SPRING/SUMMER 2013

NTID

FOCUSNational Technical Institute for the Deaf • Rochester Institute of Technology

Preparing to Celebrate 45 Years and a Grand Opening Career Exploration and Self- Discovery RIT/NTID summer camps attracted the interest of several hundred deaf and hard-of-hearing middle and high school students from 22 states and two other countries—Canada and Spain. Middle school boys and girls enjoyed TechBoyz and TechGirlz camps with a focus on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math). Steps to Success—a mini-camp for Latino, African American and Native American middle school students—offered the opportunity for students to think about career options. College-bound high school students came to RIT for NTID’s Explore Your Future Program, a career exploration program that gave them an opportunity to get hands-on experience in a variety of career areas.

ALL PHOTOS BY MARK BENJAMIN SPRING/SUMMER 2013

NTID

National Technical Institute for the Deaf • Rochester Institute of Technology

FEATURES 3 An RIT/NTID Education: A Worthwhile Investment 5 Student Ambassadors Share their Experiences 6 RIT/NTID Athletes Make the Team MARK BENJAMIN ABOUT THE COVER 10 Imagining the Future NTID is preparing to celebrate its 45th anniversary with an alumni reunion to be held during Brick City 11 New Signers Program Expands Options Homecoming October 11 – 13, 2013. The grand opening of NTID’s newest Recognizing Outstanding Employer Partners building, Sebastian and Lenore Rosica 12 Hall, will be part of the celebration and will take place on Friday, 15 Parents Provide Essential Support October 11. See the article on p. 4 for more information about all of the events scheduled. DEPARTMENTS 2 From the President: Looking Back and Moving Forward 4 Advancing the Mission: NTID Celebrates its 45th Anniversary 8 Profiles in College: Tina Feng Timothy Holmes Joe Lingle Ana Patricia Trujillo-Mendino

14 Alumni Profiles: Arricka Nowland Jeffrey McCaw

16 Faculty/Staff Profiles: Astrid Jones Heather L. Smith FROM THE PRESIDENT

NTID completed by NTID in collaboration with Cornell University, the Internal Revenue Editor Service, and the Social Security Pamela L. Carmichael, ’04 Administration shows that, over Associate Editor the past 30 years, our graduates Susan L. Murad, ’01 have enjoyed substantially higher Assistant Editor career earnings than deaf and Kathy A. Johncox hard-of-hearing graduates of other Writers colleges around the country (see Ilene J. Avallone the article on the facing page). Greg Livadas The success of our graduates is a Graphic Designer reflection of their hard work and Alexander Gartley, ’07 determination. But it’s also a result Photography of the quality education and Mark Benjamin, ’76, ’94 Alice Lo outstanding access and support Clay Blackmore Jonna Mendez Allyson Gabriele A. Sue Weisler, ’93 services we provide. The staff in Erin Kane Stephen Wille the NTID Center on Employment plays a significant role as well. FOCUS is published by the Communications,

Marketing and Multimedia Services MARK BENJAMIN They network with employers Department at the National Technical across the country to create Institute for the Deaf, a college of Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, N.Y. The co-op and career opportunities views expressed in guest columns do not Looking for our students and graduates necessarily reflect the position of NTID or (see p. 12-13). FOCUS magazine. As we prepare for our first-ever Communications, Marketing and Back and fall semester, we look forward to Multimedia Services 585-475-6906 seeing our returning students and 585-286-4015 (videophone) to welcoming a new class of 585-475-5623 (fax) Moving freshmen. Plans are underway for [email protected] (email) NTID’s 45th Anniversary Reunion Admissions and Brick City Homecoming and 585-475-6700 Forward 585-743-1366 (videophone) Family Weekend, scheduled for 585-475-2696 (fax) October 10-13 (see p. 4 for details). [email protected] (email) We hope you will join us as we www.rit.edu/NTID hen the final spring celebrate the grand opening of The NTID Foundation quarter in RIT/NTID’s Rosica Hall, a new facility that will 585-475-6836 history came to close be a hub of student and faculty 585-286-5514 (videophone) W 585-475-5949 (fax) in May, we celebrated one of our innovation. And, we look forward [email protected] (email) largest-ever groups of graduates. to welcoming back our alumni as www.rit.edu/NTID/giving A total of 414 students crossed the we mark 45 years of fulfilling our To subscribe or unsubscribe to FOCUS stage, ready to hit the ground mission to educate the best and magazine or to update your mailing address, please contact NTID Communications, running and make their mark on brightest deaf and hard-of-hearing Marketing and Multimedia Services, 52 Lomb the world. students and prepare them for Memorial Drive, Rochester, N.Y. 14623-5604 As we send our graduates off success in their careers and in life. or visit www.rit.edu/NTID/FOCUS. into the future, we can say with RIT does not discriminate. RIT promotes and confidence that the investment they values diversity within its workforce and provides equal opportunity to all qualified made in their RIT/NTID education individuals regardless of race, color, creed, age, was a good one. Over the past five marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual years, 91 percent of our graduates orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, or disability. who have sought employment have Dr. Gerard J. Buckley found a job within a year of NTID President

27M-P1496-9/13-COH-ASG graduation. And, a recent study RIT Vice President and Dean ©2013 Rochester Institute of Technology. All Rights Reserved. RIT and NTID are registered trademarks of Rochester Institute of Technology.

2 FOCUS An RIT/NTID Education: A Worthwhile Investment by Greg Livadas

eaf and hard-of-hearing on federal assistance such as SSI.” and rehabilitation services,” says graduates of RIT/NTID have Buckley notes that over the past five Dr. Richard Burkhauser, a professor Dhigher career earnings and years, 91 percent of graduating RIT/ of public policy at Cornell. are less reliant on federal disability NTID students seeking employment have Other findings show that an RIT/NTID support than deaf or hard-of-hearing found a job within a year of graduation. education results in higher rates of graduates from other colleges, according “There are many reasons that our employment and longer careers. At age to a study tracking federal data for graduates are so successful, including 50, 78 and 73 percent of deaf and hard- three decades. our outstanding access services, of-hearing RIT/NTID bachelor’s and The study, Economic Benefits of excellent classroom instruction and the associate degree graduates, respectively, Completing a Degree from RIT/NTID, efforts of our Center on Employment were still reporting earnings. This, was done in partnership with Cornell representatives who travel the country compared to 69 percent of deaf and University and the Social Security building successful relationships with hard-of-hearing graduates from other Administration. Individuals included employers like Microsoft, Boeing, Dow, colleges regardless of their degree level. in the research were those within the IBM and many more,” says Buckley, NTID was created by Congress and United States whose primary disability himself an RIT/NTID alumnus. signed into law by President Lyndon is deafness,and who hold either RIT/NTID alumni such as Luke Baines Johnson in 1965 to provide more bachelor’s or associate degrees. Faxon-St. Georges—who earned a technological postsecondary educational “At age 50, deaf and hard-of-hearing bachelor’s degree in RIT/NTID graduates with bachelor’s Marketing in RIT’s degrees earn 178 percent more than deaf Saunders College of and hard-of-hearing graduates who earn Business and now is degrees elsewhere, while those with a business manager associate degrees from RIT/NTID earn with Discovery 95 percent more than deaf and hard-of- Communications—are hearing graduates from other colleges,” prime examples of the says Richard Dirmyer, director of NTID benefits of an RIT/ Institutional Research and Assessment, NTID education. and a co-author of the study. “RIT was Greater earnings mean less instrumental in dependence on government sources of preparing me for my support such as Supplemental Security career,” he says. “If it Income (SSI). The study shows that by weren’t for the great age 40, deaf and hard-of-hearing faculty and terrific MARK BENJAMIN individuals who graduated from other notetakers and tutors Reaping the Rewards Luke Faxon-St. Georges is an example of a successful RIT/NTID alumnus whose education has led to career success. colleges collect SSI at more than twice I had, I wouldn’t be the rate of those who graduated from where I am today.” RIT/NTID. The data for the report comes from opportunities for deaf and hard-of- “RIT/NTID has demonstrated a nearly 30-year collaboration with hearing students. More than 6,600 deaf unequivocally the societal contributions Cornell, the Internal Revenue Service, and hard-of-hearing students from every of our graduates, and now also can point and the Social Security Administration state and beyond have graduated from to the return on the investment made in to analyze employment status and RIT/NTID in the past 45 years. our students,” says Dr. Gerry Buckley, earnings of RIT/NTID alumni. No “We are proud that we continue NTID president and RIT vice president personal information about individuals to accomplish what Congress had and dean. “This study has demonstrated such as name or address was used in originally envisioned: providing the best that completing an RIT/NTID education the analysis, and the results cannot technological postsecondary education has significant economic benefits for deaf be traced to specific individuals. for deaf and hard-of-hearing students and hard-of-hearing graduates, allowing Tracking data over time between and helping them secure careers upon them to contribute to society through RIT/NTID and the federal government graduation,” says Buckley. taxes on wages earned and relying less “is unique throughout higher education

FOCUS 3 ADVANCING THE MISSION NTID Celebrates its 45th Anniversary by Susan L. Murad

PROVIDED PHOTO

JONNA MENDEZ JONNA MICHELLE LAPIDES, SPRINT RELAY SPRINT LAPIDES, MICHELLE

Highlights of NTID’S 45th Anniversary Reunion include a presentation by author Tony Mendez (left), a performance by Sean Forbes (center) and the recognition of alumna Angela Officer. TID’s 45th Anniversary Reunion will take place October 11-13, will be open for tours, with faculty Association Board of Directors, Angela N2013, as part of Brick City and students there to answer questions Officer, SVP ’83, ’88, will be honored at Homecoming Weekend. about their work. In addition, the Saturday evening’s Presidents’ Alumni “Events have been planned to provide Imaginarium—a student innovation Ball as RIT’s Volunteer of the Year. something for everyone,” says Loriann workspace—will be open with students “Angie is one of the most positive and Macko, interim director of NTID Alumni on hand to share their enthusiasm about enthusiastic supporters of RIT/NTID,” Relations. “Whether you’re a recent the innovative projects they are creating. says NTID President Gerry Buckley. graduate or a long-time alumnus, there Also on Friday afternoon, as part of “We’re so pleased that she is being will be something entertaining and the revived Famous Speakers Series, recognized for her hard work on behalf informative for you!” RIT/NTID will feature a presentation by of the college and the entire university.” The Reunion Committee, composed of Tony Mendez, a former CIA officer and While the schedule includes many Macko, SVP ’88, ’94, and fellow alumni author. Mendez wrote the book ARGO: activities, there is time built in for Brian Doane, SVP ’83, ’86, ’95; Stacy How the CIA and Hollywood Pulled off the alumni to do what they love best: Lawrence, SVP ’88, ’93, ’96; Mindy Most Audacious Rescue in History. The reunite with one another. Mundt, ’10; Adam Nadolski, ’11; and book was turned into an Academy “Even though social media makes it Amy Stornello, ’96, have developed a Award-winning film featuring actor Ben easier than ever to stay connected with schedule of activities for all to enjoy. Affleck, who played the role of Mendez. each other, there is nothing like having In addition to annual RIT Brick City Alumnus Sean Forbes, ’08, will the opportunity to sit down face to face Homecoming events such as the perform his unique brand of hip-hop/ and catch up with classmates and old Presidents’ Alumni Ball, Horton sign music in Ingle Auditorium on friends,” says Macko. “We made sure to Speaker Series and the RIT Tigers Friday evening. provide lots of time for those moments hockey game at Rochester’s Blue “Tiger Talks” (signed as “tiger-sign”), to happen during this busy weekend.” Cross Arena, many events specific a series of short presentations that will to NTID will be included. feature alumni sharing their knowledge The grand opening of Sebastian and and experiences, will take place on Lenore Rosica Hall will take place on Saturday afternoon in Panara Theater. LEARN MORE Friday afternoon, Oct. 11. Rosica Hall “Tiger Talks presentations will bring is a first-of-its-kind facility that will together alumni sharing a passion, an specifically engage deaf and hard-of- idea or a concept that will be of interest NTID’s 45th Reunion Website hearing students and their hearing to other alumni,” Macko says. “The idea www.rit.edu/ntid/reunion peers, along with faculty and corporate is to bring together our amazing alumni partners, in the innovation process. and have them share the diverse and Brick City Homecoming Research centers in Rosica Hall will interesting things they do.” and Reunion Registration include students as integral members RIT/NTID alumna and immediate past www.rit.edu/gcr/brickcity of project teams. The research centers chairperson of the NTID Alumni

4 FOCUS Student Ambassadors Share their Experiences by Ilene J. Avallone

ne of the best assets that traveling, so it’s fun to meet prospective rewarding benefits of being an RIT/NTID has in attracting students from across the country. ambassador is knowing that you are Oprospective students is its “If I’m giving a tour to a student from helping students and family members current students. That’s why the NTID a city I have visited, I use my knowledge gain a better understanding of life as Office of Admissions recently launched a of their hometown as an icebreaker to an RIT/NTID undergraduate,” says new program that invites current make a connection,” he says. “I’ve ambassador Stephanie Kiessling, undergraduates to serve as college learned to become an effective public from Jackson, N.J., who is studying ambassadors and help share information speaker and answer questions efficiently. International Hospitality and Service about RIT/NTID. Currently, 10 student This directly affects my performance in Management. “I may spark a new ambassadors serve as liaisons between the classroom because I’ve gained interest in the mind of a student or help the NTID Office of Admissions and confidence in presenting in front of someone finalize their college decision. prospective students and families. They large audiences.” I enjoy meeting new people and seeing are the faces of the college—leading tours, mingling with visiting students and their families, and enthusiastically sharing their own experiences to highlight the opportunities and benefits of an RIT/NTID education. “The ambassadors are the experts on what it’s like to be an RIT/NTID student,” says Erin Kane, assistant director of admissions and visitation, and coordinator of NTID’s ambassador program. “It’s always our goal to put RIT/NTID’s best foot forward, and we rely on current students to help us do that as they showcase and promote RIT/NTID to prospective students and families.” “As an ambassador, I provide one-on- one interaction, personal attention and KANE ERIN encouragement that can make the NTID Student Ambassadors (Front to back and left to right) Danica Metlay, Marissa Polvere, Ally Wu, Helen Yu, Michelle Chung, Stephen Sweet, Stephanie Kiessling, Taylor Yukaw, Elizabeth Pattison and Toby Fitch. difference between a student choosing RIT/NTID or another college,” says New Media Design student Toby Fitch “As an ambassador I’m acquiring that all of our visitors have a pleasant from Zanesville, Ohio. “I love meeting experiences and important skills, such experience on campus—so much so that new people and sharing my love for RIT, as time management, presentation and it influenced me to change my major and it’s icing on the cake when I find out leadership, that are valuable for my from Sociology, so that I can continue that prospective students I met with professional career,” says NTID to work with new people every day in chose RIT.” ambassador and Graphic Design student providing satisfying experiences.” Students become ambassadors for all Ally Wu, from Jackson Heights, N.Y. “College ambassadors can be some of kinds of reasons, but for many RIT/NTID Whether they are meeting one-on-one the most influential people on campus,” ambassadors, it is the experience and with a prospective student, giving a says Kane. “Sharing their enthusiasm skills they gain and the opportunities campus tour, answering an email, or and insights will help prospective to meet a wide range of people. participating in a student panel at open students continue to choose RIT/NTID NTID ambassador and Civil house, NTID ambassadors are building every year.” Engineering Technology student on and enhancing their RIT/NTID Meet all of NTID student ambassadors Stephen Sweet, from Adrian, Mich., learning experience. and check out their blogs at says that he likes people and enjoys “One of the most important and www.rit.edu/ntid/ambassadors.

FOCUS 5 MARK BENJAMIN Women’s Crew (left to right) ASL-English Interpretation students Anna-Marie Lee, of Newcastle, Maine; Christina DiSalvo, of Derry, N.H.; and Brittany Dzugas-Smith, of West Babylon, N.Y.; and Packaging Science student Molly Mangarian, of Folsom, Calif. RIT/NTID Athletes Make the Team by Greg Livadas

he fans probably wouldn’t know communication to converse with my she plays volleyball. “A sports interpreter it unless they happened to see an coach and teammates. I read lips as well. helps me communicate with the coach, Tinterpreter working on the I have an interpreter for practices and assistant coaches and my teammates,” sidelines, but deaf and hard-of-hearing home games, but I don’t find it necessary she says. students are an integral part of many RIT to have an interpreter on road trips. Erin York, an interpreting student from varsity sports teams. I communicate fine with the coaches Honeoye Falls, N.Y., has played lacrosse This past year, more than 20 RIT/NTID and players when we travel.” for RIT’s varsity team for three years. The students swam or dove in the pool, His coach, Rob Grow, views Flanagan experience has even taken her to play wrestled, ran cross-country, rowed boats, as one of his best players, not as games in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. played volleyball or lacrosse or were on someone who needs accommodations “My first year, I had two deaf the baseball field. Two RIT/NTID to play. Grow makes sure Flanagan teammates, and there was an interpreter students were cheerleaders. understands instructions and has who came to practices and games,” Deaf and hard-of-hearing student an interpreter present when there York says. “It was cool because I had athletes and hearing students studying are meetings. never had deaf teammates before, and to become interpreters contributed “Skip is one-of-a-kind, a great spirit learning to work with them and the to their teams. And some, like Erin and a tremendous player,” Grow says. interpreters on a large field was an LaFave, Scott Farrell and Skip Flanagan, “When you are on the field, the experience I enjoyed.” were standouts. language of baseball makes it easy to Erin LaFave, a member of the track Flanagan, a Psychology major from communicate. Skip is a great kid and team at RIT, usually has an interpreter Framingham, Mass., led his team with leads our team by his actions. I’m sure nearby to help with communication. 53 hits, 12 doubles and 35 RBIs. He he will be named captain sometime in A Visual Media major from Troy, Mich., recorded a team-best 69 total bases, the next two years.” she broke a college record in the scored 28 runs and stole nine bases. He Flanagan says some of his teammates 6,000-meter race and competed in the was an All-Liberty League Honorable have learned sign language, and he also Women’s Cross Country Division III Mention selection last season and was communicates using social media in NCAA Finals in 2011. named to the American Baseball Coaches between games and practices. “I’m lucky to have teammates who Association/Rawlings All New York Carly Schriver, a Business major from have learned sign language and one Region Third Team. Dayton, Ohio, played basketball in high that is studying to be an interpreter,” “I sign, and I also use some speech,” school, but communication was often she says. “Also, one of my coaches has Flanagan says. “I was told I enunciate difficult with her coach and teammates. been studying sign language since my words well, so I use that mode of She says it’s much easier at RIT, where freshman year.”

6 FOCUS LaFave also uses texting if needed. the playing field is to level it—to give RIT Athletic Hall of Fame “I have enjoyed my time at RIT/NTID. the deaf athlete the same advantage as inductees from NTID include: It has been a great five years. I have been the hearing athletes. blessed with great coaches,” she says. “When they have starts in swimming 2012 – Mike Lawson (Soccer) “I also have had the pleasure to compete or running, for example, or plays are 2008 – Marie Benson McKee (Tennis) with fantastic teammates during my being called and need quick responses, running career at RIT. Anything that I we try to get that information to the Tony Wallace (Wrestling) achieved as a runner I owe in large part deaf athlete as quickly as possible so 2007 – Matt Hamill (Wrestling) to those coaches and my teammates.” he or she can respond immediately to 2004 – Len Williams (Hockey) LaFave also is very grateful for “the the gun or starting horn or to the assistance of wonderful interpreters directions of the coach or to the play 2003 – Ronald Rice (Swimming) during my athletic career, especially being set up,” LaRock says. 2001 – Gerald Isobe (Golf) Doni LaRock.” Scott Farrell of North Tonawanda, LaRock has been interpreting for deaf N.Y., is expecting to compete in his 2000 – Gregory Coughlan (Cross Country, Track) athletes for 36 years in just about every fourth and final year on the RIT swim Kristine Gray (Softball, Volleyball) varsity sport. He’s even accompanied team this fall. He’s helped break two 1999 – John Reid (Wrestling) athletes on an exchange trip to China. RIT relay records in the pool. It takes additional skills to keep up “For a swimmer, it doesn’t require with quick athletes to interpret for them. a lot of communication, only “We often will travel on bikes with the motivation,” he says. When teams are competing at RIT, cross country athletes when they go out Farrell uses an interpreter at times and LaRock says it’s his role as an interpreter to do specific workouts to provide has a personal strobe light if the pool to make sure the officials are aware that interpreting services on the trails,” he doesn’t have one to signal the start. the team has a deaf athlete and that his says. “In addition, at cross country “I’d like to tell other athletes, new or responsibilities require that he have meets, we bring bikes on the bus so we older, that they shouldn’t give up at all,” access to the field of competition to can ride along with the team as they do a Farrell says. “Don’t let deafness affect provide services to the deaf athlete. warm up run of the course and then to their competitiveness, ever! Just do it “I do many behind the scenes activities follow the coach during the race as he and try your best with all your effort.” to make sure I can quickly and smoothly runs to provide coaching comments to Farrell, LaFave and Scott Matchett, provide services in the moment they are the runners as they run by specific another RIT/NTID swimmer from needed,” LaRock says. “I have often been points on the course.” Brighton, N.Y., competed in the called ‘coach’ by coaches and officials LaRock says the interpreter’s role on Deaflympics in Bulgaria this summer. who don’t exactly know how to address or interact with me, but I have never had any problem providing services to our deaf athletes because of the officials.” Meredith Ray, another interpreter who has supported NTID athletes for 36 years, says it’s easy for deaf athletes to pick up visual cues. “Audibles and visual signs are used in most sports. It is just kicked up a notch in American Sign Language,” she says. “Many coaches and teammates have become conversationally fluent in sign to really foster a great relationship. My hope is that more and more do over time.” Ray says she’s impressed by the dedication of the parents of deaf athletes at RIT. “They have brought a rich experience and lessons in sports and life STEPHEN WILLE to their sons and daughters so they can Proud Tigers Front row, left to right: Erin LaFave, Visual Media major from Troy, Mich., women’s compete at this level,” she says. “Many, cross country; Wilma Dennis, Criminal Justice major from Tacoma, Wash., cheerleader; Felicia Boria, although living away in New Jersey or Computer-Aided Drafting Technology major from Riverside, Calif., cheerleader; Amanda Dole, ASL- English Interpretation major from Mantua, N.J., women’s cross country. Back row: Eddie McBride, Boston and the like, have never missed Computer Integrated Machining Technology major from Germantown, Md., wrestling; Scott Farrell, more than a game or two in all these Manufacturing Engineering Technology major from North Tonawanda, N.Y., swimming; Scott Matchett, years, driving back and forth in the Career Exploration Studies student from Brighton, N.Y., swimming. same week.”

FOCUS 7 PROFILES IN COLLEGE

Tina Feng by Susan L. Murad

passion for science has helped a science intern in Rahway, N.J., and the forge a path of success for second as a manufacturing science intern ACanadian Tina Feng. in West Point, Pa. Her final internship That passion runs in Feng’s family—her was as an Environmental Marine Biology brother, who is hard of hearing, graduated Researcher at Gallaudet University. from the University of Toronto with a “RIT is an extremely deaf-friendly bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. environment,” she says. “We have highly “My brother and I went to the same skilled ASL interpreters for classes and mainstream school in Toronto,” she says. extracurricular activities. I’ve also been “Throughout college, he was my private fortunate to go to conferences and present tutor for chemistry.” research projects with my professors.” Feng earned an associate degree Feng reminds students not to be afraid in Laboratory Science Technology in to ask for help. May 2010, and a bachelor’s degree in “Take advantage of all the available Biotechnology & Molecular Bioscience resources such as the NTID support in February 2013. She now is planning teams, who provide one-on-one tutoring to continue her graduate studies in to help you with homework, prepare for Bioinformatics in RIT’s B.Thomas Golisano exams, clarify various scientific concepts College of Computing and Information and more.” Sciences in the fall. She turns to another scientist, Albert Feng has made the most of her time at Einstein, for inspiration: “Imagination RIT/NTID, completing four cooperative is more powerful than knowledge. For work experiences, first at the University of knowledge is limited to all we now Rochester in the Research Experience for know and understand, while imagination Undergraduates (REU) program. She also embraces the entire world, and all there

ALICE LO completed two co-ops with Merck—one as ever will be to know and understand.”

Timothy Holmes by Kathy A. Johncox

really love to put a smile on everyone’s the first son in his family to attend. “ face,” says Timothy Holmes, a fourth- “I chose RIT because of the great I year Applied Arts and Science major opportunities the co-op program offers, from Stockbridge, Ga. and the support services as well,” he says. And he has done that many times “I already have had two great co-ops, one during his involvement in the NTID interning at the Department of Defense Performing Arts program. Holmes, 23, Education Activity in Virginia, and one at has appeared in many plays and is the Federal Communications Commission a founding member and performer in Washington, D.C.” in Dangerous Signs, a popular NTID Holmes likes the social aspects and performance group. He also is president leadership opportunities offered by of the Masquers’ Drama Club, and RIT/NTID student clubs and organizations, is a three-time recipient of an NTID Greek life and student government. And Performing Arts Scholarship. he likes the diversity. Holmes chose a minor in Human “There are many different cultures here, Resource Management as part of his and there are many opportunities for me to degree program in the Center for learn more about them,” he says. Multidisciplinary Studies, which allows Holmes is planning to continue on him to take courses in several of RIT’s for a master’s degree, and hopes to use colleges in subjects that he enjoys and that, plus his co-op work experience believes will help him in his career when credentials, to find a job working for he graduates with a bachelor’s degree in the government. spring 2014. Holmes credits his mother with encouraging him to go to college. He is MARK BENJAMIN

8 FOCUS PROFILES IN COLLEGE

Joe Lingle by Ilene J. Avallone

IT has been a great fit, both inside planner for Wolk, a deaf Jewish club at RIT. and outside the classroom, for But real fun for Lingle is hockey, a sport Rfourth-year student Joe Lingle, who he’s been playing for nearly a decade. He found his calling as an Environmental played for his high school varsity team Science major. and attended hockey camp sponsored by Lingle, 21, attended mainstream the American Hearing Impaired Hockey schools while growing up, and he went Association, where he received several Most to two different deaf camps every summer. Valuable Player awards. In 2009, Lingle He liked being a part of both worlds, so played on Team USA in the World Deaf when it was time for college, RIT was his Ice Hockey Championship in Winnipeg, first choice. Manitoba, Canada, bringing home a bronze “RIT had my major and offered many medal. This spring he traveled to Finland extracurricular activities, and no place else to compete in the 2013 World Deaf Ice could compare to the support here for deaf Hockey Championships as part of the USA and hard-of-hearing students,” he says. Deaf Olympic hockey team. Lingle’s interest in environmental science “The level of competition was the stems from his enjoyment in learning about most challenging I ever played, and the all science disciplines and the hands-on opportunity to meet other deaf hockey field work that he gets to do. players from all over the world was so “In the future, I hope to work for an rewarding,” he says. organization where I get to use Geographic At RIT, Lingle is the goalie on the club Information Systems to generate data to and intramural ice hockey teams, so for map environmental concerns and issues,” most of the academic year he is playing he says. hockey every night. How does he do it? The self-proclaimed “nerd” enjoys “I do what’s fun and take one day at a

woodworking, building computers and time,” he says. A. SUE WEISLER playing with LEGOs. He also is the event

Ana Patricia Trujillo-Mendino by Kathy A. Johncox

waited for 11 years to go to RIT,” her long-time dream and continue her “ says Ana Patricia Trujillo-Mendino. education at RIT/NTID. I “I wanted to come after high school, Trujillo-Mendino currently is a freshman but I couldn’t afford to live on my own.” transfer student studying for an associate Trujillo-Mendino, age 30, was born in degree in Applied Computer Technology. Mexico to hearing parents. Her family, She hopes to continue her studies and including three siblings, two of whom are graduate in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree deaf, later moved to the U.S. She attended in Information Technology and a minor a mainstream high school in Los Angeles in Engineering. She’d like to work in and became a citizen in 2008 while information technology, maybe with the attending Glendale Community College. FBI, CIA or a police department. She worked for seven years for CLIMB, “I am very proud to be here,” says Inc., a center for independent living for Trujillo-Mendino. “I want to be the first visually impaired people. person in my family to receive a bachelor’s At a workshop for the Latino community degree. I want my family to be proud through RIT/NTID’s DeafTEC—a project of me.” designed to improve career awareness for “The courses are challenging,” she says, deaf and hard-of-hearing high school and “but I do not give up. I love math, and college students in STEM fields—she finally both computers and engineering have a got the chance she’d been waiting for. There math focus. I’ve always wanted to go to RIT she met RIT/NTID faculty members Donna because of the great education offered for Lange, Elissa Olsen and Karen Beiter, who, deaf and hard-of-hearing people. This was after learning her story, convinced her my dream, and I am now living it.” that it’s never too late to go back to school and that she could, and should, pursue A. SUE WEISLER

FOCUS 9 Imagining the Future by Kathy A. Johncox

eople of all ages from the technology that can guide Rochester community and visually impaired people past Pbeyond came to campus for a obstacles, so they can safely glimpse of the future, and exhibitors at maneuver their environment the 2013 Imagine RIT: Innovation and with greater speed and Creativity Festival were only too happy confidence than with a to oblige. traditional white cane. “More than 30,000 visitors, many of Festival visitors also whom make this an annual event with enjoyed an innovative family and friends, enjoyed RIT/NTID’s multimedia performance enthusiasm for creativity and with a cast of deaf and innovation,” says NTID President Gerry hearing dancers who use Buckley. “I was proud and impressed movement to portray the with the subjects our exhibitors chose properties of the universe. STEPHEN WILLE and the quality of our exhibits.” AstroDance was All nine RIT colleges had themes for created and their exhibits, and RIT/NTID’s exhibits choreographed focused on providing visitors creative, by Thomas Warfield, hands-on activities with an innovative assistant professor in edge, whether it was related to NTID’s Cultural and American Sign Language, the latest Creative Studies research from NTID’s Deaf Studies Department, and Laboratory or the newest technology featured galactic in cochlear implants. There were many imagery produced in exciting RIT/NTID exhibits for visitors collaboration with to see and try. computer science A demonstration of innovative faculty from the B. BENJAMIN MARK methods for improving captioning in Thomas Golisano College movie theaters, a product that uses GPS of Computing and and a smart phone application for Information Sciences and locating lost or misplaced hearing aids astrophysicists from RIT’s and other devices, and new software College of Science. The project that allows a computer monitor to make goal was to give audiences an communication more accessible by appreciation for science and recognizing and processing American technology and leave them Sign Language were the projects and with an expanded perspective products that were created for The Next on how to see and understand Big Idea, RIT/NTID’s Student Innovation both science and dance as a Competition, sponsored by ZVRS. They collaboration created from were demonstrated at the festival by the the interaction of the left three winning student teams. and the right brain. Also exhibited was the See-Through, Visitors also printed their Life-sized Interactive Monitor names in sign language handshapes, MARK BENJAMIN (S.L.I.M)—currently in development by chatted with Deaf Studies Laboratory Something for Everyone Dancing, students and faculty from NTID’s Center researchers and participated in research innovation, invention and learning about on Access Technology Innovation Lab. activities for which they received prizes, American Sign Language were just a few of the attractions at NTID’s exhibits during the It consists of two large monitors, picked up free hearing protection, 2013 Imagine RIT festival. positioned back-to-back, that allow watched student-built printers students to see teachers’ faces even create 3-D objects, and more. when they are writing on the board. What will we think of next? Creators of the Smart Cane for the Come and see. Save the date for the next Blind demonstrated an assistive Imagine RIT, May 3, 2014.

10 FOCUS New Signers Program Expands Options by Ilene J. Avallone

According to Dr. Kim Kurz, the American Sign Language and Interpreter Education Department chairperson who led the program, the pilot attracted 17 students, including students from Japan and Sudan, and was so successful that it is being offered again this year. Lisa DeWindt Sommer, NTID counselor/ academic advisor, will continue to serve as program coordinator, and J. Matt Searls and Jennifer Briggs, NTID support faculty members, will lead the classroom instruction on ASL and Deaf culture. “The students who attended the program have different reasons for wanting to know sign language, but all of them ultimately wanted to have more communication options while on campus,” says Kurz. Taylor Repetski, a first-year student from Fairless Hills, Pa., who was born deaf and received a cochlear implant as a young child, says, “I’m from a hearing MARK BENJAMIN family, and I went to a mainstream Learning American Sign Language (Left to right) NSP students Daniel Vasilew and Joe Vengen practice ASL with instructor Jennifer Briggs. school. I was the only hard-of-hearing student in my grade. I enrolled in the program to be able to communicate with new program offered at says NSP participant David Tawil, a first- students who sign, and to learn about RIT/NTID is expanding year student from Eatontown, N.J. “It’s a Deaf culture. Now I can sign whenever Acommunication options for some beautiful language. From the start of the I need to, and I’ve maintained close of the college’s newly accepted students. program I really felt welcomed here and friendships this year with several of my The New Signers Program (NSP) got to know people who are the same as NSP classmates.” was offered this past year as an optional I am.” Tawil also says he learned a lot from one-week, pre-orientation program for RIT/NTID accepts and provides the program. deaf and hard-of-hearing students who support for students of varying “I not only learned sign language, but have little or no prior skills in American communication preferences, including I got to familiarize myself with the RIT Sign Language. NSP is designed to help those who use sign only, those who use campus and that helped me feel more students begin to learn basic sign skills speech only, and those who use both confident when SVP orientation began,” before the start of NTID’s week-long sign and speech. he says. “I met some of my best friends orientation known as the Summer Typically 10 to 15 percent of incoming during NSP week as well as getting to Vestibule Program, so that they will be deaf and hard-of-hearing first-year know some faculty and staff. I even got able to communicate more effectively students use speech as their main mode to have lunch with NTID President with RIT/NTID peers, faculty and staff for expressing information and do not Gerry Buckley!” members who use sign language. In know sign language. Many of these For more information on NSP, visit addition to sign language instruction, students decide to learn to sign once www.rit.edu/ntid/nsp. students receive an introduction to they begin their studies at RIT/NTID Deaf culture and awareness. to help facilitate communication with “I took one sign language class in high those members of the community who school, and I wanted to learn more,” primarily use sign language.

FOCUS 11 Recognizing Outstanding Employer Partners by Kathy A. Johncox

or more than 35 years, the NTID Center on Winners of the Outstanding Employer FEmployment has been Partner Awards for 2012 were: developing and maintaining relationships with a wide variety Bender Consulting Services, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa. of employers. These relationships Sorenson Communications, Salt Lake City, Utah foster employment opportunities City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif. for deaf and hard-of-hearing students and graduates. The value of such relationships for employers is the state-of-the-art skills and diversity that RIT/NTID students and graduates can add to their workforce. To recognize these important partnerships, in 2010, NCE established the Outstanding Employer Partner Awards. “Employer partnerships are key to our successful employment program MARK BENJAMIN for students and graduates,” says Commending an Employer Partner NTID President Gerry Buckley (left) congratulates Phil Miller John Macko, NCE director. “Once from Sorenson Communications. employers see the caliber of our students, they tend to hire again and Bender Consulting Services, Inc. for their corporation or organization— again. We created the Outstanding At a 2001 Business Leadership Network it’s a good business decision that will pay Employer Partner Award to Conference in Iowa, Macko gave a dividends and is the right thing to do.” recognize and thank employers who “Working Together: Deaf and Hearing Bender Consulting also has participated continue to hire our students and People” presentation and afterward was in the NTID Job Fair since it began graduates, or who otherwise approached by three women who said, and has hosted “Working Together” participate in the job-related “We want to work with you.” Those six workshops in the Pittsburgh area. programs NCE offers.” words have translated into 35 contracts Matt Martella, a 2010 graduate who The awards are presented during to full-time hires since the Bender studied Web and application development NTID’s annual October Job Fair to Consulting relationship began. One of in the Information Technology program employers who have a sustained the three women was Joyce Bender, at RIT’s B. Thomas Golisano School of record of hiring RIT/NTID students founder and CEO of Bender Consulting Computing and Information Sciences, or graduates. Partners often are Services, Inc., a firm that recruits and is an example of a successful Bender supportive in other ways such as hires people with disabilities who are Consulting Services, Inc., end-user. hosting workshops, participating in trained to work in public and private He is an application developer at the NTID Job Fair and providing sectors in information technology, Highmark, a not-for-profit health other employment-related services engineering, finance/accounting, human care company based in Pittsburgh. to RIT/NTID. Honors are presented resources and general business areas. “I applied for this job through in three categories: corporations and “I consider it a great honor to receive the Bender website,” says Martella. federal government; educational an award from a university that provides “Bender and Highmark have a very institutions/non-profit organizations excellent academic training for talented good relationship, and Bender referred and local/state governments; and deaf and hard-of-hearing students from me to Highmark for an interview. It small- to mid-sized companies. all over the country and the world,” turned out that Highmark was interested Bender says. “In the workplace, we in mobile and Web development, and encourage employers to see hiring people that was my area of interest. It was a with disabilities as a business solution great match.”

12 FOCUS MARK BENJAMIN PHOTO PROVIDED Recognition and Appreciation (Left to right) NTID’s Gerry Buckley and John Macko; West Coast Presentation In Los Angeles, Dawn Lucas, associate Neil Lutz, Joyce Bender and Mary Brougher, Bender Consulting Services, Inc.; Phil Miller, director, NTID Center on Employment (second from left) presented Sorenson Communications; and Regina Kiperman-Kiselgof, NTID Center on Employment, the award to City of Los Angeles representatives (left to right) Gary participated in the third annual Outstanding Employer Partner Awards ceremony. Moore, Carl Horst, William Weeks and Mahmood Karimzadeh.

Sorenson Communications® learn and that enables me to help the Sorenson Communications is a organization stay at the top of the field.” Past recipients of the Outstanding provider of communications products Lance Pickett, senior technical support Employer Partner Awards: and services for deaf and hard-of-hearing advisor at Sorenson Communications, 2 011 people. These products include says, “We continue to hire RIT/NTID American School for the Deaf, videophones, Sorenson Video Relay students for co-ops and permanent West Hartford, Conn. Service® and software applications, jobs because we want to contribute IBM, Austin, Texas among others. The partnership between to the development of professionalism Sorenson and NCE began in 2005, and in and business/technical skills among Crane Group of Companies, Columbus, Ohio the last five years, Sorenson has hired 18 university students preparing to enter full-time workers and provided work for the workforce as well as identify 2010 17 co-op students. potential employees who would be Defense Finance & Accounting After receiving a bachelor’s degree in valuable for our department. Sorenson Service, Rome, N.Y. Applied Arts and Sciences in 2011 and is honored to receive this recognition, BNY Mellon, Pittsburgh, Pa. certification in computer graphics, Dolly and we look forward to continuing to Dalal applied online for a technical work with RIT/NTID to maintain our support position and was hired at valuable relationship.” Sorenson’s Rochester office. She feels realized the people were all very friendly it’s been a good fit for her. City of Los Angeles and communication was clear. I asked a “I brought good skills to my technical Since 2008, the City of Los Angeles lot of questions because I am curious, support position at Sorenson,” says Bureau of Engineering has hired 15 and that helped me learn a lot from my Dalal. “I feel comfortable in this work co-op students from the Computer Aided co-op. I learned that being an architect environment because my teams and Drafting Technology, Arts & Imaging or civil engineer is not an easy job, managers are good communicators and Studies and Graphic Design programs. and I am beginning to understand the they are fun to work with. I continue to “This award affirms the City of Los relationship between the cost of a Angeles’ vision that investing in diversity building, the strength of the structure not only is the right thing to do, but and the building codes.” makes good business sense as well,” “Our employer partners know the says William Weeks, City of Los training our students have and their Angeles Personnel Department, skill level, and that is why they continue personnel director. to hire,” says Macko. “The partnerships Kehinde Ogunbayo, a Civil we have developed with employers who Engineering Technology student, know the caliber of our students and was interviewed by videophone and graduates really are invaluable. We are got a job with the city. happy to have created RIT/NTID’s “On my first day, my employer made Outstanding Employer Partner Awards me feel very welcome, introduced me to acknowledge the continuing

MARK BENJAMIN to other workers, showed me the offices relationships that benefit our students At the Job Fair Representatives from Bender and other things to get me started,” says and graduates and are so important Consulting Services, Inc., match student skills with Ogunbayo. “I was a little nervous and in the world of business today.” employer needs. shy, but I became comfortable when I

FOCUS 13 ALUMNI PROFILES

Arricka Nowland by Susan L. Murad

olunteering leads to opportunities. It was through her involvement with the And no one knows that better than IVCF that Nowland traveled twice to Guyana, VRIT/NTID alumna Arricka Nowland, South America. whose volunteer activities have led to Nowland then spent two months in interpreting opportunities both here South Korea teaching ASL to Korean deaf and abroad. students and learning Korean Sign Language The Portland, Maine, resident was from them. homeschooled in Andover, Mass., and She returned to the U.S., and became began learning ASL formally at age 16 at a volunteer interpreter at a conference her local community college. “I knew I on social justice, when a linguistics wanted to transfer to a more extensive organization found out about her interpreter training program, and I decided international experiences. on RIT/NTID because of its diverse deaf “They hired me—sometimes for a stipend community,” she says. and sometimes in exchange for travel, food She developed an interest in ASL and and lodging—to interpret at conferences in Deaf culture at four or five years of age. Asia and Africa and domestically for one to “I started learning ASL through a video two weeks at a time every few months,” she curriculum my mom bought when I was says. “One opportunity led to another, and I seven,” she says. was invited to train interpreters in Fiji.” As a student in RIT/NTID’s American Sign Given her experiences, Nowland’s advice Language-English Interpretation program, to others is not surprising. Nowland was involved with the Student “Immerse yourself in the deaf community Interpreting Association and was a resident and volunteer,” she says. “Not only is it advisor. She became the ResLife representative giving back, it will lead to cool opportunities. on NTID’s Student Assembly, and was elected You might not get paid, but the experiences

ALLYSON GABRIELEALLYSON speaker. She also was involved with the will be priceless.” InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Jeffrey McCaw by Susan L. Murad

hen he was an RIT/NTID student, “I really enjoy working with people,” Jeffrey McCaw followed the advice he says. “They bring new ideas and new Whe now gives young people. initiatives. Everyone plays a role; we’re all “Get involved,” says the 1989 graduate part of the team.” of RIT’s Saunders College of Business, who McCaw’s interest in creating a collaborative earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. work environment may have started when “Follow your passion. Study hard and he transferred to RIT/NTID from Babson recognize that you always will be studying College. He credits his time as a resident throughout your career to be successful in advisor and accounting tutor with helping your field. Get all you can out of college and him to develop socially. be ready to work.” “I have such fond memories of the support McCaw, a Certified Public Accountant, services I received from notetakers and is Goodwill Industries International’s chief tutors,” he says. “My co-op experiences financial officer, and oversees all activities provided valuable lessons that I still use in associated with finance, within a $50 million my work today, such as adapting to new annual budget. technologies and effective time management.” Prior to joining Goodwill®, McCaw spent McCaw lives in Maryland, loves to read and seven years as a controller for a leading golf, and enjoys spending time with his wife Washington, D.C., metropolitan CPA firm, and 10-year-old twins. Baker & Tilly. He has served on the board of directors McCaw was promoted to CFO based as treasurer at the Berks Deaf and Hard on his direction in developing, growing of Hearing Services and the Deaf Abused and managing the accounting department Women Network (DAWN), and is an active at Goodwill®. The organization provides member of the American Institute of CPAs, job preparation, skills training, education the Greater Washington Society of CPAs and

CLAY BLACKMORE CLAY assistance and support services to 6.7 million the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs. people a year who are facing challenges to finding employment. 14 FOCUS Parents Provide Essential Support by Susan L. Murad

arents of RIT/NTID students play The Flanagans also an important role in their child’s list the access and Psuccess. They provide the bridge support services for between the student’s home and college deaf students and the life, and have a unique vantage point to opportunity to play witness their growth. baseball for the “I am lucky enough to meet many RIT Tigers as of the parents of the students in my deciding factors. classes due to the nature of theater,” “Baseball is his says Dr. Luane Davis Haggerty, lecturer passion,” Sean in NTID’s Cultural and Creative Studies Flanagan says. Department. “Many parents come in “When it came down support of their sons/daughters when to it, this was the they are performing; some even come only choice for him. when we travel with the shows. The The seamlessness effort, attention and interest they show between Deaf culture are an inspiration.” and the hearing Sean and Sue Flanagan, parents of world here is not MARK BENJAMIN Sean “Skip” Flanagan, a Psychology something he would major and a stand-out player on RIT’s find anywhere else.” Providing Roots and Wings Parent Steve Morse (right) feels that having Austin live on campus is beneficial to his son’s baseball team, are the embodiment of “You try to imagine growing independence. the supportive parent model. Although what the future will they live in Massachusetts, they attend be for your child, many—if not all—of their son’s baseball and when you have a deaf child you and applied only here. He was strong in games, and are both members of the really wonder what the world has in science and math and figured he could NTID Foundation Board of Directors. store,” Sue Flanagan says. “Everything get in here. Because he is deaf, he knew “Skip applied only to RIT,” says Sue we could imagine for Skip is here at RIT. a lot of people here and liked the idea of Flanagan. “The school’s outstanding You want happiness for your kid. And a mainstream education as well as the academic program that is nationally he’s happy. That’s priceless.” deaf social aspect.” recognized, combined with the Steve Morse, father of Austin, And while the family lives in outstanding employment record, really a University Studies major, is another commuting distance, both Austin and were impressive to all of us.” parent who provides the kind of support his parents agreed he should live on that helps campus, citing the benefits for him to his child be independent. succeed. And “The three things that make RIT a fit even though he for us and for Austin are: the deaf social works at RIT as community, the mainstream academic assistant vice offerings and the support services,” says president in Morse. “I know how important fit is.” Institute Audit, Morse has watched his son grow in Compliance many ways. & Advisement, “I have seen Austin start to really he wanted his think about his future,” he says. “He son to explore always was good in leadership and is his options. pledging a fraternity now. He is very “I wanted to self-sufficient and has learned to take go on tours of responsibility for what he needs to colleges,” succeed and for his academic needs.” Morse says.

MARK BENJAMIN “Austin wanted Tiger Pride Parents Sean and Sue Flanagan enjoy visiting son Skip and to come here cheering him on at RIT baseball games.

FOCUS 15 FACULTY/STAFF PROFILES

Astrid Jones by Ilene J. Avallone

orking with students in different and hearing students to come together and “ settings and seeing them take work in harmony. Won leadership positions, grow Jones currently is enrolled in the and thrive to be great community leaders RIT College of Applied Science and and citizens, are reasons why my job is so Technology master’s degree program in rewarding,” says Astrid Jones, coordinator Multidisciplinary Professional Studies, for student life programming at NTID. focusing on Secondary Education of Jones also is coordinator for NTID’s Step- Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Up Program, an organization for first-year and Human Resource Management. deaf and hard-of-hearing African American, This degree will serve him well in his Latino, Asian and Native American students current position. who are undecided on a major. He also “My job focuses on promoting and serves as an instructor for the group’s fostering students’ growth, advising freshman seminar. student clubs and collaborating with key The St. Croix, Virgin Islands, native, who departments for students’ success,” he says. was born deaf, has worked at RIT/NTID What keeps him going? A motto posted since 2004 and enjoys the fast-paced nature outside his office door explains: “Our of his position. attitude towards life determines life’s “I’m not a person who likes to sit in an attitude towards us.” office all day, so this has been the perfect Jones strives to model this slogan for his job for me,” he says. “I enjoy collaborating students every day and show them that, with different departments within NTID with the right attitude, more opportunities and RIT on student-centered projects, will come their way. and planning and organizing cultural

MARK BENJAMIN opportunities for deaf, hard-of-hearing

Heather L. Smith by Kathy A. Johncox

fter graduating in 1994 from RIT’s “Who knew I had this teaching in me?” College of Imaging Arts and Sciences Smith says. “People had told me I’d be a Awith a bachelor’s degree in Interior good teacher, but it never occurred to me I Design, Heather Smith went west. The would enjoy it this much.” Pensacola, Fla., native took a job in Phoenix, Smith continued to teach one course each Ariz., working for an architectural firm quarter in NTID’s Arts & Imaging Studies where she created 3-D small-scale models of Department as she worked on an MFA homes, hotels and even a football stadium degree, and continued while working as an from blueprints. When computers starting environmental graphic designer at SWBR taking over the model design business, she Architects until she became a full-time was laid off. lecturer in 2011. “I had chosen RIT for the support services She often shares stories about her work and the focus on design and state-of-the art experiences with her students, and considers technology,” says Smith. “So, when I found herself a role model for deaf and hard-of- myself out of a job, I decided to go back to hearing students. RIT to study Information Technology. I knew “I work closely with RIT bachelor-level that I belonged with art and that technology deaf and hard-of-hearing students majoring skills would be a bonus that could get me in Interior Design and Industrial Design,” the kind of career I wanted. I soon found she says. “I want students to learn that they that Web design was the perfect way to can be successful, too, and that they need combine my love of art and artistic skills to be patient and persevere in spite of life’s with my desire to design and build things.” challenges. And it’s a two-way street. I learn While Smith was working as RIT/NTID’s a lot from my students as well. I enjoy seeing Webmaster she was asked to teach one art them and praising their successes when they history course as adjunct faculty, and after come back to visit me at RIT.” one quarter, she knew she had fallen in love

MARK BENJAMIN with teaching.

16 FOCUS Congratulations of to 2013! the Class His career goal is to work as is amachinist. work to goal His career RIT fall. at in the Technology Engineering in Manufacturing precision optics, abachelor’s pursue to degree plans and Inc., Optimax, at experience making work cooperative a completed Sofia, in Scott Deaflympics Bulgaria. medal, participate this he and summer Swimming abronze Championship won and in Portugal In2011team. RIT men’s of the is and scholarships amember swim varsity Corps Presidential Marine NTID recipient and of the Machining Technology. Integrated is He the Computer Tonawanda, N.Y., in degree associate an with graduated PROUD REPRESENTATIVE , Scott participated in the World in the Deaf participated Scott Scott Farrell, from North Farrell, North Scott from d in the 2013 in the

MARK BENJAMIN L

Rochester Institute of Technology Non-profit Org. National Technical Institute for the Deaf U.S. Postage Lyndon Baines Johnson Hall PAID 52 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY Rochester, NY 14623-5604 Permit 626

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

L

SAVE THE DATE!

NTID’s 45th Anniversary Reunion October 11-13, 2013

Plan to join us in Rochester as we celebrate NTID’s 45th anniversary! Festivities will take place in conjunction with RIT’s Brick City Homecoming weekend.

Exciting entertainment • Grand opening of Sebastian and Lenore Rosica Hall • Presentations • Tailgate party and Tigers hockey game • Family pancake breakfast …and more!!

Visit www.rit.edu/NTID/reunion for details!