Six alumni employees receive Golden Brick Awards

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Lauren McLaughlin

Jodi Carville, left; John Stratton; Marty Burris; and Donna Tuffner are among the recipients of this year’s Golden Brick Awards.

RIT’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations recently recognized six alumni employees with the Golden Brick Award. The award is for alumni faculty and staff who go above and beyond when working with graduates, submitting updated contact information, hosting tours, bringing alumni on campus to speak with current students, and identifying alumni as prospects and supporters of RIT’s many initiatives.

The awards were presented at the 10th annual Alumni Faculty/Staff Luncheon on Oct. 9. The award winners are:

• Jeannette Vargas ’13, senior staff specialist for NTID’s Development office: Vargas is the adviser to the Latin American Deaf club, the Latino America Unida fraternity, Lambda Alpha Upsilon. For years she has been committed to the promotion and engagement of Latino students and alumni.

• Donna Tuffner ’94, ’09, ’13, ’14, teaching assistant in NTID’s business studies program: Tuffner has worked as a volunteer coordinator for NTID’s 45th Anniversary Reunion, volunteered during numerous past reunions at NTID and assisted during several Imagine RIT: Innovation and Creativity festivals.

• John Stratton ’64, professor emeritus in the College of Applied Science and Technology: Stratton has served more than 37 years at RIT in various capacities, including as a professor, department chair and associate dean of CAST. He is still working as adjunct professor. Stratton is also an officer with the New York State Engineering Technology Association and works with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

• Marty Burris ’96, ’99, ’06, director of the University Studies Program: Burris has built strong relationships with the University Studies students and is staying in touch with her first class of graduates. She connects current University Studies students with alumni from all disciplines, encouraging students to explore prospective career options through the experiences of alumni mentors.

• Jodi Carville ’81, ’83, director of the Women Engineering program (WE@RIT): Carville is always looking for and finding great opportunities to engage alumnae with current females engineering students as speakers, mentors and in other capacities.

• Catherine Rappazzo ’07, sales and marketing manager for Dining Services: Rappazzo ensures that the food for alumni events on campus is well-prepared and professionally presented. She comes up with creative menus that fit the budget. She keeps a close eye on quality, keeps her campus colleagues well informed and is always enthusiastic and energetic.

Jeannette Vargas ’13, senior staff specialist for NTID’s Development office, is one of six winners of the Golden Brick Award. Lauren McLaughlin

Catherine Rappazzo ’07, sales and marketing manager for Dining Services, is one of six winners of the Golden Brick Award. Lauren McLaughlin