Total recall John Reid, 1978 social work graduate, reminisces about his NTID experience for a videotape cel- ebrating the Institute's 25th anniversary. The program, which will include historical material about NTID, clips from the 25th anniversary alumni reunion to take place this summer, and interviews with alumni, will commemorate NTID's first quarter-century of educating deaf students.

Photography by A. Sue Weisler 2 5 YEARS AND COUNTING

2 2018: The Director's Vision 3 2018: The Dean's Vision 17 Eyes on NTID

25 OF US

5 Albert Simone You Can Call Me Al 6 Shirley Allen Lessons in Life 7 Gustave Rathe Jr. He'd RATHEr Be in Rochester 8 Robert Frisina and William Castle Two Men and an Institute 10 Lorraine Cosgrove Permanently Temporary 11 John Haynes Continuing Education 12 Kevin Nolan and Sharon Hensley Student Studies: Yesterday and Today 14 Robert Panara A Major League Teacher 16 James Northcutt BuildingBuilding Alumni Ties 22 Paul Meyer A Friend, In Deed 23 Robert Davila Embracing Education ABOUT THE COVER 24 Richard Smith His Heart's in His Hands 25 Linda Nelson Mission: Possible A. Sue Weisler's photograph reflects the innovation that has 26 Wendy Maruyama Carving Her Own Niche been NTID's hallmark for 25 years. Throughout 1993, the 28 William Loftus Lofty Expectations Institute will celebrate 25 years 29 Barbara Ray Holcomb Growth Spurt of providing innovative techno- logical education to students 30 Albert Pimentel Advisor to the Advisors who are deaf. 31 Alice Beardsley Unforgettable Alice 32 Khaled Hothili World-Class Education 33 Bonnie Meath-Lang Future Tense 34 Adrian White and Anthony DiGiovanni III Students Adopt a Can-Do Attitude 36 Michael Kleper High (Tech) Hopes As NTID celebrates its 25th year, In addition, NTID will offer FOCUS asked Director William. new programs, including bacca- Castle and Dean James DeCaro to laureate programs in architecture, look ahead to the NTID of the future. electromechanical technology, Their comments reflect how NTID's and educational interpreting as leaders of today envision the Institute well as master's degree programs —fiscally, physically, and spiritually for training secondary teachers of 25 years from now in 2018. deaf students, sign language teachers, social workers and counselors who serve deaf people, art teachers, audiologists, and. As we celebrate our 25th speech pathologists who special- NTID FOCUS is published by the anniversary, it seems appropriate ize in serving deaf people. A Division of Public Affairs at the National to speculate about the next 25 growing number of deaf students Technical Institute for the Deaf, a college of Rochester institute of Technology, years and envision the NTID of will pursue master's degrees and Rochester, New York. 2018. The groundwork for such doctoral programs in the other Director speculation lies in the strategic colleges of RIT. Marcia B. Dugan Finally, NTID's outreach efforts Editor plan that NTID has begun to Lynne BohIman implement. will be extensive, both nationally Coordinator, Publications First, because of increases in and internationally, and will have Susan Cergol NTID's Federal Endowment a significant impact on secondary Writers Beth M. Pessin Matching Grant Program, addi- programs for deaf students, ori- Kathryn Schmitz tional private fund-raising re- entation of parents and teachers Pamela Seabon Kathleen S. Smith sources, and special grants and to career education for deaf peo- Deborah R. Waltzer contracts, NTID will be less de- ple, and training of deaf people to Art Director pendent on federal appropriations be self-advocates and leaders. The Colleen Collins, RIT Communications number of interns will be twice Photography for its operations. A. Sue Weisler — pp. 5, 6, 8, 10-12, The NTID Foundation, the as great as it is today (24 in 14 (inset), 16, 23, 24, 32-34, 36 1992), with 50 percent of interns NTID archives — pp. 6 (inset), 7, 8 (insets), Institute's newly established link 14, 31 to private contributors, will have coming from other countries. In Courtesy of Gustave Rathe Jr. — p. 7 (inset) addition, NTID faculty members Winchell Moore — p. 13 undertaken several fund-raising Courtesy of Paul Meyer — p. 22 campaigns to seek gifts-in-kind will serve in an advisory capacity Ken Jandl — p. 25 to other countries that have Okazaki Studios — p. 26 and private dollars for our endow- Courtesy of Peter Joseph Gallery — p. 27 ment, special projects, and equip- established or plan to establish Michael Spencer — p. 28 postsecondary programs for peo- Kellie McCann — p. 29 ment and supply purchases. I Gregory M. Clark — p. 30 expect that we will have as many ple who are deaf. Photo Collection as five professorships endowed at These are but a few of the "Eyes on NTID" photographic collection things that will be different about was coordinated by Kathryn Schmitz $2 million each, a $65 million and Beth M. Pessin. Special thanks to endowment for general operations, NTID 25 years from now. How- Colleen Collins, A. Sue Weisler, and ever, some things will remain the Dr. Thomas Raco. and an accumulation of gifts-in- Time Line kind worth $15 million. All of same, particularly the quality of The 25th anniversary time line was coordi- this will be supplemental to an the programs and dedication of a nated by Beth NI. Pessin, with photos and illustrations from NITD archives, RIT annual operations appropriation community of people like those archives and special collections, and of more than $130 million. who have brought NTID to its FOCUS files. In regard to our student popu- current position of excellence. lation: Nearly 50 percent of the 1,250 students sponsored by NTID in the year 2018 will matriculate This material was produced through an agreement between Rochester Institute of into one of RIT's other colleges, Dr. William Castle Technology and the U.S. Department of and 10 percent of all deaf students Education. will come from other countries.

2 FOCUS Twenty-five years from now NTID not only will exhibit excel- 95% I would like to muse about those lence, it will demonstrate educa- Ninety-five percent of NTID descriptors that will characterize tional integrity. integrity—an graduates who enter the work NTID 25 years from now: excel- incorruptibility regarding the force find employment in their lence, integrity, and credibility. trust placed in us by this nation fields of study. In 1967, 85 Some time ago, I heard a com- to educate people who are deaf; a percent of deaf adults were mentator on National Public Radio trustworthiness regarding our unemployed or underemployed. contrast success and excellence. I pledge to prepare deaf people to found the distinction intriguing. enter society and the workplace Success can be, and often is, and compete on a par with their 1,130 fleeting—the exhibition of some hearing peers; the ability and will Among RIT's current. enrollment behaviors that might eventually to remain true to our responsibil- of approximately 13,000 students blossom into excellence. It is, ity to prepare honest and moral are 1,130 who are deaf. more often than not, measured by human beings who can con- In 1968, 71 students enrolled in a comparison to others and tribute to the welfare of our NTID's first class. marked by competition with others. society at all levels. Excellence, on the other hand, As an educational enterprise, requires a commitment in perpe- NTID also will demonstrate cred- $ 527 tuity to being the best one is ibility. NTID will be credible by Research demonstrates that the capable of being, irrespective of doing what it professes to do. Its average net weekly earnings of actions taken by the competition. credibility will be based upon an deaf RIT alumni 10 years after Excellence requires a commit- honest reporting of successes and graduation is $527. ment to improving service, even failures in the teaching and learn- though one may be at the top ing processes, founded in the compared to the competition. fundamental belief that people 46 Excellence is marked by a who are deaf can and will contin- This year, deaf RIT students come resistance to short-term "profit ue to grow and derived from an from 46 states and one territory taking" and may even require "ability" rather than a "disability" (U.S. Virgin Islands). A total of 45 short-term hardship in order to approach to teaching and learning. international deaf students attend make an investment in the When our contributions to RIT from seven countries around future. As John Gardner suggests, teaching and learning are re- the world. excellent individuals and institu- assessed in 25 years, the words of tions extend themselves, chal- Virgil will ring true: "'Experto lenge themselves, and demand credite'—Trust one who has 30% the very best of themselves. proved it" (Aenid, XI.283). In fall 1992, 30 percent of deaf Excellence is not measured by students were enrolled in "star quality" or "notoriety," but baccalaureate degree programs in rather by consistent and other RIT colleges, compared to ever in proving contribution. A com- 15 percent 10 years ago. mitment to success is a commit- Dr. James DeCaro ment to being at the top, while a commitment to excellence is a 102,682 lifetime commitment to quality. Since opening its doors in 1968, To paraphrase the philosopher NTID has welcomed 102,682 Toulmin, excellent people and visitors from around the world.. institutions analyze their prac- tices not simply for what they are, but for what they might be made to he.

FOCUS 3 4 FOCUS by Kathleen S. Smith to, about how to approach and understand the challenges wise a week, Dr. Albert faced by deaf people," he con- Simone, RIT's new presi- tinues. "I hope that people here dent, starts his day with will develop a better under- Ta cup of coffee, a bowl of standing of what life is like for cereal, and a sign language deaf people." book. Not many college presi- Simone has gotten a taste of dents have in-home tutoring that firsthand since hiring deaf sessions at 7 a.m., but Simone, student Sherri Corcoran to who began his tenure as RIT's work in his office. It is the first eighth president in September, time ever that a deaf student knows that he has a lot to learn has worked in the RIT presi- about the deaf students who dent's office. attend RIT, and he doesn't "I feel very comfortable want to waste any time. there," says Corcoran, a 27- On Monday and Wednesday year-old office technologies mornings, Sam Holcomb, sign and applied accounting stu- communication specialist in dent. "The people are friendly, NTID's Center for Sign and they've even begun to Language and Interpreting learn sign language." Education, visits Simone's home Corcoran has taught Simone and conducts an American Sign a few signs that he'd like to put Language class for Simone; his to use in the classroom. wife, Carolie; and their 22-year- "Wouldn't it be great," he old daughter. Laura. muses, "if I could teach a leader- "They're doing well," says ship course next year and use Holcomb of his students. "Dr. sign language?" Simone has a limited sign He should know better than vocabulary right now, but he to set such lofty goals. Soon expresses what he knows after joining the University of very well. Hawaii in 1985, he took on "Their attendance also has several friendly wagers that he been superb," Holcomb jokes. would "break 90" within a Simone's desire to learn sign month of learning how to language fits well with his clear play golf. vision of where he would like "I paid for a lot of dinners RIT—and NTID—to be in on that one," he says, shaking 10 years. his head. "I'd like people to think of He admits that his many RIT as a school with a strong goals related to NTID are "just academic reputation and a spe- rhetoric until I achieve them. cial culture—Deaf culture— In a year, I will be in a much that spills out into everything aware of NTID and visitors to residence halls and offices just better position to evaluate that we do," says Simone, for- campus are met at the gate and as naturally as they breathe." my progress. But I'd like mer president of the University given directions by a person "I'd like to see questions people to know that I have of Hawaii system. using sign language—a place about deafness answered with good intentions." - He envisions an RIT where "where visitors will see hearing respect, meaning that people new students are immediately people using sign language in will have learned, as I expect

Robert G. Sanderson, president of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), Bills tg establish a natignal technical insti- addresses an NAD workshop in Knoxville, tute for the deaf are introduced in the U.S. Tennessee, saying: "The deaf must have Congress. Sen. Lister Hill introduces the bill better educational opportunities and in the Senate. and Reps. John Fogarty and vocational training." Hugh Carey introduce the bill in the Hguse. Carey eventually authors the final National Technical Institute for the Deaf Act.

April 1 1964 1965 FOCUS 5 by Pamela Seabon Today, students have a far greater likelihood of interacting "I've been teaching at NTID a with faculty and staff members long time," says 20-year vet- as well as peers who are mem- eran Dr. Shirley Allen. bers of minority groups. Since During that time, Allen has 1985, when the. Institute initi- witnessed many changes at the ated aggressive affirmative Institute. One thing that has action hiring strategies, NTID remained constant, however, is has significantly increased the her affection for her students. number of minority employees "I love them," affirms the asso- —from 17 eight years ago to 54 ciate professor in the department as of last fall. of general education instruction. That kind of progress is im- "They are capable individuals portant to Allen, who last year who deserve to be treated as became the first black deaf such. All they need is a little American woman to receive a guidance and encouragement. doctorate. She believes that it is "My students are smart," she important for all students to adds. "I'm just here to help meet instructors, advisors, them see that." counselors, and other profes- Over the years, Allen has sionals working in academia helped hundreds of students who come from a variety of recognize their self-worth and backgrounds. She contends t he value of t hose around them. that students need as much ex- Although she says that assist- posure to "life in the real ing and watching her pupils world" as possible. grow is rewarding, she con- "Diversity is a fact of life," fesses that it hasn't always been she says. "People from different an easy task, particularly in her cultures live beside one another. early teaching days when she We must share our knowledge, encountered skepticism be- thoughts, and feelings so that cause she was the only black we, as members of the human and deaf faculty member at race, can understand and the Institute. appreciate one another." She recalls walking past stu- Known around the Institute dents in hallways and either for her unbridled honesty, Allen being stared at as if she were reveals a more nurturing char- out of place or simply ignored. acter when talking about her stu- These responses did not disturb dents. Although she sometimes her though. is considered "difficult" by stu- It was the students who were dents, she remains respected surprised when they entered one because her lectures contain of their life skills classes and messages that go beyond any- realized that the black woman thing they'd find in textbooks. they had passed in the corridor "Professor Allen treats us like was their instructor. adults," says Damon Tidwell, "The students looked as if second-year student in the photo/ class assignments," he explains. they'd seen a ghost when t hey media technologies program "She will not do the work for us. walked into the classroom and who took Allen's "Psychology She wants us to be capable of saw me," Allen says. "Many and Your Life" course last fall. doing things on our own. had never seen a non-white "She doesn't give us breaks "Professor Allen sees a teacher before." when it comes to homework and future in us."

The drafted bill becomes Public Law 89-36 when it is signed by President Lyndgn June 8 Baines Johnsgn. The law provides for a National Advisory Board (NAB) to aid in the establishment and operatign gf the new institute. Rgbert Panara, whg later will become the first deaf faculty member at RIT and serve as chairperson of NTID's English and theater departments, is the only deaf 6 FOCUS 1965 member of the board. by Kathryn Schmitz Rathe soon converted his ing NTID on their campuses. his NAB service, Rathe has fol- initial naivete regarding deaf- Four were selected for site visits: lowed the growth of educa- n 1966, Gustave Rathe Jr.'s ness into enthusiasm. University of Tennessee, Uni- tional opportunities for deaf expertise was educational "At that time, I had an objec- versity of Pittsburgh, Univer- people for more than a quarter programming, not deafness. tivity that grew out of igno- sity of Illinois, and RIT. After of a century and applauds Still, he led the group that rance," says Rathe. "I had no completing the site visits, NTID's successful development. decided more than 25 years experience or knowledge of board members reconvened As he reflects on the Institute's ago that RIT would be the best either oralism or sign language, and unanimously selected RIT 25 years of preparing deaf col- place for a national technical issues that were hotly discussed as the host institution. lege graduates to pursue pro- institute for the deaf. As chair- in board meetings, but I was "RIT was the only institution fessional careers, Rathe notes, person of NTID's National ready to support education for that had long and varied expe- "There are enough success Advisory Board (NAB), Rathe all deaf persons regardless of rience in programs that were stories in opening up new was part of the group instru- method of communication." not exclusively aimed at the career opportunities for deaf mental in selecting RIT as the In search of a place to provide liberal arts," says Rathe. people in the past 25 years of host institution for NTID. technical education for deaf A National Advisory Group NTID's existence to conclude Rathe's involvement with the people, the NAB reviewed ap- member from 1967-73 and that its original goals have been Institute began with a breakfast plications from 20 colleges and trustee of Gallaudet University achieved." meeting with John Gardner, universities interested in host- for 23 years as an outgrowth of then secretary of the U.S. Department of Health, Edu- cation and Welfare. Gardner commented during the meeting that he believed the industrial component of society needed to work on social problems with the same energy that it expended on military ones. Rathe, director of education for IBM at the time and now retired, agreed, adding that he felt that industry had a great deal to contribute to the fields of education and social work. Two weeks later, Gardner ap- pointed Rathe to the 12-mem- ber NAB, precursor to NTID's National Advisory Group. "With his background at IBM, Gus provided insight into the job markets for our future graduates as well as other op- portunities that were available to college students, such as grants and scholarships," says Robert Panara, NTID professor emeritus who also served on the NAB. "He was a brilliant organizer and knew how to make people work together, which is why we appointed him chairperson of the NAB."

Of the initial 20 educatignal institutigns that sgught to have NTID lgcated gn their campuses, fgur—Rochester Institute of Technolggy, University gf Illingis, After visiting each gf the four institutions. NAB members, under the University of Pittsburgh, and University of leadership of chairperson Gustave Rathe Jr., as well as consultants fgr Tennessee—are chosen for site visits. the Department gf Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) and October 1 Congress, unanimgusly agree to recgmmend RIT as the host institution.

May 27 1966 FOCUS 7 by Susan Cergol Drs. Robert Frisina and well as on how the hearing portunities for deaf students, William Castle, by virtue of world perceives deaf and and virtually none in technical ike many healthy= 25-year- their respective tenures as hard-of-hearing people," says studies. As a result, he notes, olds, NTID has flourished NTID director, in effect have Frisina, now director of RIT's about 85 percent of deaf adults and matured into early parented the Institute and were International Center for at that time found themselves L adulthood, in part, instrumental in raising it to its Hearing and Speech Research. in unskilled or semiskilled jobs. through the wisdom and guid- position as a worldwide leader When Frisina accepted the Today, roughly 95 percent of ance of devoted guardians— in the education of deaf people. position as NTID's first director deaf RIT graduates who enter one who nurtured it through "Twenty-five years after its in 1967 and selected Castle as the work force find technical infancy and childhood, another establishment, NTID has had the Institute's first dean the fol- or professional jobs in their through the challenging teen tremendous influence on the lowing year, there were few areas of specialization. years and beyond. education of deaf students as postsecondary educational op- "One of NTID's most

February December 20

An agreement is reached between the government and RIT. NTID is fgrmally established.

Dr1967 8 FOCUS 1966 . Robert Frisina is named the first director of N-I-10. important contributions is our students and prepare those stu- visibility among individuals "We've essentially been success regarding employment dents for the work force on a and organizations concerned successful every year—not of our graduates," says Castle, par with their hearing peers. with education of deaf people. always getting everything that who has served as Institute "We couldn't accept any In addition to serving as NTID we want, but almost," notes director since 1977 when existing system of education dean for nine years and director Castle optimistically. Frisina stepped clown to head because we already knew that for 16, Castle has served two Castle also is optimistic RIT's institutional advancement none fit deaf students' needs," terms as president of the about the future. Although program. "NTID opened the says Frisina. "We were doomed Alexander Graham Bell Frisina says that his greatest doors of business and industry to fail if we demanded exact, Association for the Deaf and fear when establishing NTID as places of employment for immediate inclusion into an traveled abroad extensively— was "institutional arteriosclero- deaf people. No other institu- existing educational system." from Europe to Africa, Asia to sis," NTID has bypassed such tion has clone that as dramati- Instead, by steadfastly keeping South America—spreading the hardening of the arteries by cally as we have." with an innovative approach word about NTID. remaining flexible and willing And that, Castle notes, was to grow with changing times. Congress' intent when it enact- Castle believes that the ed the National Technical Institute's recent strategic plan- Institute for the Deaf Act in "NTID started as an ning process is testimony to 1965, which mandated the committed evolution. establishment of NTID. educational experiment. "Strategic planning, as we Congress did not, however, have witnessed it during the spell out exactly how this new We had to prove that it past two years, is simply a dra- college would prepare deaf stu- matic way of dealing with dents for the world of work. could succeed." change, and NTID has under- "That befell our inventiveness," gone constant change," he says. quips Frisina. The strategic plan calls on "I came in to bridge the gap the Institute to develop better between legislation and educa- to educating deaf students, Castle also is well-known on strategies to recruit female and tional methodologies," he says. Frisina says that the Institute's Capitol Hill. As a result of his minority students and minority "My job was to transform the founders "maintained the frequent trips to Washington, faculty and staff members as legislation into a living entity." integrity and intent of the leg- D.C., in defense of NTID's fund- well as improve sign language With an extensive back- islation that created NTID." ing requests from the federal skills and awareness of Deaf ground in audiology, psychology, "NTID started as an educa- government, Castle—in his culture on campus. and education of deaf students, tional experiment," he adds. trademark dress of brightly In addition, NTID will place including teaching experience "We had to prove that it colored suit jackets—has an even greater emphasis on at the Missouri School for the could succeed." become a highly recognized outreach efforts during the Deaf as well as administrative Succeed it did. Lacking any and respected figure on the next several years, sharing its positions at Gallaudet Univer- models of technical education federal scene. findings about technological sity, Frisina was well-prepared programs for deaf students in a Maintaining the federal ap- and educational opportunities for the arduous task he faced. mainstream collegiate setting, propriation level necessary to for deaf students with educa- Armed with basic guidelines Frisina guided the creation of a support the Institute has been tors and employers throughout written by NTID's National program that has set the pace one of Castle's primary chal- the country and abroad. Advisory Board (a precursor to in its field. lenges as NTID director. "There is so much that NTID the current National Advisory "NTID has become the Before 1981, the Institute has learned in our 25 years Group) and supported by a model of technical education was virtually assured of receiv- that we haven't yet shared small group of faculty mem- for deaf students," says Castle, ing the level of funding re- widely," says Castle. "People bers with "talent, integrity, and adding that the Institute, par- quested. Every year since then, around the world will continue an ability to work coopera- ticularly its comprehensive sys- however, Castle and other to look to us for this expertise, tively with others," Frisina set tem of support services, is administrators have had to and we will continue to be about developing academic emulated throughout the world. travel to Washington to rein- responsive." programs that would provide NTID's renown can be at- force the importance of the real opportunities for deaf tributed largely to Castle's high needed funding.

Winter September Quarter

Dr. William Castle is named the NTID's first technical degree pro- first dean gf NTID. grams—architectural drafting, mechani- cal drafting, machine tool operation, and office practice—are offered. Today, NTID offers 20 different programs that lead to certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees.

1968 Seventy-one deaf students enrgll at RIT; 04 of them will receive certification. 1968.69 FOCUS 9 by Pamela Seabon

hen Lorraine Cosgrove began her temporary W secretarial posi- tion at NTID in 1969, she assumed that all she had to do was answer telephones, type letters, and file documents for a few weeks. But Cosgrove was in for a big surprise. "When my two weeks were up, they told me that I couldn't leave," she chuckles, "and I was offered a permanent position. "The Institute was just de- veloping its classes, and there was tons of work to be done," she says. "I simply could not walk away from the students and the Institute." Cosgrove, secretary in the School of Science and Engi- neering Careers, is one of a handful of support staff mem- bers who have been at the Instil me practically since its inception. She has helped shape, define, and implement NTID's Summer Vestibule Program (SVP), a monthlong orienta- tion for incoming students, and other student-centered projects over the past two-plus decades. Cosgrove, 62, began her NTID career in the department "There was a time when the and we simply can't interact as extra mile for those of us in the of human development, which, Institute would host a party in much," she says. department. I sometimes affec- like many NTID departments honor of faculty and staff mem- To know Cosgrove is to tionately call her 'Mom' because at the time, was located in bers," Cosgrove explains, "and know a woman of integrity, she is a nurturing person—not Grace Watson Hall. When the everyone would show up. commitment, and good spirit, only to me, but to others Lyndon Baines Johnson There never was a question of according to Jane Mullins, throughout the Institute. Building was completed in whether or not someone would career development counselor "With more than 20 years of 1974, Cosgrove's area moved in. attend because we all looked in the School of Science and committed service to and vast Although Cosgrove was ex- forward to going. Engineering Careers. Mullins knowledge about NTID," cited and pleased by the expan- "Today, because of the size has worked with Cosgrove for Mullins adds, "Lorraine's sion, she confesses to also feel- of the Institute and the location 16 years. contributions simply are ing a tad saddened. The inevit- of staff and faculty members in "Lorraine is one of the most unmatched." able growth of the Institute the Hugh L. Carey Building caring and compassionate brought with it a loss of the across campus, we know less people I have ever known," says camaraderie that she and others about one another personally, Mullins. "She gladly goes the had grown to cherish.

NTID's Vestibule programs are initiated to The Student Interpreter Training Program, orient deaf students to the postsecondary a forerunner of the Basic Interpreter experience and curricula available and to Training Program, is established. NTID is Fall inform students about career opportunities. the first in history to offer such a program. An eight-week Summer Vestibule Program (SVP) also is established for intensive evalu- ation and orientation for those students who had been admitted to NTID for the fall quarter. Seventy-six newly admitted students participate. 10 FOCUS 1969 by Pamela Seabon As an older and wiser stu- dent, the 34-year-old returns ike thousands of people with information and experi- across the country, NTID ences that he believes can be graduate John Haynes has beneficial to his hearing and returned to school to fur- deaf academic peers. Haynes therL his education and career. says that he has a lot of knowl- At the encouragement of his fam- edge about the work force to ily and friends, Haynes again impart to others. enrolled at RIT in 1986, this time "Older students who have to pursue a bachelor's degree in worked for a number of years mechanical engineering. before returning to further After graduating with a di- their education can provide a ploma from NTID's manufac- much clearer idea of what the turing processes technology workplace requires," says Dr. program in 1978, Haynes Raymond Grosshans, assistant worked for nine years as a jour- professor in NTID's manufac- neyman in Eastman Kodak turing processes technology Company's tool and die depart- program. "Those students ment before resuming his stud- confirm what instructors teach ies at RIT. about the skills and attributes Now a fourth-year student in needed for success on the job." the College of Engineering, Since returning to campus, Haynes realized that in order to Haynes has been impressed by fulfill his goal of becoming an students' increased activism engineer at a large industrial regarding university issues. He company like Kodak or Xerox says that students appear more Corporation, he needed to re- mature, responsible, and apt to turn to school. Since I988, speak up when they feel that Haynes has pursued his bache- issues concerning them aren't lor's degree full time and ex- being fully addressed. pects to graduate next spring. He cites as an example the greater access to safety mea- Haynes believes that students "Getting my bachelor's degree Campaign for Accessibility sures and services on campus. should maintain such construc- is very important to me," says Now, a highly publicized week- "Students came together as tive energy throughout their Haynes. "After having spent long series of rallies, meetings one voice to be heard by the lives, adding that although life many years in the work force, I with university administrators, administration," says Haynes. may sometimes appear tough, now realize that having an and presentations to NTID's "The students were organized, it's up to the individual to be advanced degree and being able National Advisory Group in knew what they wanted, and strong and persevere to over- to apply what I know determines the fall of 1991, during which rightfully demanded changes." come obstacles. - how successful I will be." students expressed a need for

June 4

After two years of growth and develop- Groundbreaking for NTID's Lyndon Baines ment, the NTID drama club presents four Johnson Building takes place. major productions, two special perfor- mances, and three workshops. More than 100 students and six faculty members par- ticipate as performers, designers, techni- cians, business agents, and advisors. FOCUS 11 by Kathryn Schmitz

lthough they came to NTID during differ- ent eras, Kevin A Nolan and Sharon Hensley, both 47, got a fresh start at the Institute. In 1968, Nolan was a member of NTID's first class; today, almost 25 years later, Hensley is begin- ning her work toward a bache- lor's degree at RIT. Nolan, who received a bach- elor's degree in business admin- istration from RIT in 1971 and now is guidance counselor and director of alumni affairs at Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton, Massachusetts, entered NTID as a transfer stu- dent from a community college in Franklin, Massachusetts. "Coming to NTID was the turning point in my life," says Nolan. "During high school and junior college, I had no support services so I got very little from my classes. My mind exploded at NTID because I could under- stand everything in class." Hensley, even though she has earned four associate degrees at different junior colleges around the country, was unable to land a job. Representing a growing group of older students at the Institute, Hensley takes her studies seriously because she feels that a bachelor's degree from RIT will improve her chances of employment. "School is tough," she says, "but I'm learning a lot. The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know." When Nolan and his 70 classmates began their first year at NTID 25 years ago, the world was watching.

June 5

NHL) graduates its first class. Fifty-four students, among them the first student officially accepted for entrance to NTID (William Ingraham), participate in RIT's commencement exercises.

FOCUS 1971 "Dr. [Robert] Frisina [first socialized a great deal with director of NTID] told us, 'I hearing students." want all of you to know that Enjoying technological ad- you are now in the fishbowl,"' vances and facilities that have says Nolan of his initial experi- been developed since Nolan's ence at a college that did not graduation, Hensley now is yet have its own facilities. studying social work at RIT. Nolan took his responsibility Her daughter, Deborah, 23, as a representative of a new also is in her first year at RIT, deaf student body seriously, studying criminal justice. "Coming to NTID was the turning getting involved in Sigma Pi "RIT has a lot to offer students fraternity, helping to establish —technical courses, support point in my life.— My mind the drama club, and working services, tutoring—that I closely with NTID's new didn't get at other colleges," exploded at NTID teachers to get courses and says Hensley. programs underway. One feature that wasn't avail- because I could understand "We all knew one another," able to Nolan but is important says Nolan. "Because we to Hensley is the VAX computer everything in class." used RIT's facilities, we also system, which, among other functions, has contained the library's resource listings since 1978. "I was so surprised to find no card catalogs in the library," says Hensley. "I had to learn how to use the computer to get information." Hensley also uses the VAX to send electronic mail via Internet to her husband, a third-year education student at Gallaudet University. While Hensley has many resources and options to choose from at RIT that were not avail- able to Nolan, the pioneer is happy to have had the opportu- nity to begin with a clean slate. "I'd do it all over again," Nolan says. "One of my appreciations," he says of NTID, "is that the dream became a reality, one that we started from scratch."

"RIT has a lot to offer students... that I didn't get at other colleges."

NTID's student government—named NTID Student Congress { NSC.) is established. During fall quarter 197I, NSC officers are elected. A pre-employment program is developed Summer to assist students in selection of realistic career choices, identification of job-related responsibilities, and development of an understanding and awareness of the world of work. FOCUS 13 by Lynne Bohlman

hough separated by 150 years, Robert Panara's educational adventure T at RIT closely parallels that of Laurent Clerc at the American School for the Deaf. Although Clerc, Panara modestly concedes, was more pioneering because he was THE first deaf teacher at THE first educational program for deaf students in the United States, Panara is a pioneer in his own right. In I967, Panara achieved his initial first at RIT when he became the first deaf faculty member at the Institute as it prepared to open its doors to deaf students. That first year was a tough one for Panara, professor emer- itus, who frequently ques- tioned his decision to leave Gallaudet University, where he

October 3

NTID's Experimental Educational Theatre, an outlet for creative 14 FOCUS expression, presents The Taming of the Shrew. It is the group's first Production in the Institute's new facilities. "to prove that a deaf person undeniable. He inspired hun- could teach both deaf and dreds of students to explore hearing students." the beauty and power of Of NTID's accomplishments, English literature—a passion Panara says, "Our students he discovered as a child and have proven for the greater fueled throughout high school part that they can meet the as he snuck poetry or novels challenge of a mainstream edu- from his desk while teachers cation.... Our batting average droned on about history or math of something like 95 percent or a foreign language. placement proves our success." Panara also inspired a love of In addition, Panara notes a the written word in his son, more subtle accomplishment of John, who can recall waking had taught for 18 years. Being Panara recalled his experiences the experiment to bring together up Saturday mornings to the the only deaf person at RIT in in public schools after becoming deaf and hearing students on a sounds of his father reciting 1967 was akin to what Jackie deaf at age 10 following a bout single college campus: Hearing lines—such as those from Robinson must have experi- with spinal meningitis. students benefit, too, and in Kubla Khan, which sparked the enced when he broke the racial "I had firsthand knowledge of turn spread the positive message imagination, and those from barrier in the major leagues, what it was like to be a deaf stu- about deaf people's potential. The Tyger, which evoked a says Panara, who is as fond of dent enrolled in a class of hear- "Many [hearing students] haunting beauty. baseball metaphors and anec- ing students. I wanted to help learn to bridge the communica- Part of what made his father dotes as he is of quoting liter- eliminate the barriers that deaf tion gap. They also learn a an effective teacher, says John ary greats. students would surely face." greater sensitivity to and Panara, who has worked at Panara missed his peers at If Panara's first year at RIT respect for cultural diversity," NTID for 14 years, was his Gallaudet, all of whom com- was particularly tough, the he says. ability to make the words come municated fluently in sign lan- following 19—he retired in "Many of them have chosen alive for students. Whether a guage and speech. In 1967, I987—were filled with personal careers that are related to deaf- literature or drama course, his there were no trained inter- and professional achievement ness and deaf people. Others father would enact the lines preters at RIT and only a hand- and satisfaction. have succeeded in other areas through signs and his own ful of staff members skilled in "I felt a new energy, and I and can recall the courage, re- interpretations. using sign language. had a new vision, which before sourcefulness, and capability of "For some students, litera- Panara also missed his be- I really never had," he says. "I their deaf schoolmates. They've ture is just words on a page. A loved teaching, which he gave was part of a ground swell, and helped educate their own em- good teacher is like a magnify- up that first year in order to I was given the leeway to be ployers and co-workers to what ing glass, helping students to undertake an internal public creative and innovative." deaf people can do, which has see images and discover ideas," relations campaign to educate Panara founded and was the opened doors for many." says the younger Panara, faculty, staff, and students first chairperson of both NTID's NTID's first 25 years repre- adjunct English instructor and about deafness and what they English department and Experi- sent the promise of budding senior captioning specialist, might expect the next year mental Educational Theatre pro- youth and the sweetness of its who provides access to the when the first class of 71 deaf gram. Today, NTID's 500-seat fulfillment. power of language through a students would arrive. theater is named in his honor. "For me," Panara notes, "it different medium. Still, Panara realized the Panara also helped train was a growing experience. If I An understanding of the importance of having "a per- interpreters and new NTID helped others to grow and de- power of language and the ac- son with 'deaf experience' be staff members, provided sup- velop a new awareness of deaf- cess that understanding provides involved" in helping set up port services for deaf students, ness and of the potential of students—access to mainstream the Institute. and taught integrated classes in deaf people, so much the better." society as well as to self-aware- He was motivated, in part, by RIT's College of Liberal Arts— Panara's immense impact ness—may be Robert Panara's memories of his own education. something he did for 20 years on the shaping of NTID is most enduring legacy. —

NTID's S27.5 million complex, comprising an academic building, three residence halls, and a dining hall, is dedicated. During dedi- October 5 cation ceremonies, keynote speaker Lady Bird Johnson, former first lady, plants a tree in front of the building named in memory of her husband.

FOCUS 15 There's no question about According to David Staehle, what motivates the 1981 archi- administrator of NTID's alumni tectural technology graduate, relations office. Northcutt is a who is an American Institute of good organizer as well as a per- Architects intern with the fectionist. Staehle says that Castles Design Group, Inc., Northcutt has had a strong in- in Houston. fluence on development of "NTID got me where I am bylaws for the NTID Alumni today," he says. "The Institute Association and that he is supports its students and assists dedicated to his role as its graduates in finding jobs." board member. While one goal of the A firm believer in giving Houston alumni chapter is hack to the educational institu- to keep members aware of tions that helped prepare him the Institute's progress and for future responsibilities, changes, Northcutt says mem- Northcutt also is vice president bers also are interested in re- of the Louisiana' State School paying the Institute's support. for the Deaf Alumni Association. The chapter is working to He attended the school in establish a scholarship fund for Baton Rouge from 1967 until NTID students as a way of sup- he graduated in 1977. porting the Institute. He is as proud of his career Northcutt says that the as he is of his accomplishments alumni organization mainly with the alumni organizations. serves a social function, how- Northcutt says that he gained ever. The approximately 40- familiarity with the "working member group is affiliated with world of architecture" while two athletic associations, the studying at NTID and through American Athletic Association his cooperative work experi- of the Deaf and the Southwest ences. When he entered the Athletic Association of the Deaf, workplace in 1981, Northcutt through which the group has says he was well-prepared. softball and basketball teams "Jim is one of the best exam- that provide further opportuni- ples of what a student who is ties for members to socialize. eager to learn and succeed can Northcutt forged another accomplish," says James Jensen, link to his alma mater when he chairperson of NTID's construc- was named board member of tion technologies department. NTID's Interim Alumni Northcutt, who says NTID by Beth M. Pessin ety of social, athletic, and pro- Association in 1990. Since taught him how to persevere, fessional organizations. then, the group has met twice a applies his desire to succeed to He greets people with a Although he graduated from year to develop a formal alum- his profession as well as to the big smile and a hearty NTID a dozen years ago, ni association and to plan and Institute through his work "howdy." Born and Northcutt still has ties to the organize NTID's 25th anniver- with alumni organizations. raised in Louisiana Institute. As president and sary alumni reunion, which "The credit for his success and now a resident Texan, founding member of the NTID will take place in Rochester goes to him," says Jensen, James Northcutt is the essence Alumni Chapter of Greater July 7-11. who still corresponds with of Southern warmth. Houston and board member of "I hope that there will be a Northcutt. "He took charge of With his friendly, outgoing NTID's Interim Alumni big crowd of alumni," says his education and career devel- personality, it's not surprising Association, Northcutt remains Northcutt enthusiastically. "I opment, and he still does." - that this 34-year-old NTID an active member of the expect that it will be a great alumnus is involved in a vari- NTID community. time to share memories and meet with friends."

Spring

November Dr. Robert Frisina becomes senior vice president for RIT, and Dr. William Castle is NTID's tutor/notetaker training named NTID director. program is initiated.

First NTID alumni club is established in Chicago. 16 FOCUS )75 1977 EYES ON NTID

Douglas Murphy

Hon

ust what is it that makes a college environment such J an exciting place to work and study? Sure, there are plenty of stimulating intellectual discussions and Bob Baker activities taking place, but most people will tell you that the highlights of their college experience involve the friends they make and the fellowship they enjoy. At least that's what FOCUS staff members discovered when we asked students and faculty and staff mem- bers to tell us—visually—about their NTID experience. In celebration of NTID's 25th anniversary and the individuals who breathe life into our community, FOCUS presents "Eyes on NTID," a photographic collection of life at NTID as seen through the eyes (and lenses) of Institute community 'members.

FOC - 1 7

by Pamela Seabon

TID is fortunate to have a friend like Paul Meyer. For 17 years, Meyer helpedN provide many NTID stu- dents and graduates with sum- mer cooperative work experi- ences and permanent employ- ment opportunities with the U.S. Department of Defense. "I can't speak highly enough about the abilities of NTID stu- dents," says Meyer, now dep- uty executive director of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. "They come to the workplace with tons of enthu- siasm, energy, and the skills necessary to perform well on the job." Meyer's association with NTID began during his 24-year tenure at David Taylor Naval Ship Research and Develop- ment Center in Carderock, Maryland, where he was in- strumental in developing equal employment opportunity net- works and recruiting people with disabilities. Meyer began his recruiting efforts with col- leges throughout the country in 1974; NTID was one of the first colleges that he contacted. "I had heard lectures during a conference in Washington, D.C., that year about the college 1992 when he accepted his In recognition of his contri- ployer outreach and training in and the technical education it current position. butions and commitment to NCED. "He sees the Institute provides," Meyer recalls. "I was "Just because I've left David the Institute, Meyer was hon- as an excellent source of techni- so impressed by NTID's efforts Taylor doesn't mean the center's ored by NTID's National cal talent. Because he believes that soon afterward I contacted program has ceased," he main- Center on Employment of the in and supports the knowledge the Institute and began work- tains. "In fact, the program con- Deaf (NCED) in 1987 and and skills we provide, he lets ing with employment advisors." tinues under new leadership as received a special award from other organizations know Meyer continued providing a nationwide referral system NTID's National Advisory about NTID. job opportunities for NTID for the Army, Navy, Food and Group in 1989. "Paul has been an invaluable students and graduates at the Drug Administration, and a "Paul certainly is deserving friend to the Institute and our research center until January variety of other federal agencies." of the awards," acknowledges students." - Linda lacelli, coordinator of em-

The Institute marks its 10th anniversary, and 50 percent of NTID's alumni return to campus for a three-day summer celebration. Prominent sculptor and RIT alumnus Carl Zollo is commissioned to create a piece for the anniversary. The sculpture, "The Split Cube," which reflects the dynamics of the educational process and student life at NTID. is located at the main entrance of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Building.

NTID's National Center on Employment of 1978 Sunshine and Company, a theatrical educational outreach group the Deaf is established. 22 FOCUS comprising deaf and hearing performers, is created. by Kathryn Schmitz preparing for his doctorate in the area of technology-related r. Robert Davila has studies at Syracuse University dedicated almost 40 almost 25 years ago. The years to the education Institute served as a resource of people who are deaf, center and practicum site for D both Davila and Dr. James 25 of which overlap with NTID and its educational mission. DeCaro, dean of NTID. Davila Davila, former assistant sec- was a member of the federally retary for special education and funded instructional technolo- rehabilitative services in the gy program's first class, and U.S. Department of Education DeCaro was part of the last and project officer for NTID, class six years later. was the highest-ranking deaf "The program gave both of person in the federal govern- us the opportunity to serve in a ment during his three years in leadership role in the field of office. He worked to make deafness," says DeCaro. "Bob available educational and voca- has since developed a remark- tional services to all people with able network of people who disabilities, not just deaf people. know and respect him. He "I want people, both deaf truly has responded to the deaf and hearing, to understand community through the years." through my example that deaf In recognition of his work people—and for that matter, all toward creating and improving people with disabilities—are opportunities for deaf people, capable of unlimited success RIT awarded Davila an hon- given the appropriate support, orary doctor of humane letters opportunities for education degree in 1991. and training, and confidence "Receiving this recognition committed, can achieve unpar- NTID a success thus far will and motivation to venture into was one of the high points of alleled success." keep it flourishing as we em- uncharted places," says Davila, my career," says Davila. "I con- Davila is encouraged by brace the new world the future who lost his hearing at age 8 sider it a significant honor to NTID's commitment to achiev- will bring," he says. "By staying because of a high fever. He is be recognized for my service to ing its recent strategic planning relevant and keeping on top of fluent in Spanish and American deaf people. The message that goals for the future. the change that inevitably will Sign Language as well as English. RIT sent by giving me this "I have no doubt that the become our present, NTID can Davila's association with award is that deaf people, to same forward, adaptive, and help us be ready for the future NTID began when he was whom the Institute is so solidly flexible thinking that has made as it rushes toward us." —

Dr. William Castle is named vice president of RIT for NTID. NTID buildings are officially named: Lyndon Baines Johnson Building; Alexander Graham Bell, Mark Ellingson, and Peter N. July Peterson halls; and Hettie Shumway Dining Commons.

Dr. Milo Bishop is named dean of NTID. October FOCUS 23 by Susan Cergol Smith, 34, became interested (BITP) and was hired by the and that, in fact, the two devel- in interpreting as a senior in Institute as a full-time inter- oped virtually in tandem. omewhere between high school, when he was in- preter the following January. Because it was the first post- his right and left troduced to sign language A 14-year veteran of the de- secondary institution estab- hands lies the heart of through two deaf members of partment, Smith (fondly called lished to educate large num- S Richard Smith's delight his church youth group. "Smitty" by many around the bers of deaf students in a in his work. He took a few sign language Institute) has seen a steady mainstream setting, NT ID initi- "I was drawn to interpreting classes, and after graduating evolution in the status of the ated the first large-scale class- because of the richness of deaf from Rochester's „Aquinas profession as well as in the role room interpreting program, people's language and culture," Institute in 1976, enrolled in of interpreters—from "helpers" following the lead of California says Smith, coordinator in the RIT's Free University sign of deaf people to bicultural/ State University at Northridge, department of interpreting ser- language series, an informal bilingual translators who are which had been offering inter- vices. "Sign language is genuine program taught by students, knowledgeable about and re- preting services to deaf students and energetic; the message and faculty members, and inter- spectful of Deaf culture. for a number of years. Today, emotion are right on the surface. preters in the 1970s. In the "My role as an interpreter is RIT employs the largest staff That's what attracted me, be- summer of 1978, he completed to provide a service of commu- of educational interpreters in cause I see myself as a very NTID's 10-week Basic nication between people who the country. expressive person." Interpreter Training Program are using different languages NTID also was a pioneer in and come from different cul- establishing formal interpreter tural backgrounds," he explains. training programs—first the "I need to be aware of and re- Student Interpreter Training spect what both the deaf and Program (later renamed BITP) hearing people want from each in 1969 and then, in 1981, an interaction." associate degree program in Smith notes that the educa- educational interpreting. tional interpreting field and "The profession is still grow- NTID are nearly the same age ing," says Smith, noting that interpreters at RIT—like others across the country—still are learning about cumulative trauma disorder, a group of debilitating injuries to the hands, wrists, and arms; debat- ing the appropriate length of time that an interpreter should work before a break; and nego- tiating higher salaries and pro- fessional status. "Although there is more to be done, the Institute has been responsive to the needs of interpreters as well as to the deaf and hearing people we serve," says Smith. "NTID is only 25 years old— we're still learning how best to empower deaf men and women to go out and get jobs and be self-sufficient," he adds. "I think we're going in the right direction."

Fifteen students enroll in the Institute's educational interpreting associate degree program, NTID's first academic program for hearing people.

Sunshine Too, a theatrical educational outreach group comprising 24 FOCUS deaf and hearing performers, is created as a successor to Sunshine and Company. 1981 A counselor in the Hearing- Impaired Health and Wellness Program at St. Paul Ramsey Medical Center in Minnesota for more than 15 years, Nelson also has lent her energies to establishing programs and ser- vices for deaf people within her home state. By 1994, thanks in part to Nelson's effort to improve the quality of education provided to deaf children in Minnesota, all teachers of deaf pupils will be required to pass a minimum- level proficiency exam in ASL. "We are very proud of this legislation," says Nelson. "Minnesota will be the first state to enact such a law, which will help ensure that deaf chil- dren get the kind of education t hey need and deserve." One academic agenda that Nelson does not question is NTID's. She knows the energy and enthusiasm that go into preparing students for life out- side the Institute. To help promote that energy and enthusiasm beyond the RIT campus, Nelson joined the board of the NTID Interim by Pamela Seabon which is responsible for estab- Last spring, Nelson received Alumni Association three years lishing the official NTID the 1992 NTID Distinguished ago to help make it possible for inda Nelson has a rather Alumni Association in July. Alumnus Award. the Institute's graduates to modest goal: to succeed in "I believe that when people "To be selected for the keep in contact with and sup- all she sets out to do. So want to accomplish something, award by your friends and peo- port one another. far, the 1973 College of they should establish goals and ple who know you personally "We [graduates of NTH)] LBusiness graduate has quite an work toward making them a is the true reward," she notes. have a responsibility to one impressive track record. reality," says Nelson. "That's "Linda certainly is deserving another," she says. "We must Nelson has achieved a great what I do." of the honor," says David Strom, come together to share infor- deal of success through numer- Such a productive attitude career opportunities advisor in mation and ideas and assist one ous posts she has held with not only has enabled Nelson to NTID's National Center on another in every way possible. organizations dedicated to the achieve a great deal, but also Employment of the Deaf and "Together, we can persevere advancement of deaf people. has won her recognition, admi- member of the 1992 distin- when we think that we can't go She has served on a committee ration, and respect from her guished alumnus committee. on," Nelson says. "Together, that advocated enactment of an colleagues as well as the deaf "She is a leader in the deaf we can achieve success." — American Sign Language (ASL) community. She has received community, presenting work- act in Minnesota schools and is acknowledgments and certifi- shops and lectures and serving a board member of the NTID cates from many organizations, on various deafness-related Interim Alumni Association, including NTID. boards. She also is accomplished in her profession."

Construction begins on a new NTID aca- demic building on the southwest side of campus (Hugh L. Carey Building) to accom- NTID celebrates its 15th anniversary. modate the increasing numbers of deaf stu- dents enrolling at the Institute. The enroll- ment increase reflects an epidemic of Fall German measles (rubella) in the early 1960s that caused twice as many infants to be born FOCUS 25 deaf than would normally occur. 1983 by Kathryn Schmitz

ike each piece of wood furniture that she shapes and paints, Wendy Maruyama is unique in herL approach to her work. Maruyama, the first deaf mas- ter of fine arts graduate of RIT's School for American Crafts, cre- ates furniture that reflects her break from what she considered in the late 1970s to be a tradi- tional, conservative woodwork- ing program. "I wanted to do something different and unconventional," she explains. "Back then, no one painted furniture. Color is a very important part of my work." Her RIT experience was pos- itive in that it gave her the op- portunity to rebel and develop her own sense of self. As an older student at RIT, Maruyama, 40, felt somewhat isolated even as she took advantage of note- taking and counseling services. "I felt stuck in the middle," she explains. "I had to work hard to break into the hearing community because it seemed that NTID students were se- questered from the rest of the university." Compelled to find her own way in her studies as well as her art, Maruyama conveys hard-earned self-confidence in her work, which has been

September The "rubella bulge" pushes NTID's enroll- Dr. Peter Pere is named dean of NTID. ment to an all-time high of 1,319.

October The Hugh L. Carey Building is dedicated. September 26 FOCUS 1983 1984 "1 wanted to do something different and unconventional. Back then, no one painted furniture. Color is a very important part of my work." displayed in more than 65 ex- plant and animal shapes, using hibits throughout the United colors reflective of her home States and Europe and in more city of San Diego. than 40 publications. She has One highboy made by worked with wood for 20 years, Maruyama in 1989 is painted a teaching her craft to others rich forest green occasionally Dudley, director of Peter since 1989, Maruyama also con- around the world. flecked with bright pink and Joseph Gallery in New York tinues to design and make con- In her work, Maruyama ad- yellow lines. The highboy also City, which shows and sells temporary furniture on commis- dresses not so much her hear- sports a copper-coated pyramid Maruyama's work. "There are a sion and by inspiration. ing loss as her differences with top, prominent sculptured legs, great many collectors who vie A committed artist, Maruyama the male-dominated world in and ornamental "ears" on for her work." tells her students that they too which she lives and works. either side. For about five years after she can be successful if they are "I'm motivated to do 10 Last year Maruyama made a graduated from RIT in 1980, motivated. In addition to work- times better than men," she ex- mahogany table with a cast Maruyama devoted a good deal ing at SDSU, she has taught at plains. "I don't want my work bronze pedestal, titled "A of time to making contacts the California College of Arts to look obviously like a woman's Lesson in Excess from Louis with galleries by subscribing to and Crafts and the Appalachian work, but I want it to be many XIV." The table's pedestal various art magazines, review- Center for Crafts at Tennessee things in one package." is festooned with large ing ads, and sending out let- Technological University. Furniture by Maruyama bronze leaves covered with a ters, slides, and photographs of "You have to work for suc- always has a distinctive appear- green patina. her work. Now she is repre- cess," she says. "The years have ance, whether because of shape "Wendy's work broadens sented exclusively by Peter paid off for me. Now the chal- or color, and always is function- our expectations of functional Joseph Gallery. lenge is to not slack off and al, never frivolous. Her current forms and captivates both our Head of the woodworking and to keep doing new things art is inspired by primitive and mind and spirit with her sheer furniture design program at San in furniture." organic forms, derivative of exuberance for life," says Lorry Diego State University (SDSU)

April

Explore Your Future, a technical career Rep. Louis Stokes and other members of sampling program for high school juniors, Congress express concern over NTID's low is initiated. minority representation in its staff and stu- dent body. The Institute establishes affirma- tive action as one of its chief priorities. During the summer of 1985, goals and strategies are developed and the Affirmative Dr. James DeCaro is named dean of NTID. 1985 Action Advisory Committee is established. FOCUS 27 by Kathleen S. Smith task as chairman of The NTID private support for Institute Inc., and one year as chief Foundation figures well with programs and qualified young financial officer of USAir. he task for which he has his skills. deaf people interested in an Loftus acknowledges that the volunteered is formidable, "I grew up with a sense of NT1D education. educational needs of his son but William Loftus isn't responsibility that says you have Loftus' interest is personal, often precipitated family moves, T fazed. The former senior to put something back into soci- since his son, William Loftus which over a 20-year period financial officer of USAir and ety," he says, "and NTID is a Jr., is a third-year student included nearly a half dozen Allied-Signal Inc. has spent his perfect fit for me now." in NTID's School of cities nationwide. career directing the finances of The NTID Foundation, created Business Careers. In each of those cities, his large corporations, so his new in 1991, is designed to garner "Bill has become a more community service credentials focused and serious young man reflect his conviction that since coming to NTID," says "You've got to take a little time Loftus proudly. "And through out of your life to do some- his association with NTID, I thing worthwhile." have come to believe in this He is a founding trustee of Institution and want to do the New Jersey Association of something to help it." the Hearing Impaired; has Loftus brings to the job of raised funds for the National foundation chairman both cor- Captioning Institute; was chair- porate know-how and small- man of a New Jersey citizens town mores. advisory board for the Marie Of his upbringing in Lewiston, H. Katzenbach School for the New York, a rural community Deaf; and is a member of near Niagara Falls, Loftus says, the board of directors of There was a sense of belonging the Deafness Research and a sense of values." Foundation. His wife, Bonnie, Loftus, a high school math is the longest-standing board whiz, laughingly recalls con- member of the American templating his college options Society for Deaf Children. with the help of a placement Loftus says that as chairman office whose resources consisted of The NTID Foundation, his of "a small box of college cata- goal is "to raise a significant logs on t he closet floor of the amount of funds during my driver education teacher's office." tenure and to leave a board of He went on to graduate from talented, committed people who Yale University and received his can continue the work that we law degree from the University have begun. If I get such a of Michigan. He has completed group of people in place, my graduate studies at both Harvard longevity becomes irrelevant. and New York universities. "NTID is a big part of my life Loftus, 54, began his corpo- now," he adds. "My hope is that rate career as a Wall Street when I've finished my work lawyer. He then spent 10 years with The NTID Foundation, 111 with DuPont, another decade as have made a difference." — vice president of Allied-Signal

NTID offers its first associate in occupa- tional studies degree (AOS) program, pro- viding deaf students with high-level techni- cal training without the liberal arts requirements needed for other degrees.

The NTID Federal Endowment Matching Grant Program is estab- lished as part of the Education of the Deaf Act of 1986. The program calls for the government to match dollar for dollar private donations 28 FOCUS 1986 to Institute endowed funds. 1987 by Lynne Bohlman her schooling at nearby State University of New York College NTID and Barbara Ray at Brockport, where she earned Holcomb grew up a bachelor's degree in interdis- together. ciplinary arts in 1978. In 1985, The two were first she earned a master's degree in introduced 22 years ago during career and human resource Holcomb's senior year at St. development from RIT. Rita School for the Deaf in Through her relationship Cincinnati, Ohio. Until her with the Institute, Holcomb senior class trip to NTID and gained the skills and confidence Gallaudet University, Holcomb to pursue a career as an educa- had never thought about tor. She, in tu rn, has contrib- attending college. uted to the Institute's growth "I never dreamed that I would and development. go to college," she says. "I'd Throughout her professional never met deaf people who had tenure, Holcomb has worked obtained an advanced educa- to enhance NTID's communi- tion or job." cation strategies and policy. Holcomb, sign communica- When she first began teaching tion specialist in the Center for sign language at the Institute, Sign Language and Interpreting Holcomb says, it was taught as Education, has been at the a rigid manual form of English Inst itute since she entered as a that she describes as "awkward." student in 1971—graduating Today, she notes, NTID's sign with an associate degree in language classes emphasize medical record technology in American Sign Language and 1974 and working as a sign Deaf culture. language instructor ever "I remember when I first since—and she has never con- arrived here, the emphasis was sidered leaving. on oral/aural skills," she says. "I grew up in Huntington, "Now, students are given an West Virginia, in a small-town option. Sign language courses environment," she says. "It's are considered equal to oral/ the same way here. NTID is aural courses." like a family." As a member of the Institute's A shy, introspective teenager, Communication Task Force, Holcomb blossomed as a student whose recommendations for at NTID, largely through partici- achieving prescribed sign lan- pation i n theater activities and guage skill levels as qualifica- the NTID Student Congress. tions for promotion and tenure Following graduation, she were adopted by faculty mem- Holcomb teaches faculty and graduate, they have self-respect was hired as a part-time sign bers in 1991, Holcomb helped staff members as well as stu- and confidence. You can just language instructor. Her skills NTID embrace a communica- dents, but it is helping to em- see the growth." as a teacher were quickly rec- tion policy that recognizes the power students that is her Indeed, Holcomb knows ognized, and Holcomb was en- cont inual need for sign lan- favorite aspect of t he. job. firsthand about growing up couraged to stay on—rather guage development and views "When students first come at NTID. — than enroll at Gallaudet as she the "deaf person as a whole, not to NTID, they're lost," she says. had planned—and continue just as an ear and a mouth." "By the time they're ready to

The Communication Task Force is created Prompted by the "Deaf President Now" movement at Gallaudet to establish Institute expectations and University in Washington, D.C.. NTID students initiate discussions guidelines for faculty sign and oral commu- with administrators regarding ways to enrich educational opportuni- nication skills development. The final guide- ties at RIT. lines will be overwhelmingly approved by October faculty members in 1991.

NTID's Educational Development 1988 Outreach Project is initiated. FOCUS 29 by Beth M. Pessin college in 1954, however, he "Al is very good at what he Pimentel anticipates that his had set his sights on a history does," Rice says. "He is a com- relationship with the Institute hen the National and political science degree, petent leader and a pleasure to will continue for some time. Technical Insti- which he received from work with." Last year, he was appointed tute for the Deaf Gallaudet University. He then Since beginning his NAG NAG chairperson for a four- W bills were in- obtained a master's degree tenure, Pimentel has witnessed year term. troduced in the U.S. Congress in educational psychology from a change in attitude at the "NTID provides many out- in 1965, Albert Pimentel fol- Louisiana State University Institute. standing programs and recre- lowed the proposed legislation in 1959. "I've seen a greatly enhanced ational, theatrical, and cultural with great interest. Pimentel's career working sensitivity to the aspirations of activities to students as well as As a teacher of deaf children with people who are deaf has deaf people among faculty and a sense of professional satis- since the early 1960s and spanned three decades. During staff members," he says. faction to faculty and staff political activist in the deaf commu- that time he has been commit- "There's more awareness about members," he comments. "That nity, Pimentel saw clearly the ted to creating opportunities for Deaf culture and a greater re- makes me want to continue to be pressing need for a technical deaf people in the workplace, sponse to the language choices a part of the NTID experience." college for deaf students. especially in technical fields. of deaf people." "It struck me as ironic that When the invitation to serve there was no technical institute as a NAG member was offered for deaf college students at a in 1984, Pimentel says that he time when a majority of the was "delighted." young deaf people attending NAG advises NTID's director college were prelingually deaf," on policies governing the oper- says Pimentel, who now helps ation and direction of the shape NTID policies as chair- Institute. The group meets twice person of the National Advisory each year to review policies and Group (NAG) and a member of make recommendations. RIT's Board of Trustees. Pimentel believes that the "NTID has significantly in- 16-member group, comprising fluenced educational and career educators, alumni, business options for deaf students," says leaders, and government Pimentel, director of career officials, provides fresh per- education for the deaf at spectives to the issues it Northwestern Connecticut addresses. Community College and for- "AS an outside group, our mer executive director of perspective often differs from the National Association of that of those on the inside," he the Deaf. says, referring to NTID admin- "Because of NTID's exis- istrators and faculty and staff tence, young deaf people today members who develop pro- have deaf adult role models grams and policies for the who are pursuing technical Institute. "When you are re- careers in business and indus- moved from a situation, you try. Diversity of employment can see the whole better. As an options for deaf people is no advisory group, we don't hesi- longer a theoretical possibility, tate to raise red flags when cau- it is an opportunity that exists tion in some area is needed." and continues to expand." According to NAG member Pimentel, whose interest in and 1981 RIT social work technology dates to his child- graduate Sharaine Rice, hood, considered a career as an Pimentel is a skilled and detail- electrical engineer while in high oriented leader with a reputa- school. By the time he entered tion for promptness.

NTID alumni, students, and faculty and staff members celebrate the Institute's 20th anniversary.

May 19

NTID's theater is dedicated in honor of 30 FOCUS 1988 Robert F. Panara, first deaf faculty member of NTID. by Kathleen S. Smith associate professor in the Center for Sign Language and lice Beardsley's name Interpreting Education, who is forever will be writing Beardsley's biography. woven into the fab- That biography includes ric, life, and history Beardsley's retirement from A NTID in 1990 and her brief of NTID as the Institute's first interpreter and one of its most return to teaching two years beloved members. later. She was asked to teach an Beardsley, 70, was born hear- in-service training class to pro- ing, became deaf at age 5, and fessional staff interpreters, but then was brought back into the had to give up the position mid- hearing world at age 42 after quarter when she became ill. having corrective surgery. "We surveyed our inter- Her unusual life has been preters about topics that might filled with twists and turns that help them improve their skills should have dampened, if not ex- in the classroom," says Patricia tinguished, her spirit years ago. Sapere, coordinator of profes- It was that spirit, however, that sional development and i n- carried her through a troubled service training in the depart- childhood, which included ment of interpreting services. abruptly being sent to live at the "Many expressed the desire to Rochester School for the Deaf brush up on fingerspelling, and (RSD) at age 8. It sustained her Alice's name was mentioned through the painful adjustment several times as the ideal in- to life away from home, the structor. They wanted the best." death of her mother during her It's impossible to count how first year at school, and, in her many friends Beardsley made adult life, a difficult marriage over her 22-year career at arranged by the superintendent NTID. But many were at a re- of RSD. How did she survive? cent Genesee Valley Region of She smiles, shrugs, and the Registry of Interpreters for acknowledges that she seems the Deaf meeting at which she to have a strong inner spirit, received a special award. which has endeared her to stu- Recalls Gary Mowl, chairper- dents and faculty and staff son of the Center for Sign members at NTID and beyond. Language and Interpreting "NTID's interpreting history Education, "The award presenter really comes from Alice," says first asked that everyone in the Linda Siple, assistant professor room who had ever been in the Center for Sign Language taught by Alice stand up. Then and Interpreting Education. Her students loved her. She hearing in one ear, and, with those who had been influenced "When she began interpreting was, after all, the best of both the help of a hearing aid, she to pursue careers in interpreting I in 1968], there were no rules, worlds for them. For a 'native' had almost full hearing in the were asked to stand. And finally, books, or theories. You worked sign language user to become other. It turned out to be a those whose lives Alice had intuitively, and Alice had an interpreter was wonderful." mixed blessing. touched in some way or another excellent intuition. Beardsley chose interpreting "Alice had to relearn the were asked to rise. There were "The relationship that Alice as a profession in the mid- meaning of sound and fre- nearly 200 people at the meeting, had with students wasn't a typ- 1960s in order to maintain her quently was tormented by the and almost all were standing. It ical interpreter-student one," ties with the two worlds be- intrusion of sounds that people was an impressive tribute." Siple continues. "It was more tween which she floated. Her with normal hearing can ig- like a parent-child relationship. 1964 surgery had restored full nore," says Joseph Avery,

The Americans with Disabilities Act, national civil rights legislation March that provides disabled individuals with legal protection from discrimi- nation in a range of public and private areas, is signed into law. Dr. William Castle attends signing ceremony in Washington, D.C. The International Center for Hearing and Speech Research, which brings together the talents and experiences of research scientists July and clinicians from RIT and the University FOCUS 31 1989 of Rochester, is established. 1990 Hy Pamela Seabon Deaf and Gallaudet University's English Language Institute, ttending college Hothili has become an effective seemed an impossi- communicator. bility to Khaled Today, the first-year applied A Hothili while grow- computer technology student is ing up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. using his communication skills He thought he would graduate at NTID and working toward from primary school and then becoming a computer program- do menial work around the mer, thanks to the Institute's city as do most. deaf people in international student program. his homeland. Since it was initiated in 1990, Thanks to his father, things the program has made it possi- turned out differently. ble for more than 50 deaf stu- A member of the Saudi dents from other countries to army, Saleh Hothili wanted his prepare for careers at NTID. son to obtain a good education, "NTID is like'no other col- one that would teach him flu- lege in the world," says Karen ency in Arabic as well as an Hopkins, director of NTID's ability to understand English— division of career opportuni- the kind of education that most ties. "We have the expertise to hearing Saudi children receive. train deaf people for highly However, clueing the mid- technical careers. Programs of 1970s there were no secondary this nature do not exist in any schools for deaf children in other country," she says. Saudi Arabia and no opportu- Hothili, 29, says that he feels nities for deaf students to learn fortunate to be a student at English. Saleh realized that his NTID. Of all the knowledge he son would have to attend school has gained, he has grown to outside the country in order to value a good education and good obtain the education he deserved. communication skills most. "My father knew that there "Being able to communicate were good schools for deaf stu- well with others opens doors to dents in America," says Hothili. a variety of opportunities," says "He knew that I was interested Hothili, who someday wants to in learning English, and he return to his native country to wanted me to come to the work as a computer programmer United States." while teaching part time at the In 1982, Hothili enrolled at high school for deaf students the American School for the recently established in Riyadh. Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, "There is so much that I've and began his discovery of the learned at NTID and the other English language as well as schools I've attended in this American Sign Language (ASL). country," says Hothili. "There After years of coaching by is so much I'd like to take back English and ASL instructors and share with other deaf and practice with classmates at people in my homeland." the American School for the

July 29-August 3 NTID hosts the 17th International Congress on Education of the Deaf, an event that occurs every five years. Some 1,631 September people from 69 countries and territories attend the event to share information and look to the future of education of deaf peo- NTID accepts its first international stu- ple. It is the largest international gathering dents for admission. Seventeen stu- ever to take place in Rochester, New York. 1 dents—one each from Australia and Japan and 15 from Canada—begin their 32 FOCUS 1990 studies at the Institute. by Kathleen S. Smith to the front of a room and touch a Van de Graaff generator that s a child, she was "made my hair stand on end." "horrible in grammar," "I thought, 'I like this guy. "precocious," "a mis- He's fun!" Meath-Lang recalls. A fit," and "a nerd." Their first date, that same She entered the convent for a evening, consisted of lengthy brief time in the 1960s, seeing discussions about poetry. it as "a way to work effectively Meath-Lang says it was obvious for social justice." But Dr. that they "clicked," and they Bonnie Meath-Lang, 43, even- were married the following year. tually found her calling as an At the time, Meath-Lang extraordinary teacher at NTID. never dreamed that her career In 1972, Meath-Lang was a at NTID would span two de- 23-year-old graduate student cades. Today' she is both a teaching writing at Western teacher in the English depart- Illinois University when her ment and chairperson of the father called from Rochester to technical and integrative com- tell her that an English teaching munication studies department. job was available at NTID. "I think the reason I've stayed After a series of "interesting is that I find NTID a very excit- and occasionally loony" inter- ing place," she explains. "People views, Meath-Lang, whose here have the opportunity to wanderlust made the prospect grow intellectually." of returning to her hometown Says department colleague less than appealing, neverthe- Eugene Lylak, who has known less decided to take a chance Meath-Lang since 1976: "Bonnie on the young Institute. leads our department by exam- "I thought that it was quite ple. She isn't driven by personal She believes that the final NTID's National Advisory visionary of Dr. [William] success; she's guided by her strategic planning document, Group (NAG), which is respon- Castle [NTID director and the own inner morals. She never shared with the Institute com- sible for guiding the policies Institute's first dean ] to gamble takes anything for granted. 1 munity last May, provides a and direction of the Institute. so much on hiring young people," admire that—and her." valuable map to guide the In- In presenting the award, NAG she recalls. Meath-Lang's reputation for stitute in coming years. Chairperson Albert Pimentel With her sharp Irish wit ("I diplomacy, creativity, and fair- "RIT has an enormous said: "We applaud you for your get that from my mother") and ness led NTID's administrators amount of talent," Meath-Lang knowledge, commitment, tal- fervent social consciousness, to tap her in 1991 for the diffi- say's. "The strategic plan allows ent, dedication, and service to Meath-Lang fit right into the ex- cult job of leading the Institute's for more opportunities to NTID. You embody qualities citing climate that surrounded Strategic Planning Committee, work together." that exceed the highest expec- NTID in its infancy. whose one-year task was to Meath-Lang was honored for tation of the Institute." She soon met physics profes- develop a plan to lead the her work both as a teacher and Not bad for a precocious sor Harry Lang, who introduced Institute into the next century. leader of the Strategic Planning misfit. — himself during new staff training "I certainly didn't volunteer for Committee with a 1992 Out- by inviting Meath-Lang to come the job," she notes with a smile. standing Service Award from

The Institute initiates a strategic planning process. More than 100 faculty and staff members participate in the 15-month process that also includes an examination of external forces that impact on how NTID continues to meet the career development needs of deaf students and deaf adults. Strategic planning decisions will be imple- mented throughout the next several years.

1991 FOCUS 33 Fall Hundreds of students rally on campus to bring attention to the need to make RIT a fully accessible living and learning environment that recognizes deaf people's culture and communication requirements. As a result of the Campaign for Accessibility Now movement, additional TDD pay phones are installed at various sites on campus, more TDD machines are made available to RIT faculty and staff members, and visual alarm systems are installed in 145 RIT student apartments. 34 FOCUS 1991 by Beth M. Pessin recently were rewarded when a range of provisions that allow "Attitude is the key motiva- DiGiovanni, along with RIT deaf students to equally partici- tor for those types of changes," t started as a classroom ex- Student Government President pate in the RIT campus com- he says, "and it also can be the periment to test deaf students' White, earned the 1992 Office munity. Examples of accessibil- biggest barrier." accessibility to phone services of Student Ombudsman Award ity include training more White, from Lynchburg, I on campus and, when the for Excellence in the student service staff members in sign Virginia, concurs. findings were disappointing, category for their work to language and increasing the "In terms of accessibility, evolved into a movement for make the RIT campus more use of TDDs (telecommunica- our strengths become our equal access (Campaign for accessible to deaf students. tion devices for the deaf) by weaknesses. We [RIT] provide Accessibility Now—CAN). "That Anthony and I shared hearing staff members. such great resources for acces- As the movement gained the award is a real indicator of In enhancing RIT's accessi- sibility that we forget the momentum through campus the teamwork that occurred bility, DiGiovanni says that human aspects." rallies and meetings with cam- last year in furthering the cause some changes have been more However, he notes that the pus administrators throughout of accessibility," says White, easily made than others. Institute is making a transition. the fall of 1991, two student fourth-year commercial pho- "We've seen progress regard- Since the 1991 accessibility' leaders emerged: Anthony tography student in the ing physical changes, such as movement, the walls dividing DiGiovanni III and Adrian hearing and deaf communities White. These two young men on campus have begun to break continue to be among those in- down, according to White. strumental in negotiating with "Our graduates must be "NTID is becoming a college administrators policies to en- of RIT, not in name as it hance accessibility on the RIT ambassadors of goodwill. always has been, but in spirit," campus for deaf students. They he says. "New leadership for represent Rib's changing and Theirs is the task of convey- the Institute under President empowered student body, stu- [Albert] Simone is furthering dents committed to working ing the message of equality the cause of camaraderie toward improving the RIT and unification. community. and accessibility." "It is my hope that adminis- DiGiovanni, fourth-year trators will continue to do what accounting student in the is in the best interest of all of College of Business, says that our students in assuring the participation in a variety of College of Imaging Arts installation of additional visual opportunity for a fair and com- student-centered activities not and Sciences. alarms in campus apartments plete educational experience." only allows him to contribute Students also have teamed [145 such alarms were in- Although much was accom- to the campus community but with administrators, including stalled in the summer of 1992, plished as a result of the stu- also helps him develop analyti- NTID Dean James DeCaro, to increasing the total number of dent movement, White says cal, management, and negotiat- improve accessibility and influ- strobed apartments to 244] and that RIT, as the host institution ing skills—skills that he per- ence attitudes. more TDDs on campus," says of NTID, still faces a challenge. ceives as "basic elements" for "Anthony and Adrian have DiGiovanni. "Those changes "Clearly, we must continue success in the workplace. been tireless and constructive are easily achieved. our strides toward accessibility', In addition to serving as a advocates for accessibility on "In contrast, the human- but RIT's challenge for the student senator representing this campus," says DeCaro. level changes have been slow- future does not reside on this NTID in RIT's Student "Their leadership efforts have er, and there is still room for brick campus," he says. "Our Government, DiGiovanni, from borne significant fruit, and improvement." graduates must he ambassadors New Hyde Park, New York, is a coalition now is being For example, he says that a of goodwill. Theirs is the task past president of the NTID established to continue the greater understanding of deaf of conveying the message of Student Congress and trea- efforts. It is a pleasure to work people's communication needs equality and accessibility." - surer of his fraternity, Delta with such bright and produc- and greater awareness and Sigma Phi. tive people." appreciation of Deaf culture His hard work and dedication Accessibility issues relate to are ongoing issues.

The NTID Foundation is established to formalize the relationship NTID's self-instruction laboratory is dedi- between NTID supporters and the Institute. cated in memory of Dr. Joanne Subtelny, NTID communication research associate from 1971-91, who specialized in aural/oral October habilitation.

April 1992 FOCUS 35 Faculty members such as Kleper, author of several publi- cations in the EPI field, includ- ing the acclaimed The Illustrated Handbook of Desktop Publishing, have led efforts to continually modify the production tech- nology programs in response to changing technological and industrial needs. These modi- fications have provided stu- dents with better skills, which allow them to be more effec- tive and creative in their pro- fessional fields. The program's most recent emphasis on EPI grew out of today's demands for a work force skilled in desktop publish- ing, Kleper says. He adds that students enrolled in the pro- gram not only benefit from the knowledge imparted by their professors but also eventually Kleper played a key role in the will gain from hands-on experi- center's establishment, according ence offered by the center. to Dr. Thomas Raco, assistant With state-of-the-art equip- dean and director of the School ment donated by industry lead- of Visual Communications. ers such as Xerox Corporation, "Mike has been a member of Eastman Kodak Company, Agfa the faculty-based computer Corporation, Hewlett-Packard commission responsible for ini- Company, and others, the cen- tiating the center since 1983," ter helps keep faculty and staff says Raco. "Backed by his stead- members and students current by Pamela Seabon the field of electronic publish- fast interest in and credibility in the field of electronic pub- ing and imaging (EPI), was with the EPI industry, he pro- lishing and imaging. concept that's been instrumental in creating the vides the center's users with "I feel good about what's contemplated for 10 center and now serves as its insight as well as the technical happening in the center," says years finally has be- coordinator. assistance they may need." Kleper. "We have the necessary A come a reality, and "The purpose of the center," Kleper began his career at equipment as well as assistance Michael Kleper couldn't explains Kleper, professor in RIT in 1969 as assistant educa- from companies to make sure be happier. NTID's printing production tion specialist in the College of that the function of the center Last fall, NTID established technology department, "is to Graphic Arts and Photography, meets the needs of the NTID the High Technology Center allow faculty and staff members now the College of Imaging community as well as industry. for Electronic Publishing and to learn about and become famil- Arts and Sciences. In 1971, he "Because people see the need Imaging, which brings together iar with today's latest technol- became a faculty member in for and are committed to the the disciplines taught in the ogy in EPI so that they can take NTID's printing production existence of the center," he School of Visual Communica- that knowledge to classrooms technology program and has says, "I have no doubt about tions. Kleper, an authority in and share it with students." been there ever since. its success."

The NTID High Technology Center for Electronic Publishing and Imaging opens. October 29 The center represents a melding of industry and academia. Nearly 40 businesses and cor- Since opening its doors, more than 3,200 porations donate equipment and funds total- deaf students have graduated from NTID's ing more than S750,000. 20 certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs or from one of RIT's baccalaureate or master's degree programs. NTID gradu- ates enjoy a placement rate of approximately 95 percent. 36 FOCUS 1992 1993 OWLs in the classroom Across the country, more and more OWLs—that is, older and wiser learners— are flocking to college classrooms. In the upcoming summer issue of FOCUS, you'll spot a story about the challenges and rewards these "mature" students face at RIT.

Photography by A. Sue Weisler

27M-8247-3/93-MAC-COH Rochester Institute of Technology

National Technical Institute for the Deaf Lyndon Baines Johnson Building 52 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY 14623-5604

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Smiles, streamers, and a silver anniversary—NTID turns 25!