie (Bamann) (KGCOE) Nov. 21, 2019 Dec. 25, 2019 Oct. 17, 2019 Rozestraten ’82 (CCE) 1962 William R. Legott ’76 (SCB) Dec. 19, 2019 1953 Margery (Bronson) Adams 1969 Oct. 30, 2019 Neil C. Montanus ’53 (GAP) ’62 (SCB) Sept. 11, 2019 James D. Otis ’69 (GAP) Steven A. Barnes ’76 (CAST) 1983 Sept. 9, 2019 Frederick H. Dear ’62 Dec. 3, 2019 Dec. 13, 2019 Michael Francis Hohler ’83 Edgar W. Daley ’53 (COS) (KGCOE) Nov. 22, 2019 Joan Mary Dowdell ’76 (CCE) (CLA) Sept. 28, 2019 Sept. 14, 2019 Donald J. Robertson ’62 1970 Dec. 7, 2019 Peter Vincent Lechner ’83 (KGCOE) Dec. 22, 2019 Ludwig J. Bloechl ’70 (CCE) (CCE) Nov. 11, 2019 1955 John R. Spanganberg ’62 Nov. 27, 2019 1977 Paul J. Worthington ’55 (SCB) (FAA) Oct. 21, 2019 Stephen R. Jaques ’70 (GAP) Colleen D. Daviton ’77 (NTID), Sept. 13, 2019 Sept. 29, 2019 ’83 (COS) Nov. 29, 2019 1984 1963 Richard H.A. Miller ’70 (CCE) Norman E. Minekime ’77 James M. Kyanka ’84 (CAST) 1956 Raymond A. Vereecke ’63 Dec. 11, 2019 (COS) Sept. 21, 2019 Sept. 28, 2019 Albert Braverman ’56 (FAA) (CCE) Dec. 14, 2019 Robert C. Nichol Sr. ’70 (CCE) Richard S. McElwain ’77 Clarence E. Simpkins ’84 Sept. 30, 2019 Albert J. Goellner ’63 (FAA) Nov. 10, 2019 (CCE) Sept. 26, 2019 (CCE) Nov. 7, 2019 Edward P. Rosenberg ’56 Oct. 31, 2019 Richard J. Burlingham ’70 John A. Castellani ’77 (CCE) Osita E. Obieke ’84 (CAST) (FAA) Dec. 20, 2019 Betsy Teeter ’63 (FAA) (CCE) Sept. 9, 2019 Dec. 8, 2019 Nov. 18, 2019 Ronald E. Griffith ’56 Dec. 7, 2019 James A. Weeks ’70 (GAP) Nancy L. Heuer ’84 (CCE) (KGCOE) Dec. 13, 2019 Oct. 12, 2019 1978 Sept. 15, 2019 1964 Albert S. Smith ’78 (CAST) 1957 Richard L. DeSarra ’64 (SCB) 1971 Nov. 30, 2019 1985 Jackie C. Underwood ’57 Sept. 6, 2019 John J. Owsinski ’71 (KGCOE) Paul Raymond Flanders ’78 Michael Philip Allette ’85 (SCB) Sept. 11, 2019 David E. Colway ’64 (SCB) Nov. 28, 2019 (SCB) Sept. 7, 2019 (CAST) Nov. 1, 2019 John Owen Nelson ’57 (CCE) Oct. 13, 2019 Daniel Markese ’71 (SCB) Joseph G. Jurczynski ’78 David Frank Noyes ’85 (GAP) Dec. 2, 2019 Chester D. Doverspike ’64 Sept. 27, 2019 (KGCOE) Nov. 14, 2019 Nov. 18, 2019 (GAP) Oct. 25, 2019 Frederick A. Watts Jr. ’78 Terry J. Deglau ’64 (GAP) 1972 (CCE) Dec. 8, 2019 1986 Sept. 14, 2019 Joseph G. Baker ’72 (CAST) Fred Spencer Gerlich ’78 Mark A. White ’86 (CAST) Nov. 11, 2019 (GAP) Sept. 11, 2019 Nov. 18, 2019

54 | RIT University Magazine

Remembering RIT administrators

Paul Bernstein Research in 1998 after returning from Sweden, where he was a senior 1987 2008 Fulbright Scholar. John Jimeson Arnold ’87 Joel E. Kunkler ’08 (CAST) aul He served as interim president (CIAS) Sept. 7, 2019 Oct. 15, 2019 Bernstein, Pwho of NTID from 2009 to 2010 and 1988 Faculty and Staff served RIT founded and served as director Helen McCaffrey ’88 (CAST) for nearly of the NTID Center on Access Oct. 31, 2019 four decades Technology. John B. Tickell III ’88 in multiple One of DeCaro’s major achieve- (KGCOE) Nov. 8, 2019 Laurie Brewer, vice dean leadership ments was the establishment in and interim associate vice roles, died 2001 of the Postsecondary Education 1989 president for academic in late Network—International (PEN-Inter- Frank John Schmidt Jr. ’89 affairs, Dec. 20, 2019 October 2019. national). (KGCOE) Oct. 30, 2019 Professor PEN-International was a first- Doris N. Chest, retired staff of-its-kind effort to establish a 1991 member, Jan. 2, 2020 Emeritus Linda E. Doyle ’91 (FAA) Bernstein arrived at RIT in 1966, world-wide postsecondary education network for deaf and hard-of-hearing Oct. 25, 2019 Irene Evans, professor in the where he served as dean of Liberal Robert M. Olmsted ’91 (GAP) Thomas H. Gosnell School of Arts until 1976. He then served as people. Nov. 9, 2019 Life Sciences, Dec. 11, 2019 dean of Graduate Studies from He retired from RIT/NTID in 2018. 1976 to 1992. 1992 Vivian Gifford, staff member Later, he taught international­ Frances M. Nellist ’92 (CCE) in Academic Affairs, Jan. 8, business from 1993 to 2003. Dane Gordon Dec. 1, 2019 2020 He also served as RIT’s liaison Eric Gardner Butterfield ’92 with the New York State Education ane Dec. 1, 2019 (KGCOE) Steven Good, former staff Department and was instrumental Gordon, beloved 1994 member in ITS Network in securing approval for RIT’s first D Communications, Jan. 10, professor Thomas Michael Settle ’94 doctoral program, imaging science, 2020 emeritus, (KGCOE) Nov. 30, 2019 by the state. “He left an indelible mark on the Presbyterian 1995 Jennifer Gravitz, chair of College of Liberal Arts,” said Dean minister,­ and Timothy L. Van Der Meid ’95 NTID’s Department of Liberal James Winebrake. “We wouldn’t be author of two Studies, Jan. 24, 2020 (SCB) Dec. 7, 2019 as successful as we are today without books on the Daniel Lee Fisher ’95 (CIAS) his many contributions in our history of RIT, Charles W. Haines, former Jan. 3, 2020 nascent years.” died Jan. 22. department head for Me- Gordon, 1996 chanical Engineering, who retired Jennifer Lynn Baker ’96 associate dean of Engi- James DeCaro from RIT in 2000, was 94. (CAST), ’97 MS (CAST) neering, assistant provost, In his 38 years at RIT, he served as a Oct. 31, 2019 mathematics department professor of philosophy, department head, and chairman of Faculty ames chair, and acting dean of the College 1998 Council, Dec. 25, 2019 DeCaro, Anne Laura Klahn ’98 JRIT dean of Liberal Arts. (CAST) Oct. 3, 2019 Roger W. Kober, trustee emeritus In 2014, he and his wife, Judith, emeritus, Jan. 25, 2020 and former dean committed $300,000 from their 1999 of the National estate plans to create The Dane R. Michael N. Daly ’99 (COS) Julie Pitcher, Margaret’s Technical Gordon Endowed Fund for Philoso- Nov. 27, 2019 House teacher, Nov. 12, 2019 Institute for phy Student Success. the Deaf, died The fund aids students conducting 2000 Albert Smith, former NTID on Oct. 23. research and scholarship leading to Ronald D. Gumberts ’00 assistant vice president for DeCaro the completion of their philosophy (CAST) Jan. 3, 2020 college operation, Nov. 30, joined RIT/ degree, supports philosophy students 2002 2019 NTID in 1971 pursuing academic internships Leslie P. McKinney ’02 as the first faculty member in NTID’s that further their professional , former (CAST) Oct. 8, 2019 Luther J. Troell civil engineering technology pro- and career goals, and supports department chair of the gram. Over his 47-year career at RIT/ the Dane R. Gordon Lecture Series Networking, Security, and 2003 NTID, he served as a staff chairper- in the Department of Philosophy Systems Administration Noreen (Traino) Naud ’03 son, instructional developer, depart- that hosts distinguished philosophy (CLA) Nov. 10, 2019 Department, chair of the scholars who address the RIT and School of Informatics, and ment chair, and division director. Rochester communities. interim president of RIT From 1985 to 1998, he was dean for 2006 In 1997, he earned the Eisenhart Philip D. Thorpe II ’06 Dubai, Oct. 19, 2019 NTID and served as NTID’s interim Award for Outstanding Teaching, (KGCOE), ’06 MS (KGCOE) director from 1995 to 1996. Dec. 28, 2019 He joined the Department of RIT’s highest honor for teaching.

Spring 2020 | 55 Archives Cary Graphic Arts Collection Cary Graphic An aerial photo of the energy house shows the back garden and “solar collectors” on the roof of the house. The house was located at 3204 E. River Road, on the southern edge of campus near the Riverknoll and University Commons apartments. RIT ‘energy house’ ahead of its time

o see if solar power was Builders Association to make family to try out the energy While the project was viable in Rochester, pro- Wojciechowski’s conceptual- house,” said Shealy. “We thought finished and abandoned when Tfessor and mechanical ized design a reality. it would be an interesting they moved out in 1981, Shealy engineer Paul Wojciechowski When the house was fin- experience. Kenyon was looking and his family cherish the time conceptualized the RIT “energy ished, the Wojciechowskis were for a family that would be spent in the energy house. house” in the 1970s. In Novem- unable to move in because of a a typical urban family—a “That experience had a ber of 1977, construction of this new baby in the family. Jasper husband, wife, two children, large and lasting effect on me two-story, live-in-experiment “Jake” Shealy, RIT professor a dog, and a station wagon— personally and professionally. home was finished. emeritus for the industrial and and we fit the bill.” It caused me to become more Amid the 1973 oil crisis, systems engineering program, The 1,830-square-foot house, energy conscious and it had there was a debate about the stepped in as a co-investigator located on the edge of campus a big impact on the choice of feasibility of solar power in when he and his family moved at 3204 E. River Road, had nine our next house,” said Shealy. areas that are overcast for the into the home in July 1978. He rooms, three bathrooms, and “I also used the experience in majority of the year. To prove lived in the house with his wife, several living areas. The main many ways in the courses I was that solar power can provide two young daughters, and their feature of the house was the teaching in engineering design, heat throughout the long Roch- dog until July 1981. 38 solar collectors on the roof, ergonomics, and engineering ester winter, RIT teamed up “Richard Kenyon, the dean of which provided between 50 and economics, among others.” with Rochester Gas & Electric the College of Engineering, held 65 percent of the power used for Corp. and the Rochester Home a search for a test guinea pig central heating and hot water. Felicia Swartzenberg ’19

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56 | RIT University Magazine Join us October 23–25! Engage in new events and favorite traditions. We’re always on to something amazing at homecoming and family weekend.

• Presidents' Alumni Ball vs. Book your hotel now for October! • Reunions Men’s hockey vs. Notre Dame

• Speakers facebook.com/RITfb vs. • Music https://twitter.com • Tours Women’s hockey vs. Union /rittigers rit.edu/brickcity Periodicals www.rit.edu

Creativity on display

A Free Festival For Everyone

Imagine RIT: What you’ll see Creativity and Nearly 400 interactive Innovation Festival presentations, exhibits, is the university’s signature research projects, event, a showcase that hands-on demonstrations, annually attracts 30,000 and live performances visitors to campus. displaying the ingenuity of students, faculty, When and staff. Saturday, April 25 10 a.m.—5 p.m. Learn more rit.edu/imagine

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