Class of 2015 Behind Every Student, There’S a Story

June–July 2015

Volume 6, Number 6 www.rit.edu/athenaeum

••RIT Global International flavor

RIT’s international student population has more than doubled over the past 10 years. Read about how graduate programs are fueling an enrollment explosion. Page 4

••Technology on Campus Making MAGIC

From software development to computer games and even prosthetic limbs, the MAGIC Center continues to make its mark on campus and across the country. Page 5

••Research and Scholarship Teaching excellence Each year, RIT pays tribute to faculty members hailed as the university’s finest educators with the Eisenhart Awards for Outstanding Teaching. Meet this year’s recipients. Page 10

••About Students Fantasy, fiction and fashion Class of 2015 Behind every student, there’s a story. At this year’s Academic Convocation, RIT will confer degrees on some 3,500 graduates. Meet some of the members of this The one-of-a-kind Tora-Con convention is an annual year’s graduating class, and learn about the roads they traveled to reach this gathering of fans focused on anime, manga, Japanese culture, sci-fi, fantasy and RIT culture at large. Page 12 milestone. Page 6 Athenaeum | 2 | Volume 6, Number 6

••Picture Perfect June–July 2015

Volume 6, Number 6 Produced by University News Services, Brown Hall, 132 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, N.Y. 14623 (585) 475-5064 | (585) 475-5097 (fax) [email protected]

EXECUTIVE EDITORS Bob Finnerty ’07 Chief Communications Officer

Ellen Rosen Director, University News

MANAGING EDITOR Vienna McGrain ’12 Associate Director

COPY EDITOR Marie Lang Editorial Coordinator

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY A. Sue Weisler

CREATIVE DIRECTION & DESIGN Jeff Arbegast ’93, University Publications Alexander Gartley ’07, University Publications

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Scott Bureau ’11, Michelle Cometa ’00, Susan Gawlowicz ’95, Derrick Hunt, Steve Jaynes, Rich Kiley, Greg Livadas, Marcia Morphy, Mindy Mozer, Joe Venniro Photo by A. Sue Weisler MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER David Wivell Exhibits at the 2015 Imagine RIT: Innovation and Creativity Festival packed STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts and math — including this working replica of an amusement park, built with 50,000 pieces of K’nex. Some 35,000 people attended the event.

NEW MEDIA

University News Services ••Author’s Spotlight ••News in Review www.rit.edu/news

RIT News & Events Daily: and black women collaborating, to find START-UP NY continues www.rit.edu/news/daily Catholic women who were supposed to be to grow with RIT- opposed to feminism was really interesting. RIT News Facebook Fan Page: I wanted to look at other examples of coali- connected companies www.facebook.com/RITNews tions between unlikely allies.” Three more companies with ties to RIT have RIT News RSS feeds: The culmination of Carroll’s research been accepted into the state’s START-UP NY www.rit.edu/news/rss resulted in Mobilizing New York: AIDS, business development program. RIT News YouTube Channel: Antipoverty, and Feminist Activism, a book Darkwind Media, a graduate of Venture www.youtube.com/RITUniversityNews that focuses on three grassroots move- Creations business incubator, develops gaming ments that empowered people for social The Tiger Beat Blog: software and provides consulting services to www.rit.edu/news/tigerbeat change in New York City. other game development studios. Darkwind “I look at the ways they were trying to employs 15 people and expects to create 11 Follow RIT News on Twitter: foster participatory democracy, grassroots jobs at 40 Franklin St. in downtown Rochester. www.twitter.com/RITNews activists partnering with professionals to Optel Inc. is a new venture that provides achieve better results,” Carroll said. a variety of services to companies in the The programs Carroll researched include medical device field, ensuring compliance with Mobilizing New York: AIDS, Mobilization for Youth, a demonstration the requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Antipoverty, and Feminist Activism project for the War on Poverty, which gen- Administration. Optel will be locating to Venture Written by Tamar W. Carroll, College of erated programs such as Head Start and Creations and will create 18 new jobs while Liberal Arts Legal Services for low-income Americans; investing $285,000. The National Congress of Neighborhood ClearCove Systems is a renewable energy BY GREG LIVADAS Women, in which displaced homemakers company founded by RIT alumni that will RIT’s traditional seal, imprinted on our graduates’ diplomas, features the image of Athena, Greek goddess Attending graduate school, Tamar Carroll united with feminist activists and estab- create 23 new jobs and create $5 million to of wisdom. The institute came to be as a result of the visited the Smith College Archives in lished the first publicly-funded domestic $10 million in economic benefit in 2015. merger in 1891 between the Rochester Athenaeum, a Northampton, Mass., expecting to research violence shelter in New York state; and the ClearCove Systems’ patented technology literary society founded in 1829, and the Mechanics and write about feminist Gloria Steinem. AIDS Coalitions to Unleash Power (ACT significantly reduces energy consumption, Institute, a practical technical training school founded But first, the archivist shared papers about UP), an AIDS awareness organization and substantially improves energy production in 1885. In 1944, the university changed its name to Rochester Institute of Technology. a Brooklyn-based feminist group named Women’s Health Action Mobilization and reduces the installation and operating the National Congress of Neighborhood (WHAM!), which fostered in a coalition costs of a municipal or industrial wastewater Women. between gay men and reproductive rights treatment facility. “I found it fascinating,” said Carroll, now feminists in the 1980s and 1990s. Businesses accepted into START-UP NY and an assistant professor of history at RIT. “These are stories of ordinary people create new jobs will pay no state or local taxes “It was all unexpected, all of these coali- who changed their world, and I hope read- for 10 years. State officials say the tax benefits tions between groups that were supposed ers will be inspired by their examples,” will help accelerate entrepreneurialism and job to be at odds with each other. To find white she said. n creation across the state on a large scale. n RIT’S STRATEGIC PLAN IN ACTION— CAREER EDUCATION AND STUDENT SUCCESS June–July 2015 | 3 | www.rit.edu/athenaeum

••Viewpoints

GREATNESS Wallace Center puts people first THROUGH DIFFERENCE RIT’S The digital revolution has brought transfor- a transformation of physical space and enabled Collections, space and 2015-2025 mational change to libraries, causing many new partnerships. The first floor of TWC is now student services tell only STRATEGIC PLAN to question the future of these time-honored a vibrant space where students can connect a small part of TWC’s story. institutions. But rather than disappearing from with their peers and find resources that were Faculty career development, the landscape, libraries are experiencing a resur- previously scattered on campus. Where else can media and Web development gence, playing a role in their communities that students obtain research assistance for a thesis, services, event and publishing is more important than ever. Walk into The consultation on a writing assignment, escape support and an award-winning Wallace Center (TWC) and you will experience the dorms to a 24-hour quiet study space, col- University Press also define The Wallace Center. this firsthand. laborate with team members to finish a group Located at the heart of the campus and described When I joined the Wallace Library almost project, practice a presentation, and learn ASL? by one of our students as “central to a balanced 30 years ago, our space, like most libraries, put Nearly 3,500 students and faculty come to TWC and strong academic experience,” The Wallace books first and people second. Technology was in every day for these services and more. Center has evolved from a library into an aca- its infancy and almost all library collections were The new digital environment is balanced demic center that is responding to the needs and Shirley Bower is director of print. Access to information was constrained by with a strong commitment to tradition and his- contemporary learning styles of our students RIT Libraries a physical building for limited hours. Today, the tory. Special collections such as RIT Archives, and faculty by incorporating a creative range of picture is much different. Digital collections and RIT/NTID Deaf Studies Archive and the Cary services and collaboration spaces. TWC is “more connections have removed physical boundaries Collection preserve RIT’s history and enhance than a library”; it is a blend of interconnected This column presents and enabled TWC to deliver information to the RIT’s reputation while providing a unique services that together create a unique learning opinions and ideas on researcher’s desktop 24/7 while expanding its opportunity for students and faculty to interact space and opportunities for our students and issues relevant to higher reach beyond the Henrietta campus, serving with primary source materials that include not faculty. With a commitment from RIT, The education. To suggest as a valuable resource for our global programs only rare printed volumes but RIT memorabilia, Wallace Center will continue to evolve and an idea for the column, and online learners. working historical presses and artifacts that tell enhance research, scholarship and the academic email [email protected]. Enhanced digital collections have also led to the story of the deaf community. experience at RIT. n

••News in Review Mozrall named dean of Three RIT students win Saunders College Fulbright scholarships

Jacqueline Mozrall is the new dean of RIT’s Three RIT students won highly competitive Saunders College of Business. Fulbright scholarships for the 2015-2016 Mozrall had been interim dean since last July. academic year. “Jacquie is a committed educator, able admin- “Over the past five years, RIT’s had two istrator and innovative Fulbright winners, so to have three at once is leader who will advance quite the achievement,” said Jenny Sullivan, Saunders College’s com- assistant director of RIT’s Study Abroad and mitment to providing Fellowships office. The students are: students with an out- n Kaylin Beiter, a biomedical sciences standing business educa- undergraduate from Rochester who will travel tion,” said RIT President to Senegal to study how HIV medication Bill Destler. Provost and adherence struggles and drug resistance Senior Vice President for are leading to a growing degree of HIV viral Jacqueline Mozrall Academic Affairs Jeremy diversity. Haefner said Mozrall dis- n History Estill-Varner, an ASL-English tinguished herself from interpreting and global studies double major the other candidates in the nationwide search, undergraduate student from Independence, Photo by David Wivell with her vision for the college, her experience Mo., who will travel to the Dominican RIT unveils $1.5 million RIT’s Battery Prototyping Center was made and skills as a leader and her understanding of Republic to collaborate with the country’s Battery Prototyping possible by support from New York State Energy and dedication to RIT. National Association of the Deaf and the and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), “As interim dean, she demonstrated a bold National Interpreting Association to build a Center Empire State Development (ESD), the state’s vision for Saunders as a college of business sustainable Interpreter Training Program. State officials and industry executives joined RIT economic development agency, and the New inside a leading institute of technology—with her n Rose Rustowicz, an imaging science in unveiling its new Battery Prototyping Center, York Battery and Energy Storage Technology ability to work with Saunders faculty, her passion undergraduate student from Amherst, a $1.5 million state-of-the-art facility that will Consortium (NY-BEST). for connecting with students to understand their N.Y., who will travel to Iceland to work with conduct research and work with companies in “The Battery Prototyping Center at RIT will be needs, and her ties to building connections to a University of Iceland research team to this rapidly growing local industry. a tremendous resource to startups, established alumni and community,” Haefner said. conduct remote sensing at the Hekla volcano The center, located in Institute Hall, will companies and researchers seeking to prototype Mozrall received her Bachelor of Science which will allow them to map and monitor work with companies on prototyping the next a wide range of battery materials,” said Ryne degree in industrial engineering from RIT in 1987 hazardous and vulnerable areas. generation of rechargeable batteries (such Raffaelle, RIT vice president for research and and holds a place in RIT’s athletics Hall of Fame Yasmeen Smalley ’13 (biomedical photographic as lithium ion) in an industry-recognized size associate provost. “We are proud to be part for an outstanding career in soccer. She received communications) was named as an alternate typically used in consumer electronics, including of the growing energy storage ecosystem in a master’s degree in industrial engineering from in the event that one of the other students cell phones. While ultimate applications for New York state and grateful to our partners at North Carolina State University and a Ph.D. in declines or is unable to make their interna- these new batteries will include electric grid NYSERDA, ESD and NY-BEST for their support in industrial engineering from the State University tional journey. If selected, the Houston native and transportation storage, this size is a making this facility a reality.” of New York at Buffalo. will visit the Philippines to develop a photo- recognized standard for testing and evaluating The center is part of a plan to establish a “I’ve always considered RIT my professional documentary featuring their research on new prototypes. Companies can either use the comprehensive battery and energy storage home since undergraduate school and I am hon- environmental factors that have led to mass laboratory’s equipment to conduct their own hub in the region, a priority of the Finger Lakes ored and humbled by this opportunity to serve destruction of biodiversity in the coastal trials or hire RIT to do the work. Regional Economic Development Council. n as dean of Saunders College,” said Mozrall. n waters of the Philippines. n RIT’S STRATEGIC PLAN IN ACTION— LEVERAGING DIFFERENCE

••RIT Global International student population doubles over last decade Explosive enrollment in graduate studies fuels international growth GREATNESS BY DERRICK HUNT THROUGH The international student population at RIT DIFFERENCE RIT’S has more than doubled over the last 10 years, 2015-2025 driven by explosive enrollment in the uni- STRATEGIC PLAN versity’s graduate programs. A record 2,497 international students from 103 countries chose to study at RIT this academic year, making up 15 percent of the total student body. More than two-thirds of these students are pursuing graduate degrees. Students from India and China account for a whopping 57 percent of the international scholars at RIT and have been a significant factor in the growth of the program. “When you get above the undergraduate level in India and China, it’s my understanding that there are fewer programs, fewer seats available at the good domestic universities,” said Jeffrey Cox, director of International Student Services at RIT. “The growing trend globally has been that these highly qualified students have to go outside of their countries to find seats. The demand has exceeded the capacity in these students’ home countries, and I think the trend is still going up.” Cox added that he believes RIT’s growth in international graduate studies can be attributed to its strong academic reputation, co-op program and financial assistance, as well as its “greatness through difference” Photo by A. Sue Weisler as exemplified by the many unique master’s From left, international students Yuwei Qiao of China, Paola Gonzalez of Dominican Republic and Jassim Dalwai of India stand in the programs offered in fields such as sustain- Student Alumni Union. ability, imaging science and color science. This increase in international involve- ment exemplifies RIT’s commitment to for security and immigration purposes. Others are supported through government the students who go through the program global engagement and diversity both on- Kasturia chose to come to RIT because of programs that have partnered with RIT, such and those who don’t,” said Cox. “It’s helpful campus and abroad. Beyond drawing more the university’s strong educational programs as the Brazil Scientific Mobility Program, or for a couple of reasons, primarily setting up international students to Rochester, RIT is and financial incentives. international organizations like the Fulbright your life and making friends. You’ve come also working to expand its presence overseas “I have a great scholarship from RIT and Program, which provides tuition for inter- all this way and it’s likely you don’t know through its international campuses and part- it’s really helped financially, but it wasn’t national scholars from developing countries. anyone.” nerships with other universities. The large the deciding factor for me,” said Kasturia. There are 40 Fulbright scholars from more International students are also supported number of graduate students coming to RIT “I was accepted by a few other colleges, but than 25 nations attending RIT this year. by student-run clubs and organizations, has also helped bolster the school’s desire to my family and I decided RIT was the best in To ease the students’ transition to the U.S., including Global Union, the Organization boost research efforts. terms of quality of education.” Cox and his staff offer an orientation process for the Alliance of Students from the Indian One of the goals of RIT’s 2025 Strategic While many international students pay prior to the start of the school year. This year, Subcontinent, Asian Culture Society and the Plan, which was adopted by the Board of for their education out of pocket, some are more than 800 new students participated. African-American Latin American Native Trustees in November, is to grow the gradu- able to earn academic scholarships from RIT. “We definitely see a difference between American Collegiate Association (ACA) ate student population, including American among many others. These organizations and international students, to around 30 frequently sponsor and host events around percent of the total student population. International students on the Rochester campus campus to promote interaction and aware- “I think that’s naturally going to happen ness between cultures. anyway given our current trajectory,” “For whatever reason they come, I’m said Cox. grateful to have them here,” said Daniel For Varun Kasturia, a third-year business Getachew, a fourth-year packaging science management student from Mumbai, getting student and E-Board member for ACA from accepted by RIT was just the first step in his New Rochelle, N.Y. “Growth in the minority journey to the United States. community is great news. I’m starting to see “The visa application for any college in more diversity on campus than I have seen America is straightforward,” said Kasturia. in previous years. We’re heading in the right “They ask a few questions in the visa direction.” n interviews based on your major and your SAT scores and what you plan to do after graduating.” Web extra After acquiring a visa, international students are closely monitored. Everything To meet some more of RIT’s international students, go to rit.edu/athenaeum and from course loads to living arrangements click on “RIT Global.” must be reported back to the government June–July 2015 | 5 | www.rit.edu/athenaeum ••Technology on Campus RIT CENTER CONTINUES TO MAKE ‘MAGIC’

BY SCOTT BUREAU In the two years since its establishment, It’s also been the home base for e-NABLE, Plate and Porter, a fourth-year game RIT’s Center for Media, Arts, Games, the international online community design and development major, share a Interaction and Creativity (MAGIC) has founded by research scientist Jon Schull that passion for being creative and are kicking focused transforming ideas into award- makes and improves affordable 3D-printed around the idea of making a YouTube cook- winning digital products. Set up to help prosthetic devices for people in need, and ing show and writing a screenplay. bridge the gap between university research recently launched a Religion, Culture, and “When I decided to attend RIT, I told our and commercial production, MAGIC helps Policy Initiative for research focused on group of friends that I wanted make a game students, faculty and staff from across the games, religious literacy, the acquisition about them and how goofy they are,” said university take their creations, such as of cultural practices and the implications Porter. “When Dan transferred to RIT two video games, apps and software, and get on policy and politics. This summer, five years later, we started joking about the idea them to market. multidisciplinary teams will be funded for of actually making it.” In 2013, MAGIC provided support for summer cooperative education experiences, Porter is the programmer; Plate is the what became its first commercial project, allowing students to work on a project that artist. The duo co-wrote the six-chapter the video game Chain Gang Chase. Since leads to “start-up” products and commercial game, which borrows elements of their lives, then, MAGIC has supported more than 20 activities. including the look of the school, names of projects and published three games through With a host of new student projects, characters and even the likenesses of a few its third-party production studio, MAGIC research initiatives and grants on the way, evil teachers. Spell Studios. the MAGIC Center is creating a buzz that The game’s main character, Daryl extends far beyond the bricks of RIT. Here’s Whitelaw, is a stereotypical high school Photo by A. Sue Weisler a look at two recent projects: kid whose special powers include a hammer Gary Porter, left, and Dan Plate, created a that turns into a rhino on a stick when Daryl game that won the Microsoft Imagine Cup. levels-up. Daryl is the new kid at a school that has been taken over by a group of evil scientists. With the help of a school janitor, School of Interactive Games and Media, Daryl uncovers the plot and attempts to the Splattershmup marks the first time that save the world — all while trying to be the an RIT class has set out to produce and most popular kid at school. publish a complete game. The game was Their company, Dan and Gary Games, is demonstrated at the 2015 Game Developers being incubated in MAGIC Spell Studios, Conference, published through MAGIC and this will be the first game released Spell Studios and is available in Microsoft’s by their company. Super Daryl Deluxe is Windows Store. Super Deluxe expected to be published and released within The free desktop computer game is a cross students a year. between a shmup — a classic shoot ’em- For the past three years, RIT students Dan up arcade game, such as Asteroids — and Plate and Gary Porter — best friends since abstract Jackson Pollock-style action painting. high school — have spent their free time “The class making the game is prob- creating Super Daryl Deluxe, a 2D slapstick ably why Splattershmup turned out so orientated action video game that draws awesome,” said Ashwin Subramanian, loosely from their high school experiences a composer and audio programmer who and inside jokes. While the game is not attended GDC and tested the game. “The yet complete, it is already winning awards, more eyes you can get on something, the taking first place in the Visual Quality more iterative your process can become. category of the 2015 Intel University It’s just so unique in terms of the concept.” Games Showcase at the Game Developers The game has gained international rec- Conference and the top prize in the Splattershmup ognition, being selected from more than Microsoft Imagine Cup U.S. Nationals. makes a splash 40 submissions for the 2015 Blank Arcade “How often do you get to make a com- Fifteen RIT students can now add title cred- exhibit at the Digital Games Research pletely absurd game with your best friend?” its to their résumés after working as a class Association conference in Germany. The said Plate, a fourth-year illustration major on Splattershmup. exhibit highlights experimental games and Splattershmup, created by a class, is from Waterloo, N.Y. “Well, my answer Created as part of Production Studio, artwork that push the boundaries of game gaining international attention. would be all too often.” an elective course offered through RIT’s design and theory. n Athenaeum | 6 | Volume 6, Number 6

••Cover Story Meet the Class of 2015

BY ELLEN ROSEN For the graduates, it's the culmination of many years is making for the future. At the Academic Convocation, RIT President Bill of hard work and study. But it's also the beginning of a Some of those stories are on these pages. Destler will confer degrees upon some 3,500 undergrad- new stage in life — a chance to take all that they have And there is even more on a special graduation uate and graduate students. learned during their time at RIT and apply it toward website — rit.edu/news/commencement.php — The event kicks off RIT’s two-day commence- building a career — and a new life. including more interviews with members of the ment celebration that inclues 11 smaller ceremonies Behind every graduate, there is a story — a story graduating class, photographs and videos highlighting in RIT colleges and centers. Graduations at American of what brought them to RIT, of the path each took to this special day. n University in Kosovo, RIT Croatia and RIT Dubai reach this milestone of graduation, and the plans each follow.

Photo by A. Sue Weisler

Professor Hans Schmitthenner, center, with graduating chemistry students, from left, Taylor Barrett, Chelsea Weidman, Stephanie Beach and Lauren Heese. Four graduating chemistry students leave behind a research family that’s done award-winning, groundbreaking work

BY DERRICK HUNT including early detection, diagnosis, surgery chase, the utter dismay of reactions not pursue her Ph.D in chemistry at Boston For chemistry students and undergradu- and recurrence checks. working, and then the elation of capturing College this fall. ate researchers Taylor Barrett, Chelsea Earlier this year, the researchers won a the target compound,” said Schmitthenner. Due to switching majors from biochem- Weidman, Stephanie Beach and Lauren $440,000 grant from the National Institutes “It’s tough to beat that feeling, and they’ve istry to biotechnology, Heese has an addi- Heese, graduation will be bittersweet. of Health for the development of a pho- all experienced that now.” tional year of studies to complete at RIT. The four seniors entered RIT’s chemistry toacoustic imaging component in collabo- After May, each student will forge her However, the Latrobe, Pa., native also plans program together as freshmen and quickly ration with the University of Rochester. own path. All four women are aiming to to attend graduate school after graduating became inseparable friends after meeting in Schmitthenner, Barrett, Weidman and ultimately earn doctorate degrees in their next spring. professor Hans Schmitthenner’s research Beach have also filed for a patent. respective fields. Although they will no longer be working lab, which opened in 2012. “It’s never been just about the research Barrett, a chemistry major from together at RIT, Schmitthenner and his for- “My entire college experience has been with Dr. Hans — he mentored and shaped Middletown, Pa., is considering programs mer students hope to stay in touch. as a part of this group,” said Beach. “We all us as scientists,” said Weidman. at the University of Pennsylvania, the “I can’t wait to hear about what they grew together through the chemistry pro- Schmitthenner, who joined RIT’s faculty University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign accomplish,” said Schmitthenner. gram and our research. We really are like in 2010, credits Barrett, Weidman, Beach and the University of Washington. After Schmitthenner’s research lab, meanwhile, a family.” and Heese with the success of his lab and earning her Ph.D., Barrett desires to open will continue to build on the foundation Under Schmitthenner’s direction, research. Without their dedication and her own lab or help create science policy. that Barrett, Weidman, Beach and Heese the students conducted groundbreaking hard work, Schmitthenner doubts that his The group’s other chemistry major, laid out. research on targeted molecular imaging lab would have earned any of its recent Beach, was accepted by Boston University. “We have very promising students com- agents over the past three years. The tech- accolades. Although she hails from Douglasville, Pa., ing right along behind them, ready to step nology allows medical professionals to To Schmitthenner, the relationship Beach has always wanted to live in Boston. into the driver’s seat,” said Schmitthenner. easily distinguish cancerous cells from between himself and his students was a Weidman, a biochemistry major from “They’ve played a large part in mentoring healthy cells and has applications in vir- partnership. Eastampton, N.J., applied to several uni- these students and have become role models tually every stage of cancer treatment, “In chemistry there is the thrill of the versities for graduate studies, and chose to whether they know it or not.” n June–July 2015 | 7 | www.rit.edu/athenaeum

RIT’s graduation coordinator ready for her turn to cross the stage

BY DERRICK HUNT definitely not complaining. It was a priority For nearly 20 years, Linda Cunningham for me to get my kids through college and has been responsible for helping facilitate now I’m finally graduating too.” and coordinate RIT’s scholarly events, Cunningham’s academic journey began faculty events and graduation ceremonies. anew when she took a position with RIT’s This year, it’s her turn to wear the cap Academic Affairs office in 1997. After a few and gown. years at RIT, Cunningham started to ease “I’m normally a behind-the-scenes back into college education by earning her person, but I don’t know — you might see certificate in exercise science. me doing cartwheels across that stage,” said “I wanted to see if I could really achieve Cunningham, a project and event manager this goal, between raising a family and for the Office of the Provost who will earn working a full-time job,” she said. her applied arts and science bachelor’s Cunningham then completed her degree in business management at this associate degree in applied science, and year’s ceremonies. after taking a brief break, she continued It certainly hasn’t been an easy process working toward the completion of her for Cunningham, who originally enrolled bachelor’s degree. And at long last, her in college in 1979 but dropped out due to journey will reach its end in May when personal circumstances. she graduates from RIT as an Outstanding A single mother, Cunningham raised Undergraduate Scholar with an under- three children and put each of them graduate degree in business management, through college. Her two oldest children a minor in communication and concentra- have already graduated college, while her tions in marketing and exercise science. youngest will be graduating from Emerson “It’s amazing how much time is con- College just four days before her RIT sumed by school,” Cunningham said. graduation. “With my newfound free time, I think I’d “It’s a big year for us,” said Cunningham. really like to volunteer in the Rochester Photo by A. Sue Weisler “I was kind of hoping I would graduate community and get a social life.” n After 20 years of coordinating commencement ceremonies, Linda Cunningham will be before at least one of the kids but I’m participating in this year's, as a graduate of the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies.

Studying here fulfilled his dream

BY MARCIA MORPHY “Climb every mountain” could certainly member of the Financial Management describe Kunsang Dorjee’s life. Association and Next Generation of As a Tibetan refugee who hails from the Accountants, he said he most appreciates high Himalayans in the city of Dharamsala, the faculty because of their real-world ex- India — home to His Holiness the Dalai perience, the diversity of students “who Lama — he is neither a citizen nor has a bring culture and friendship,” and the kind- country to call his own. ness of Saunders Visiting Lecturer Tom Born to a peasant family in a struggling Traub who invited him to share a holiday exiled community, Dorjee’s father died with his family. when he was 11, leaving behind a widow “My experience of that celebration was and three sons. A year later he “was on his unforgettable,” said Dorjee. “I wish every own” — sent to a boarding school run by country and culture had Thanksgiving Day the Central Tibetan Administration. to appreciate the kindness of our near and But he always had a dream to study in dear ones.” America. In June, Dorjee will return home to a Dorjee said he “was greatly honored” higher-ranking job within the Central to receive a Fulbright Scholarship to earn Tibetan Administration, where he previ- his MBA from RIT and will graduate with ously worked as chief protocol officer. His a 3.89 GPA from Saunders College of spiritual footpath includes supporting other Business this May. refugee children to become professionals “I prepared very hard for this scholar- who can give back to the community — ship,” he said. “Living in a challenging something he learned firsthand from the situation, even a multiple of my family’s teachings of the Dalai Lama, whom he said lifetime savings couldn’t afford me such a “was like meeting with Jesus.” once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study at “He taught me that helping others or such an esteemed university as RIT.” giving happiness is the meaning of life,” Dorjee also gives special thanks to his said Dorjee. “When I was growing up, I adviser Peggy Tirrell, senior associate direc- could spend only two months a year with tor for graduate programs and admissions my mother, who never remarried, and my at Saunders College. “I am not as young as eldest brother, who is mentally and physi- many other Fulbright students and I was cally challenged. Now I will get to live in Photo by A. Sue Weisler pleased and honored she had faith in me. I the same house and see them every day. Receiving a Fulbright Scholarship allowed Kunsang Dorjee to live his dream of studying wanted to live up to her expectations.” For that, I am grateful. Thanks to RIT, my in the United States. He earned his MBA and will return to Tibet to work in government. Although Dorjee has been an active life has truly changed.” n Athenaeum | 8 | Volume 6, Number 6

NTID student focusing on future BY VIENNA MCGRAIN in Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. Mason Chronister carefully files away color- After graduation, he will use his skills as ful memories of people he has met, places an administrative professional with the he has traveled, unforgettable experiences Defense Logistics Agency, a branch of the he’s had. As he faces his promising future, U.S. Department of Defense located about an Chronister anticipates making memories in hour away from his home in Pennsylvania. a new way as he copes with gradual loss of A successful co-op assignment last year his vision. helped secure permanent employment. Chronister, who will soon earn his associ- “I’ve always been fascinated by govern- ate in applied science degree in administra- ment — how it operates and how it impacts tive support technology from RIT’s National people’s lives,” he said. “Although I’m deaf Technical Institute for the Deaf, has Usher and have limited vision, I’m able to work Syndrome, a rare genetic condition resulting with my supervisor and co-workers to in hearing loss and slow-developing visual expertly execute my job, which includes doc- impairment that causes night blindness, loss umenting sensitive military information.” of peripheral vision, and ultimately, com- Chronister was the first RIT student with plete vision loss. About four people in every Usher Syndrome to study abroad in Italy. 100,000 are diagnosed with the incurable He has also traveled extensively throughout condition. the United States, visiting one of his favor- Photo by A. Sue Weisler “I was born deaf to hearing parents ite spots, San Francisco, where he actually Mason Chronister, who is graduating from NTID, says he won't let Usher Syndrome hold and attended mainstream schools,” said hugged a part of the Golden Gate Bridge. him back. He starts work later this month for the U.S. Department of Defense. Chronister, from Red Lion, Pa. “I didn’t start “And I hugged a column in the Roman noticing the effects of Usher Syndrome until Colosseum, too,” he laughed. “When I see I was about 14. As time has gone on, it’s got- something famous, it’s what I do. It helps me that everything comes together and works Mason is one of the few individuals I have ten worse. I’m not able to see at night and commit it to memory and literally helps put out for me. I saw another student with ever encountered who has found the secret my peripheral vision is limited. Sometimes me in touch with these fascinating objects.” Usher Syndrome participate, and that really of living an honest and fulfilling life at such I look clumsy because my balance has been Back at NTID, Chronister has performed inspired me. And my participation seems to a young age.” affected. But despite all of my challenges, small roles in theatrical productions includ- have inspired others to join in.” “No one knows what the future holds,” I’ve always known that I can accomplish ing Damn Yankees! and Hairspray. Those who know Chronister well say that Chronister adds. “Every day they are mak- anything — including realizing my dream “It’s challenging for me because of the he is destined to live a great life. ing strides in the medical field and I continue of one day working for the government.” dramatic lighting and the many stage props “Mason is awesomely intriguing,” said to keep my strong faith. With the support of In many ways, Chronister is like other in my path,” he said. “It’s a true team effort Jonathan Holmes, his employment adviser my family and friends, I refuse to let my loss successful RIT graduates. He carries a 3.34 — from our director to the other deaf and at NTID. “He is unafraid to step into vulner- of vision and hearing prevent me from doing GPA and is a certified Microsoft specialist hearing actors and interpreters — to be sure ability and embrace his own authenticity. everything I want to do. ” n

Army ROTC ‘commission accomplished’ for graduate Adam Podolec BY MICHELLE COMETA Uengineering, he will become a member of a Podolec will swear, “to support and defend the engineering and was part of an ankle-foot Even before the bagpipes lead students into National Guard unit in Concord, N.H. Constitution of the United States against all orthotic senior design project team. the Gordon Field House, Adam Podolec will Before that, though, Podolec has to be enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear He is currently working with Rochester’s be sworn in as a commissioned officer in sworn in to service. A military commis- true faith and allegiance to the same. And that Al Sigl Center staff to learn more about the the U.S. Army during the annual Reserve sioning ceremony is about recognizing past I will well and faithfully discharge the duties specific needs of clients with disabilities and Officers’ Training Corps commissioning training in both the classroom and in the of the office upon which I am about to enter.” what technological solutions might be devel- ceremony. field. It is also a launching point for cadets “Adam epitomizes the benevolent Army oped by the staff and RIT student-engineers Podolec began as a cadet in RIT’s Tiger into service. officer. Soon-to-be Second Lieutenant to support these individuals. Completing this Battalion five years ago. Shortly after gradu- His commanding officer, Lt. Col. Edward Podolec is a quiet professional whose matu- final co-op will close his time at RIT. ating with a bachelor’s degree in electrical Whitaker, will administer the oath, in which rity and leadership far exceeds his peers. After graduation, ROTC graduates can Adam will make an outstanding officer,” take one of three different routes to service: Whitaker said. Active Duty, National Guard or Reserves. The first salute as a new officer is signifi- “I have a very technical degree that has cant, tied to traditions in the Army that date kind of an expiration date on it because tech- back to the Civil War. nology moves so fast. I really want to use that “My grandfather was a medic in Korea,” degree that I worked for, but also be a part of said Podolec, who grew up in Cambridge, the military,” he said. “I’m committed to a N.Y.“ After your oath, you do your first National Guard base in Concord, N.H., where salute to a non-commissioned officer, so I will I’m going to be a medevac Black Hawk pilot. have my grandfather here for that. And it is I just found that out not too long ago, so I am also tradition for you to hand that person a super excited.” silver dollar.” He will be moving to New Hampshire That tradition acknowledges the new rank after graduation. and responsibility, and also symbolizes the He has more years of training ahead, spe- mentoring relationship between new officers cifically flight school and the Army’s medical and experienced non-commissioned officers. officers basic leadership course. Afterward is This will be familiar to Podolec who worked flight certification. his way to more advanced cadet ranks while “I am ready for this. Everything about a at RIT. As he gained experience, he was given month ago was up in the air… I didn’t know more responsibility and involved in guiding the results of my flight board, I didn’t know new cadets. if I was going to be able to fly but I had a plan Photo by A. Sue Weisler All ROTC students take military sci- and worked toward it,” he said. “Those heli- Adam Podolec, who is graduating with a degree in electrical engineering, will be sworn ence classes in addition to traditional copters that fly over the campus from time to in to the U.S. Army and train to be a medevac Black Hawk pilot with the National Guard. academic courses. Podolec pursued electrical time? That’s going to be me one day!”n June–July 2015 | 9 | www.rit.edu/athenaeum

••Tiger Sports Standout RIT’s Matt goalie goes pro Garbowsky On March 31, RIT goaltender Jordan Ruby signed a pro- dominates fessional contract with the Toledo Walleye of the East Coast Hockey college hockey Photo by Bryan Bennett League (ECHL) and BY JOE VENNIRO Matt Garbowsky Photo by Bryan Bennett made his profes- It was a dream season for RIT men’s hockey captain Jordan Ruby sional debut with Matt Garbowsky. a victory on April The fourth-year business management major from individual honors,” said RIT head coach Wayne Wilson. 3. Ruby enjoyed St. George, Ontario, Canada, became a household name in “He has worked extremely hard at his game and is the most a tremendous senior season, finishing 11-8-4 with a college hockey in 2015, setting countless records and earn- complete hockey player to go through the RIT program. 2.10 goals against average, .924 save percentage, and ing several accolades en route to leading RIT to the Atlantic He is not only a great player, but an even better person. two shutouts. He was a four-time Atlantic Hockey Hockey Championship. We are very proud of his accomplishments during his four Goaltender of the Week. In the 2015 postseason, Ruby Garbowsky and the Tigers advanced to the NCAA years at RIT.” went 5-1 with a 1.67 goals against average and .941 Tournament for the second time as a Division I program. Garbowsky, a three-year captain, enjoyed an incredible save percentage. Overall, Ruby set the school mark RIT defeated No. 1 Minnesota State in the NCAA Midwest senior season for the Tigers. A four-time AHC Player of with 1,763 saves and won 23 contests, fourth most in Regional before falling to Nebraska-Omaha in the Regional the Week, Garbowsky led Division I with 729 face-off wins, the Division I era at RIT. Final. RIT enjoyed a seven-game winning streak late in the ande led Atlantic Hockey in scoring during league play. season and finished 20-15-5. “RIT was a blast, all four years, “ Garbowsky said. “I In March, Garbowsky was named one of 10 finalists had a great time and got a great degree at the same time. for the 2015 Hobey Baker Award, college hockey’s most Definitely glad RIT gave me the chance to play. It was a lot Honorees heralded at prestigious individual honor. He was the second Tiger to be of fun.” named a finalist, joining Simon Lambert who was on the Garbowsky set the Division I team record with 54 points list in 2008. On April 10, Garbowsky was named a 2015 and was one goal shy of tying the Division I team record. Press Radio Club Day CCM Hockey Second Team All-American, becoming the He tied a career-high with four points on three separate first RIT player to earn this prestigious honor since the occasions and recorded a pair of hat tricks, tying a Division of Champions program moved to Division I in 2005. He was also named a I single-season team mark. Garbowsky finished his RIT USCHO.com Second Team All-American. career with 48 goals and 66 assists in 128 games. His 114 BY JOE VENNIRO In addition, Garbowsky was named the Atlantic Hockey points are fifth best at RIT in the Division I era, while the RIT President Bill Destler, men’s lacrosse head coach Jake Player of the Year, Best Defensive Forward, won the 48 goals are fourth and 66 assists are tied for seventh. Coon and men’s and women’s hockey student manager Leading Scorer Award, and was a unanimous first team On March 31, Garbowsky signed a contract with the Joe Vicario were honored at the 2015 Rochester Press selection. He was also named the Most Valuable Player of Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League Radio Club Day of Champions Dinner May 4. Destler the Atlantic Hockey Championship Tournament and was through the 2015-16 season. He appeared in nine games was named the Morrie Silver Award Winner, presented named to the All-Tournament Team. for the Amerks and recorded his first professional point by the Rochester Red Wings; Coon, the Rochester Razor “Matt is very deserving of all of these tremendous on April 11. n Sharks Local Coach of the Year; and Vicario, a Coca-Cola Hometown Hero. Since Destler became RIT president, the men’s hockey team made a run to the NCAA Division I Frozen Four RIT runners race along the ‘Tiger Trail’ in 2010. Women’s hockey won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2012 and made the leap to Division I later that year. The men’s lacrosse team has become a perennial power, making five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including their first trip to the championship game in 2013. In addition, several athletes have earned All-American honors and RIT student athletes maintain a grade-point average of 3.2. In 2014, RIT opened the $38 million, state-of-the-art Gene Polisseni Center. In his six seasons at RIT men’s lacrosse, Coon has led the Tigers to a 101-14 record, five consecutive conference titles, and five trips to the NCAA Division III Tournament, including the Tigers’ first-ever appearance in the national championship game in 2013. He was named Division III Coach of the Year in 2011 by the United States International Lacrosse Association and in 2013 by the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association. “Part-time Joe” Vicario, a fifth-year applied technology student in RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf, is a manager for the men’s and women’s hockey teams. On Feb. 7, RIT players wore special jerseys that were auctioned Photo by Kyle Hofsass off during the game with more than $10,000 going to the RIT cross country and track and field runners from the past and present pushed across the finish line March 29, completing Testicular Cancer Foundation of Western New York, which the eight-day, 1,400-mile RIT Tiger Trail relay from Auburn, Ala., to campus. The run was held to raise awareness for the Vicario founded. Go to www.tcafofwny.org for more infor- national Tigers for Tigers coalition, and the athletes — the first female group on campus to complete a journey of this mation. Vicario, who has Goldenhar Syndrome and is a tes- magnitude — were greeted enthusiastically back in Henrietta. Runners, from left to right, are Amanda Dole, Nicole Varble, ticular cancer survivor, has survived 31 surgeries, including Julie Kerchner, Megan Karpie, Rachel Zoyhofski, Kaylin Beiter, Kelly Weiskittel, Alex Shipman and Jeriann Beiter. 21 before his 12th birthday. n Athenaeum | 10 | Volume 6, Number 6

••Research and Scholarship Web extra

To read about more RIT honors outstanding professors of the year faculty award winners, go to rit.edu/athenaeum and click on ‘Research Eisenhart, Provost’s awards are prized recognition for faculty and Scholarship.’

Eisenhart Awards for Outstanding Teaching

Photos by A. Sue Weisler will be using the classroom here and with Fourth teaching and connections to our international campuses,” mentoring recognition he said. “We started from an ‘incubator’ in the Teaching, Learning Technology Lab in in five years presented the Wallace Center. We took what worked to CAST professor there and deployed those features into a common use classroom.” BY MICHELLE COMETA Garrick has shown that technology can RIT dedicated a new interactive learning enhance collaborative learning, and it reso- classroom at the start of this academic year. nates with today’s students. By connecting Today it’s filled with mechanical engineer- the teaching, learning and technology dots, ing technology students solving problems his students have seen remarkable retention — and swaying to salsa music. of material in the MET program. Garrick While the technology paired with active has also seen improved retention rates and and cooperative pedagogy in the classroom increased interaction among students. has positively influenced student learning, Filled with tablet computers, cameras, Robert Garrick COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Robert Garrick added a personal touch and interactive screens and collaborative soft- the encouragement necessary for these stu- ware, the classroom is primarily used for dent successes. teaching CAST courses. The new learning Garrick is one of this year’s winners of the environment is a means to transform edu- to the background music they play while 2013-2014. Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching. cation from predominantly lecture to more solving problems. “We are very proud of all our students, He is being recognized for his work on active/cooperative learning, where stu- “It becomes their classroom, and their faculty and staff — but especially of those the Technology Rich Interactive Learning dents, especially those with lower GPAs or personalities come through, much more who continue to raise the bar of excellence,” Environment classroom, also referred to as from under-represented groups, can benefit than in a lecture class,” he said. said Fred Walker, dean of the College of TRILE. An associate professor in the College from this non-traditional classroom setting. This is the fourth time in five years that Applied Science and Technology. “Being of Applied Science and Technology’s School Being successful in coursework increases Garrick has been recognized for his in- honored as a recipient of the prestigious of Engineering Technology, Garrick led the the likelihood that students will be retained novative teaching practices. In addition to Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching, development of the interactive classroom as in academic degree programs, graduate and this year’s award, he won the Richard and and recognized once again for his teaching, well as research on its effectiveness. eventually move into viable careers, said Virginia Eisenhart Provost’s Award for remains testimony to Rob’s exemplary dedi- “It is nice to be recognized, but it’s even Garrick. It also has become a social learning Excellence in Teaching in 2009-2010, the cation and commitment to his students. We better to involve others in this. Word is environment when they have some input Provost’s Award for Faculty Mentoring in applaud Rob for yet another wonderful spreading about the classroom and the stu- about the atmosphere in the classroom — 2012-2013, and the Provost’s Innovative achievement and wish him continued suc- dents’ learning. More of our CAST faculty from putting together student work teams Teaching with Technology Award in cess in his career at RIT.” n

class to take animation at the university and independent stop-motion films, Off-Line is a former student of longtime RIT profes- and Ain’t No Fish. Co-directed with part- sor R. Roger Remington. ner Miki Cash, Ain’t No Fish won the Gasek won a Student Academy Award Director’s Award at last year’s San Francisco near the start of his career with partner International Ocean Film Festival. He also Malcolm Spaull for their animated ver- wrote a book for Focal Press in 2011 titled sion of Lewis Carroll’s The Walrus and the Frame-by-Frame Stop Motion, the only Carpenter — back when both attended RIT. complete resource of its kind. Spaull now serves as administrative chair Gasek’s second career started after reach- of SOFA. ing out to his former film partner Spaull A self-described “animation gypsy,” about a possible teaching opportunity in Gasek then embarked on a nearly three-de- SOFA. “He said there might be a one-year cade path of full-time animation and direct- opportunity here and things grew from ing that saw him create with a number of there,” Gasek recalled. the industry’s most respected names. Since his arrival at RIT 10 years ago, Tom Gasek COLLEGE OF IMAGING ARTS AND SCIENCES At Aardman Animations in the United Gasek has leveraged his industry experi- Kingdom, he contributed animation to Nick ence while nurturing burgeoning filmmak- Park’s Wallace and Gromit short “The ers. While he had no formal experience in Wrong Trousers,” and the Peter Lord/Nick the classroom, he trained fledgling anima- Award-winning Eisenhart Awards for Outstanding Teaching Park feature Chicken Run. Gasek later co- tors for years on TV series while heading up animator and director for his work in the College of Imaging Arts directed and animated the Inside-Out Boy studios in San Francisco and Massachusetts. and Sciences. for Nickelodeon, which is part of the perma- He uses his connections to identify trends adds to list of honors “Teaching has been a wonderful second nent collection at the Museum of Modern and help keep the SOFA program apace BY RICH KILEY career for me,” said Gasek, an associate pro- Art in New York. with the industry. As a longtime animator and movie director, fessor and director of graduate studies in He has contributed animation to Today, Gasek prides himself with the con- Tom Gasek has inventively created count- the School of Film and Animation (SOFA) Aardman’s Creature Comforts America, nections he makes with his students. less original scenes and characters during who joined RIT in 2005. “This is really very Sony Bravia’s Play-Doh, and Laika Studio’s “I enjoy my students, hearing what they more than 30 years of award-winning, pro- humbling for me.” Coraline, and he continues to direct and have to say with their work, and helping fessional stop-motion filmmaking. In many ways, the Utica, N.Y., native has animate commercials and independent them develop their ideas,” Gasek said. “I He now has another award to add to come full circle as a 1979 graduate of RIT’s films. In the past several years, Gasek pro- have great respect for them as people and his honors after earning one of this year’s School of Design. He was among the first duced, directed and animated two short creators.” n June–July 2015 | 11 | www.rit.edu/athenaeum Effectively making “My inspiration comes from seeing my students improve their skills, grow, become lessons come to life professionals,” he said. “I have also learned to BY VIENNA MCGRAIN connect deeper with my students and learn Providing experiential learning opportuni- more about where they come from, what ties and establishing strong connections they bring to the table. My students and I — with his students are two contributors to we have a mutually beneficial relationship.” Christopher Kurz’s success in the classroom. Kurz is also known for making his lessons His triumphs are the result of thought- come alive. For several years, he has taught provoking and practical applications of his deaf history courses in which students lessons and his ability to adapt his teaching examine artifacts like school diaries written style and philosophy to meet the changing by deaf students in the 19th century, war-era needs of his diverse students. dollar bills that were published by a school Kurz, an associate professor in NTID’s for the deaf during wartime, and antiquated secondary education of students who are instructional materials to catch a glimpse deaf or hard-of-hearing master’s program into what life was like for deaf people Christopher Kurz NATIONAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF and a 1995 graduate of RIT’s applied math- over the past 400 years. He also enlists a ematics program in the College of Science, is technique called “Theatre in Education,” one of this year’s recipients of the Eisenhart where actors dressed as Edward Gallaudet, Award for Outstanding Teaching. Kurz helps Alexander Graham Bell and other famous also develop partnerships and curricular bar for students in the field of deaf educa- develop the talents of his students who will pioneers in deaf history entertain and edu- and historical research projects alongside tion,” he added. “I’m a product of deaf educa- soon re-enter classrooms around the world cate through debates designed to spark con- Rochester School for the Deaf that, accord- tion, so it’s important for me to be a catalyst in a different capacity — as educators of deaf versations about deaf life and issues in deaf ingly to Kurz, is rich in local deaf history. in educating and preparing the next genera- and hard-of-hearing secondary students. education from decades past. Kurz’s students “I want to be a driving force in raising the tion of teachers of the deaf.” n

ancient Greeks, whose lineage she shares. middle of nowhere, which was my aspira- “I tell my students that Socrates remains tion when I left Manhattan a decade ago,” our role model, which probably means that she said. ideally, good teaching entails upsetting peo- She enjoys gardening, cooking, making ple every day,” she said. wine and providing animals sanctuary, and Terezakis, who has taught at RIT for is obviously passionate about philosophy. nearly 10 years, is receiving one of this She wants her students to feel as though year’s Eisenhart Awards for Outstanding the philosophical canon is “their rightful in- Teaching. heritance” and “an ongoing tradition that is “I’m lucky enough to be able to talk to full of techniques of reasoning and exercises students every day about some of the things of imagination that enable each of us to cul- I care most about,” she said. “Teaching tivate ideas that work, to clear out the bi- keeps you honest. You cannot stand in front ases that don’t, and to cope realistically with of people, day after day, without clarify- what remains unknown.” ing what you really mean, deciding which She is writing a book on Rochester-born Katie Terezakis COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS ideas and which values work and which philosopher John William Miller, which ex- do not, and updating your own studies pands on some of her earlier published work accordingly.” in linguistic philosophy. She looks forward BY GREG LIVADAS Terezakis grew up in Connecticut, at- to screening that new research in her classes. Philosophy professor Although Katie Terezakis, associate pro- tended college in Heidelberg, Germany, and “I want to keep the candor demanded in believes teaching fessor in the Department of Philosophy, went to graduate school at the New School the classroom alive in my own writing,” she teaches a wide variety of subjects in phi- for Social Research in New York City. said. “Teaching in the philosophy depart- ‘keeps her honest’ losophy, she most enjoys returning to the She lives on a former farm “almost in the ment at RIT has allowed me to do that.” n

Richard and Virginia Eisenhart Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

Professor brings included the likes of MTV, USA Networks and PBS. passion to teach from But he always felt a calling to the class- the Big Apple to RIT room and teaching. Halbstein spearheaded and ran the inaugural Autodesk Corporate BY RICH KILEY Training Center in New York City, and David Halbstein hails from the land of the prior to RIT taught 3D digital graphics at Jersey Shore and Bruce Springsteen. Yet the School of Visual Arts and New York when he stepped onto the RIT campus for a University down in the Big Apple. job interview five years ago, he said he felt a Now, as an assistant professor of 3D digi- connection like never before. tal design, Halbstein cautions his students “I was working in New York City at the that his class — and the design industry it- time, but when I came to the campus I knew self — weeds out those without the fervor to this is where I wanted to be,” said Freehold, succeed in a demanding field. N.J., native Halbstein, an assistant professor “When I first walk into the classroom, I in the School of Design and this year’s re- tell my students that in this particular dis- David Halbstein COLLEGE OF IMAGING ARTS AND SCIENCES cipient of the Richard and Virginia Eisenhart cipline you need a passion and a lot of tal- Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, ent to pull all things together and do well,” given to a faculty member with less than Halbstein said. three years experience. “I felt at home.” That philosophy hearkens back to his days As a professor, he stresses to students to Halbstein said. “But it isn’t about the soft- Before his arrival on campus, the College as a student at William Patterson University, stay motivated and focused to succeed in the ware. Design and images matter, along with of Imaging Arts and Sciences professor when “I knew what I wanted to get out of rapidly changing field of 3D design. texture and color. I tell my students that worked and taught in metropolitan New school and it had little to do with what the “There is always going to be new soft- they need to learn how to think conceptually York for 15 years. His production credits professor expected of me,” he said. ware and methodologies in this discipline,” and apply that to an ever-changing world.” n TORA-CON 2015

Photos by A. Sue Weisler

The 11th annual Tora-Con convention, put on by RIT’s student-run Anime Club, Video extra drew about 2,500 people to campus April 18-19. The event featured costumes, live To see more on the 11th annual Tora-Con, performances, workshops, comedians view a video at bit.ly/RITToraCon2015 and voice actors from anime productions.