Class Notes
Name: Velvet Howland
Class Year(s): 2023
Note: Velvet Howland BS ’23 married Nathan Holtby at Fair Haven Beach State Park on September 1, 2024. It was a lovely day and many members of the RIT Women’s Rowing team came out to support! RIT alum, Michael DeFranco BFA ’24 captured their day via video.
Submitted on: November 25, 2024
Name: Clifford Locks
Class Year(s): 1981
Note: Exciting Announcement: Cliff Locks BS ’81 publishes his seventh book: Your Path to Greatness: Essential Leadership Skills for the Next Generation Leaders. This comprehensive guide empowers emerging and seasoned leaders with the tools, strategies, and confidence to excel in today’s ever-evolving business world. Focused on leadership development, the book provides a systematic framework covering essential topics like: strategy, mentorship, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and integrating business intelligence and AI for organizational growth. Through practical examples and actionable insights, Cliff equips readers to unlock their full leadership potential, inspire others, and chart a path to success. Whether you want to refine your leadership style, set impactful goals, or optimize team performance, Your Path to Greatness is your roadmap to becoming an exceptional leader. Get your copy today on Amazon: Your Path to Greatness: Essential Leadership Skills for the Next Generation Leaders: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Path-Greatness-Leadership-Generation/dp/B0DGGJLYL6 Looking to take your growth even further? Pair the book with Cliff’s self-paced online course, Emerging Leaders Program, designed to help you implement the strategies and skills outlined in the book. Enroll now: Emerging Leaders Program: https://millionairelifeservices.uteach.io/courses/emerging-leaders-program Discover more about Cliff Locks and his mentoring services at www.MillionaireLife.Services. Start your journey to greatness today!
Submitted on: November 25, 2024
Name: Frances Drew
Class Year(s): 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Note: Frances Drew MFA ’94 is the winner of the Best Self-Produced CD in 2024. Frances will compete in the International Blues Competition in Memphis in 2025. Marine Electrical Designer 2/2023 - present - General Dynamics/Electric Boat Marine Electrical Apprentice 2018 -2022 - General Dynamics/Electric Boat
Submitted on: November 25, 2024
Name: Joel Kwiatkowski
Class Year(s): 1983
Note: Joel Kwiatkowski BT ’83 is very proud to be a 1983 RIT alum with BSEET from the School of Technology. The classroom lectures, lab studies, and staff were all very helpful and beneficial to creating a hands-on learning experience. Along with the co-op work program, Joel was able to decide on a career direction. Getting upfront exposure to corporate styles, culture and structure helped Joel decide on the type of companies and environment that would suit him best.
Submitted on: November 25, 2024
Name: Eric Wickfield
Class Year(s): 1974
Note: Press Release: RIT Grad Receives Our Nation’s Highest Award for a Civilian Pilot A senior representative of the FAA, inspector Richard Jeffs, recently presented Eric Wickfield BS ’74 the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, the highest honor issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), recognizes pilots who have practiced safe flight operations continuously for 50 or more years during the course of their aviation careers. This award is to recognize individuals who have exhibited exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism and for their contributions to safety in aviation. Captain Wickfield has not only distinguished himself as an aviator, but is also a recognized author and speaker on oceanic operations and aviation safety issues. Captain Wickfield was presented the airman’s FAA’s Blue Ribbon package and the distinctive Wright Brothers Master Pilot plaque at a ceremony attended by Captain Wickfield’s wife Leslie, also a distinguished aviator, local dignitaries and many friends and colleagues from his distinguished flying career.
Submitted on: November 25, 2024
Name: Gerard Kiernan
Class Year(s): 1983
Note: Congratulations to Gerard Kiernan BT ’83 and his wife Kim, on celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary in March. Time sure flies.
Submitted on: November 22, 2024
Name: Howard Hall
Class Year(s): 1972
Note: Howard Hall BFA ’72 became an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in both InDesign and Photoshop, while at U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the immediate office of the director. It was here that he created communication designs supporting public health emergency responses, including COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola epidemic.
Submitted on: November 21, 2024
Name: Erin Malone
Class Year(s): 1994
Note: Erin Malone MFA ’94 has a new book, In Through the Side Door: Fifty Years of Women in Interaction Design. It was just released on October 15, 2024 by the MIT Press.
Submitted on: November 20, 2024
Name: Steve Knobler
Class Year(s): 1981
Note: Steve Knobler BS ’81 just celebrated the 15th anniversary of North Seattle Community Acupuncture in Seattle, Washington. After 20+ years as an engineer, Steve switched to Eastern Medicine with no regrets. Dr. Knobler stays busy with his career and writing novels (Community Acupuncturist Tales).
Submitted on: November 20, 2024
Name: Marie Massuh-Fox
Class Year(s): 2014
Note: Congratulations to Marie Chantal Massuh-Fox BFA ’14 on the feature film distribution accomplishments. The award-winning thriller ‘Thirst Trap’ was directed by Chantal and signed by Echelon Studios. Read about the award-winning thriller ‘Thirst Trap’ here: https://echelonstudios.us/press-release/echelon-studios-signs-award-winning-thriller-thirst-trap/. Watch Thirst Trap. It is currently available on Tubi.
Submitted on: November 15, 2024