Saying Goodbye President Leverages RIT’S Unique Strengths and Leaves Solid Legacy Introducing RIT’S Next President

The University Magazine Spring 2017

Saying goodbye President leverages RIT’s unique strengths and leaves solid legacy Introducing RIT’s next president

Closing the gender gap in computing

and humanists, and our belief in the possibilities that can grow out of a greater connec- tion between them, is one such value. Our commitment to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and our appreciation for the unique diversity they bring to our campus is another. Our efforts to build an elite university without becoming elitist and our associated commitment to maintaining access to RIT for those from economically and socially challenged backgrounds are particularly noteworthy. And finally, our commitment to provide a rigorous, intellectually challenging education for our students that will ensure RIT: The University Magazine them a promising future is as strong as ever. Executive Editors And I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about Bob Finnerty ’07, Marketing and Communications the selection of Dr. David C. Munson Jr. as Deborah M. Stendardi, th Government and Community Relations RIT’s 10 president. I hope that all of you John Trierweiler, Marketing and Communications will strongly support him in his efforts to Editor keep RIT on its remarkably positive trajec-

Mindy Mozer, Marketing and Communications Imaging Creative ’10/Myers Strawser Will Photo by tory. Over the past few weeks I have had Contributing Editors RIT President Bill Destler retires in June. the chance to interact with Dr. Munson on Lisa Cauda, Development and Alumni Relations several occasions, and I have been deeply Kim Slusser, Development and Alumni Relations Craig Smith, Development and Alumni Relations impressed with the range of his experience in Cindy Sobieraj, Development and Alumni Relations FROM THE PRESIDENT higher education and his vision for what RIT Art Director can become. Jeff Arbegast ’93, Marketing and Communications Dr. Munson will assume the duties of Photographer Proud and president in July of this year. Until that time A. Sue Weisler ’93, Marketing and Communications I would ask that you continue to work with Writers: Marketing and Communications Rebecca and me to advance RIT’s strategic Scott Bureau ’11, ’16 thankful for Michelle Cometa ’00 plan and our ongoing fundraising efforts. The Susan Gawlowicz ’95 field of higher education is an increasingly Rich Kiley time at RIT competitive one, and institutions that stand Greg Livadas Vienna McGrain ’12 still for a period will almost certainly lose Marcia Morphy ground to their peer institutions. We do not Ellen Rosen s many of you know, I will step intend to “coast” through our final months, Copy Editor down as your president this sum- and we hope that you will continue to work Marie Lang, Marketing and Communications mer after 10 years in this role. with us to keep RIT moving forward. Print Production RebeccaA and I can only offer our heartfelt One final word: My tenure at RIT has Brenda Monahan, Marketing and Communications thanks for the support and encouragement been truly a partnership with Rebecca. Her that all of you have offered. contributions to our sustainability efforts and Marketing and Communications University News Services We are, of course, proud of what has her many connections with students across 132 Lomb Memorial Drive been accomplished during this decade, but the university, and especially with students Rochester, NY 14623-5608 mostly we are proud of you—our students, of color, have helped to put a human face Voice: 585-475-5064 Fax: 585-475-5097 faculty, staff and alumni. The efforts of all on this place and to reassure all within our Email: [email protected] of you to improve the experience that RIT community that their voices can be heard. Office of Alumni Relations students receive during their tenure here She has been active in the greater Rochester Crossroads 41 Lomb Memorial Drive simply amaze us. The work that so many community and has played a major role in Rochester, NY 14623-5603 Voice: 585-475-ALUM, Toll Free: 866-RIT-ALUM of you have done to turn a half-baked idea the Rochester City Scholars Program. TTY: 585-475-2764, Fax: 585-475-5308 like Imagine RIT: Innovation and Creativ- But more importantly, at least to me, she Email: [email protected] ity Festival into a veritable showcase of has been my partner, my friend, my love, my Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, what this remarkable university is all about counselor and my strongest supporter. I don’t New York, publishes The University Magazine. RIT does not discriminate. RIT promotes and is something we will never forget. And the know how to adequately say thanks to her, values diversity within its workforce and provides commitment of all of you to ensuring that but I hope this feeble attempt will do until I equal opportunity to all qualified individuals RIT remains an inclusive and welcom- find a way to say it better. Thanks, Becca. regardless of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender ing community for all makes us so proud identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran to have our names associated with this And Go Tigers! status, or disability. wonderful place. I have been particularly pleased that the Vol. 19, No. 1, 120M-P1997-3/2017-LANE-JSA search process for identifying RIT’s next Printer: The Lane Press; Burlington, Vermont © 2017 Rochester Institute of Technology president has been guided by RIT’s core Bill Destler, President All rights reserved shared values. Our love of geeks, artists www.rit.edu/president b | WINTER 2011-12 The University Magazine Fall 2016

Departments 2 On Campus 4 About Students 6 Research 18 Tiger Talk 32 Alumni Updates 38 Class Notes 40 Tiger Love

Features

8 Professional success RIT is one of the leading universities in the nation in preparing students on the autism spectrum for the workforce.

14 Women in computing A group was created in 2008 to help empower women in computing fields to succeed and thrive at RIT.

20 Saying goodbye RIT President Bill Destler and Rebecca Johnson leverage RIT’s strengths and leave a solid legacy.

28 Meet RIT’s 10th president David C. Munson Jr., former dean of the University of Michigan College of Engineering, begins on July 1.

31 A bright new day NTID’s Sunshine 2.0 is a reboot of the Sunshine Too program from the 1980s.

Cover President Bill Destler will retire at the end of this academic year. Destler accomplished his vision of turning RIT into one of the most innovative universities in the world.

(Photo by Will Strawser ’10/Myers Creative Imaging) Lamark Photo by Elizabeth

Photo by Michael Owens On Campus

NOTEBOOK Anti-terrorism It’s Time: ExOut Extremism, a student project, has won another prestigious prize. The online initiative, which started as a classroom assignment, has been awarded $149,000 from the Department of Homeland Security to continue its campaign to counter violent extremism. The award comes just months after winning the State RIT officially launches MAGIC Spell Studios Department’s Peer to Peer (P2P) Chal- lenging Extremism ith a touch of virtual reality and a Holly- “I do believe that this initiative will contribute to the competition. wood-style movie trailer and poster, RIT in continuing transformation of our regional economy November launched the building that will thanks to a culture of innovation and technological Online scores high houseW MAGIC Spell Studios. expertise that has enabled this community to continu- RIT has been recog- The program will link RIT’s internationally ranked ally reinvent itself,” Destler said. nized for having some academic programs with high-tech facilities needed to The building and initiative are made possible of the best online commercialize computer gaming, film and animation through $13.5 million in funding from New York state, programs in the na- and digital media projects. $12.4 million from Cisco Systems Inc., $3 million tion. The 2017 U.S. Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) joined university from Dell and $1.5 million from The Wegman Family News & World Report officials—including RIT President Bill Destler— Charitable Foundation. Best Online Programs Danny Wegman from The Wegman Family Charitable “RIT continues to be a center of high-tech innova- rankings had RIT Foundation, and representatives from Dell and Cisco tion for the Finger Lakes and all of New York,” said ranked 33rd for “Best Systems Inc. at the ceremony on campus. Hochul. “MAGIC Spell Studios will be the launching Online Graduate MBA programs,” and 35th for “Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs.” NTID educator Panara on postage stamp New partnership Tianjin University of Technology of China ducator and icon Robert April 11 in Panara Theatre on campus. has entered into new Panara, the first deaf fac- “I’m very proud to see my dad partnership agreements ulty member of RIT’s National honored and deaf culture recognized to enroll students in TechnicalE Institute for the Deaf, is be- in this way, and I want to thank the one- and two-year ing honored by the U.S. Postal Service personnel at the U.S. Postal Service programs at Kate with a stamp. Stamp Development Office for all Gleason College of The 16th stamp in the Distinguished their work in the design process,” said Engineering and the Americans series features Panara, an Panara’s son, John, himself a faculty National Technical influential professor and pioneer in member at RIT/NTID. Institute for the Deaf. the field of deaf studies and one of the The stamp features a photograph Tianjin University of founders of the National Theatre of of Panara signing the word “respect” Technology has been the Deaf. The formal date of issue will taken by RIT/NTID photographer a partner of NTID. Photo by Mark Benjamin take place at a ceremony at 10 a.m. Mark Benjamin and was designed by

2 | SPRING 2017 NOTEBOOK Best value RIT ranks among the country’s best values in private colleges, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s Top 300 College Values of 2017. Kiplinger’s annual list ranks 300 private universities, liberal arts colleges and public colleges out of more than 1,200 schools. RIT ranked 85th out of 100 on the list of private universities, and 266th among all colleges.

Tops in design RIT’s School of Design in the College of Imag-

Photo by Elizabeth Lamark Photo by Elizabeth ing Arts and Sciences is A crowd of more than 200 guests at the launch of MAGIC Spell Studios used provided virtual reality goggles to take a “tour” of the facility, slated to open in 2018. ranked 10th among the 30 best design schools in the world in a new ranking conducted by a leading digital-media pad for the next generation of digital gaming entre- “MAGIC Spell Studios is about being fluid and company. preneurs, and it is another example of Gov. Cuomo’s truly multidisciplinary, and it is revolutionary,” said Ranker, which vision in which academia, business and government Andrew Phelps, director. crowdsources opinion- are partners in the rebirth of the Upstate economy.” “Through the use of academic programs as a based rankings over the MAGIC Spell Studios has been developing and springboard to launch into very different experiences, internet, highlights the publishing digital media, such as games, apps, films, MAGIC Spell Studios helps students grow their ideas best design programs art installations and interactives since 2013, creating into products and companies and engages students in the world and some a collaborative, university-wide endeavor that ties to- and faculty across disciplines to build these things of the top schools to gether entrepreneurship, academics, content creation, together from proof-of-concept to refined prototypes study design. production and distribution. that demonstrate commercial viability, and uses the The 43,000-square-foot building—which will be lo- studio at MAGIC to ship them on major channels and Graduation speaker cated adjacent to Frank E. Gannett Hall—is scheduled storefronts.” Austin McChord, to open in fall 2018. Vienna McGrain ’12 founder and CEO of the technology company Datto Inc., will be the keynote speaker for RIT’s USPS art director Ethel Kessler. he could lipread. NTID in 1967 and became its first 132nd commencement During his teaching career, He graduated from DeWitt deaf professor. He also established celebration. Panara inspired generations of Clinton High School in New York the English department at NTID. McChord ’09 (bioin- students, and his powerful use of City, learned sign language at the Panara died in July 2014 at the formatics), who serves American Sign Language to con- American School for the Deaf in age of 94. on the university’s vey Shakespeare and other works Hartford, Conn., and then earned “Bob Panara’s contributions to Board of Trustees, will of literature made him much a bachelor’s degree at Gallaudet the field of deaf studies, theater speak at the Academic beloved and respected by students College (now University) in 1940, and education are indeed wor- Convocation, set for and colleagues alike. where he wrote several papers that thy of celebrating,” said Gerard noon May 19 in the Panara was born hearing in established him as a leader in the Buckley ’78 (social work), NTID Gordon Field House Bronx, N.Y. At age 10, he contract- field of deaf education. president and RIT vice president and Activities Center. ed spinal meningitis, which left In 1965, he was invited by and dean. “RIT/NTID and the en- RIT President Bill him profoundly deaf. He attended U.S. Secretary of Education John tire deaf community are justifiably Destler said the univer- mainstream public schools and Gardner to serve on a national ad- proud that Bob is being honored sity is honored to have often relied on classmates to take visory board for the establishment in such a meaningful way.” McChord addressing its notes for him or mouth words so of NTID. He began his career at Susan Murad graduates.

SPRING 2017 | 3 About Students

The newest sport sweeping the campus is competitive video gaming—more commonly known as e-sports. Franky Zheng, a first-year game design Photos by Joseph Ressler and development major from Uncasville, Conn., participates in the intramural sport. Video gaming new intramural sport

ike many amateur athletes, Peter Lam their favorite recreational activity, whether dreams of going pro. they used to be a varsity athlete or are just “It takes dedication, practice and a looking to try something new.” Llot of skill to earn that professional contract,” Many universities are creating club said Lam, a fourth-year management infor- teams, and at least seven colleges are offering mation systems major from San Jose, Calif. scholarships for varsity athletes, while one “Only the best of the top 1 percent of players has opened its own e-sports arena. are going to make it.” To get the first regular season off the Lam’s sport isn’t played on the court or in ground at RIT, Coon worked along with an ice rink, but rather on computers in the students, RIT’s Center for Recreation and arena of competitive video games, such as Intramurals and faculty and staff from the The first intramural RIT e-sports league, formed last Dota 2 and League of Legends. B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing fall, drew about 50 participants who played the video Lam is part of a group of students, faculty and Information Sciences—spearheaded game Heroes of the Storm. and staff working to make RIT one of the by that college’s School of Interactive top schools for electronic sports—more Games and Media. commonly known as e-sports. Nearly 50 students competed in weekly Bosley, a fourth-year applied arts and sci- RIT became one of the first universities match-ups during the 10-week season, all ences major from Earlysville, Va. “Our Heroes to offer e-sports as an intramural sport in hopes of capturing a team photo with the of the Storm team ranged from a very new when it began its engagement last fall. championship trophy and the right to wear a player to a grandmaster—someone in the top “We noticed that e-sports is something a coveted RIT Intramural Champions T-shirt. 1 percent of players in the Americas—so we big chunk of the campus is interested in,” said The spring league is happening now. have been learning how to work with a bunch Brennan Coon, assistant director for intra- “Instead of just playing alone at home, of different skill levels and play to everyone’s murals. “It’s perfect for intramurals because we actually can meet up, talk and play in the strengths.” the whole idea is to get people involved in same room, which is really fun,” said Rachael Scott Bureau ’11, ’16

4 | SPRING 2017 Folded fashion Heather Williams, a third- year medical illustration student, was one of about 300 College of Imaging Arts and Sciences Foundations students to participate in the Beaux Arts Ball last fall. For the first time in more than a decade, CIAS Foundations students were challenged by their Members of RIT’s Theme Park Enthusiasts, who won professors to create—and to design competitions in Orlando, are Chris Brucker, left, wear—a garment that was made Mike Troise, Robert Cybulski, Caroline Kruse, Emily primarily of paper materials. O’Connor and David Swerzenski. Each student’s original design was to be inspired by, and evoke, the material culture of a specific artistic and historical style. Williams Theme Park Enthusiasts worked every day for a month folding paper sweep national awards and designing this 18th century French ollercoaster lovers are probably used court gown. to ups and downs, but six members of Photo by Catherine Rafferty RIT’s Theme Park Enthusiasts made a cleanR sweep in Orlando, Fla., by winning every award in a national competition to design amusement park rides. The Ryerson Invitational Thrill Design Competition, hosted by Universal Creative in November, invited teams from four colleges to create theme park rides or make modifications to existing rides. “We’ve all been dreaming of jobs and internships in the field. I think we’re all in shock of how well the trip went,” said Robert Cybulski, the club’s president and a fourth- year mechanical engineering major from Lancaster, Pa. Other members of the team are: Chris Brucker, an architecture graduate student from Schenectady, N.Y.; Caroline Kruse, a fourth-year mechanical engineering major from Washington Crossing, Pa.; Emily O’Connor, a fourth-year applied statistics and economics major from Barre, Vt.; David Swerzenski, a fifth-year mechanical engineering major from Oak Ridge, N.J.; and Mike Troise, a fourth-year mechanical engineering major from White Plains, N.Y. The teams had three challenges to finish. One task had them retrofitting a Ferris wheel to keep children in open gondolas, one had them design a rollercoaster that can’t go faster than 40 mph, and one task had them redesign the Teacups ride to make it more appealing to teenagers. RIT’s Theme Park Enthusiasts club was founded three years ago and this was the first year they entered the competition. Greg Livadas

SPRING 2017 | 5 Research

NOTEBOOK Plastic in Great Lakes A new study by RIT that inventories and tracks high concentra- tions of plastic in the Great Lakes could help inform cleanup efforts

and target pollution Weisler Sue Photos by A. prevention. Left: Nabil Nasr, director of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, will lead the REMADE institute. Right: Mark Johnson, director of the Researchers found Advanced Manufacturing Office in the U.S. Department of Energy, announces the new initiative. that nearly 10,000 metric tons—or 22 million pounds—of plastic debris enter the Great Lakes every year from RIT named by U.S. Dept. of Energy to the United States and Canada. lead new Manufacturing USA institute Matthew Hoffman, assistant professor in RIT’s School of Math- IT is poised to continue REMADE, under the RIT-led “As resource scarcity intensifies, ematical Sciences, is the its significant role in the Sustainable Manufacturing Inno- the thoughtful use of water, energy lead author. manufacturing industry, vation Alliance (SMIA), will lever- and raw materials is the only path “This study is the bothR locally and nationally. age up to $70 million in federal forward,” Nasr said. “This institute first picture of the true The university, which can trace funding that will be matched by will leverage several strong build- scale of plastic pollu- its roots to providing professional $70 million in private cost-share ing blocks already in place in New tion in the Great Lakes,” development to the workforce at commitments from industry and York state and create new opportu- Hoffman said. the region’s major manufacturers, other consortium members. nities for economic growth.” is leading efforts to revitalize and Its focus is driving down the Rich Kiley The eye has it revamp manufacturing through a cost of technologies essential to Research is underway variety of national programs. reuse, recycle and remanufacture at RIT that will give sci- The latest effort is as leader of materials such as metals, fibers, Other Manufacturing entists a better under- the federal initiative REMADE, polymers and electronic waste. standing of the vitreous part of Manufacturing USA, a The coalition aims to achieve a USA institutes humor, or gel, that network of regional institutes 25 percent reduction in embod- While REMADE is the first fills the eye and could tasked with bridging the gap be- ied energy of targeted materials, Manufacturing USA institute lead to advances in tween basic research and product measures that could save billions that RIT will lead, the univer- the treatment of vision development in key technology of dollars in energy costs and sity is engaged in seven of the disorders, drug delivery areas regarded as critical to U.S. improve U.S. economic competi- 14 announced. RIT is a leader and eye surgery. manufacturing. tiveness through innovative new among universities in partici- Biophysicist Mou- The U.S. Department of Energy manufacturing techniques, small pation. The others are AIM mita Das is leading announced in January that it had business opportunities and new Photonics, Digital Manufac- a National Science chosen RIT’s Golisano Institute for training and jobs for American turing and Design Innovation Foundation-funded Sustainability to lead REMADE— workers. Institute, Advanced Robotics study to explore prop- which stands for Reducing “Across the nation and around Manufacturing (ARM) erties critical to the Embodied-Energy and Decreasing the world, cleaner production, Institute, Flexible Hybrid function of the vitreous Emissions—Institute. This national clean tech and adoption of a Electronics Manufacturing and the eye. Her team coalition of 26 universities, 44 circular economy are recognized Institute, Clean Energy Smart is investigating changes companies, seven national labs, as critical drivers to a prosperous Manufacturing Innovation in the vitreous gel on 26 industry trade associations and future,” said Nabil Nasr, associate Institute and the National structural and mechan- foundations and three states will provost and GIS director. He will Additive Manufacturing ical levels that result in work together to forge new clean serve as chief executive officer of Innovation Institute. vision impairment. energy initiatives. the REMADE initiative.

6 | SPRING 2017 Undergraduate students learn by doing NOTEBOOK Gaming grant Owen Gottlieb, an aylor Wolf was seeking a versity,’” said Ryne Raffaelle, RIT’s ment of tuberculosis, the leading expert in games and lab experience to comple- vice president for research and infectious disease worldwide. learning at RIT, is us- ment her studies and associate provost. The simple test Wolf developed ing a National Science woundT up discovering her life’s RIT is growing as a research identifies substandard and coun- Foundation grant that passion. university, and undergraduate terfeit pharmaceuticals, purporting will enable the next “Research is my thing,” said participation in that growth is part to contain Streptomycin, a front- generation of gaming Wolf, a fourth-year biochemistry of the formula, fueled by increased line antibiotic in the treatment scholars and research- major from Norwich, N.Y., who funding from the National Science of TB. Her research could lead to ers to make inroads in is working on a research project Foundation and National Institutes reduced TB-related deaths and the field of game design in infectious disease. “I like the for Health, as well as increased multi-drug resistance in develop- and development. problem-solving aspect. You’re proposals for future funding, that ing countries. Gottlieb, an assistant engaged, you’re involved, and you make more opportunities available, Williams is a mentor to many of professor, has earned a learn things that you never set out Raffaelle said. his students and former students. $99,800 National Sci- to learn.” The emphasis on becoming a Wolf credits him with helping her ence Foundation award It’s an experience RIT is encour- research university requires faculty land opportunities that she oth- to design a capacity- aging more and more students to balance research pursuits with erwise wouldn’t have had—such building program to incorporate into their under- their teaching responsibilities, said as presenting her work at regional tailored to early-career graduate years, an extension of Scott Williams, professor in the chapter meetings of the Ameri- scholars. The grant, the university’s commitment that School of Chemistry and Materials can Chemical Society and at the co-authored by Crystle every student be engaged in some Science. This means undergraduate National Undergraduate Research Martin from University form of experiential learning, be researchers have more oppor- Symposium at St. Jude’s Children’s of California at Irvine, it through a co-op assignment, tunities to become independent Hospital in Tennessee, and co- will examine diversity senior labs, capstone or indepen- researchers themselves. writing a paper on her research within the field and dent research project. Experiential A small army of 17 students findings. provide mentorship learning has many benefits, from drives Williams’ research areas. “One of the most important ex- and networking with teaching students independent Wolf leads his drug quality assur- periences I’ve gotten from RIT has senior scholars, op- thinking in a collaborative envi- ance group, which is affiliated with been the undergraduate research portunities for research ronment, to nurturing mentor- the RIT-Rochester Regional Health by far,” Wolf said. “It’s given me so proposal collaborations ships that help develop careers. Alliance. many opportunities, to travel, to and advice for those “A cornerstone of our strate- Wolf has contributed research make friends and to practice my entering the field. gic plan is the concept of being a that can verify the components of science.” ‘student-centered research uni- the drug cocktail used in the treat- Susan Gawlowicz ’95 Physics diversity A professor won funding from the National Science Foundation to develop an inclusive approach to physics graduate education admission and retention of traditionally underrepresented U.S. citizens. Casey Miller, director of RIT’s materials science and engineering graduate program, is collaborating with the American Physical Society on a $428,022 NSF Research Trainee- ship award to increase diversity and physics Ph.D. completion rates

Photo by A. Sue Weisler Sue Photo by A. among women, African Fourth-year biochemistry major Taylor Wolf is conducting research with Scott Williams, a professor in the School of Chemistry and Americans, Hispanic Materials Science, to create a test that will identify substandard and counterfeit pharmaceuticals that could help reduce what has Americans and Native been a significant problem around the world. Americans.

SPRING 2017 | 7 Success Coach Atiya Smith, right, talks with Nathan Terrell about finals week during one of their weekly coaching sessions. Terrell is a first-year game design student from Centennial, Colo. Individualized coaching sessions make RIT’s Spectrum Support Program unique.

8 | SPRING 2017 K spectrum forprofessional success RIT preparesstudentsonautism program in2008. National Foundation Science to the start grantthe that was received by RITfrom the and universities and was aconsultant on for opportunityspectrum beyond college. itwhen comes to preparing students on the School, said that RITis program amodel professor at Yale Study, Child Yale Medical unique their port needs.” resource and we understand and work to sup- RIT students first, and we are just another happen on to They’re be autism the spectrum. really dois support RITstudents just who Ackles,Laurie program director. “What we people know about and come to us for,” said but we spectrum, dohavethe aprogram that country.the coach. The program is one of about only 50in individualthe student through an individual innovative support tailored to specifically tunity to enroll inastructured program with years ago. It provides students with an oppor exponentially since it to close started nine No exceptions. to gain work prior experience to graduation. gram, requires which amajority of students college, and cooperative the education pro - students on navigate autism the spectrum SupportSpectrum Program, helps which Its strength stems from acombination of the forautism professional spectrum success. nationin the inpreparing students on the Disorder.Spectrum to Autism-Society.Org, live with an Autism 3.5millionthe Americans who, according students at RIT, and three are all of apart campus. and plays piano for areligious life group on in-depth conversations. Jessica Wheeler sings “The advantage“The forsomebody the on Brown works as aconsultant to families Jane Thierfeld Brown, an assistant clinical “We don’t recruit specifically students on SupportThe Spectrum Program grownhas RIT is one of leading the universities three are undergraduateAll full-time rell loves to ask questions and hold andscience numbers. Nathan Ter ieran Barrett-Snyder has apassion for - - academic success.”academic about preparing students for careers, not just universities around nation the more to think player areally crucial hasrie been ingetting unique of because co-op the model, and Lau - workthe world amajor can be barrier. RITis dents can academically, succeed but entering is huge,” said Brown. “Many stu these times - to graduatespectrum with work experience and once was this identified,the RIT took had resourceswhat Disability for, Services Acklesgreater was need said.than “The students way best in the possible,” sive and intensive time work to support these support. students were adifferent seeking kind of Office but found thatServices spectrum modations to students through Disability the offering services. autism-specific that few schools country inthe werevery Supporttrum Program in2008,there were When Ackles was hired to Spec- direct the Recognizing aneed employed by theprogram to work withenrolled students. Program LaurieAckles, Director right, Support meetswith NahomaPresburg,Spectrum oneofthesuccess coaches “It’s individualized, highly resource inten- Before RITwas then, providing accom- socially uncomfortable.socially three others and found himself feeling helpful for me eversince.” students It’s on spectrum. the really been support programspecialized offered for decisionthe to transfer of because the ested infrom but beginning, the Imade said. “RIT was aschool that inter Ihad been of, that Iknew Ihad to leave,” Barrett-Snyder accommodations for me to advantage take after that realizing there were limited how much it closer was to my home, but tolast major engineering. fall inelectrical ferred from New York University to RIT The 19-year-oldLong Island nativetrans - enrolled program inthe year. academic this that program the supports today. students, compared small to nearly the 70 could reinforce needs.” their by creating spectrum the aprogram that initiative and didmore to support on those “If my roommates were out com inthe - At NYU, he was living inasuite with “I originally went to of NYUbecause Barrett-Snyder is one of students the The pilot program was comprised of 12 SPRING 2017 |9 -

Photos by A. Sue Weisler mon area, I felt trapped,” he said. “I didn’t feel like they understood me, so I ended up staying in my room a lot, which was very problematic for me. It was very difficult for me and causing a lot of stress.” At RIT, Barrett-Snyder was placed in a single dorm room, but with the help of the Spectrum Support Program, he will be opting for a different housing option next year. “I’m going to try living in a Global Village apartment with a few other people in the program,” he said. “We’ll see how that goes.” Beyond housing accommodations, Barrett- Snyder said that the most helpful part of the program for him has been the individual coaching sessions. “I meet with my coach twice a week. I know that a lot can change for me in a week, so to meet twice is very important,” said Bar- rett-Snyder. “I talk to her about how things have been and what’s been going on, and we make a plan of what I’m going to do with my time to help me be successful and stay on track until the next time that we meet.” Barrett-Snyder said that the frequency of the meetings changes based on what works best for the individual student. “It’s not only academic coaching,” Barrett- Snyder said. “We’ll talk about what I’m doing to meet people outside of classes, and making plans with friends.” Importance of coaching Atiya Smith is one of a handful of coaches employed by the Spectrum Support Program to act as a mentor to students. Smith, who is a licensed therapist and current Ph.D. student in counseling at the University of Rochester, is in her second year of working with the program. “I became acquainted with the program when I was doing my internship at the Counseling Center two years ago,” Smith said. “I met Laurie through my work, and now I am a mentor to about nine students on the spectrum.” Since its beginning, the Spectrum Support Program has employed several graduate student coaches from RIT’s school psychology program to act as coaches to its students. The program also hires local professionals and doctoral candidates, like Smith. Terrell, who came from Centennial, Colo., to RIT for the combination of the Spectrum Support Program and the highly ranked game design program, is one of the students that Smith works with each week. Terrell said having Smith as a mentor has been an impor- Kieran Barrett-Snyder transferred from NYU to tant part in helping his transition into his first RIT to take advantage of the services that RIT year of college. offers to students on the autism spectrum. “My mom helped me a lot when it came to Photo by A. Sue Weisler picking a college,” said the first-year student.

10 | SPRING 2017 Ben Satkiewicz ’14 (electrical engineering) works for Vapor Bus International in Chicago. He is seated here with sound equipment that he works with as a hobby. He says for a student on the spectrum to succeed, a certain amount of grit is needed.

“Having a support program wasn’t super to attend Monroe Community College but that she faces academically, though, are still important to me at the beginning, but since made a last-minute decision to attend RIT in very real. I’ve gotten here, I’ve realized how great it has the fall of 2015. “I’ve had to drop a few classes just because been to have.” “I’m local to Rochester, so I was aware of of the time that it takes me to do everything. Academically, Terrell hasn’t had any issues the services offered by RIT, but I wasn’t sure And I mean everything,” said Wheeler. adjusting to college, but he said that socially, that I could handle going to a bigger school,” “People think that you just need more time to things have been up and down. said the second-year engineering exploration work on tests, but I need extra time planning. “My classes have been really easy so far, student from Pittsford, N.Y. “In the end, I I need extra time studying. I need extra time but I’ve had to work on building friendships,” made the decision to come here, and I’m glad to get ready in the morning. There just aren’t said Terrell. “I didn’t really have any friends that I did.” enough hours in the day, but Atiya has really before I came here, and when you’re in a new During her first semester of college, helped me to become more organized and place you’re not going to have any at first, re- Wheeler was not enrolled in the program make plans to help achieve my goals.” gardless, so that’s been something that we’ve and she said that she really struggled with the been working on.” transition. Wheeler said that she relied on Getting a job Like many of the students enrolled in the her mom for a lot of support in high school, Ben Satkiewicz ’14 (electrical engineering) program, Terrell had previous experience something that she didn’t have during her was one of the original 12 students who made with disability services offered through his first year at college. up the pilot program when he was a fresh- high school, but he said that the differences “I didn’t realize how much she had been man in 2008. Satkiewicz, from Evanston, Ill., between those and the coaching that he gets there for me until I had to do things on my was born in 1985 and said that he grew up in through the Spectrum Support Program have own. She would make sure I got out of bed the ’90s when not as much was known about been drastic. in the mornings, and help me to know what the autism spectrum. “Before I came to RIT, I would work with homework I had to do. It sounds simple, “My parents were very diligent about school counselors, but they were always but it’s not when you’re on the spectrum. getting me the help that I needed,” said pretty busy with other things. I get Atiya’s Attendance was a huge issue for me my first Satkiewicz, who graduated from high school full, undivided attention, and she under- semester.” in 2004 and took classes at local community stands my point of view,” he said. “I have a lot Following her enrollment in the Spectrum colleges before attending RIT. of questions that I don’t know the answers to, Support Program, Wheeler said that things Satkiewicz said that in order for a student and I’ve never really had anybody to ask them improved for her both socially and aca- on the spectrum to succeed, a certain level of to. Now I do.” demically. She’s become involved with CRU, a grit and personal motivation is required. Wheeler, another one of the students religious life group on campus, and has made “While certain supports make things coached by Smith, was originally planning a lot of friends through that. The challenges easier for students on the spectrum, who are

SPRING 2017 | 11 About Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder is the name for a group of developmental disorders. ASD includes a wide range, “a spectrum,” of symptoms, skills and levels of ability. Characteristics include:

• Difficulty navigating social situations • Repetitive behaviors and difficulty adapting to change • Heightened sensitivity to various sensory information • Having a lasting, intense interest in certain topics, such as numbers, details or facts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 68 children

Photo by A. Sue Weisler Sue Photo by A. has been identified to have some form Jessica Wheeler, a second-year engineering exploration major, said things improved for her both socially and of ASD. academically after she enrolled in the Spectrum Support Program last spring.

at a disadvantage in many ways, it’s ultimately to navigate the hiring process. The seminars find a company that would best fit my needs,” up to the individual to find it within them- cover topics varying from résumé building to he said. “The interview process goes both selves to succeed,” he said. “You have to have behavioral preparation and employer meet- ways and it’s helpful to be straightforward so the willpower to push through certain forms and-greets. that you can weed out the employers who you of societal rejection. That’s what I did.” Students who have already held co-ops wouldn’t want to be working for down the Since 2008, much has been done to better also are invited back to share their experi- road. There are certain handicaps that I have, understand and support those on the autism ences. but I’m really successful in my work because I spectrum, both within universities and the “This is a student-led process with our found a place that I fit.” workforce. support,” said Rowe. “These students are Barrett-Snyder is also planning to disclose. Janine Rowe, an assistant director for competing with their socially savvy peers He is currently preparing to find an electrical Disability Services at RIT’s Office of Career for the same co-ops and that’s tough because engineering co-op for the summer. He said Services and Cooperative Education, said that they don’t interview the same way. We don’t that he’s a bit nervous about the process, but she is seeing more employers reaching out in go out and get them a job, but we provide that the services offered through RIT have an attempt to understand this population of them with the resources so that they are best helped him a lot. potential employees. equipped to do it themselves. Career skills are “In my personal life, I normally don’t bring “Right now there is a hunger among life skills, and this experience is critical.” up that I have autism, and when people find recruiters and managers to be made aware of Satkiewicz is currently working in Chicago out, they are typically surprised,” he said. “It’s how to best incorporate this population into as an electrical engineer for Vapor Bus a spectrum and I’m high-functioning, mean- the workforce,” Rowe said. “There is a shift in International, a leader in providing passenger ing that it only impacts certain aspects of my attitude when employers have a better idea door systems to the North American Transit life, but sometimes it feels like there’s shame of who they are working with and what they Bus Industry. in admitting that you have it. There shouldn’t need to do to support an employee on the “The interview process took me about six be. A lot of times when I get comfortable in a spectrum, but also what there is to be gained or seven months after I graduated,” Satkie- situation, I can be just like anybody else.” by doing so.” wicz said. “I did interview for other jobs and Lauren Peace ’17 Rowe said that helping employers under- got a few offers, but it was about finding a stand how to work with an employee who place that would work for me logistically.” requires more structure often leads to com- When embarking in the hiring process, To learn more munication improvements and practices that students on the spectrum must make the benefit the company as a whole. decision about whether to disclose their dis- The RIT Spectrum Support Program Beyond the individual coaching offered ability to their potential employer. Some fear caters to all students with Autism through the Spectrum Support Program, the discrimination because of a negative stigma Spectrum Disorders who are pursuing Office of Career Services and Cooperative attached to Autism Spectrum Disorders. undergraduate degrees. For more Education provides students on the spec- Satkiewicz disclosed. information, go to rit.edu/ssp or contact trum with the opportunity to participate in “For me, it was helpful to get it all out Laurie Ackles at [email protected]. various seminars that place emphasis on how there on the table ahead of time, in order to

12 | SPRING 2017 You RIT, well, we you, too! Introducing the . . . THANK YOU COLLECTION

This spring, when you make a gift to any area of RIT, select a special gift from our exclusive Thank You Collection. It’s our way of showing our for you. These one-of-a-kind items are our way of thanking a one-of-a-kind donor—YOU!

Check out the collection and make your gift today at rit.edu/ThankYouCollection.

Although we you forever, this offer expires June 30, 2017. To qualify, your gift must be a new online gift made via the Thank You Collection link provided above.

© 2017 Rochester Institute of Technology. All rights reserved. Rochester Institute of Technology | One Lomb Memorial Drive | Rochester, New York 14623 From left, Courtney McGorrill, a fifth-year software engineering major; Tia Bendlin, a second-year computer science major; and Sarah Fomchenko, a second-year computer science major, teach Girl Scouts how to solder circuit boards and LED lights together to build Flashing LED Sweetheart trinkets at a Women in Computing outreach event.

Women in Computing group helping to close gender gap

rowing up, Sarah Fomchenko had possibility for her. After participating in a “We need to create more opportunities for no clue what she wanted to do. She two-week learn-to-code program in Boston, young women to learn about computing way just knew that she liked playing she enrolled in her school’s first AP Com- before high school—it’s wasted potential if they Gwith computers. puter Science course and eventually made have already committed to another major.” “My parents would joke that if I wasn’t on her way to a program for women accepted For all the progress women have made in the computer all the time, I could be a straight into RIT’s B. Thomas Golisano College of STEM careers, the gender gap in comput- A student,” said Fomchenko, a second-year Computing and Information Sciences. There, ing is only growing larger. Since 1990, the computer science major from Franklin Lakes, she got to meet other women who were inter- percentage of female computing profession- N.J. “I love the feeling of being able to create ested in coding and see what RIT is all about. als has dropped from 35 percent to about 24 something, without needing to be artistic.” “I would have never considered computer percent today. If that trend continues, the It wasn’t until high school that Fomchenko science as a major unless I had been a part share of women in the nation’s computing realized a career in computer science was a of those special programs,” said Fomchenko. workforce will decline to 22 percent by 2025,

14 | SPRING 2017 Photo by Brittainy Newman Photo by Brittainy

according to Girls Who Code, a national its female enrollment from 12 percent in 2012 nonprofit organization dedicated to closing to 16 percent last fall. The national average the gender gap in technology. hovers between 14 and 18 percent. Still, computing is a growing industry. However, for the women involved it’s more Employer demand for graduates with than just numbers. Anne Haake, dean of the computing skills far outnumbers the supply. computing college, has made diversifying the Colleges are seeing this trend and their college an area of focus. search for ways to attract more women Women in Computing is trying to build to a career in computing is underway. up the next generation of female coders by Increasing female enrollment has been changing the culture of computing, creating a priority at RIT. As part of the university’s more advancement opportunities and reach- strategic plan, RIT is striving to become the ing out to young women. largest producer of female, underrepresented “It is so important that we collectively, as male and deaf or hard-of-hearing STEM a community, support women in tech and graduates among all private colleges in the organizations like WiC,” said Aliza Carpio, U.S. by 2025. technology evangelist at Intuit. “Although RIT’s Women in Computing (WiC) group women in tech—whether at colleges or work-

was created in 2008 to help empower women ing in the industry—are still in the minority, Weisler Sue Photo by A. in computer fields to succeed and thrive at we represent a vital component in building Lana Verschage, director of RIT’s Women in Computing RIT and beyond. As a result of all of these amazing solutions that enrich or enable all group, is working to break down gender barriers in the efforts, the computing college has increased of our lives.” computing field and promote an inclusive environment.

SPRING 2017 | 15 Photo by A. Sue Weisler Kayla Davis, standing, a fourth-year software engineering student from Middlebury, Vt., takes part in a group project during her engineering secure software course with Assistant Professor Andy Meneely.

WiC grows In 2014, Andrew Sears, dean of the Goli- young women who want to follow in the path In 1996, RIT became the first college in the sano College at the time, saw the need for a we’ve cut out at RIT and in the industry.” U.S. to offer an undergraduate degree in soft- full-time person that could focus on diversity ware engineering. Of the 12 students in that in the college and support students. Lana Changing the culture first class, none were women. Verschage, a longtime academic adviser in Every year, members of WiC attend the As computers became a more integral part the Department of Software Engineering, annual Grace Hopper Celebration of Women of daily life, the programming majors at RIT was just the person to take this on. in Computing, the world’s largest gather- continued to grow in size, but not necessarily “Not every woman in the Golisano ing of female technologists. Not only does in diversity. College is going to take advantage of WiC, the event open a dialogue about women in To combat this trend, Women in Comput- and that’s perfectly OK,” said Verschage, technology, it also serves as a recruiting tool ing was formed. The small group, led by director of WiC. “We are here to provide for companies. Professor Sharon Mason, focused on sup- opportunities for growth, to support each At the 2016 event, more than a dozen porting faculty and creating networking and other and to benefit from one another’s students went on 48 interviews, resulting outreach opportunities. varied experiences.” in more than 15 job and co-op offers from As a student, Michaela Butler ’15 Today, the Women in Computing group companies including IBM, ESPN, Northrop (information technology) remembers helping consists of more than 50 active members Grumman, EA Games and Apple. to organize events from majors across the computing college. Laura Weintraub, a second-year computing with WiC, including Students regularly meet in the two-room security student from Syosset, N.Y., interviewed creating techie tree office to hold meetings for the six WiC with and received co-op offers from Allstate ornaments out of committee groups, host networking oppor- and Bank of America at the conference. old computer parts tunities with employers and workshops for “I was sitting among the smartest and most and hosting a Grace learning something new, work on homework innovative women in the computing field, Hopper birthday and oftentimes just to socialize and relax. and it was awesome,” she said. “I loved hear- party to celebrate the “Sometimes I stop by WiC for a meeting ing about all of the exciting journeys these pioneering computer and it always amazes me how much bigger and women went on to get to where they are, and programmer. better it seems to get every year,” said Butler. what they project the future of computing to “However, WiC “WiC gives a voice to women, provides sup- be like.” Michaela Butler ’15 had limited resources port and a safe haven for those in program- For Kayla Davis, a fourth-year software at the time and I didn’t really see it grow or ming fields at RIT and gives its members engineering student from Middlebury, Vt., evolve,” Butler said. the opportunity to turn around and mentor being in a room full of women at the Grace

16 | SPRING 2017 Hopper event was a bit of a shock. She’s used underrepresented groups like women in tech, start to form a network of friends. to being a minority in the classroom. we all win.” “The overnight program is what really “The good thing is, in most cases, people Butler is already noticing a difference. sealed the deal for me,” said Fomchenko, in the computing world are going to judge When she worked as an IT consultant with who helps to lead the Outreach Committee. you based on your skill and if you work well Ethany Corp. in Scottsville, N.Y., three of the “I’m still really good friends with the girls in a team, not on your gender,” said Davis, eight programmers in her office were female. I met when I first attended—we have each who already had a summer co-op lined up at “If everyone comes from the same experi- other’s back.” Microsoft Health before the conference. “But ences, the same mindset and the same culture, The Women in Computing group also in the future, I hope I’m not seen as a woman you only get the same stale ideas,” Butler works to spark an interest in computing at in computing—I want to be an engineer who said. “That’s why it’s important for women to an even younger age, by working with just happens to be a woman.” play a more equal role in the programming middle school students at local libraries. Unique to RIT is a group of men in com- fields—we bring new thoughts, ideas and “Ultimately, it’s a pipeline problem,” puting who are working to make that future questions to the table that men may not have said Verschage. “There needs to be more a reality. ever thought of.” opportunities for girls to get exposure The WiC Allies Committee meets every to computing.” week to discuss ways of socially changing the Reaching out One of WiC’s largest outreach efforts has atmosphere of computing from within, by The WiC Outreach Committee is constantly been the group’s all-female WiCHacks event, fostering a more inclusive culture. thinking of new ways to get girls interested hosted on campus every winter and now “To promote diversity and inclusion of in computing. sponsored by 10 companies. women in the field, we need people of all At a recent outreach planning meeting, For the two-day hackathon, student teams genders to collaborate and be a part of the Tia Bendlin, a second-year computer sci- work to create mobile apps, websites, games solution,” said Adam McCarthy, a fifth- ence major from Otisville, N.Y., wondered and other software that provide unique solu- year software engineering major from if soldering was the answer. “You get to melt tions to problems. In four years, the event, Ogdensburg, N.Y., and leader of the Allies metal!” she said. open to college and high school women of all Committee. “We give everybody an opportu- Teaching young women how to solder skill levels, has grown from 65 participants to nity to help out and make a difference.” their own smart bracelets with program- more than 300. While the allies search for ways to combat mable LED displays is just one of the many RIT’s total female undergraduate enroll- microaggressions and unconscious bias in activities the committee has put together. ment is also growing because of recruitment the computing world, WiC is also bringing in The group also hosts Girl Scouts workshops, and outreach efforts like this, said Daniel leaders from the industry who can share their a STEM Fair along with other diversity Shelley, associate vice president and director tips and tricks for working in the field. groups on campus and the After Hours proof undergraduate admissions. “This isn’t about the divide between men gram Fomchenko attended. “We’ve found that it’s important to work and women, this is about how we can support The annual After Hours program allows along with our faculty, current students and each other, so that each of us finds a place in women accepted into the computing college special interest groups to make sure that pro- making this world better for each and every to meet like-minded girls and experience life spective students see others like themselves one of us,” said Carpio, who has given several as an RIT student. in STEM fields,” Shelley said. talks on her experiences at Intuit. “When we Through build-it challenges and scavenger Scott Bureau ’11, ’16 strive to create a community that supports hunts, the young women work in groups and

To learn more For the first time, RIT will host the 2017 Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) New York Celebration of Women in Computing on April 21-22. The RIT Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education in conjunction with Intuit is sponsoring a keynote address by Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, to be held on the RIT campus. She will discuss her work in closing the gender gap in technology and preparing young women for jobs in the future. The event is for girls and women of all ages. To register for the conference, go to https://www.conftool. net/nycwic2017.

Adam McCarthy, a fifth-year software engineering major from Ogdensburg, N.Y., meets Photo by A. Sue Weisler with the WiC Allies Committee weekly to discuss ways of fostering an inclusive culture. SPRING 2017 | 17 w-

Tiger Talk Doreen Edwards

Doreen Edwards became dean of the Kate I became graduate program director, and Gleason College of Engineering in July. that morphed into an associate dean posi- She had been dean of the Kazuo Inamori tion. In 2009, I applied for the dean’s posi- School of Engineering at Alfred Univer- tion and was dean until I started here. sity and acting vice president of Statutory Affairs for the university. She is the first I was familiar with RIT and had visited it female dean of RIT’s engineering college, periodically when I was at Alfred. When which is the only one in the United States I interviewed here I was just absolutely that is named after a woman. Here she blown away by the transformation. Education talks about her background and plans for Doreen Edwards holds a Bachelor of the college. I was impressed with RIT’s strategic plan, Science degree in chemistry from the particularly in the area of interdisciplinary South Dakota School of Mines and I was in third grade and the teacher was research and interdisciplinary studies, and Technology and a Ph.D. in materials teaching us about atoms and she pointed that was one of the things that attracted science and engineering from at the table and she said, ‘You know, there me to RIT. Northwestern University. are atoms in that table and they are moving all the time.’ I looked at the solid table One of our plans for the college is that and this notion that it was constructed of we want to grow research and we want Work experience something that was moving all the time to do so in a way that engages students Prior to attending graduate school, just locked me in. at all levels—undergraduate, master’s, Edwards worked as a research Ph.D. That is one of the areas we are very scientist at BIRL, a contract research I got my undergraduate degree at interested in. lab at Northwestern University, and South Dakota School of Mines and at the Gould Research Center in Technology, which is predominately an We have made tremendous strides Chicago. engineering school. My undergraduate in the percentage of female engineers degree was in chemistry. and certainly we would like to continue Awards to grow that trend toward the overall I moved to Chicago and I worked for population. One area that we have a lot of Edwards joined Alfred University Gould Research Center in microelectronic work to do is increasing the percentage of in 1997 as an assistant professor processing for a couple of years. From AALANA students—African American, of materials science and received there I moved to Northwestern University. Latin American, Native American. We numerous faculty awards there. She At that point they had a contract research can leverage some of the programs that we also received the Chancellor’s Award lab that was called BIRL, which stood for used for women in engineering to under- for Excellence in Teaching, one of Basic Industry Research Lab, and their represented minorities, so that is one of the State University of New York’s whole premise was that they would write our major goals. highest honors. In 2001, she received proposals to companies to solve problems. a CAREER Award from the National A personal goal is reconnecting with Science Foundation. I worked there for six years and went alumni. I want to hear about their experi- back to grad school part time for a good ences, what RIT did for them in a positive Research many of those six and then at some point way and where there is room for improve- decided I was never going to get a Ph.D. ment. How can RIT better serve future She has served as the principal part time, so I quit and went back to students? investigator on fundamental and graduate school full time. applied research projects, focus- I absolutely love it here. I’m really ing on oxide materials for fuel cells, In order to advance in research, impressed with the dedication the faculty batteries, thermoelectric devices, you needed to have a Ph.D. I can remem- has to student development and student environmental remediation and solar ber a few occasions of writing proposals education. energy applications. and having my name scratched off and the Ph.D.’s name put in as the author because I’m very impressed with the enthusiasm they knew they needed that to get it and engagement the students have with funded or to move forward. their studies.

I moved to Alfred, N.Y., and started as I would like to be remembered as a an assistant professor at Alfred University dean who was instrumental in increasing in 1997. research in the college in a way that preserved the student-centered values I got tenure and right after I got tenure that we have.

18 | FALLSPRING 2014 2017 Doreen Edwards is the new dean of the Kate Gleason College of Engineering.

Photo by A. Sue Weisler SPRINGFALL 20142017 | 19 RIT President Bill Destler and Rebecca Johnson

Photo by A. Sue Weisler 20 | SPRING 2017 Saying goodbye to RIT’s No.1 and his No.1 Destler, Johnson leverage RIT’s unique strengths and leave solid legacy

18,632 No one was surprised that draw continues to widen across Shaver ’17 (graphic design) chose the United States and overseas. to spend nine hours driving But as Destler prepares to 3,251 across the Midwest in the middle retire June 30, his strong rela- Graduate of the night with the university tionship with students is the key 15,557 president. In his decade at RIT, piece of his legacy. It’s also the Destler has made it a priority to main component of the legacy of 2,417 be approachable. He eats lunch Johnson, who has been Destler’s Graduate regularly with students, attends No. 1 supporter and has become club events, friends thousands a huge behind-the-scenes re- of students on Facebook, source on campus. delivers his annual commence- Every RIT achievement in the

Photo provided by RIT Sports Information by RIT Sports Information Photo provided ment speech in American Sign past decade—from sustainability President Bill Destler, who wears jersey No. 1, was a Language, rarely misses a hockey to innovation to increasing the regular at hockey games and other RIT athletic events. game and has become almost number of Ph.D. programs— infamous for posing for selfies. puts students first. Even Destler’s “A lot of students at other catch-phrase of RIT having the 15,381 tudent Government President Andrea schools don’t know the president greatest collection of geeks and Under- Shaver was returning to Rochester from of their university because they artists honors students. 13,140 graduate an RIT function on the West Coast last are a lot more external facing,” “All presidents have to decide Under- summerS when her flight out of Chicago was Shaver said. “But Dr. Destler how they are going to spend graduate canceled because of weather. has been an internal president. I their time,” Destler said. “I de- Stuck in the airport at 1 a.m. with Shaver think that’s what RIT needed at cided to spend more of my time were RIT President Bill Destler; his spouse, the time 10 years ago when he than some presidents would have Rebecca Johnson; and RIT Trustee Steve started. I think he really grew the on campus with the students. I Schultz ’89 (computer science). community, and students really wanted to be known to the stu- “He goes to the Syracuse gate and the love him.” dents. I wanted to support them, Buffalo gate and neither of those flights have Under Destler’s leadership, be seen as supportive of them.” seats,” said Shaver about Destler. “So he’s like, RIT’s enrollment has reached re- “You wouldn’t have had fun ‘I guess we’re driving.’ I could have stayed cord levels, selectivity and diver- if you didn’t do that,” added 2006 2016 in Chicago and got on an 8:30 a.m. flight. sity have improved concurrently, Johnson. But I was like, this is a really good story, so I the value of research awards “Yes,” he said. “That’s what I Total enrollment decided to go with them.” has skyrocketed and geographic wanted to do.” (all locations)

Selfies with Destler RIT students love to take photos with Bill Destler and Rebecca Johnson. We asked students to send us their favorites.

SPRING 2017 | 21 Photo by A. Sue Weisler Destler addressed the RIT community at the beginning of each school year, when Destler regularly participated in the annual Mud Tug event orga- he recognized accomplishments and outlined goals. nized by Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.

Coming to RIT his undergraduate degree in electrical engi- But during the interviewing process, About a year before RIT began searching for neering at the University of Maryland. Glenn Destler said, he became interested in the its ninth president, Destler asked Johnson if said the search committee was so impressed right-brain, left-brain nature of RIT. RIT she would like to spend a “romantic week- with Destler’s résumé that they asked him to seemed like a place where he and Johnson end” in Rochester. visit Destler in person to sell RIT. could add value. It felt different from other Destler, an accomplished musician on the “I told him he was responsible for me presidencies they had flirted with. side who was then senior vice president for being successful in my education. I wouldn’t “I began to think that having the fine arts academic affairs and provost at the University have made it through without him,” said programs, having the design programs and of Maryland at College Park, actually wanted Glenn, now dean of the College of Engineer- the technology, science, engineering and to visit a vintage banjo store where he had ing, Technology and Physical Sciences at business programs was kind of an unfair made a deal with the owner to trade some Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Ala. advantage,” he said. “I got more and more instruments, Johnson said laughing. “I told him I thought at RIT he interested in RIT and its possibilities. I think So when Destler got a call a 3,279 could do more of that for many, that is what finally convinced me to come.” year later from Chance Glenn, a many people.” He was installed as RIT’s ninth president professor in the College of Applied 2,052 Leaving Maryland was not an on Nov. 9, 2007. In his inaugural address, Science and Technology and a easy decision. Destler had worked Destler encouraged the RIT community member of the RIT presidential at the University of Maryland for to take the university to the next level by capi- search committee, the two were 2007 2016 34 years, moving up the ranks. talizing on its unusual strengths, including already familiar with Rochester. Johnson, a clinical psychologist the “creative juices” of the student body. Destler also knew Glenn, who Diverse who was homeschooling their two “How do we encourage the development had taken two courses from Des- enrollment in sons, was active in the community of their minds, their hearts and their souls tler in the late 1980s while getting Rochester and had deep roots there. in such a way that we ensure that the next

22 | SPRING 2017 Photo by A. Sue Weisler Sue Photo by A. Photo by Michael Owens Destler had his hair dyed orange during the halftime of an RIT men’s basketball game in 2008 to increase attendance and support of basketball. Johnson joined in the fun. They continued the tradition in future years.

generation of humans can grow and flourish Student Government president from 2010-12. They announced the Rochester City Scholars on this planet?” Destler said during the 2007 “He was a change agent in every sense of the program in 2009 and RIT admitted the first event. “As we work to make RIT a real ‘inno- term.” class a year later. Destler and Johnson pro- vation university,’ we will have to come Destler said when he proposed the festival, vided the initial funding for the scholarships. up with good answers.” he did so thinking more about the public “We thought and hoped we were doing relations benefits in the community. He a good thing for the students and doing a Lasting legacy didn’t know how meaningful it would good thing for the Rochester city school Destler got right to work on making RIT an become internally. system,” Johnson said. “Low and behold, innovation university by creating the Imagine The Rochester City Scholars initiative, we did an amazingly good thing for RIT RIT: Innovation and Creativity Festival, a scholarship program available to all because the Rochester City Scholars are which will celebrate its 10th year on May 6. Rochester School District students who extraordinary people. They are incredible The festival attracts more than 30,000 visitors are accepted to RIT and whose families assets to the university.” to campus annually. make less than $66,000 a year, Angel Rivera ’16 (mechanical Greg Pollock ’12 (professional and techni- also exceeded expectations. 2,732 engineering technology) is one cal communication), who started studying at In Maryland, Destler and of 39 City Scholars who have RIT the same year Destler became president, Johnson had supported a similar 1,345 graduated. Another 76 students said that from the beginning, Destler looked program aimed at encouraging are currently enrolled. at RIT as one big opportunity. kids from urban high schools to 2007 2016 Rivera, who was first in his “It was a brilliant move in my opinion to enroll in college. Their goal at RIT immediate family to go to college, take advantage of the left-brain, right-brain was to get Rochester students—as International is now working on a master’s capabilities of the school and turn RIT into a early as middle school—to begin enrollment in degree in automotive engineering hotbed of innovation,” said Pollock, who was to see college as a possibility. Rochester at Clemson University.

SPRING 2017 | 23 Photo by A. Sue Weisler Destler greeted first-year students as they walked in the annual Tiger Walk Johnson helped start the Gray Matter series on provocative parade. Destler wanted to be known to the students and to support them. topics. Here she talks at one after the November election.

The high school valedictorian said he to be a co-president. That’s not where my were concerns that there was this group wouldn’t be where he is today without the interests or talents lie.” that was trying to stir up controversy or City Scholars program. “It didn’t just open Johnson’s support in the background made shock people for the sake of shocking them,” a door, it opened a hallway for every single a difference in many areas across campus, Shaw said. “For me, this is more like a book one of us,” Rivera said. particularly when it came to talking about club where you read about something difficult topics. controversial and then have intellectual Becoming a team In 2009, Colette Shaw and others attended discourse about it.” The Rochester City Scholars program turned a discussion spurred by the visit of Amiri Without Johnson’s support and ongoing into a happy milestone for Destler and John- Baraka, a poet, playwright and leading figure active participation, she said, she isn’t sure son as well. The two, who met at a Contra in the Black Arts theatrical and literary the Gray Matter series would have started dance, were long-time marriage partners and movement of the 1960s. The discussion was six years ago. Now the monthly series on co-parents, but had never worked together an open invitation to talk about whether provocative topics such as the cost of tuition, professionally until they arrived in Rochester. controversial speakers should be invited to sexuality, racism and drugs is expected and When they got to RIT, Johnson had to an academic setting like RIT. celebrated. carve out her role, which she said involved Shaw, who is currently assistant director When there is discomfort on campus, stu- trial and error. of student conduct and conflict resolution, dents want to talk about it and explore their “I wanted to spend my time in ways that said several attendees, including Johnson, different opinions, Shaw said, noting that were meaningful and rewarding,” she said. were so inspired by the dialogue that they more than 100 people gathered three days “And it also needed to be clear at all times thought it would be productive to have after the presidential election to respectively that Bill was the president. It felt important regular discussions on important but share their feelings and listen to others. to work behind the scenes. It was important controversial topics. Shaw worked at six different college for people to understand that I was not trying “I was getting some feedback that there campuses in Pennsylvania, Indiana, South

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

• RIT opens a campus in Dubai. • The University Services • The men’s hockey team • College of Health Sciences • RIT announces a Center for • RIT and Rochester Regional Center is the first building in earns a trip to the NCAA’s and Technology opens. Urban Entrepreneurship. Health begin an alliance. Monroe County to be certi- prestigious Frozen Four. • Gerard Buckley ’78 becomes • RIT is among the first • The Golisano Institute for fied LEED Platinum by the • The work of international NTID’s first graduate to serve universities to create a Sustainability creates the U.S. Green Building Council. designers Massimo and as president. department dedicated world’s first Ph.D. program • Saunders College of Busi- Lella Vignelli is permanently • GCCIS unveils the School to computing security. focused on sustainable ness launches an online archived at RIT in the Vignelli of Interactive Games and • RIT launches the online

Milestones production. Executive MBA program. Center for Design Studies. Media. Innovative Learning Institute.

24 | SPRING 2017 Photo by A. Sue Weisler Photo by A. Sue Weisler Destler and Johnson started RIT’s Rochester City Scholars initiative, a scholarship program for Rochester School District students. “We are very proud of it,” Destler said.

Carolina and Ohio before coming to RIT. to realize we have the potential to become you can move things a lot faster,” she said. She said Destler is the president most open a natural leader in this area,” Destler said. Two other big sustainability projects with such honest discussions on campus and The gatherings turned into a push to hire were also focused on students: Goodbye, attends the most controversial conversations. someone who could focus on the issue. Enid Goodbuy! and RIT FoodShare, which both Johnson co-facilitates several discussions Cardinal arrived in 2011 from Illinois State launched in 2014. each year and attends nearly all of them. University. Cardinal said she was and still In Goodbye, Good- “We got that two-for-one special with is one of a handful of sustainability officers buy!, RIT students can 1,931 them that no one would have ever known,” at universities who report directly to the donate items they no 921 Shaw said about Johnson. “She is the con- president. longer want at the end science and the soul of our administration.” Not surprisingly, her charge included a of the spring semester 2007 2016 focus on student engagement. One of her first that are then sold to Sustainability improvements assignments was to enact a policy restricting returning students in Enrollment Johnson’s behind-the-scenes role is also evi- bottled water on campus. “That is one of the the fall. The recycling at global dent when it comes to sustainability, which hardest initiatives to normally push forward program saved 70,000 campuses has been a hallmark of Destler’s tenure. on a college campus,” Cardinal said. “I know pounds from landfills During her initial tours of RIT, Johnson of campuses that have been trying for five to last year. became engrossed in conversations with 10 years to eliminate bottled water.” RIT’s FoodShare Center helps combat people across campus about sustainability. Cardinal worked with Student Affairs to food waste while helping members of the She began gathering these people together hand out reusable water bottles. Hydration RIT community who may be struggling to to talk about the issue. stations are being installed across campus, pay for food. The program is two-pronged: “I would say Rebecca drove a lot of our and bottled water is slowly being removed. A Facebook group where members receive early efforts to focus on sustainability and “It is when you have that top-level support notifications from other members who post

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

• RIT converts from quarters • The Gene Polisseni Center, • RIT launches the 2015-2025 • RIT is considered a “doctoral • RIT’s Golisano Institute for to semesters. home to men’s and women’s strategic plan “Greatness university” by the leading Sustainability is selected by • Golisano Institute for hockey, opens. Through Difference.” national classification of U.S. the U.S. Department of Sustainability opens a new • RIT launches its seventh • Three RIT students win colleges and universities. Energy to lead its new building and Sebastian and doctoral program, a Ph.D. Fulbright fellowships. • Six RIT researchers are among Reducing Embodied-Energy Lenore Rosica Hall opens. in engineering. • RIT opens a 2-megawatt solar authors of a paper confirming and Decreasing Emissions • MAGIC Spell Studios is • RIT graduates its first class energy farm consisting of the existence of gravitational (REMADE) Institute. created. of Rochester City Scholars. 6,138 photovoltaic panels. waves predicted by Einstein.

SPRING 2017 | 25 Photos by A. Sue Weisler Destler delivered his annual commencement At the First Niagara Rochester Fringe Festival in 2015, Destler played the banjo speech in American Sign Language. and was accompanied by Johnson.

about free food available on campus and a morphed into a FoodShare Center as well, his retirement working on his music, no-questions-asked food-sharing center which opened in April 2015 in the Riverknoll continuing his membership on public and created for any RIT community member. apartment complex on campus. private boards of trustees and perhaps getting Sharon Kompalla-Porter, associate director Last semester, 428 people made more than involved with anti-poverty initiatives in in the Center for Residence Life, said the 1,870 visits to the FoodShare Center. That’s Rochester. notification system was started after John- more than double the number of visits from Christine Whitman, chairman of the RIT son and others began the fall of 2015. Board of Trustees, said Destler has positioned 5,677 brainstorming ways “She was able to take an issue that she saw RIT well for the future and that growth will 4,752 to reduce food waste and then tap some very passionate people at continue as the 2015-2025 strategic plan is across campus. Key RIT and connect them to really see this idea deployed. leaders on campus, through,” Kompalla-Porter said of Johnson. “Under Dr. Destler’s leadership, every including a Campaign “She was the glue.” measurable indicator is up,” Whitman said. Management and “RIT is having high impact and is recognized Planning class taught Feeling like home both nationally and internationally.” by Kelly Martin, pulled Johnson said she hopes to remain involved Destler said he is most proud of the fact together to begin to on campus after Destler’s retirement. The two that RIT has not only grown in enrollment 2007 2016 address the problem. purchased a house and they plan to stay in during his tenure, but has grown in the Kompalla-Porter Rochester. quality of students enrolled and in the Female and others got Destler said he will be available to provide diversity of students. enrollment involved and the guidance to the next president but he will do “That’s considered a trifecta,” he said. in Rochester notification campaign so only when asked. He would like to spend “It’s very hard to do. And we did all three.”

26 | SPRING 2017 2008 2010 Say thank you Submit your own photo or message thanking Bill Destler and Rebecca Johnson at rit.edu/president/farewell. Or make a gift in their honor in one of three areas: Destler/Johnson Rochester City Scholars Program, Dr. Rebecca Johnson Endowed Sustainability Cham- pion Award or an area of importance to

you. Go to rit.edu/giving/tributegift. Moon Photo by Jen Wittmeyer Photo by Matt 2013 2016 Join the celebration “Imagine a Legacy,” a tribute dinner honoring Bill Destler and Rebecca Johnson, will be held at 6 p.m. June 10 in the Gordon Field House. For more information, contact Deborah Stendardi at [email protected]. Registra- tion details will be available soon. Photo by Elizabeth Lamark Photo by Elizabeth Bradley Photo by Mike Imagine RIT: Innovation and Creativity Festival has evolved since the first one in 2008. 10 years of Imagine RIT Students say the most important piece of When Bill Destler became president of displays the ingenuity of students, faculty Destler’s legacy involves change in the RIT RIT in 2007, he stressed that his No.1 pri- and staff with about 400 exhibits per year. culture, which only happened because of his ority was transforming RIT into a national Nearly 270,000 visitors have “explored focus on students. center for creativity and innovation. the future” since May 3, 2008. Pollock, who is now diversity inclusion One way he did this was The festival has been a launch- lead for North America at the Dow Chemical through the Imagine RIT: ing pad for student-led ventures, Co. in Midland, Mich., said there was a time Innovation and Creativity YEARS entrepreneurship and careers. when more students would wear shirts with Festival, which will celebrate “It is always great to have logos from other universities than RIT. its 10th anniversary this year. so many community members, There wasn’t a sense of school spirit like Destler came up with the especially children, teens, parents there is today. festival idea before he even and RIT alumni, join us and see “I think his legacy is making RIT a started at RIT. He described all of the innovative and creative place people wanted to be,” Pollock said. a vision for it during an open forum talents that have been on display over the “Dr. Destler made RIT feel like home.” when he was a candidate. years,” said Imagine RIT Chairman Barry Shaver agreed. “The festival’s mission goes beyond Culhane. “It’s been an incredible 10 years. “He really gave RIT its personality,” she showcasing the thriving RIT campus. What will we think of next?” said. “He helped us find who we are. Now the We see it as a call to national service,” next person has a really solid foundation to Destler said. “Innovation is one of our If you go build off of to help continue RIT on a great country’s last competitive advantages.” The free festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. trajectory.” Imagine RIT quickly became the uni- Saturday, May 6, on the RIT campus. Mindy Mozer versity’s signature event, a showcase that

SPRING 2017 | 27 David C. Munson Jr. named RIT’s 10th president Photo by A. Sue Weisler Sue Photo by A. avid C. Munson Jr., former dean of • Led a college of 10,000 students, 600 the University of Michigan College faculty members and 600 staff members. of Engineering, will become RIT’s • Managed a $550 million budget. D10th president on July 1. • Annual research expenditures increased Munson was introduced to the RIT com- from $130 million to $250 million.

Photo by Elizabeth Lamark Photo by Elizabeth munity on Jan. 25 by RIT Board Chair • Grew faculty ranks by 30 percent Christine Whitman at an event in the Gordon with aggressive hiring and retention Field House. The announcement was watched programs. via live-stream by about 2,000 people, includ- • Launched the Center for Entrepreneur- ing at RIT campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai ship, which offers programs to 2,500 and Kosovo. students annually. “We believe we have identified the ideal • Worked with university leaders to leader to continue RIT’s rise to prominence,” develop the Joint Institute with Shanghai Whitman said. “A leader who shares our Jiao Tong University in China. commitment to outstanding career-focused • Supported his staff to create the Michigan education, research and innovation, love of Engineering Zone in Detroit, where both technology and the arts, and a desire to undergrads and alumni mentor 300 help students from widely diverse back- minority students on FIRST Robotics grounds succeed.” teams from 18 public high schools. Munson thanked the RIT Board of Trust- “In the coming years, I look forward to ees for what he called “a thrill and privilege” maintaining RIT’s traditions and simultane- to be named university president. And he ously building on the 2025 Strategic Plan, congratulated retiring President Bill Destler, ‘Greatness through Difference,’” Munson RIT students, faculty, staff and alumni “for said. “To be sure, there is still much work the exemplary work you all have done in cre- to be done at RIT in program development, ating such a strong foundation for the future.” recruitment of top-notch faculty and “When I stepped down from my dean students, planning of facilities and fundrais- position this past summer, RIT was already ing. But I believe that RIT is positioned to known to me because I had admired your continue its upward trajectory, elevating progress over the years and your strength in its distinctive programs to best in class and the arts as well as technology,” Munson said. generating new ideas and programs for the A 24-member search committee composed future, with the promise of making an of students, faculty, staff, alumni, adminis- ever-larger difference in the world.” tration and trustees narrowed the pool of RIT Student Government President candidates before the final selection by the Andrea Shaver, who was on the search Board of Trustees. committee, said that Munson is going to fit

Photo by A. Sue Weisler Sue Photo by A. Munson has 38 years of experience in right in to the RIT community. higher education, which includes serving as “He’s a very genuine person who really un- the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering at derstands RIT and our vision for the future,” Michigan from 2006 to 2016, where he served she said. “Especially for students, he has a two five-year terms, the maximum allowed true understanding of many different issues by U-M. Michigan Engineering is considered students face: The rise in the cost of higher Photo by Elizabeth Lamark Photo by Elizabeth one of the top engineering schools in the education, mental health, sustainability world. Ten of its academic departments are initiatives, creativity and innovation.” ranked in the nation’s top 10. Shaver said she can’t wait to see how Munson credits his colleagues at U-M much RIT will grow in the next decade Engineering for the school’s success. Here are under Munson’s leadership. highlights of his tenure: Bob Finnerty ’07 Research Munson is highly regarded in several areas of signal and image processing. He has spent much Background of his research career working Munson grew up in Iowa, Ohio on imaging systems, particularly and Delaware where he sang with synthetic aperture radar (SAR). a folk group, played saxophone He was the first to mathematically in the marching band, played describe the tomographic imaging basketball, earned the distinc- mechanism underlying spotlight- tion of becoming an Eagle Scout Career mode SAR, and the first to show and traveled on family camping Munson’s career path began at the why high-quality radar imagery can trips to visit national parks in the University of Illinois where in 1979 be produced from band-pass Fourier United States and Canada. Some he started as an assistant professor data. His tomographic formula- of his fondest childhood memories of electrical and computer engineer- tion of SAR served as the basis for were reading Popular Science ing. After 24 years, he left Illinois to ground-based imaging of satellites magazine, peering at the rings of become chair of the Department of and also underlies progress on Saturn, and building rockets made Electrical Engineering and Computer space-based high-resolution SAR from cardboard tubes and balsa Science at the University of Michigan. imaging of the Earth. wood that were “launched so high In 2006, Munson was named the you couldn’t see them, so you’d Education Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering Personal track them with binoculars and He earned electrical engineering at Michigan where he served two five- Munson, 64, is married to Nancy you’d use your walkie-talkies and degrees from the University of year terms, the maximum allowed. Munson, a former nurse, avid runner your recovery team would find the Delaware (BS) and from Princeton Michigan Engineering is one of the and volunteer. The couple has four thing out in some farmland.” University (MS, MA and Ph.D.). top engineering schools in the world. sons and four grandchildren.

SPRING 2017 | 29 A charitable gift that pays me income for life?

{ It’s true. A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) does exactly that. Easy to establish and backed by RIT’s assets, a CGA will provide reliable lifetime cash flow for you or a loved one, or both. As a bonus, a portion of the income is tax free. This is an opportunity to lock in an attractive payout rate today and protect against uncertainty tomorrow. And when it’s all said and done, your gift will support RIT’s mission.

To find out how beneficial your payments could be and to learn more about CGAs or other gifts that provide income you cannot outlive, please visit rit.edu/CGA.

It is more than a gift. It is your legacy.

THE ELLINGSON SOCIETY

© 2017 Rochester Institute of Technology. All rights reserved. Rochester Institute of Technology | 116 Lomb Memorial Drive | Rochester, New York 14623 Photo (top): Growth and Youth, Josef Albers, Eastman Building on the RIT campus Photo by Mark Benjamin Photo by Mark

Above: Sunshine 2.0 cast members Katie Mueller and Ronnie Bradley perform. Right: The 1983 cast of Sunshine Too, Peter Isquith, left, Susan Brule, Dennis Webster, Kathie Holzwarth, Willy Conley and Doug Berky, gather around a banner with the company name.

A bright new day for NTID’s Sunshine 2.0

IT/NTID been DEAF LIFE magazine’s Deaf Person of For Beam, coordinating a performing alumnus Fred the Month. arts program that incorporates deafness and Michael Beam “The vision of Sunshine 2.0 is to reach out STEM themes is a perfect fit—he earned his findsR connections to people and show them their commonality,” degree at RIT/NTID in engineering tech- where others may not. Beam said. “I’m interested in bridging the gap nology in 1985 and was introduced to the As the coordinator of between communities and cultures. performing arts. RIT/NTID’s traveling “I was working in public schools in the “It feels like this job was made for me,” performance troupe Washington, D.C., area when I first saw he said. Sunshine 2.0, Beam Sunshine Too perform. I never thought Beam was first exposed to theater at NTID, connects perform- that one day I would be re-establishing it.” having been asked to join the dance troupe Fred Michael Beam ing arts and science, Sunshine 2.0 is made up of experienced in part because of his moves on the RIT technology, engineer- performers Ronnie Bradley, a deaf actor and basketball court. ing and math—or STEM—themes, for deaf, dancer from Washington, D.C., and Katie “The dance teacher was watching a game hard-of-hearing and hearing children and Mueller, who is hearing from Rochester and and asked me to join his class. I then got in- adults around the country. has a BFA in performance from Emerson volved in theater at NTID and graduated with Sunshine 2.0 is a reboot of the Sunshine College in Boston. a rich theater experience.” Too program that was created in 1980. The troupe incorporates sign language and Beam’s depth of experience as a performer, During its 19-year history, Sunshine Too speech to ensure that all audiences can access coordinator and member of the deaf commu- visited 48 states and numerous countries, the performances. nity are assets as he looks to grow Sunshine providing more than 12,500 performances Sunshine 2.0 began this fall. As coordina- 2.0. for more than 1.3 million people worldwide. tor, Beam develops their themes, scripts and “This program can reach so many students Beam brings a global perspective to travel schedules. with its messages of hope and inclusion,” Sunshine 2.0, having worked with a variety of “We are focused on the theme of bully- said Gerry Buckley, NTID president and RIT dance companies, and has performed around ing,” he said. “It’s an important and relatable vice president and dean. “We are fortunate to the world. topic. There is acting and poetry, written by have Fred ‘back home’ at NTID leading the For his outstanding work with the deaf deaf poets, spoken and sign language, dance resurgence of Sunshine 2.0.” community, Beam was chosen one of Essence and movement. Our ultimate goal is to share Susan Murad magazine’s Real Men of the Year, and has Sunshine 2.0 with the world.”

SPRING 2017 | 31 Alumni Updates

Rosalie Rosini ’66 collected and distributed more than 500 pairs of socks to the Lewis Street YMCA Child Care Center in Rochester. Education fueled by hard work—and fruit cakes

osalie Rosini is proof that age is just a jobs stands out today. number and that life is what you make “I was hired to help bake the holiday fruit- it to be. cake for Dr. Ellingson, who was the president RThe 70-year-old, who celebrated the 50th of RIT at the time,” Rosini said. “I was given anniversary of her graduation from RIT last his mother’s secret recipe, and the key was May, said that she’s more active in her life that the fruit was soaked in a huge amount of now than she’s ever been. brandy so we had to promise not to eat it. Of Rosini ’66 (food administration) grew course, we ate it anyways.”

up in a three-generation Italian household Following her graduation from RIT, Rosini Weisler Sue Photos by A. in East Rochester, N.Y., a community that went on to a career with Monroe County Rosalie Rosini works the sock drive with from left, she remains a part of today. When it came Food Services that spanned more than 30 volunteer Jean Rossi; Megan DeFranco ’87, director of time for her to apply to college in 1964, a years. Following her retirement in 2001, she development, YMCA of Greater Rochester; and Julie Allen, counselor at her high school told her that became a caregiver for her ailing mother coordinator of annual giving, Eastside Family YMCA. her father didn’t make enough money and who was suffering from dementia. After her that she wouldn’t be able to go. But with the mother died in 2008, things began to change. zip-lining on a local course, Rosini has taken encouragement of her high school’s cleaning Rosini signed up for Weight Watchers, on a big role as a volunteer in her community. lady, she found her way to RIT. joined the YMCA and took her very first Rosini is also an active environmentalist. “My grandmother and grandfather didn’t trip to Disney World where, at 65, she said She has fought for 19 years to save water wells read or write, but education was very impor- she rode all of the rides. from pollution in the Southern Tier. tant to me,” said Rosini. “I was working 40 “Sometimes people retire and they don’t “I’ve known a lot of older people in my life hours a week. I would go to school, then I’d know what to do, but I’ve had some of my who don’t just sit in a chair and die,” Rosini go to work, then I’d set my alarm for 2 a.m. very best times. I’m out more now than I said. “Retirement really frees you up. So go to to do my homework.” ever was before,” Rosini said. RIT, get a good education, save your money, To help pay her way through school, Beyond participating in activities and and then retire. You’ll have your whole life Rosini said that she was always looking for events, varying from dressing as Mrs. Claus directly ahead of you.” side jobs from the university. One of those for holiday parties, to taking dance classes, to Lauren Peace ’17

32 | SPRING 2017 Former basketball teammates Justin Hamilton ’03, left, and Christopher Stern ’03 started a successful construction company. Kimberly Simpson/Rochester Business Journal Graduates construct Rochester Top 100 company

irst-year students Justin Hamilton and Hamilton, who had met his future wife at and jeans and tore the thing up.” Christopher Stern were standing on the a friend’s house in the Rochester area, moved That project led to others and their busi- sidelines of the basketball court in 1998 back to town at the end of 2004 and got into ness quickly grew to 10 employees by the whenF they started talking about majors. the high-end custom residential business with second year. Today, they have 30 employees “He said, ‘What are you studying,’” remem- his father-in-law. They moved to commercial and work out of 9,000-square-feet of space in bers Hamilton, who was undeclared engi- buildings in 2007. He was on every job site Pittsford, N.Y. neering at the time. “He said, ‘I’m thinking and honed his construction skills. From 2014 to 2015, the business grew by about declaring civil engineering technology.’ By 2007, Stern also was back in Rochester 160 percent in annual sales, landing it the I was like, ‘We have that here?’” after stops in North Carolina and Florida No. 1 spot on the Top 100. The growth can That conversation between teammates was working as a project manager. He was drawn be attributed to large projects, including the the beginning of Hamilton Stern Construc- to town by his future wife, whom he met at renovation of two historic buildings for the tion, a company that was No. 1 on the Roch- Hamilton’s wedding. Urban League of Rochester. ester Chamber Top 100 list of fastest growing That’s when the civil engineers talked more They hope to continue to grow their com- private companies in 2016. seriously about going into business together. pany by doing good work and hiring talented The 2003 graduates both selected RIT “Probably the best decision we ever made people. They have no regrets. in part because of the opportunity to play was not doing that then,” said Hamilton. “We “I’m working with my best friend,” Hamil- basketball. Stern, who grew up in Orchard didn’t have the contacts and the know-how to ton said. Park, N.Y., moved to Charleston, S.C., after do what we are doing today. We would never Added Stern: “We certainly have fun.” graduating to work for the Department of be where we are today.” Mindy Mozer Transportation. He had done some co-ops in By 2010, though, they were ready to give that part of the country and liked the area. self-employment a shot. Their first project But he didn’t love his job, which was qual- was an $8,100 bathroom renovation in May ity assurance, because it wasn’t hands on. In of that year. To learn more 2004 he moved to the Albany region where “We showed up in a shirt and tie and sold For details about the company, go Hamilton, a Schenectady, N.Y., native, was the job,” Stern said. to HamiltonStern.com. working. They didn’t work together for long. “The next day we showed up in a T-shirt

SPRING 2017| 33 Photo by A. Sue Weisler Mike Jeffries ’11 talked to students about how his fascination with robots helped build a career in aerospace technology systems. Robot pastime helped alumnus build career

ike Jeffries is proud when Bomb- technologist in the Aerospace, Transportation articulating horizontal blade, among other shell is on the attack, knowing and Advanced Systems Laboratory at Georgia interchangeable parts. The robots come in there’s no “tapping out” or yielding Tech Research Institute. He helps develop multiple sizes, from heavy robots like Bomb- Min competitions. During this past season of novel radar and antenna systems through the shell to smaller, but still powerful 5-pound ABC’s BattleBots show, taped over the sum- institute’s Systems Development Division. mini bots. mer, Bombshell and Jeffries’ Chaos Corps “I’m here to talk about what happens after Jeffries and his wife, Julie, are a BattleBots team battled to an impressive second place graduation and how a hobby can count as couple. She is part of the nine-member Chaos finish. relevant experience,” he said to the class. “It Corps team. They have been married just Jeffries ’11 (mechanical engineering can be a way for you to say to a prospective over a year, recently bought a house and are technology) spoke to several undergradu- employer, ‘I have these skills.’ It shows interest setting up a home studio that combines her ate classes this fall about the competition in the field, and an interesting side of your interest and background in metal art and his and how his fascination with creating robots personality.” in robotics. “Our house is full of tools and has helped build a career in advanced aerospace Jeffries had always been interested in more maker space than living space,” she said. technology systems. building robots. He was an undergraduate at Both volunteer with the Atlanta Maker Most of the students were familiar with RIT when he competed for the first time in a Faire and are a big part of that state’s maker BattleBots—and not intimidated by the robotics competition, placing fourth overall community intent on promoting science, destruction. with a 5-2 record. He also was awarded the technology, engineering, art and mathemat- Jeffries showed several competition video Best Engineered Robot, a surprise at the time. ics. clips, and the classes watched as Bombshell “It had one working wheel going into his last Jeffries’ mechanical engineering technolo- confirmed how the 250-pound robot, with match,” he said laughing. gy background is about designing well-made an impressive array of weaponry, earned its BattleBots robots are a combination heavy products and equipment. name. power tool and a Roomba on steroids, con- “People may not care about the difference But as Jeffries talked about the competi- nected wirelessly to drivers who maneuver between engineering and engineering tech- tion, equipment and strategy, his engineer- them to overpower other robots. A wide nology,” he said. “They do care that you know ing expertise came through. When he is not variety of weaponry is allowed in competi- what you are doing.” building competitive robots, he is a research tions. Bombshell sports an electric axe and Michelle Cometa ’00

34 | SPRING 2017 Amanda Preske ’09 put her career as a chemist on hold to start her own jewelry business, Circuit Breaker Labs. Photos by Amanda Preske (left and below) and A. Sue Weisler (right) Chemist turns hobby into full-time business

manda Preske has three things Preske, who began making jewelry at just “If I hadn’t received the positive response that are almost as hard to come by 9 years old, said that she has always enjoyed that I did, I probably wouldn’t have realized individually as they are when put to- working creatively with her hands. She start- its potential,” she said. gether:A an expertise in chemistry, a knack for ed selling her work at craft shows at the age of Now, Preske works out of the upstairs of jewelry making, and a confidence and poise 14, but it wasn’t until later, when her brother her apartment where she designs and con- that have allowed her to excel in both. was working on a broken computer, that she structs the pieces that she sells. What used to Just over a decade ago, Preske ’09 (chem- found her unique preference in materials. be a work space while pursuing her doctorate istry) was in the midst of her college search “I was looking through a bookstore, and has been transformed into the “lab” that now process when she made the deci- I came across a book about using resin,” sees some of her most creative designs. The sion to attend RIT because of said Preske. “I was awestruck by the pieces that she makes can be purchased on- its abundant offerings in both versatility of the material and line, at craft shows and at Shop One2, which is science and art. what you could do with it. located at RIT’s Global Village. “I would take multiple art When I got my hands on “I never thought that I would end up doing classes a semester, typically at the old circuit board from this as a full-time job,” said Preske. “I like that night, in drawing, metalsmith- my brother’s computer, I’m my own boss. If I don’t work, I don’t prog- ing, collage, anything that was avail- I was infatuated with the ress, and I can’t hold anybody accountable but able,” Preske said. “I ended up graduating intricate details and patterns myself. It’s incredibly motivating, especially with close to 80 extra credits.” that covered its surface. I thought that the because I’m doing something that I love.” Despite having earned a Ph.D. in chemis- combination would make for really interest- Lauren Peace ’17 try from the University of Rochester in 2016, ing jewelry and ornaments.” Preske has put her career as a researcher Preske said that the feedback she got in on hold to commit herself full time to her response to the circuit board jewelry played Rochester-based jewelry business, Circuit a huge role in her decision to work further To learn more Breaker Labs, through which she crafts and with the material, and she knew that she had To learn more about the business, go sells pieces made from recycled circuit board found a niche platform on which to grow her to www.circuitbreakerlabs.com. and resin. business.

SPRING 2017| 35 Filip Keuppens ’99 (hotel and resort management) is a vice president for The Pickle Juice Co. Marketing job gets alumnus out of a pickle

ilip Keuppens ’99 (hotel and resort of California, started a division in Australia The Pickle Juice Co. job seemed like the management) took his hospitality and secured distribution in Mexico. perfect way to combine his interest in the degree, combined it with his love Keuppens, who has been with the com- food and beverage industry with his sports ofF sports and found the perfect job. pany since June 2015, is responsible for background, he said. He likes that he is with a He is vice president of global identifying expansion opportunities company that is on the forefront of pioneer- sales and marketing for The Pickle internationally and domestically. ing a new category in sports nutrition. Juice Co., which produces a sports Since graduating from RIT, he has The product is manufactured specifically drink that is designed to stop spent his career in sales, first for H.J. for alleviating muscle cramps and aiding muscle cramps and replenish elec- Heinz Co., followed by Warner Home hydration. The acetic acid in the vinegar trolytes. Video and 20th Century Fox, where engages the same neuroreceptors that cause “Being able to help introduce he was selling DVDs to retail and muscle cramps, overwhelming the neurologi- a product to athletes that really was looking for a new opportunity. cal system with information and preventing helps and makes a difference “People say, ‘why did you leave?’ the cramp signals from getting through, while at the same time is 100 I say, ‘when was the last time you Keuppens explained. The pickle flavor has to percent natural and healthy— bought a DVD,’” he said. He heard be there for the product to work. that’s the most rewarding about The Pickle Juice market- “I joke with people we could call it Cramp thing about this job,” Keup- ing job opening through mutual Killer 9000 if we wanted and people would pens said, adding that the acquaintances and was intrigued. drink it and say, ‘yup, that’s pickle juice,’” he company gets emails and calls At RIT he was a rugby player said. several times a week from ath- and a captain of the team. After Mindy Mozer letes who found that the drink college, he continued to play, com- improved their performance. peting in the 2007 Touch Rugby In the past two years, the World Cup competition for the Dallas-based company has United States. Last year, Keuppens To learn more partnered with the Tour de took a job coaching rugby at the Go to www.picklepower.com. France and the AMGEN Tour University of Dallas.

36 | SPRING 2017 Photo by A. Sue Weisler Radha Chhita will get her master’s degree in May, becoming the eighth member of her family to attend RIT. Eight degrees of success for South African family

IT has become an educational legacy “My father, who is co-CEO with my sister ing or working hard—and all get along really for eight members of the Chhita fam- Asha, believes everyone in the family should well. ily from Johannesburg, South Africa. start working from the ground up. That’s the “My observation of both Tulsi and Radha, RRadha will graduate in May with a Master family rule: Whatever is needed is the role in and this can apply to the whole family, is that of Science degree in professional studies the company we fill.” they had a mission when they came to RIT,” from the School of Individualized Study Technology is the infrastructure of Golden said Peter Boyd, SOIS lecturer and graduate (SOIS)—like her sisters Asha ’07, and Tulsi Era’s product line which includes folding program coordinator. “They showed up with ’16, before her. Another sibling, Kalpana, cartons, self-adhesive and IML labels, shrink a vision, were very clear about what they earned an MS in print media in 2004, and sleeves, boutique bags, thermoformed plastic wanted to do, and able to articulate how a their father, Kishor, received an AAS degree containers, three-piece metal cans, and masters in professional studies would help in printing from RIT in 1974. Three cousins manufacturing and printing of corrugated them advance and impact their family busi- also attended RIT: Yogesh Chhita ’06 (graphic boxes and papermaking. ness.” media); Janak Chhita ’05, ’06 (graphic media, “I chose RIT over other printing and Radha left Rochester in December and is MBA); and Bhadresh Rama, who studied packaging offerings in the world because completing her capstone project from South graphic communications from 1993-1994. of its world-class program,” said Tulsi, who Africa. “I’m the eighth in the family line And all work for Golden Era Group, the earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Accoun- coming to RIT,” she said. “We always joke Chhita-family-owned business and second tancy and postgraduate Financial Manage- that there should be a Chhita building named largest independent printing and packaging ment Honors in her homeland. “My father after us on campus as there will be many company in South Africa. taught us all the equation in life: Opportunity generations to come.” “The business was started by my grand- + Instinct = Profit.” Marcia Morphy father, Bhoola, in 1942, and we continue to Similarly, Radha received an accounting carry on our grandfather’s dream to build sciences degree and a post graduate degree in a better future for his family,” said Radha. accounting, and is finalizing her Chartered To learn more “We all have a deep family commitment and Accountancy while completing her SOIS For more information on the family strong work ethic to become part of the com- print, packaging and business concentration company, go to www.golden-era.co.za. pany’s executive team. at RIT. She says the sisters don’t mind study-

SPRING 2017| 37 for consumer and commercial photo- Class Notes graphic applications. For 20 years, Shanebrook was worldwide product manager for professional films, Key to abbreviations retiring in in 2003. For details, go to makingKODAKfilm.com. CAST College of Applied Science and Technology CCE College of Continuing Education (now SOIS) 1973 CHST College of Health Sciences and Technology CIAS College of Imaging Arts and Sciences CLA College of Liberal Arts COS College of Science FAA Fine and Applied Arts (now CIAS) GAP Graphic Arts and Photography (now CIAS) GCCIS B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences KGCOE Kate Gleason College of Engineering NTID National Technical Institute for the Deaf Jonathan Atkin ’73 (GAP), ’78 (CIAS) SOIS School of Individualized Study was pleased to have two of his aerial SCB Saunders College of Business photographs, commissioned by Moran SVP NTID “Summer Vestibule Program” Towing, featured as huge images at the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding booth at the 2016 New Orleans Work Boat Show. About Class Notes While 99 percent of his commercial work Class Notes are edited for space, clarity is from manned helicopters, his fleet of and style. Share details and photos six drones is growing. Atkin is studying for his FAA commercial drone license. of special occasions and professional achievements in your life by going to 1974 Richard www.rit.edu/alumni/news. Hricko ’74 (FAA) is a professor and head of the 1956 printmaking Frank Vetare ’56 (GAP) was one of program at 12 in the first graduating class of the RIT alumnus named Forbes ’30 Under 30’ Tyler School of Bachelor of Science degree in photo- Art at Temple graphic science. He spent 22 years with Sean Petterson ’13 (industrial design) landed on the University in Kodak in the graphic arts division. Philadelphia. At the age of 83, he wrote Kodak: prestigious 2017 Forbes 30 Under 30 list in manufacturing He will be on You Should’a Been There, which is avail- and industry. sabbatical during the spring 2017 semes- able through Amazon. Vetare and his Petterson is a founder of the industrial safety products ter in order to develop a new body of wife, Joan, retired in Berlin, Md. work for a solo exhibition and artist res- company StrongArm Technologies Inc. idency in New Zealand. During this time, 1967 According to Forbes, StrongArm has raised $4.5 million he will also be displaying work in group David Jones from investors, including 3M, which helps with distribution shows nationally and internationally. ’67 (SCB) is the CEO of the of exoskeletons designed to reduce arm fatigue, avoid muscle 1975 George H.W. strains and prevent back injuries. Customers include Con Edi- Andrew Hirsch ’75 (KGCOE) lives in Bush Presidential son and military shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries. Palm Springs, Calif., and is writing a Library “I’m honored to be included in such a prestigious class, book on Volkswagen’s global emissions Foundation control fraud. He has spent many years located at Texas particularly because all of these individuals and organizations as a senior environmental policy lobbyist A&M University. are focused on creating real change in the manufacturing leading many rule-making and permit- The Bush space,” Petterson said. ting battles, including a 150-company Presidential coalition opposed to a 1,500-page Library is one of Petterson started the company in 2010, which is now based regional cap and trade regulation. 13 in the nation in Brooklyn, N.Y., with Justin Hillery ’13 (multidisciplinary operated by the National Archives. studies) when they were students. Hillery is no longer with 1977 1968 the company. He has moved on to pursue other interests. Bary Siegel ’68 (GAP), ’75 (CAST), ’87 (CAST) was a member of the last graduating class from the downtown campus in 1968, and 2018 will be the 50th home- Campus in Pittston, Pa., and serves Robert coming for his class. He is planning a on the board of directors at the Shanebrook ’69 special reunion for 2018. Information Employment Opportunity and Training (GAP) has writ- will be sent soon to all they can identify Center in Scranton, Pa., and the board ten a second edi- who might be interested. of trustees at Keystone College in tion of Making La Plume, Pa. KODAK Film. 1969 This is an Kevin Hall ’77 (FAA) met with Michael John Morrison ’69 (SCB) retired Jan. 6, Ernest Shack ’69 (GAP) reports that expanded edi- Beirut, who is a well-known graphic 2016, after a 30-year career in nursing the Tau Epsilon Phi, Epsilon Nu chapter, tion, containing designer, design critic and educator, after management in both home health and reunion will be held Sept. 15-17, 2017, 470 pages and Beirut’s lecture at The Study at Yale in New long-term care nursing. He currently at RIT. Those brothers who have not more than 400 illustrations. The book Haven, Conn. Hall has his own award- resides in the retirement community at received a save-the-date notification can provides history of film manufacturing winning graphic design firm, Kevin Hall United Methodist Homes/Wesley Village contact Shack at [email protected]. technology and the film products used Design, near New Haven, Conn.

38 | SPRING 2017 Robert Kalita ’77 (GAP) has retired after while adjusting the printing press param- working at Kodak, Hemlock Semicon 1981 eters to obtain a satisfactory image. 1983 ductor and Clariant Corp. He hopes to Allen Nogee ’83 (CAST) has founded enjoy a lot of travel in the years to come. Marc Roer ’81 (NTID) has established the company Laser Markets Research, a fund to provide a series of workshops which will provide market research and Mark McPhillips ’77 (CAST) has that focus on students’ soft skills and forecasts on the worldwide laser market. obtained his real estate license in practical use of today’s technology Pennsylvania and New Jersey. for career success. Through the $10,000 commitment, the Roer Family 1978 Workshop Series “Genius Labs” will provide programming developed in Peter Walczak ’81 (GAP) has been partnership with RIT/NTID’s Student awarded his sixth patent in the field of Life Team and Center on Employment. printing press design and waste reduc- Roer is a senior mechanical research tion. The patent provides a unique technician at John Crane Inc. in Morton method which reduces substrate waste Grove, Ill.

Quentin Schwinn ’83 (GAP) is using a laser scanner to create 3D imagery for aircraft icing research at NASA Glenn Deborah Marcuccilli ’78 (KGCOE) and Research Center in Cleveland. A photo her daughter, Alyxandra Vanderweel showing both old and new research Sherwood ’15 (CLA), completed the methods was created for social media, New York City Marathon on Nov. 6, and Schwinn was shown using the laser 2016. This was Sherwood’s first New scanner in the Icing Research Wind York City marathon and Marcuccilli’s Tunnel to represent the new methods of second. research used today. He has worked at Glenn Research Center since 1984, first 1979 as a color photographic printer, then Gregory Hafer ’79 (GAP) is currently photographer and currently as a scien- manager of technical development and tific imaging specialist. support at Lehigh Valley Health Network— Schuylkill. He began this position upon 1985 the merger of Schuylkill Health System with the Lehigh Valley Health Network. He previously held the position of director of information technology at Schuylkill Health.

Viren Desai ’85 (GAP) has recently self-published a coffee table book, The Grand Maestros of Indian Classical William Lee ’79 (CCE) has his artwork Music. The book is an exploration of the hanging in the Utah Department of Arts creative and soulful lives of some of the and Museums Rio Gallery, for its annual greatest contemporary Indian classical showing of Utah artists. Hospitality alumna appears on cooking show musicians. Desai has experienced the honor of meeting and spending time 1980 Melanie Brown-Lane ’12 (hospitality and service manage- with some of India’s most legendary ment) brought her RIT education and her healthy cooking classical artists over 25 years. talents to national TV, while making more people aware of the need for medically tailored meals for those with serious illnesses. Brown-Lane appeared on Food Network’s popular cooking competition show, Chopped, in the Jan. 3 episode called “Clean Eatin.” This special themed episode focused on healthy dishes suitable for someone who’s watching their weight and Troy Lamontagne ’85 (KGCOE) has concerned about nutrition. joined Cantor Colburn LLP in Hartford, Brown-Lane is executive chef for Moveable Feast, a commu- Conn., as a member of a team of intel- Kenneth Kuzia ’80 (CCE) retired after nity-based food provider in eastern Maryland. Moveable Feast lectual property attorneys. He concen- 35 years at RG&E, customer service, serves 14 of the 24 counties in Maryland. The organization is trates his practice on domestic and information technology and human international intellectual property pro- resources. He is enjoying his retirement the only provider of medically tailored meals —free of charge— curement, prosecution, transactions and with the grandkids, the Victor Art Group, for people with serious illnesses including breast cancer, HIV/ licensing. He has more than 16 years of his photography and art. He lives in AIDS, and a variety of life-threatening medical conditions. diverse firm and in-house counsel expe- Victor, N.Y., with his wife, Sharon, who rience as well as 15 years of professional recently graduated with a teaching degree. engineering experience.

SPRING 2017 | 39 Tiger Love

Guerin Gagliastri ’14, left, and Stephen Jones ’13 met as Resident Advisors. They were married in September. A chalkboard at the wedding encouraged guests to share their love. (Photo by Chelsea Bos.) Ice-breaker was really love at first sight

uring the ice-breaking exercise feel fortunate that their paths even crossed in On Dec. 27, 2014, after a Christmas party that was part of Resident Advisor the first place. with both of their families, Gagliastri pro- training in August 2011, students Jones, a Utica, N.Y., native, applied to RIT’s posed to Jones. Dwere put into pairs and asked to provide two film and animation program as a senior in They were married Sept. 17, 2016, on a interesting facts about themselves. Then they high school with dreams of becoming the next farm in Ballston Spa, N.Y., with two dozen would change partners. Steven Spielberg. But he decided to defer his alumni in attendance. Near the end of the activity, Guerin Ga- admission for one year and spend a gap year The do-it-yourselfers and their artistic gliastri ’14 (physician assistant) found himself in Switzerland. When he met Gagliastri, Jones families made all of the decorations, includ- talking with Stephen Jones ’13 (film and was in his second year as a Resident Advisor. ing the chandelier. Jones’ parents grew the animation). Gagliastri, meanwhile, had participated in flowers in their backyard. “Stephen told me he was in Switzerland for a health care shadowing program when he Their mothers each made their boutineers a year and that he spoke fluent French,” said was in high school in Albany, N.Y., thinking using material from their own wedding Gagliastri, who shared that he was one of six he wanted to be a doctor. Although he had dresses. Jones’ sister officiated the wedding. kids and moved 20 times growing up. “I just been accepted into five-year medical track Gagliastri’s grandmother was the flower girl. found him so interesting.” programs at Duke University and Syracuse Today, the couple lives in Philadelphia The two instantly became friends. They University, he came to RIT to become a phy- with their Russian Siberian cat named Frex. hung out after staff meetings and did their sician assistant, the job he enjoyed the most Gagliastri works in the neonatal intensive homework together. They shared with each during the high school program. care unit at Children’s Hospital of Phila- other their goals in life. They talked about Jones graduated first and became a pro- delphia. He learned at his first job that he their families. duction assistant for the Katie Couric show in wanted to specialize in neonatology. Jones Three months later, they came out together New York City. When the show got canceled, works for Apple as a technical specialist. and started to date. Last September, they got he began working on the Meredith Vieira They are thankful they both ended up at married. show in Rockefeller Center and then in the RIT. “I like to think when we first met it was video department at a public relations agency. “RIT is our home, it’s where we met, love at first sight,” Jones said. “We just didn’t A year later, Gagliastri joined Jones in where we fell in love,” Gagliastri said. “It’s a realize it yet. We didn’t know what it was.” New York City. He worked at The Children’s very special place to us.” Thinking back on their relationship, they Hospital at Montefiore. Mindy Mozer

40 | SPRING 2017 Kirk Striebich ’85 (SCB), ’89 (CLA) Christy Wasserman ’94 (CIAS) is now recently retired after 21 years with the a senior systems analyst at General Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Motors in its Arizona Innovation special agent. Following his retirement Center. from public service, he joined Carnegie Mellon University as deputy technical 1995 director of monitoring and response Matthew Daniels ’95, ’99 (KGCOE) at the Software Engineering Institute. was hired as a senior mechanical engineer with Intuitive Surgical Inc. 1990 in its newly established office in Raleigh, David VanEpps N.C. Intuitive Surgical, based in ’90, ’98 (CAST) Sunnyvale, Calif., is the global tech recently wrote a nology leader in minimally invasive book called robotic-assisted surgery. Enjoy the Journey. After RIT, VanEpps built on his RIT ambulance experience by working as a fire- fighter and paramedic. He earned his MS degree from RIT and has since worked in many leadership and executive IT positions. He has served as a missionary and has become a two-time Ironman. VanEpps lives in Detroit with his family. 1993 Frederick Whittemore ’95 (CLA) graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., on Sept. 16, 2016. Whittemore is a lieutenant with the Wellesley, Mass., Police Department. 1996 Chris Jackson ’96 (CIAS) was promoted to associate dean of graduate studies and research for the College of Imaging Joseph Brennan ’93 (FAA) wants to Arts and Sciences at RIT. He is a full share one of his latest works of art and professor and the former graduate Surprise RIT encounter at NFL game to invite everyone to visit Brennan director of the visual communication Designs— a multi-faceted design studio. design MFA program. With more than Fourth-year microelectronic engineering student Mark Davis, 17 years of academic experience and left, went to Arizona in September for the New England K (Sid) Siddiky ’92, ’93 (COS) has been 20 years of professional work in graphic with Canada Post Corp. since January and multimedia design and motion Patriots-Arizona Cardinals football game. 2006. He currently holds the position of graphics, Jackson brings diverse exper- He happened to have seats next to two other MicroE alumni, senior manager, Parcel Pricing Strategy, tise to his work in applied computer Stuart Sieg ’08, middle, and Brian Lindenau ’08, right. in Ottawa. He married Saadia in graphics and design. “We struck up a friendly conversation in a lull of the game, December 1996 and they have two boys, Diaan (2005) and Riaan (2006). and slowly the progression of the conversation revealed we were all RIT students and former students,” Davis said. 1994 Sieg and Lindenau have been friends since their sophomore year in college. Lindenau lives in Phoenix and works at Intel and Sieg lives in Albany, N.Y., and works at IBM. “The MicroE program stands out among RIT alumni in terms of lasting connections,” Lindenau said. “I continue to keep in touch with many folks from the program, including professors.”

Sandra Dolitz-Vasquez ’96 (CLA) 1989 Pietro “Pete” has accepted a position at Yale Rocco Creazzo Giovenco ’89 University in New Haven, Conn., ’89 (CAST) (CAST), ’12 where she is the instructional designer recently accepted (SCB) was for the Yale University Department of a position as named president Environmental Health and Safety. She is director of of Bergmann also attempting to develop and launch talent develop- Associates DPC, Charles Sadler ’94 (CIAS) married a global network of university environment with a full service Katherine M. Howell in a civil ceremony mental health and safety training profes- Fluor Corp., architectural on Sept. 16, 2016, at the New York City sionals for the purpose of content one of the and engineer- Marriage Bureau. They live in Hastings- comparison and information sharing world’s largest publicly owned engineering firm with on-Hudson in Westchester County, N.Y. between schools. She and her husband, ing, procurement, construction and more than 400 employees located in 10 Sadler is an ISA Certified Arborist of William, and now 13-year-old son, maintenance services companies. offices throughout the United States. King Garden Designs Inc. Benjamin, live in Norwalk, Conn.

SPRING 2017 | 41 Tiger Cubs

1 2 3 4

5 6 7

8 9 10 11

1 Sandor Ferenczy ’02 (CIAS) 4 Krista (Rivet) Prall ’03 6 Joshua Simoneau ’05 (CAST) 9 Katherine (Robert) Thomp- and Sara Duling are excited (KGCOE) and John Prall ’03 and Helen Li ’05 (SCB) son ’07, ’09 (CLA) and Mark to announce the birth of their first (KGCOE) welcomed Ryder Jack, welcomed Leon, their second Thompson ’08 (CAST) welcomed child, Sandor Henry Ferenczy, in born on Oct. 24, 2016. Big brother Tiger Cub, on Nov. 27, 2016. their first child, William Michael, June 2016. Bryce is excited about the new on July 10, 2016. addition to the family. 7 Ashlee McLoughlin ’07 2 Eric Barner ’03 (SCB) and (CIAS) and Doug McLough- 10 Paul Meyer ’08 (GCCIS) and Stacy Barner welcomed Ian 5 Anna Mizelle ’08 (SCB) lin ’07 (CAST) are pleased to his wife, Kathy, are happy to Michael Barner into the world on and Rob Mizelle ’09 (CAST) announce the birth of their son, announce the birth of their first Sept 20, 2016. welcomed a son, Jackson Robert Anthony Frederick. Anthony was child, Theodore Lyle Meyer. Mizelle, on Oct. 14, 2016. born on Nov. 20, 2016, in Rochester. 3 Lisa Kachigian ’03 (CIAS) Allison La Carte ’09 (CAST) and Josh Doolin ’11 (KG- Jvalant Sampat ’04 (GCCIS) and 8 Hayley (Fisch) Donoghue ’05 welcomed a baby girl in May 2016. COE) welcomed Cora Kelly Doolin, his wife, Phoram Sampat, welcomed (CIAS) and Sean Donoghue their second daughter, to the family. their daughter, Navya, on July 16, are proud to announce the birth of 11 Lauren (Bond) Iuranich ’12 2016, in Bombay, India. Her name their first child, Teagan Alexandra. (CAST) and her husband, means “praiseworthy” in Sanskrit. She was born on Aug. 15, 2016. John, welcomed their first child, Lily Ailsa, on Aug. 23, 2016.

42 | SPRING 2017 2000 2007 Kimberlee DePuy ’00 (CIAS) accepted a new position as regional manager at Offit Kurman in Tysons Corner, Va. 2001 Jonah Goodman ’01 (CIAS) was elected as an ANC Commissioner in Washington, D.C., for the 2017-18 term.

Thomas Richardson ’01 (SCB) founded T Shaped Consulting LLC, a health care market research consultancy specializing in serving the research needs of medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, health care insurers and health care delivery systems.

2003 Kenneth De Haan ’07 (NTID), ’09 (SCB), ’11 (SOIS) recently purchased his first home in Pittsburgh.

Bryan Ijeoma ’07 (GCCIS) has been awarded a fellowship from the New York Foundation for the Arts in architecture/ environmental structures/design. The program is highly competitive and this year’s recipients and finalists were SOFA graduate part of Oscar-winning team selected by discipline-specific peer Kelly (Schottler) Petersen ’03 (CIAS) panels from an applicant pool of 2,669. A graduate of RIT’s School of Film and Animation was married Brent Petersen on July 30, 2016, at Stout’s Island Lodge in Birchwood, Wis. 2008 recognized for scientific and technical achievement at the The couple celebrated their wedding Annalisa De Marta ’08 (SCB) is co- Academy Awards. Brian Cantwell ’99 (film and animation) is weekend surrounded by close family owner and COO of LONECONE.com, a member of the team at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) that and friends, including a few other CIAS which Inc. magazine ranked No. 235 on graduates. They live in St. Joseph, Mo. its 35th annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive was recognized for its design and development of ILM’s facial ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing performance-capture solving system. private companies. LONECONE.com The system enables high-fidelity facial performance transfer 2004 was founded in Rochester in 2009 as Justin Bienio ’04 (SCB) left his position an online-only retailer of all things from actors to digital characters in large-scale productions— as an operations manager to work on outdoors. The business moved to Boise, while retaining full artistic control. It also integrates stable various international volunteering proj- Idaho, in 2014 and opened a storefront rig-based solving and the resolution of secondary detail in a ects. He will focus on causes working in downtown Boise to give local outdoor controllable pipeline. Cantwell worked on the system with ILM with wildlife and wilderness conserva- enthusiasts first-hand access to top tion, child welfare and small business outdoor brands. team members Kiran Bhat, Michael Koperwas and Paige Warner. development. He will be documenting Cantwell said his credits that are directly related to the de- his volunteer experiences in the blog 2009 velopment of the facial performance capture system include his BeerAndaBackpack.com to help encourage others to volunteer abroad and visual effects work on Warcraft (2016), Teenage Mutant Ninja promote positive global engagement. Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016), and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), among other films. On Rogue One, he was cred- 2005 ited as digital artist lead. His filmography includes 25 credits. Marc-Anthony Arena ’05 (SCB) has released the public beta for his latest “It’s an incredible honor to be acknowledged and to be in company, Streamplicity.com. Streamplicity such great company,” Cantwell said. “I owe so much to so my is an Android-based cable box that co-honorees, so many great people at ILM, across the industry, allows people to view select TV stations from around the world on their living and, of course RIT, where it all began for me.” room televisions.

Keith Bangs ’05 (CAST) was promoted to engineering supervisor at General Brady Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn. Susan Cook ’09 (CIAS) is the commu- Marrinan ’09 nity relations specialist at Girl Scouts (CIAS), a U.S. Michael Moore ’05 (SCB) is celebrating of Western New York in Rochester. Navy subma- his third year at NetBrain. Moore is Supporting girls to create future female rine veteran, happy to be back in the Northeast for leaders of courage, confidence and char- and his wife, the last few years, after living in Austin, acter is important to her career path Jessica, Texas, previously for four years. and she witnesses local girls’ lives being opened PGHC changed for the better by the organ Graphics in 2006 ization every day. Bowie, Md. PGHC Graphics offers a full Thomas Castle ’06 (CAST) is a proud Ian Frank ’09 (KGCOE) married Christine line of promotional screen print services member of an RIT legacy family. Both Jenna DiVincenzo ’09 (CAST) received Braun on Sept. 17, 2016. The wedding focused on supporting bands, local of his parents and two siblings attended the “Recognized Young Dietitian of the party included Courtney Walsh ’08 small businesses and veterans. RIT. Castle started his career in packag- Year” award from the New York State (KGCOE) and Joseph Frank ’68 ing and has worked for Pfizer, Kellogg Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in (KGCOE). Matt Greco ’09 (KGCOE), Rebecca Strauss ’09 (CIAS) accepted and several other international compa- May 2016. She is a clinical dietitian at Eva Ames ’09 (KGCOE), and Alex the position of fine art studio technician nies with great success. Jewish Senior Life in Rochester. Koroleski ’09 (GCCIS) also attended. at Brandeis University in Waltham, Ma.

SPRING 2017 | 43 2010

Nicholas Cheong ’10 (CLA) hosted a Brendan Larrabee ’11 (KGCOE) networking event for a dozen RIT recently celebrated his marriage to alumni in Denver on Oct. 27 over food Meaghan (Bircher) Larrabee in Lake and ping pong at Ace Denver. Placid, N.Y., on Sept. 24, 2016.

Suzan Pero ’11 (COS) is living in Chicago and working for one of the biggest tele- communica- tions broker- ages in the country as a cable support manager. Thomas Provo ’10 (CAST) married Kristin Bruce on Oct. 1, 2016, at the 2012 New York Wine & Culinary Center in Phillip Amsler ’12 (KGCOE) tied the Canandaigua, N.Y. RIT alumni friends How RIT’s mascot found its stripes knot with Karen Wheatall of Butler, Pa., in attendance included Michael Ryzner on Nov. 12, 2016, in Pittsburgh. ’12 (CAST) and Kristina (Quartieri) Perry ’10 (CAST). Rick Mislan ’91 (CLA) entered a contest when he was a student to name RIT’s new mascot and his entry, RITchie, was selected. Katherine Varandas ’10 (COS) gradu- Now 25 years later, Mislan has written RITchie Finds His ated with her Ph.D. in cell biology from University of California San Francisco Stripes with the help of his two daughters. The book, available in October. Varandas is now a post through pre-order at ritchiefindshisstripes.com, will be sold at doctoral scholar at The Rockefeller Barnes and Noble @ RIT and the Gene Polisseni Center after University in New York City. the first 100 copies are purchased. Those copies will be 2011 numbered and signed. Nicholas Mislan is now a lecturer in the management information Dalton ’11 systems program in Saunders College of Business. The book (KGCOE) was hired as a was illustrated by Rachel Bentley ’09 (illustration). mechanical “As a kid, I loved being at RIT. It was my first real opportu- engineer for the nity to develop my life skills in preparation for my own unique, building performance group professional path,” Mislan said. “You could say it was a sort of of Erdman finding my own stripes. In the book, RITchie resonates as that Meghan Castagno ’12 (CLA) and Joseph Anthony in eager young tiger cub searching for his stripes.” Pesce ’12 (GCCIS) wish to announce Rochester. their engagement this past August at Dalton has Lake George, N.Y. They will be married several years in October 2017 in Rochester. of experience as a mechanical and appli- cation engineer and project manager.

Jenny Keller ’11 (SCB) and Mark Yesilevskiy ’11 (SCB) celebrated their Joseph Fernandez ’11 (CAST) married wedding in Rochester on Oct. 1, 2016. Emily (Pethic) Fernandez of Rochester Kelly (Eagen) Holland ’11 (CLA) and The couple met during their senior year on Sept. 9, 2016. They now live in Adam Holland ’10 (CAST) were married at RIT. They currently live in Buffalo, Samantha De Sando ’12 (COS) and Portland, Ore., and are expecting their on Sept. 12, 2015, on Seneca Lake. They N.Y., where they both work at a digital Christian López ’13 (KGCOE) are first child. live in Ledyard, Conn. marketing agency. engaged to be married in 2017.

44 | SPRING 2017 Karamjit Singh ’12 (SCB) joined Smart will be spending one year at McMurdo Wires Inc. as vice president of testing. Station Antarctica supporting local 2016 Smart Wires is a grid solutions company infrastructure and operational activities. Geoffrey Berl ’16 (GCCIS) got a new based in the San Francisco Bay Area Additionally, he will support field explo- job at PTC Thingworx as a software that works with utilities to design and ration and scientific research activities. engineer in the sustaining and reliability develop a dynamic grid that is clean, department. reliable, affordable and safe. 2014 Huang Chen ’16 (GCCIS) has been working at Liberty Mutual since graduation.

Laura De Martino ’16 (CLA) is working for BlackBox Biometrics as the marketing communications specialist.

Katelyn Gunderson ’16 (KGCOE) Johanna Lang-Bentley ’12 (KGCOE) began studies toward an MS in aero- got married on Oct. 7, 2016, in space engineering at Georgia Institute Skaneateles, N.Y. of Technology last August. She will be Kelsey (Williford) Gosselin ’14 (COS) researching composite materials and and Taylor Gosselin ’14 (COS) cele- structural health monitoring methods. brated their wedding in Sturbridge, Ma., Robert Watson ’12 (GCCIS) and on Nov. 12, 2016. The ceremony was Alok Mehta Tymothy Lipari ’13 (GCCIS) celebrated attended by family, friends and numer- ’16 (CAST) their marriage on Oct. 22, 2016, at the ous RIT alumni. The couple met during works as a VPI Vogt Mansion in Rochester. In attendance freshman orientation at RIT. packaging were many RIT alumni and staff: Natalie engineer with Boice-Pardee; Heath Boice-Pardee ’11 Kei Ito ’14 (CIAS) has earned his MFA Cummins (CAST); Kathleen Hall; Greg Pollock in photography from Maryland Institute Emissions ’12 (CLA); Teraisa Mullaney ’11, ’13 College of Art. He is actively working Solutions to (GCCIS); David Mullaney ’12 (GCCIS); on his artistic series called Sungazing. develop out- Joshua Kramer ’14 (KGCOE); Kristen This project is linked to his family his- bound supply Kramer ’12 (SCB); Brendan Wolfert tory, especially his grandfather who chain solutions ’12 (SCB); Phillip Amsler ’12 (KGCOE); was in Hiroshima when the atomic for major OEMs in North America. Zack Sigmund ’14 (KGCOE); Adam bomb exploded in 1945. The Sungazing Megan Mure ’12 (SOIS) and Eric Cornwell ’09 (COS); Sean Lillis ’13 series has been shown in many galleries Emily Moore Scalzo ’14 (CAST) were married on July (KGCOE); Brendan Foley ’06 (GCCIS); and museums. ’16 (CIAS) 9, 2016, at a winery in Lockport, N.Y. Samantha Kenyon ’15 (KGCOE); and began her The wedding party included Knycos Ferguson. Chen Li ’14 (CIAS) is featured on page 77 dual-degree Christopher Torbitt ’14 (KGCOE), of the November/December 2016 Tools master’s in Antonio Callisto ’13 (SCB), Allan 2013 and Shops issue of Fine Woodworking international Runions ’14 (CAST), James Chad Krohn ’13 magazine. He is bringing back the art affairs, natural Wasniewski ’14 (CAST), Rebecca (CAST) is using of furniture making to China. resources and Suskin ’13 (NTID), Brittany Ambeau the phone appli- sustainable ’13 (COS), Nicole (Scalzo) Hoover ’08 cation Snapchat development (COS) and Stephen Hoover ’07 (CLA). to teach his audi- at American Scalzo is working as a manufacturing ence American University engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft. They live Sign Language at in August. She will be spending 2017 in Naugatuck, Conn. no cost. He hopes studying at the United Nations man- his audience picks up this skill, which dated University for Peace in Costa Rica. will improve deaf access in the world. His username is meowchickenfish. Paige Peckham ’16 (CIAS) accepted a position as an interior designer/reloca- Sheetal Mohan tion manager at Vargas Associates in ’03 (SCB), ’13 Rochester. (CHST) is now a treasury man- Kristyn Wasikowski ’16 (SCB) is now ager at Harris an IT analyst in the technical develop- Corp. Mohan Hilary Young ’14 (CHST) and Garth ment program at Liberty Mutual. began her career Sinclair ’15 (KGCOE) are elated to in Rochester and moved to the Sunshine announce their engagement. A September State in 2014. She has experience with 2017 wedding is planned in Rochester. Are you moving? financial reporting and corporate accounting and is now having fun learn- 2015 If your address changes, you can ing about foreign exchange and hedges. Colin F. Shepherd ’15 (NTID) won make sure you continue to receive the 2016 ASC Haskell Wexler Student The University Magazine by report- Todd Perry ’13 Documentary Award from the ing your new address to the Office (CAST) American Society of Cinematographers. of Alumni Relations. Send an email Jason Scott ’12 (CAST) got engaged to accepted a He attended the awards ceremony in to [email protected] or call the office longtime girlfriend Brianna safety engineer Hollywood in October. The name of his toll free at 866-748-2586. Worthington on March 31, 2016. With position with documentary is Into the Microscope, a Alumni can also keep in touch their journey starting as high school Pacific film that features reversed combinations through the Online Community. sweethearts, they look forward to begin- Architects and of cinematic shots as a scientist looks Go to www.rit.edu/alumni. ning the next great chapter of their lives. Engineers. He into a microscope.

SPRING 2017 | 45  Make a gift to make a home

Imagine your Tiger Pride swelling as you walk through the front door of your home on RIT’s campus—the RIT Alumni House. With work on the house underway, your home at RIT is almost ready for you, as well as the endless amounts of activities, events, and memories you’ll share with fellow Tigers.

Interested in making the Alumni House your home and leaving your mark in support of all RIT alumni? Give today: rit.edu/alumnihouse.

Alumni Leland M. Ressler ’50 Harley L. Burgess ’61 William John Foos ’68 1976 1988 (GAP), Oct. 3, 2016 (CCE), Aug. 27, 2016 (CCE), Dec. 12, 2016 Kenneth Gary Stawasz ’76 Charles R. DeJohn ’88 1938 Walter J. Bruchhauser ’50 John H. Porter Jr. ’61 John F. Hoose ’68 (GAP), ’77 (GAP), Nov. (KGCOE), Sept. 12, 2016 Lena W. Collins (Weber) (CCE), Sept. 16, 2016 (GAP), Oct. 17, 2016 (KGCOE), Sept. 25, 2016 3, 2016 ’38 (SCB), Sept. 10, 2016 Glenn D. Bailey ’76 1989 1951 1962 1969 (KGCOE), Nov. 3, 2016 Rena S. Glickstein Moyers 1939 Cora (Carmine) Fontana Daniel E. Hedberg ’62 Richard L. Narburgh ’69 ’89 (SCB), Sept. 11, 2016 Marlene (Kron) Duerr ’39 ’51 (SCB), Sept. 18, 2016 (KGCOE), ’65 (KGCOE), (COS), Sept. 7, 2016 1977 (FAA), Dec. 2, 2016 Donald Jewell ’51 (FAA), ’71 (COS), Dec. 1, 2016 John J. Roberts Jr. ’69 Dieter H. Fritzsch ’77 1990 Dec. 2, 2016 Donald S. Babbit ’62 (CCE), Nov. 30, 2016 (SCB), Oct. 18, 2016 Hans J. Roeszies ’90 (CCE), 1940 Thomas N. Stofer Jr. ’51 (GAP), Sept. 2, 2016 Anita Q. Maruggi ’77 Nov. 22, 2016 Wallace J. Wagner ’40 (GAP), Sept. 2, 2016 1970 (CLA), Oct. 8, 2016 (SCB), Dec. 3, 2016 1963 Thomas J. Repp ’70 James M. Kubarek ’77 1992 1952 Merilyn K. Doody ’63 (KGCOE), Sept. 7, 2016 (CCE), Sept. 16, 2016 Joanne F. Nothnagle ’92 1941 Gaylord F. Volzer ’52 (COS), Sept. 29, 2016 Paul W. Griffith ’70 (CCE), Daniel J. Leopold ’77 (CCE), ’97 (SCB), Aug. Glenn R. House ’41 (CCE), Sept. 9, 2016 Kener E. Bond Jr. ’63 Nov. 22, 2016 (COS), Dec. 10, 2016 27, 2016 (KGCOE), Oct. 14, 2016 Donald F. Knop ’52 (FAA), Nov. 6, 2016 Daniel L. Fagan ’70 (SCB), Dudley Leonard Reimer David G. Waite ’92 Raymond Hobson ’41 (KGCOE), Nov. 1, 2016 Robert J. Werth ’63 (CCE), Sept. 2, 2016 ’77 (CCE), ’78 (CCE), Sept. (CAST), Oct. 8, 2016 (KGCOE), Dec. 1, 2016 Calvin W. Shaw ’52 (GAP), Nov. 13, 2016 Lynn W. Arnold ’70 16, 2016 Vera (Jenison) Eddy ’41 Dec. 6, 2016 (KGCOE), Sept. 3, 2016 Steven Douglas Barley ’77 1997 (SCB), Dec. 8, 2016 1964 Richard C. Dengal ’70 (CCE), Sept. 20, 2016 Joy P. Duskin ’97 (CIAS), Elizabeth (Pedley) 1954 Leonard A. Nowin ’64 (SCB), Oct. 6, 2016 Raymond E. Hawkes ’77 Nov. 28, 2016 Chandler ’41 (SCB), Oct. Jack L. Oblein ’54 (CCE), (CCE), Nov. 26, 2016 (CCE), Nov. 3, 2016 20, 2016 Nov. 1, 2016 Gerald L. Resch ’64 (CCE), 1971 1998 Frederick B. Talbot ’41 Louis T. Piazza ’54 (CCE), Oct. 2, 2016 Theodore E. Walker ’71 1978 John E. Bernacki ’98 (KGCOE), Nov. 29, 2016 Oct. 30, 2016 Roy J. Same ’64 (CCE), (KGCOE), Nov. 7, 2016 Gary Charles Servis ’78 (SCB), Dec. 12, 2016 Nov. 25, 2016 Gary H. Dodd ’71 (CCE), (CCE), Sept. 12, 2016 1943 1956 Everett K. Henry ’64 Oct. 23, 2016 Edward Wallace Galloway 1999 Barbara (Maulbetsch) William J. Hendrick ’56 (CCE), Sept. 19, 2016 Steven G. Tichenor ’71 ’78 (SCB), Aug. 27, 2016 Darren C. Rose ’99 Archer ’43 (SCB), (CCE), Nov. 29, 2016 Richard J. Casanzio ’64 (SCB), Oct. 6, 2016 John Basil Tierney ’78 (CAST), Sept. 22, 2016 Oct. 8, 2016 Richard A. Mort ’56 (KGCOE), Nov. 10, 2016 Thomas M. Denero ’71 (CCE), Oct. 17, 2016 (GAP), Oct. 22, 2016 Guenther O. Loepertz ’64 (CCE), Sept. 10, 2016 James Francis Maher ’78 2000 1946 Ronald O. Wellman ’56 (CCE), Oct. 31, 2016 (CCE), Dec. 12, 2016 Jeffrey S. Smith ’00 Marion (Simonsen) (FAA), Nov. 29, 2016 1972 (CAST), Sept. 4, 2016 Dykstra ’46 (SCB), 1965 Robert T. Norton ’72 1979 Oct. 11, 2016 1957 Gordon C. Niedermeier ’65 (SCB), Nov. 7, 2016 Richard Charles Burke ’79 2001 Sam C. Magnera ’57 (CCE), Sept. 2, 2016 Alvin L. Schubert ’72 (CCE), ’80 (CCE), Nov. George R. Vorhauer ’01 1948 (CCE), Nov. 5, 2016 (SCB), Sept. 7, 2016 30, 2016 (CAST), Sept. 22, 2016 Mamie M. Simonson ’48 1966 (GAP), Oct. 5, 2016 1958 Harold G. King ’66 (CCE), 1973 1980 2009 Rosemary (Sprague) Joseph Porcelli ’58 (CCE), Sept. 11, 2016 Timothy L. Shay ’73 (SCB), James John Frawley ’80 Jaime LaMontanaro Aros Mattern ’48 (COS), Sept. Sept. 15, 2016 Richard J. Vollmer ’66 Sept. 26, 2016 (CAST), Nov. 14, 2016 ’09 (NTID), Sept. 30, 2016 25,2016 Anthony F. Lipani ’58 (CCE), Dec. 11, 2016 J. Fred Boyle ’73 (CCE), Walter Stroh ’80 (CAST), W.G. Holderness ’48 (COS), Oct. 27, 2016 Lawrence A. Parkins ’66 Oct. 9, 2016 Sept. 7, 2016 (FAA), Oct. 3, 2016 Richard M. Gates ’58 (CCE), Aug. 29, 2016 Robert J. Quigley ’73 Robert S. Kerr ’80 (FAA), Faculty and Staff Hyman I. Goldman ’48 (FAA), Nov. 29, 2016 Sydney M. Blyth ’66 (CCE), (SCB), Nov. 18, 2016 Oct. 7, 2016 (GAP), Oct. 15, 2016 Dec. 4, 2016 Robert P. Jacoby ’73 Kener Bond Jr., jewelry Joseph V. Ambruso Sr. ’48 1959 Kenneth Winebrenner ’66 (KGCOE), ’74 (KGCOE), and goldsmithing profes- 1981 sor and assistant dean, (GAP), Nov. 18, 2016 John C. Mayer ’59 (FAA), Oct. 23, 2016 Sept. 29, 2016 Priscilla Mae Zonneville ’81 Nov. 6, 2016 (KGCOE), Oct. 1, 2016 (CCE), Sept. 6, 2016 1949 1967 1974 Stephen F. Ricco ’81 (SCB), Joy Paula Duskin, former Sally (Naramore) Williams 1960 Mark A. Baker ’67 William R. Laitenberger Nov. 10, 2016 member of the Depart- ’49 (FAA), Nov. 12, 2016 Richard J. Brice ’60 (CCE), (KGCOE), Dec. 1, 2016 ’74 (CCE), Oct. 18, 2016 ment of Access Services, Donald K. Atkins ’49 Sept. 12, 2016 James M. Buhay ’67 Joseph G. Cyr Jr. ’74 1982 Nov. 28, 2016 (GAP), Nov. 11, 2016 Darrel T. Lubey ’60 (KGCOE), Dec. 5, 2016 (KGCOE), Oct. 27, 2016 Jon Warren Zimmer Jr. (KGCOE), Nov. 13, 2016 Richard L. Harter ’67 Casey R. Ruliffson ’74 ’82 (GAP), ’84 (GAP), Oct. Robert Easton, retired 1950 Daryl R. Corteville ’60 (CCE), Sept. 6, 2016 (GAP), Oct. 19, 2016 6, 2016 professor emeritus from Joseph J. Calabucci ’50 (CCE), Dec. 8, 2016 Walter D. Goettman ’74 the College of Applied (GAP), Dec. 5, 2016 Ralph Agresta ’60 1968 (GAP), Oct. 10, 2016 1983 Science and Technology, November 2016 Josephine (Parlato) (KGCOE), ’72 (SCB), April Jay A. Levy ’68 (SCB), Nov. Frank Allan Meagher ’83 Harland ’50 (SCB), Dec. 13, 2016 5, 2016 1975 (CCE), ’84 (CCE), Nov. Wiley McKinzie, retired 6, 2016 Harry F. Michaels ’68 Dennis Depalma ’75 (SCB), 26, 2016 dean of CAST and vice Harry E. Harps ’50 (GAP), 1961 (CCE), Sept. 26, 2016 Nov. 4, 2016 Camden R. McAtee III ’83 dean of GCCIS, Jan. 18, Sept. 17, 2016 John M. Sturge ’61 (GAP), Ernest L. Turner ’68 (CCE), (GAP), Sept. 22, 2016 Oct. 27, 2016 Aug. 25, 2016 2017

No. 1, March 2017 RIT (USPS-676-870) is published 17 times annually by Rochester Institute of Technology, One Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, N.Y. 14623-5603, once in March, once in April, five times in June, three times in July, four times in August, once in September, once in October, and once in November. Periodicals postage paid at Rochester, N.Y. 14623-5603 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to RIT, Rochester Institute of Technology, One Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, N.Y. 14623-5603. SPRING 2017 | 47 from the Archives

Photo by Bill Barley ’64 Students prepare to drive to Henrietta after the Trustees announced in 1961 that the campus was moving.

The beginning of the Henrietta campus

hy did RIT move to Henrietta? announcement by the New York State On Nov. 22, 1961, the Trustees announced RIT was located in downtown Department of Public Works that a plan to that RIT was going to move from the current Rochester prior to the move to improve traffic for the Inner Loop would entail downtown location to a new site in Henrietta. HenriettaW in 1968. The downtown campus knocking down the Eastman Building, the President Ellingson called the move “the had served the school since 1885, and main administrative and classroom building. most significant single act in the 132-year buildings were built as needed. Anxious to keep RIT downtown, the City history of the Institute.” Enrollment grew steadily until the 1950s, Planning Commission made an impressive The news electrified the students. when the school experienced an explosion pitch, presenting a plan to eliminate deterio- An editorial in the Reporter noted: “The of students after World War II. The number rated property in the Third Ward, and several action that the board has so courageously of students doubled between 1950 and 1960, hundred acres to take care of immediate taken is unparalleled in its significance to and projections indicated more of the same space needs, ample housing for faculty, staff RIT and the community it serves, and will be in the foreseeable future. Existing facilities and students, and other amenities. applauded by untold generations of students.” were strained, and in some cases, inadequate. Then the state announced a new plan that The morning after the announcement, However, the board and RIT President would allow the Eastman Building to stay, the Student Association presented a check Mark Ellingson agreed that growth was but the Inner Loop would now divide the for $10,000 to President Ellingson to start a positive and integral to the institution’s campus, appropriating 11 RIT buildings and building fund. Morning classes were canceled mission to serve the community. isolating the Ritter-Clark gymnasium and ice and students drove in a motorcade to the The discussion centered on how and arena. The city administration attempted to new campus site in Henrietta. where to grow. The institute had been push the route further south and preserve Becky Simmons, RIT Archivist acquiring land in the area surrounding the campus, but the state refused, citing the campus downtown but expansion in engineering issues and expense. the area was very expensive. In early 1961 RIT received an unexpected Other exploration centered on searching surprise–a gift of $ 3.27 million from Grace 50-year celebration for a site outside the city that would provide Watson, who had attended classes, but was RIT is gearing up to celebrate 50 years on the required room for growth far into the unknown to the administration. the Henrietta campus in 2018. Contact us future. The current site in Henrietta was The Trustees decided to use the donation, to share your memories of the early years a top choice. the largest in RIT’s history, toward the or the move at [email protected]. Into this state of affairs came an purchase of land in Henrietta.

48 | SPRING 2017 LET OUT YOUR ROAR! SAVE THE DATES. OCTOBER 13–15, 2017

Periodicals www.rit.edu

Rochester Institute of Technology

Experience the FUTURE SATURDAY, MAY 6

A Free Festival For Everyone What: Imagine RIT: Innovation and What you’ll see: Nearly 400 interactive YEARS Creativity Festival is the university’s presentations, exhibits, research signature event, a showcase that displays projects, hands-on demonstrations, the ingenuity of students, faculty and staff. and live performances.

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 6. Plan your day: Build an itinerary of your favorite exhibits and live performances. Admission: Free and open to the public, Check out the entire festival program at rain or shine. Parking available on RIT’s www.rit.edu/imagine. campus and at Monroe Community College with a free shuttle service to RIT.