SPRING/SUMMER 2015
NTID
FOCUSNational Technical Institute for the Deaf • Rochester Institute of Technology
50th Anniversary of the Signing of the NTID Act Congratulations to the Class of 2015!
ranly Ulerio Nunez from New York City graduated with an associate F degree in Laboratory Science Technology and was selected as the 2015 NTID college delegate for undergraduate students. Nunez also received the Academic Achievement Award for students seeking an associate degree. In 2014, he presented his research on Fingerprinting the Biochemical Make-Up of Fruits Available to Migratory Birds via Multidimensional Fluorescence and Chemometrics at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Francisco. He completed a co-op at the Dow Chemical Company, which he refers to as “a great adventure” that helped him “grow professionally and personally.” Nunez is back on campus to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry in RIT’s College of Science. MARK BENJAMIN SPRING/SUMMER 2015
NTID
National Technical Institute for the Deaf • Rochester Institute of Technology
FEATURES
3 ASL Music Videos Break the Sound Barrier
5 Innovation in the Classroom MARK BENJAMIN ABOUT THE COVER 6 Research at NTID: 50 Years and Counting This stained glass window, designed and created by deaf Belgian artist 8 Making a Difference in Deaf Education Worldwide Sander Blondeel, was installed in NTID’s Lyndon Baines Johnson Hall in 2002. It symbolizes the signing Animation Creation Thrills Students and Client Alike on June 8, 1965, of Public Law 9 89-36, also known as the National Technical Institute for the Deaf Act, which authorized establishment of DEPARTMENTS NTID. Portrayed in the foreground is President Johnson, for whom NTID’s From the President: main building on the RIT campus is 2 Marking a Special Anniversary named. Depicted in the background (left to right) are Dr. D. Robert Frisina, founding director of NTID; Mary 10 Student Profiles: E. Switzer, Commissioner of the Mason Chronister, Kim Hoang, Amie Sankoh, Lucas Prilenski Rehabilitation Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Education; and Congressman Hugh L. Carey 12 Co-op Corner: of New York, who introduced the bill to enact PL 89-36 in the House Sarah Flowers, Tony Nguyen, Christopher Fenn, Amanda Geffen of Representatives. Mr. Carey subsequently served as a member of the NTID National Advisory 13 Advancing the Mission: Distinguished Alumnus David J. Nelson Group. NTID’s other academic building on the RIT campus is named for Congressman Carey. 14 NTID History
15 Alumni Profiles:Kelly Kim, Jacquelyn Wilson
16 Faculty/Staff Profiles:Marguerite Carrillo, Erwin Smith FROM THE PRESIDENT
NTID NTID has graduated more than 7,000 deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and I’m proud to be one of them. I’m prouder still to now Editor lead the college as we continue to Pamela L. Carmichael, ’04 help students earn degrees and hit Associate Editor the ground running in scientific, Susan L. Murad, ’01 technical and professional careers Assistant Editor (see pp. 6, 9 and 12). Kathy A. Johncox Historically, 92% of deaf and Writer hard-of-hearing RIT/NTID students Ilene J. Avallone who seek employment after Art Director graduation find a job within one Alexander Gartley, ’07 year. Our alumni are pursuing Photography successful careers around the Mark Benjamin, ’76, ’94 country and the world in business, A. Sue Weisler, ’93 industry, education, government Stephen Wille, ’14 and many other sectors (see pp. 3,
FOCUS is published by the Communications, MARK BENJAMIN 13 and 15). They are contributing to Marketing and Multimedia Services Department at the National Technical the economy and to the communities Institute for the Deaf, a college of Rochester Marking a Special in which they live, and it all began Institute of Technology, Rochester, N.Y. with the signing of PL 89-36 (see The views expressed in guest columns do not necessarily reflect the position of NTID Anniversary front cover of this issue and p. 14). or FOCUS magazine. As we reflect on the successes of Communications, Marketing and the past 50 years, we thank those, Multimedia Services too numerous to name here, who 585-475-6906 n June 8, 1965, President devoted their professional lives to 585-286-4015 (videophone) 585-475-5623 (fax) Lyndon B. Johnson sat at making those successes happen. [email protected] (email) O a desk in the White House NTID would not be where it is today Admissions Rose Garden, flanked by a crowd without them. 585-475-6700 of onlookers that included Senator NTID is a federal program that 585-743-1366 (videophone) Robert F. Kennedy, to sign a bill clearly is working and benefitting 585-475-2696 (fax) [email protected] (email) drafted by New York Congressman deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens www.rit.edu/NTID Hugh L. Carey. With President of our nation in a manner consistent The NTID Foundation Johnson’s signature, that bill became with our mission and the reasons 585-475-6836 Public Law 89-36, creating the we were established that June day 585-286-5514 (videophone) National Technical Institute for 50 years ago. 585-475-5949 (fax) [email protected] (email) the Deaf. May the next 50 years be just www.rit.edu/NTID/giving Just three years later, NTID as fruitful for NTID and those To subscribe or unsubscribe to FOCUS enrolled its first class of 70 students we serve. magazine or to update your mailing address, on the campus of Rochester Institute please contact NTID Communications, of Technology. NTID’s first director, Marketing and Multimedia Services, 52 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, N.Y. 14623-5604 Dr. D. Robert Frisina, assembled or visit www.rit.edu/NTID/FOCUS. in short order a faculty and staff RIT does not discriminate. RIT promotes and that included Robert F. Panara, Dr. Gerard J. Buckley values diversity within its workforce and Dr. William E. Castle and others who NTID President provides equal opportunity to all qualified came to join what Dr. Frisina called RIT Vice President and Dean individuals regardless of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual “The Grand Experiment.” Six years orientation, gender identity, gender expression, after that, I arrived on campus as national origin, veteran status, or disability. a wide-eyed member of SVP ’74. I did not dream then, and I suspect that not even Dr. Frisina could have
29M-P1786-9/15-COH-ASG imagined, what NTID would © 2015 Rochester Institute of Technology. become. Since its establishment, All Rights Reserved. RIT and NTID are registered trademarks of Rochester Institute of Technology.
2 FOCUS ASL Music Videos Break the Sound Barrier
BY SUSAN L. MURAD
young college professor in New “YouTube changed the game for this popular languages learned in schools,” York creates and stars in music type of video creation,” he says. “We can Forbes says. “And D-PAN is becoming the A videos with more than a million showcase videos to the world. I recently go-to place to watch quality ASL content. online views. An unknown hip-hop artist was in Italy and came upon four deaf “In high school I didn’t have anyone who in Detroit shares a stage in L.A. with Stevie individuals, two American and two was like me to share music with. When I Wonder and signs with the same record Italian, and one of them recognized me came to RIT/NTID, I met others who loved label that helped launch Eminem. from YouTube. I never expected to be music just like I did. When I founded And both are RIT/NTID alumni. recognized in Italy!” D-PAN there were no ASL music videos Dr. Jason Listman and Sean Forbes are To date Listman has more than one on YouTube. I came up with this idea at among a growing number of deaf artists million views on his videos, and more RIT/NTID while sharing songs with my who are breaking the sound barrier and than 10,000 subscribers to his YouTube friends into the wee-hours of the morning; leading the national and international channel. He has created video covers of those were some of the best times. I work popularity of music videos in American songs by popular artists such as Bruno closely with my film director Adrean Sign Language. While foreign language Mars, Christina Aguilera and Katy Perry. Mangiardi (RIT Film and Animation ‘07). study is declining in high schools Amber Zion has covered hits by Adele Our goal with my music videos, which and colleges, American Sign Language and Katy Perry, among others, and Rosa are all original songs I wrote, is to ensure is experiencing a boom, with more Lee Timm has covered many artists, that they’re accessible with sign language, than 200 percent growth in enrollments most recently adding her expressive captions and cuts that represent the beat. nationally, providing an even larger story-signing style to The Last Midnight Adrean is the best at this, and I wouldn’t be and more enthusiastic audience for from the film version of Stephen the visual artist I am today without him.” these videos. Sondheim’s Into the Woods. Camp Mark Seven’s popular Deaf Other ASL music video artists include “What people don’t realize is that deaf Film Camp, run by alumna Stacy Rosa Lee Timm, who is featured in the people do love and enjoy music, and Lawrence, created the ASL cover of popular ASL version of Pharrell William’s now we have access to more of it through Pharrell Williams’ Happy that was shared Happy, and Amber Zion, who along with YouTube,” says Zion. “Everyone is starting internationally and featured students from Listman, collaborated on the Disney- to express their versions of songs. It’s the camp and fellow alumna Rosa Lee approved ASL version of the song Let It wonderful to see it grow; I am really Timm. Go—a version that the song’s Oscar®- looking forward to more ASL music videos. RIT/NTID alumni aren’t only making winning composer, Bobby Lopez, said “My experiences as an actor in several accessible music videos, some also make is “absolutely beautiful.” productions in NTID’s Performing Arts live concerts accessible to deaf and These trail blazers have something else program helped me develop my craft,” hard-of-hearing audiences, and have in common—they, too, are graduates of Zion says. “That experience helps me earned the respect of the performers RIT/NTID, making RIT/NTID and its to create music videos. Also, the film they interpret. Alumna Holly Maniatty, graduates as connected to ASL music program at RIT has made an impact on who has interpreted for some of the videos as Motown and the Brill Building creating music videos in ASL. For the biggest music stars in all genres, is were to popular music in the 60s and 70s. student who wants to create low budget frequently featured in YouTube videos “Artists need an outlet,” says Listman, and short films for their projects, music that demonstrate her passion and energy. who has produced videos with fellow videos are the best way to do it. I would Even Bruce Springsteen moved from RIT/NTID alumna Jessica Thurber. recommend deaf and hard-of-hearing the main stage to the interpreting stage “Creating these videos was at first just students who major in the Film and to learn to sign the refrain of his popular for me, but I soon realized they were Animation program create a story out of song Dancing in the Dark with Maniatty. having an impact on others as well. I song, tell the story and sign the song at the Not all RIT/NTID alumni involved in was involved in theater when I was a same time. It’s a beautiful way to express ASL music videos are in front of the screen. student here and would love to be more the song in our language. And the bonus Many, such as Ruan du Plessis and Jessica involved, but my academic work takes is more videos for your portfolio!” Thurber, Adrean Mangiardi and Eric Call priority now. Creating ASL music Sean Forbes’ original music videos have worked on the production and videos is a way for me to fit my artistic and the videos he produces as founder of post-production of ASL music videos. expression into my life. So many friends D-PAN, the Deaf Performing Arts Network, “Most of us grew up in the early 90s and fellow alumni have become involved feature numerous deaf performers such watching MTV music videos,” says in ASL music video creation. Between RIT/ as Marlee Matlin. He sees the rise in Mangiardi. “Not all videos had closed
NTID’s Performing Arts program popularity of ASL music video as a result captions back then. I used to blast the COURTESY OF DAMNAME PRODUCTIONS and RIT’s Film and Animation major, Makingof popular Video culture Magic shifts. Alumnus Ruan du Plessis filmsmusic alumna while Amber watching Zion duringthe videos the making such asof the it’s a natural fit. Let It“ASL Go video. is becoming one of the most Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit and Tribe
FOCUS 3 Called Quest’s Scenario. I had to buy CDs so I could read the lyrics, then memorized the songs and watched the music videos again with some understanding. There are so many 90s music videos that inspired me and others like me to create music videos and incorporate ASL into them. Now, young Deaf kids have the benefits of accessibility to watch ASL music videos and be truly entertained. “Since 2011, RIT/NTID alumnus Sean Forbes and our crew has been hosting D-PAN workshops to teach Deaf students ranging from the age of 14 to 18 on how to shoot ASL music videos,” Mangiardi says. “We believe that our workshops planted the seeds for these students to
STEPHEN WILLE grow to be part of the community who Watchenjoy creating these Hands ASL music RIT/NTID videos. alumnus Two Sean Forbes performed on campus in 2013 as part of RIT/NTIDNTID’s 45th Anniversarystudents, Lauren Reunion. ‘Ren’ Putz and Keely Hall, who attended our workshop back in 2013, created their own ASL music video of Let It Go, and their video went viral. Last year, we hosted a workshop at the Mill Neck School for the Deaf, and one student, who used to be unsure about his future, made an important decision to apply to RIT/NTID to be a video editor and got accepted! We are dedicated to encouraging these young Deaf people to be part of the growing community.” According to Nick Zerlantes, who produced Listman and Zion’s Let It Go video, “We chose Let It Go not only because of its popularity, but also because of the message the song sends to everyone about being themselves and showing their true colors. It’s one of the reasons we created a team of all deaf and hard-of- hearing artists.” COURTESY OF DAMNAME PRODUCTIONS All-Deaf Creative Team Left to right: Nick Zerlentes, producer; Sophia Ballester, makeup artist; Amber Zion, performer; Jason Listman, performer; Jules Dameron, director and editor; Shannon Rusnak, special effects supervisor and animator; Quinn Cooke, key grip; Jess Thurber, assistant producer; Arleta Meeker, first assistant director; Ruan du Plessis, director of photography.
4 FOCUS Innovation in the Classroom
BY ILENE J. AVALLONE
he “flipped classroom” has “Instead of lecturing during class and her instructor. become a hot topic in the higher leaving studentsTraditional to figure Model out assignments “I enjoy watchingFlipped the Model pre-recorded T education community over the on their own outside of the classroom, lectures online with captioning because past several years, and this method I flipped my class to give students the if I miss part of the lecture that is signed Lecture of instruction is empowering faculty opportunityLecture for more hands-on activities I can refer to the captioningClassroom to activitieshelp and students at NTID to engage in and meaningful learning in class,” says my understanding,” says Anas Misri, a learning in a whole new way. Marcus Holmes, an instructor in the student from Karachi, Pakistan. “I would The flipped classroom essentially NTID Engineering Studies Department. definitely take another flipped class.” reverses the structure of traditional For his Construction CAD IHomework class, Faculty who use this approach also teaching. Instead of lectures occurring Holmes says that his students preferactivities to have seen positive outcomes. in the classroom and assignments being watch the lectures before class starts, so “With more opportunities in class for done outside of class, the opposite they During have Classmore time for lab assignmentsAfter Class studentsBefore Class to apply their knowledge, During Classgaps occurs. Pre-recorded lectures are viewed in class. Having the lectures online in their understanding become visible by students outside of class, via videos also enables his students to watch parts to both themselves and the instructors,” or podcasts created by faculty, and class of lectures over again if they don’t says Kane. “In my opinion, this approach time is devoted to hands-on learning understand a concept. seems to help students move from activities for students such as completing Mike Kane, an instructor in the merely understanding the material, problem-based assignments, collaborating NTID Business Studies Department, to mastering it.” on projects with their peers and the thought this approach would appeal instructor, discussing concepts in to his tech-savvy students. It’s been greater depth, or doing other more so successful for him over the past engaging and interactive activities. two academic years that he now flips Wes Blue, supervisor for the NTID many of his accounting and Microsoft Learning Center, secured a three-year, Excel classes. $46,000 grant to explore the use of “The flipped classroom approach flipped classroom instruction and facilitates a shift from an instructor- technology at NTID to see how it centered classroom to a student-centered impacts the engagement and persistence learning environment,” Kane explains. of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in “Students like to have access to lectures associate degree programs at the college. 24/7, and also can take their time to The grant provided funding for the complete their notes, reflect, pause purchase of video equipment and and replay the lectures to spend time software, establishment of a dedicated digesting complex lecture-based topics flipped classroom studio for instructors by watching the lectures online, outside to use to pre-record lectures, and training of class. Students are able to better and technical support for instructors prepare for classroom discussions— on how to develop pre-recorded videos. and engage in them—through being Over the past three years, NTID better informed of the main topics and instructors from across disciplines, concepts before coming to class,” he says. including math, engineering, business, As evidenced by feedback surveys, art and design, and interpreting have many students in NTID flipped incorporated the flipped classroom classrooms seem to embrace this model, approach, which offers several advantages. and indicate that the hands-on activities It maximizes face-to-face time for in class give them a better grasp of the discussion, where students are able to information and more confidence in what ask questions and interact with their they have learned than they could have instructors and fellow classmates in gotten from a traditional in-class lecture. the classroom. Rather than studying Angela Paz, an Accounting Technology alone in their dorm or at the library major, says she likes doing her homework VIDEO EXTRA: when working through complex topics assignments in class instead of outside • Watch an example of a pre-recorded or homework questions, students of class because if she doesn’t understand flipped classroom lecture at benefit from the instructor’s presence, a problem, she can get immediate bit.ly/FOCUSflipped coaching and guidance. assistance and clarification from
FOCUS 5 come together in research centers and or labs to work collaboratively with students and colleagues across disciplines.
Discipline-based research NTID faculty member Dr. Raja Kushalnagar’s Accessible Multimodal Interfaces program, a collaboration between NTID and RIT’s Golisano College of Computing & Information Sciences, is an example of discipline- based research. Ten students from all over the country have come to RIT to research solutions for accessibility to learning for people with sensory disabilities. Some of the students are deaf, some are hard-of-hearing and some are hearing and all are working on Kushalnagar’s $400,000 National Science Foundation grant, which is part of the NSF’s Research Experience
A. SUE WEISLER for Undergraduates (REU) Program. Working Together Dr. Raja Kushalnagar (left) works with student Victor Ortiz to adapt glasses to The goal of this 10 weeks is to have increase visual accessibility in the classroom for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. students with and without disabilities engage in research together. Each team of students uses computer technology to create a research project that addresses Research at NTID: unsolved accessibility challenges for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. 50 Years and Counting “Involving students is key to the research. One of the goals for the BY KATHY A. JOHNCOX students is to be able to apply computer and information-based technologies to review of NTID’s current research years of experience and track record of real-world problems,” says Kushalnagar. initiatives affirms the creativity, prior funding, we are uniquely positioned “They can bring this experience to A dedication and success that to look at the best way for deaf and their future careers, and those who has resulted in nearly 50 years of on- hard-of-hearing students to learn the will become computing researchers or going outside sponsorship for and information required in STEM subjects. developers will be aware of accessibility encouragement of strategic research We have studied how they best go about issues right from the start of the project, at RIT/NTID. From the time NTID learning it, and we look at the best ways and not view them as an afterthought.” was established in 1965, research efforts to teach it. Our students are involved in Victor Ortiz is an REU student and have focused on teaching and learning, the research and can be both subjects in a Computer Science major from New communication, access technology, studies and co-researchers with faculty. York City. and employment success for deaf and This allows students to learn about the “Research demands a look at the facts hard-of-hearing students, and that research process itself.” using a new way of thinking,” he says. continues to be the direction of research “My research is influencing my software at RIT/NTID. With a rich history of A New Approach development approach to allow creating research-based solutions to With the opening of Rosica Hall and appropriate communication.” issues facing deaf and hard-of-hearing the dedicated space it brings for faculty Eric Epstein, a Software Engineering students, NTID is a leader in research and students to come together to major from Tuscon, Arizona, enjoys the projects that include faculty-student brainstorm and implement innovative flexibility this REU offers for students scholarship collaboration in emerging ideas, NTID has adopted new approaches to do their own work with mentors who and relevant topics. to research, employing two research can connect at any level of the project. “RIT/NTID is the one place in the models: discipline-based research, “Research allows me to work on what nation focused on STEM education for where faculty work on research, often I’m passionate about,” says Epstein, deaf and hard-of hearing students,” with students, within their own academic “and this gives me experience as a says Gary Long, interim associate dean departments, and center-based research, software developer and adds to my of research at RIT/NTID. “With our 50 where various individuals or departments skills as a programmer.”
6 FOCUS Center-based Research The Research Center for Teaching RIT/NTID Research Overview and Learning is one of the six units conducting center-based research (see sidebar). Within the center, a Four strategic areas are the focus of research at RIT/NTID—teaching and diverse team of hearing, deaf and learning; communication; technology, access and support services; and hard-of-hearing members are working employment and adaptability to social changes and the global workplace. on a project entitled Thinking CAP: Communication Access and Persistence Research Centers Among Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students • The NTID Center on Access Technology (CAT) is charged with investigating, in Foundational Statistics Courses. evaluating and reporting on the most effective and efficient use of access This three-year $400,000 NSF grant was awarded to RIT Principal Investigator technologies, and with training individuals in their use in order to accelerate Dr. Carol Marchetti, and NTID co-PIs the widespread implementation of best practices within deaf education at Dr. Susan Foster, Jane Jackson and the postsecondary level. Learn more at rit.edu/ntid/cat. Keith Mousley. The project is • NTID’s Center for Education Research Partnerships (CERP) seeks to investigating the potential of establish and join research partnerships concerning development and Supplemental Online Learning Tools learning among deaf and hard-of-hearing students in various educational (SOLTS) to increase the academic success settings. Learn more at rit.edu/ntid/cerp. of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in foundational statistics courses by • The primary mission of the Research Center for Teaching and Learning combining visual representations (RCfTL) is to create a setting in which diverse teams of faculty and of complex concepts with signed students from NTID and RIT’s other colleges conduct research that will explanations, voice and captioning. improve deaf education, expose students to research practices and “Introduction to Statistics is a required prepare a future generation of educational researchers and scholars. class as students move through the Learn more at www.ntid.rit.edu/rcftl. pipeline to more advanced courses and degrees, particularly in science, • The focus of the Research on Employment and Adapting to technology, engineering and mathematics,” Change (REACH) Center for Studies on Career Success is to conduct says Marchetti, an associate professor collaborative scholarly research on the employment and career in RIT’s School of Mathematical Sciences. outcomes of deaf college graduates, including the examination of “There are many videos available to the multiple factors that contribute to their career and life success. support statistics classes, but some of Learn more at rit.edu/ntid/reach. them aren’t even captioned. Even those that are may not be completely accessible.” National Science Foundation For the project, she recruited deaf and Advanced Technological Education Center of Excellence hard-of-hearing students to review the • DeafTEC: Technological Education Center for Deaf and course and suggest alternative methods to Hard-of-Hearing Students is a National Science Foundation Advanced present difficult material. This information Technological Education Center of Excellence, and serves as a resource will be used to develop SOLTS. for high schools and community colleges that educate deaf and Renee Saraceni, now a graduate of hard-of-hearing students in STEM-related (science, technology, NTID’s Master of Science program in engineering, and math) programs, and for employers hiring deaf Secondary Education, was a research project participant. “This project has and hard-of-hearing individuals. Learn more at www.deaftec.org. helped me prepare for my future as a teacher of the deaf. I now have a better Research Labs understanding of how simple concepts • The Deaf Studies Laboratory (DSL) investigates cognitive, linguistic in English can be lost in translation. and social aspects of the Deaf Experience. It aims to bring more deaf I now have good ideas on how to make individuals into a variety of fields of research in an American-Sign- learning more visual and more accessible.” Language-based student-centered environment, partnering with many “NTID has received the two largest universities and centers nationally and internationally. Learn more NSF grants in RIT history, a total of at www.ntid.rit.edu/dsl. about $8.5 million, because we can • The Collaboratory on Economic, Demographic and Policy Studies show what we have learned over the years and how we apply this information seeks to describe the demographic and economic conditions of the to create the best real-world success for deaf and hard-of-hearing population in the U.S., with emphasis on deaf and hard-of-hearing students and the impact education has on improving these conditions. Learn more graduates,” says Long. at www.ntid.rit.edu/collaboratory.
FOCUS 7 Making a Difference in Deaf Education Worldwide
BY ILENE J. AVALLONE
he Nippon Foundation of Japan has of universities while encouraging local P-CEN (ASEAN region) to provide the awarded RIT/NTID more than $15 capability and global networking at each necessary professional development, T million in funding over the past 15 participant institution. training and support for CSB P-CEN years, and this has reaped benefits for “The process involves participant team members to thrive as leaders of deaf people around the world. institutions evolving from being importers the program. In 2001, funds provided from The of information to being self-sufficient “NTID has been successful in the Nippon Foundation to RIT/NTID created technology providers and then exporters education of people who are deaf and The Postsecondary Education Network- of this technology to other programs in hard of hearing for nearly 50 years by International (PEN-International), a their home countries,” explains Dr. James implementing strategies that meet their 10-year multinational partnership of J. DeCaro, PEN-International director unique educational needs,” says DeCaro. colleges and universities worldwide and principal investigator for P-CEN. “Now, through The Nippon Foundation’s whose goal was to bring 21st century Through the efforts of PEN-International, unflagging support of PEN-International educational technology and proven more than 9,000 educators of people who and P-CEN, the same success is being educational practices to deaf students, are deaf have been trained in the use of propagated for deaf individuals around
primarily in the Pacific Basin. instructional technology, and more than the world.” PHOTO PROVIDED Ten years later, The Nippon Foundation Celebrating9,000 deaf and a hard-of-hearingMilestone More students than 60 PEN partners attended the annual business meeting at provided additional funds to establish The worldwideRIT/NTID in 2010have benefittedto mark PEN-International’s from the 10-year anniversary. Pre-College Education Network (P-CEN), implementation of new ideas, skills and expand into the Association of and technologies learned through PEN- Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. partner training initiatives.
PEN-International P-CEN The Nippon Foundation’s original In 2011, The Nippon Foundation asked investment enabled PEN-International NTID to be the hub institution for to forge partnerships and collaborations P-CEN for the next five years. at 18 colleges and universities in Japan, “P-CEN was established to influence China, Russia, the Philippines, the Czech attitudes, practices and policies at Republic, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam and secondary institutions and vocational Hong Kong. With this support, PEN- training programs in the ASEAN region,” International became a highly respected says Thomastine Sarchet, associate source for schools and individuals director and co-principal investigator for seeking guidance on the best and newest P-CEN. “The long-term goal is to prepare technologies available in deaf education. professionals to work with deaf students The first phase of the program at the secondary school level, so that involved establishing a core network people who are deaf or hard of hearing of universities and providing multiple are not blocked from access to college, strategies to improve and expand technology or employment.” postsecondary education for deaf and The target areas for implementation hard-of-hearing individuals. These started with pre-college programs in the strategies included conducting faculty Philippines and Vietnam, and expanded professional development and training to include programs in Thailand, workshops, sponsoring cultural exchanges Cambodia and Myanmar. and events, constructing state-of-the-art P-CEN uses the same model as multimedia computer laboratories at PEN-International: to move each country partner institutions, providing partners from being an importer of its services with a platform to share experiences and to becoming self-sufficient and finally expertise with other colleagues, and to exporter status. disseminating educational resources Over the next year, NTID and The throughout the world to aid in the Nippon Foundation will be working teaching and learning process of deaf to establish De La Salle-College of St. and hard-of-hearing individuals. Benilde (CSB) in the Philippines as the The second phase of the program new P-CEN program hub. In subsequent focused on expanding the network years, NTID will continue to work with
8 FOCUS Animation Creation Thrills Students and Client Alike
BY SUSAN L. MURAD
aving the opportunity to work some of the individual animations and clients,” he says. on a video for one of today’s most approaches used in the music video. It “I’d love to work on a project like this H popular children’s music artists was a collaborative effort between again!” would be a thrill for any professional Heather “I enjoyed being part of this project for animator. But it was students and faculty and me and the students, with feedback Genevieve so much,” says Joshua Smith from RIT/NTID’s Visual Communications from Genevieve,” he says. of Atwood, Indiana. “It was a worthwhile Studies Department who recently had The video will be released later in experience for me to see what future jobs the experience and all the thrills that the year, and there will be a credit at might look like, and it prepared me for went along with it. the end thanking the students, Smith what to expect.” Genevieve Goings, host and and Stoskopf for their work. The experience has inspired Goings to “conductor” of the popular Disney “I’ve never worked with college possibly incorporate Junior Channel musical series Choo students before,” Goings says. “This is sign language into future videos. Choo Soul, also is the host of Radio the first episode in an animated series “I feel like I’m the big winner Disney Junior and a successful children’s that we’re calling the Do You Know Show, here,” she says. music composer and performer who and I would love to work with RIT/NTID gives concerts to enthusiastic crowds students and faculty again! The album of children and parents throughout the and web series will be fun, funny, country. She was working on educational and full of soul!” a project to animate the popular Fisher- Not only was this a positive learning Price “Little People” line, and learned of experience for the students—it served RIT/NTID through a mutual acquaintance as professional development for Smith of hers and Stoskopf. and VCS faculty member Heather L. “I enjoyed guiding the students in Smith. Smith, VCS Department discovering new approaches for their Chairperson Kurt Stoskopf animations,” Stoskopf says. “It was fun and four students made up getting them to understand and apply the animation team. storytelling techniques to the music “My animation students and video through the use of the principles I were ecstatic that we were chosen to of animation.” create the animation for Genevieve “It was such an honor working Goings’ music with Genevieve Goings,” Smith says. video,” says Smith. “It was a “As a faculty and animation professional, surreal opportunity for our I have learned more about the latest students, especially doing work production technologies and the stages of on a project where they were production. It was a able to experience working as great eye-opener for our students an animator. This is the best assignment to see the animation production pipeline we could give our working.” VCS students. This is a win-win situation “This was such a worthwhile experience for everybody.” because it offered me “I was recorded in front of a ‘green a view of my future,” says Isabel Lainez of screen’ and then I asked Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. “I would my fans on Facebook to vote for the color like to keep working on animation in palette that they wanted to see used in the future.” the video,” says Goings. “Working with For Israel Jimenez of Madison, South Kurt, Heather and the students was an Dakota, one of the major benefits of the amazing and positive experience! project was the preparation for a future in Everyone was so professional and creative. the It really was magical to work with them!” job market.
Stoskopf explains the process: “Heather “It’s good to know what’s going and I worked on the concept design andSMITH COURTESYHEATHER L. OF on when you get into a job so planning the animation, and the studentsMaking you Learning can be ready Fun to Screenshots start projects of the andanimation in Heather’s animation class developed createdprovide by RIT/NTID a good students experience for Genevieve working Goings. with
FOCUS 9 STUDENT PROFILES
Mason Chronister BY ILENE J. AVALLONE
chat with Administrative Support but transferred to the Technology student Mason AST program. A Chronister, 23, reveals that he “I really felt like the AST feels as though he found himself at RIT. program was a better fit Growing up in Red Lion, Pennsylvania, for me,” he says. “I enjoy Chronister attended a mainstream school, working with all kinds and wanted to find a college where he of software programs and could socialize with both hearing and deaf producing different media.” people as well as a place that welcomed During his studies, people from all races, religions and he became a certified diverse backgrounds. Chronister, who Microsoft specialist in has Usher syndrome, a disease that causes Word, Excel, Access
deafness as well as progressive vision loss, and PowerPoint. A. SUE WEISLER also searched for a college that offered the Chronister, who best services for people with low vision. graduated in May, made He found that environment at RIT. the most of his time at RIT. Logistics Agency, a branch of the “The services at RIT for students who He was president of the Deaf U.S. Department of Defense in New are deaf with low vision are ideal,” says International Student Association; Public Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Chronister. “RIT provides a welcoming Relations co-director and treasurer for “I loved working there and assisting and friendly environment for deaf people Suits, the former NTID Business Club; the military personnel in documenting and a level of accessibility that I didn’t and participated in productions offered sensitive military information,” he says. find at other colleges,” he says. by the NTID Performing Arts program. He hopes the successful co-op Chronister started in NTID’s For his co-op, Chronister provided opportunity will lead to a job there Laboratory Science Technology program, administrative support at the Defense after graduation.
Kim Hoang BY KATHY A. JOHNCOX
klahoma City, Oklahoma, is I hope to find a good design job in my a long way from RIT, but that hometown,” says Hoang. O didn’t stop Kim Hoang from She already has been offered a co-op for making the trip to achieve a few of her this summer as a designer at a non-profit goals—getting a good education in a near her home that deals with substance major she loves and being in a community abuse and treatment. There she will get with other deaf and hard-of-hearing to use her Principle of Design and Color, people. Born in Vietnam and the only Visual Idea Development, and Publication deaf person in her family, Hoang, 25, Design classes that challenge her and moved to Oklahoma at age 4 and attended help her improve her design skills. mainstream schools. A friend at RIT “I know that the combination of told her about NTID’s graphic design my great job counselors and amazing program, and Hoang was on her way. professors will help me get a good job “I love all my classes here, and I love the in the future,” she says. art on campus,” says Hoang. “The galleries Even Hoang’s spare time includes art— filled with paintings and sculptures nail art. “I have a certificate of manicure impress me with the great skills students technology, and I polish and do nail art are developing with art in general.” for fun when I have free time,” she says. “I always have been interested in Hoang has persevered in her studies, the beautiful designs on book covers, following a quote by Theodore Roosevelt magazines, cartoons and other media. that she finds inspiring: “Believe you can, I love drawing and graphic design, so and you’re halfway there.” Design and Imaging Technology is a “I am confident and believe I can, so I
MARK BENJAMIN perfect major for me. After graduation, will continue, finish here and graduate!”
10 FOCUSFOCUS Amie Sankoh BY KATHY A. JOHNCOX
er early years as a deaf child Sankoh is in school in Africa without succeeding just fine. H interpreters led Amie Sankoh Her studies toward to love math. a bachelor’s degree “Growing up in Sierra Leone, math in Biochemistry was my best friend,” she says. “I was are paving the way good at it, could do it myself and didn’t for her choice of need to know words for the numbers.” career—a research After a harrowing experience hiding scientist. From from rebels, and nearly stepping outside there she hopes in front of them because she couldn’t to complete hear them coming, her family moved pharmaceutical
from Africa to Maryland when she was college and return A. SUE WEISLER 12. She went to a mainstream high school to Sierra Leone to and fell in love with chemistry. She chose set up a lab and a RIT for its expertise in chemistry and pharmacy. She won the 2013 American “The professors here want everyone math, and for its Deaf community. Chemical Society Undergraduate to succeed,” says Sankoh. “They support “My mother said every child should go Award for Outstanding Achievement me so well, and after my two co-ops to college,” says Sankoh, 24. “My mother in Chemistry, has presented at the ACS at the Dow Chemical Company, I am and father were both well-educated and Undergraduate Research Symposium well-prepared for jobs and for the world. encouraged all of us. And as for me, I several times, and was recognized I am so proud. There are so many always wanted to prove people wrong last year with the NTID Outstanding opportunities here. Students need to when they thought that someone who is Graduate Award for students earning grab them. They can benefit you so deaf couldn’t do things, couldn’t succeed.” an associate degree. much in the future.”
Lucas Prilenski BY ILENE J. AVALLONE
hen Lucas Prilenski was 10, fact that there are tutoring services his mother gave him an specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing W electronics book to read, students in my major also is a unique and it sparked an interest that resonated feature, and a service I have benefitted with him. from using.” “My parents instilled in me at a young Prilenski says what he enjoys most age that I was to go to college, and I knew about his major is solving complex that I would need to do well in high problems and finding new approaches. school to further my education in the “I have a passion for analog design electronics field,” says Prilenski, 21. because it’s like solving a puzzle; it takes A Dean’s List student from Chesterfield, a thorough understanding of the problem Missouri, Prilenski is enrolled in the as well as intuition for the best possible bachelor’s/master’s dual degree program solution,” he says. in Electrical Engineering with a focus in Prilenski tutors students in math devices and integrated circuits in RIT’s and works as a research assistant. College of Engineering. His brother, also He also designs audio amplifiers and an RIT/NTID student, graduated this year plays the guitar. with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He completed co-ops at the NASA “Even though my brother was a student Ames Research Center in the Rotorcraft here, I chose RIT for other reasons, Aeromechanics Department in Mountain including its outstanding electrical View, California, and at Northrop engineering program, the co-op program Grumman in Baltimore, Maryland. He and thesis opportunities I wouldn’t plans to find a job as an analog designer
A. SUE WEISLER have had elsewhere,” he says. “The in a large semiconductor company.
FOCUS 11 CO-OP CORNER
RIT’s co-op program may be a requirement, but it’s also a big draw for savvy students who know that getting real-world work experience while in college can give them valuable information related to their future career choices. Here are some students who recently have completed successful co-ops. BY KATHY A. JOHNCOX PROVIDED PHOTO PROVIDED MARK BENJAMIN MARK BENJAMIN MARK BENJAMIN
Sarah Flowers Tony Nguyen Christopher Fenn Amanda Geffen Hometown: Buffalo, New York Hometown: Pennsauken, Hometown: Pittsburgh, Hometown: East Meadow, Degree program: B.S., New Jersey Pennsylvania New York International Hospitality Degree program: AAS, Degree program: B.S./M.Eng., Degree program: B.S., Business and Service Management Graphic Design, May 2015. Industrial Engineering and Management, May 2015 with a concentration in Food Plans to continue for BFA Engineering Management, Employer: Defense Finance and Beverage Management, in Industrial Design. Spring 2017 and Accounting Service, minor in Communication, Employer: Boat People Employer: General Electric- Rome, New York May 2016. SOS (BPSOS), a non-profit Aviation, Baltimore, Maryland Job duties: I was a student Employer: DoubleTree by organization in Pennsauken Job duties: I was a supply trainee in financial Hilton in Rochester, New York Township, New Jersey chain intern, and I worked management. I received Job duties: I worked as a Job duties: Boat People closely with the production requests from both internal and busser, bartender, waitress, SOS serves the Vietnamese control (PC) department. external customers to correct room service attendant and community in the Pennsauken I assisted with the transition lines of accounting. Then I a line cook within the food area. During my co-op, I of the CF34-10E engine would validate the information and beverage department to designed posters, flyers and composite program from a that had been entered into gain experience and see what logos for my employer’s events. facility in Mississippi back to the accounting system to I liked. I realized that my I also redesigned business Baltimore. I was responsible see if it was accurate. I also passion is in the kitchen, so cards. My supervisor assigned for coordinating with the verified documents to ensure my boss placed me there for me to research and compare master schedule for meeting readability, accountability and the second half of the co-op. prices for printing designs at production flow deadlines completeness and made sure I worked in the omelet station, printing stores. Sometimes, and creating efficiency that everything matched up making fresh omelets, waffles, I took pictures of events for recommendations. I also between the submitted hard crepes and eggs to order. I their website. One of the was assigned to other process copy and the electronic entrees. also prepared food for lunch biggest projects I had was improvements. Benefits of co-op:My co-op and dinner. to design the poster and flyer Benefits of co-op:The most was a rich experience where I for the Philly Viet Vote Project, Benefits of co-op:My co-op important thing I learned could apply classroom learning a voter registration project for gave me the opportunity to was don’t underestimate in a real work environment. the Vietnamese community. increase my knowledge of your abilities. Get out of The experience increased my It was a big event! the hospitality field and see your comfort zone and try self-confidence and gave me what I really want to pursue Benefits of co-op: I was able something new each day. valuable information about as a career. I gained culinary to use my design skills in a real The co-op opened my eyes the type of job I want in the skills, and learned about job. I made many good friends, to the opportunities that exist. future. Working for the federal time management, conflict and my communication skills Networking is important, government definitely is one resolution, decision-making, improved a lot by speaking and it’s important to be as of my goals after graduation. communication, creativity, with my team and supervisor. active as possible at your teamwork and collaboration. I also learned a lot of patience. place of employment for your reputation and recognition. 12 FOCUS ADVANCING THE MISSION
Distinguished Alumnus David J. Nelson
BY SUSAN L. MURAD A. SUE WEISLER Distinguished Alumnus RIT/NTID’s Distinguished Alumnus David J. Nelson believes in being open to change and growth.
ou can’t compare students from part of NTID’s Student Congress and ignore the writing on the wall.” back in my day to now,” says worked nationally to establish a network Nelson believes that, both in our Y RIT/NTID’s 2015 Distinguished of student leaders from NTID, Gallaudet culture and in the workplace, we must Alumnus David J. Nelson. “They are and CSUN. be prepared for what comes next. a different generation growing up with Today, Nelson is responsible for “Over the years, I’ve learned that “ different systems around them. However, providing accessibility information, being open to change and growth it’s important to emphasize that they, too, managing outreach activities by Amtrak to in the workplace and life is crucial — have a responsibility in the workplace the disability community and overseeing we must be flexible and learn to adapt,” regarding the perception they give their internal projects to ensure accessible he says. “Many of us never dreamed or coworkers. Come in early. Leave late. compliance. He is an active member of even considered the super high speed at People will recognize that you are willing the National Association of the Deaf, has which technological and cultural changes to work and do more than what you were received the organization’s Frederick C. have reshaped American life and made us hired to do. Work hard to sell yourself.” Schreiber Distinguished Service Award, more global citizens. It’s hard to imagine It’s this kind of thinking that makes and represents NAD on issues concerning what the future might hold when so Nelson, a senior community outreach telecommunication and transportation. many perceived limits have given way. specialist in Government Affairs at the “Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I read “I am trying with all my energy to make National Railroad Passenger Corporation newspapers in print—not just online,” places and services accessible not only to (Amtrak), an outstanding example of he says. “We need to understand the people with disabilities, but to everyone,” the dedicated RIT/NTID alumni who full story and be aware of all that is he says. “We may take things for granted achieve great things and give back. happening, not just the summary. I tell in our daily lives as we go about our Nelson graduated from RIT/NTID in students to read the business section and usual routines—but much of it is possible 1981 and 1985 with degrees in Computer learn what is changing, especially in the because there are people working towards Systems Programming. He was active as careers you are training for. You can’t making everything accessible.”
FOCUS 13 NTID HISTORY
NTID’s history is rich in milestones and achievements that have fueled the success of thousands of students and graduates. This new FOCUS feature will provide a look at some of the people and events that have been significant in the history of our college community.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES The Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990 Twenty-five years after PL 89-36 was enacted,
ARCHIVAL PHOTO ARCHIVAL President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, The Signing of the National Technical Institute 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination against for the Deaf Act, 1965 individuals with disabilities and requires Public Law 89-36, known as the National Technical Institute for the Deaf employers, schools, businesses and other Act, was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on June 8, 1965. The bill, entities to provide reasonable accommodations drafted by New York Congressman Hugh L. Carey, established, for the first to ensure access for individuals of all abilities. time in our nation’s history, a technological college for deaf and hard-of- As President Bush said in his remarks that day, hearing individuals to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering “With today’s signing … every man, woman and and mathematics, more commonly known now as STEM. child with a disability can now pass through once- In the years since NTID first opened its doors on the RIT campus, deaf closed doors into a bright new era of equality, and hard-of-hearing students have come from all over the United States independence and freedom.” Much has happened and around the world to take advantage of the outstanding career education in the intervening years, and countless individuals and unparalleled access and support services that RIT/NTID provides. And have benefitted from the ADA in education, research conducted in collaboration with the Social Security Administration employment and innumerable other ways. NTID shows that deaf and hard-of-hearing RIT/NTID graduates, across technical President Gerry Buckley was invited by Senator and non-technical fields, experience higher rates of employment and Robert Dole to witness the signing of the ADA. salary over their lifetimes as compared to their deaf and hard-of-hearing peers who graduate from other colleges and universities around the country. From the Archives
Trivia Tidbit BY SAM HOLCOMB
Q: Did Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th U.S. President, attend the dedication ceremony of NTID buildings in 1974?
A: No, President Johnson
died in 1973, but his MARK BENJAMIN wife, Lady Bird Johnson, Sam Holcomb is a retired faculty PHOTO ARCHIVAL member from NTID’s American attended the ceremony Sign Language and Interpreting First Lady on Campus Lady Bird Johnson participated in the dedication of the on the RIT campus. Education Department. NTID building named for her husband, President Lyndon Baines Johnson, in 1974.
14 FOCUS ALUMNI PROFILES
Kelly S. Kim BY SUSAN L. MURAD
elly S. Kim believes the most in 2003. He teaches English/Language Arts important lesson in life is to be and Literature to sixth - eighth graders K true to yourself. Born in Atlanta who are deaf and hard of hearing, and also and raised in Marietta, Georgia, Kim lives teaches some science classes. He is board in Marlborough, Massachusetts, with president for DEAF, Inc., a multi-service his husband, foster son, two cats and a community-based non-profit agency in the dog, and is a middle school teacher in Boston area, and also chairs the Statewide the secondary program at The Learning Advisory Council, under the auspices of Center for the Deaf in Framingham, the Massachusetts Commission for the Massachusetts. But he almost took Deaf and Hard of Hearing. He recently a different path. received the Early Career Educators of “Growing up, I thought about Color Leadership Award from the National becoming a teacher, but my parents Council of Teachers of English, and didn’t think it was a good idea,” he will be presenting at the organization’s says. “I then thought about becoming conference later this year. a counselor or a psychologist for deaf “RIT/NTID was a perfect choice for me children, but realized that might not be when I thought about going to graduate in my future. RIT’s master in Psychology school,” he says. “I knew that it provided program required me to take a few MSSE interpreting services, wonderful professors (Master of Science Program in Secondary and has a thriving deaf and hard-of- Education of Students who are Deaf and hearing community. RIT/NTID provided Hard of Hearing) classes, and I fell in love me a foundation to launch my dreams with education and teaching.” and goals, and the many friendships I
COURTESY OF STEVE ROBBS, THE ROBBS PHOTOGRAPHY Kim graduated from the MSSE program maintain to this day.”
Jacquelyn Wilson BY SUSAN L. MURAD
eing part scientist and part which if gone detective leads alumna Jacquelyn unnoticed, could B Wilson to some interesting have had dangerous discoveries. As an agriculture specialist consequences. with the U.S. Customs & Border “We once found Protection, she helps ensure shipments Long-Horned Beetle coming in from other countries have larva—one of the From the Archives no agriculture-related threats. most destructive “Our job is to find invasive plants, non-native pests in seeds, pests and diseases to protect our the United States— environment,” says the 2005 Laboratory inside wood packing Science Technology and 2007 Applied material,” she Arts and Sciences graduate. “We says. “These pests also collaborate with U.S. Fish and infest hardwood Wildlife Services and other agencies, trees, causing them
depending on our discoveries.” to die and potentially COURTESY OF U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION Wilson has held this position for can cause billions of seven years, and recently transferred dollars of damage.” to the Port of Savannah in Savannah, Wilson truly loves her work and any science field; to not be shy Georgia, from Miami International encourages others with an interest in because there is a lot of social interaction Airport. She also works at Savannah science to look into the field. with co-workers and people you International Airport on occasion. “My advice to those who are interested work with; and to have a desire to Her scientific/detective work has in becoming an agriculture specialist protect the homeland of the United uncovered some significant issues, would be to earn a bachelor’s degree in States of America.”
FOCUS 15 FACULTY/STAFF PROFILES
Marguerite Carrillo BY ILENE J. AVALLONE
teadfast and strong-minded are two Language to hearing and deaf students. adjectives that Marguerite Carrillo “I enjoyed this teaching experience S uses to describe herself. A lecturer and seeing the faces of students light in NTID’s Department of American Sign up when they learned new signs, and Language and Interpreting Education when they realized how ASL is its own who left her home in Las Cruces, New language with its own grammar,” she says. Mexico, after high school with only The passion she felt for teaching $2,000 in hand, this determined young through her student work experience woman set off to California without her led her to pursue a master’s degree in parents’ approval, to join AmeriCorps. Secondary Education for Students Six months later she returned home Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. when things didn’t work out. Today she teaches ASL to interpreting “My parents, who are deaf, instilled in students and ASL to hearing and deaf me the importance of an education and students in RIT’s College of Liberal Arts. fought for the best education for me,” She took over this year as coordinator says Carrillo. “So this time I followed for NTID’s New Signers Program, a one- their advice, and enrolled at RIT to major week orientation where newly accepted in Business, a field I felt could bring students who do not sign are introduced me many opportunities in the future.” to sign language and Deaf culture. While she was studying at RIT, she Outside of work, Carrillo is focused on worked as a tutor for interpreting her family and raising her two-year-old students, and as a peer instructor for daughter, who also is deaf. Her free time RITSign, an RIT student program where is dedicated to exploring ways to improve
A. SUE WEISLER she assisted in teaching American Sign and expand RIT’s ASL curriculum.
Erwin Smith BY ILENE J. AVALLONE
25-year relationship with the explains Smith. “With my involvement in Rochester School for the Deaf, the local Deaf community and my previous A and the right combination of job experience in operations and IT, the skills, led Erwin Smith, assistant vice position here couldn’t have been a better president for Information Technology fit,” he says. and College Operations, to NTID. Smith wears many hats at NTID. He Smith’s eldest son is a graduate of RSD, directs the college’s IT operations; plans and Smith continues to stay involved and manages new construction, renovations at the school. He serves on RSD’s Board and maintenance projects for all NTID of Directors as treasurer and chair of its facilities; and oversees the Dyer Arts Center. Finance and Audit Committee. Prior “I like having the ability to bounce to coming to NTID, Smith worked as back and forth between IT and building manager of Student Application Systems operations,” he says. at the Rochester City School District and Since joining NTID in 2010, he has in Information Technology at Eastman managed more than $10 million in Kodak Company. construction projects. His previous work experiences, a “I love the variety of my job,” he says. bachelor’s degree in Economic Policy from For many years Smith spent his free time SUNY Geneseo, and a master’s degree coaching his three sons’ travel soccer teams, in Management Systems from Clarkson playing soccer on adult leagues and flying University, have prepared him well for his planes for recreation. But today, he prefers role at NTID. a little less rigorous activity and likes golf, “My job at NTID is the perfect match for target shooting and spending time with his
my personal and professional interests,” two grandchildren. A. SUE WEISLER
16 FOCUS ON THE STREET Q: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PROFESSOR?
“My favorite professor is Gary “My favorite professor is Keith “My favorite professor is Marcus Behm. He was my professor for my Mousley. He is a wonderful teacher Holmes. He cares about his students Manufacturing Processes class. He’s who is terrific in the classroom. and is our mentor. He gives us a great professor because he made He has a wonderful sense of humor. courage and guidance to make me confident that Manufacturing He always works with students to our work and our lives better. He Engineering Technology is the make sure that we understand math has an open mind to learn from right major for me. He also really clearly. He is always willing to work students as we learn from him in cares about his students and makes one-to-one with students before class or outside of class. Marcus sure that we are all prepared for a test or to help us understand a Holmes has a big heart that touches the future. Everyone should take problem and how to solve it. That’s students’ hearts to expand our his classes.” why he is my favorite professor!” passion for engineering.”
NAME NAME NAME Darrin Wilbur Caitlin Kight Cortney Sawyer
HOMETOWN HOMETOWN HOMETOWN Londonderry, Corsicana, Texas Liberty, New York New Hampshire MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR Design and Computer Mechanical Imaging Aided Drafting Engineering Technology Technology Technology
“My favorite professor is Michael “Paula Grcevic is my favorite “Mellissa Youngman is my favorite Skyer because he helps me become professor because she’s a very accounting professor because better at reading and writing papers. talented artist. She taught me and her lectures are very clear and He’s not just great in English class, my class a lot about drawing and easy to understand. She is cool but also outside of class. If you see painting. My skills are developing. with me and other students.” him in the office, he’ll be up to talk She helped me learn what my about anything with you!” weakness and strengths are in my art work. I know that she is a strict teacher, but she’s a professional and helps her students to improve our art skills.”
NAME NAME NAME Connor Draughn Samantha Abert John Huang
HOMETOWN HOMETOWN HOMETOWN Franklinton, Emmaus, Brooklyn, North Carolina Pennsylvania New York
MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR Hospitality Design and Finance/ and Service Imaging Accounting Management Technology L
Rochester Institute of Technology Non-profit Org. National Technical Institute for the Deaf U.S. Postage Lyndon Baines Johnson Hall PAID 52 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY Rochester, NY 14623-5604 Permit 626
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED MARK BENJAMIN You Can’t Stop The Beat Deaf and hearing actors took the stage in a high-energy production of the musical HAIRSPRAY in May. Shown here, from left to right, are Joseph Ausanio (Corny Collins, sign language); Danica Zielinski (Tracy Turnblad, sign language); Jessica Van Giesen (Tracy Turnblad, singer); Dakota Meyer (Link Larkin, sign language); and Ben Liebrand (Corny Collins, singer).