Dr. Kenneth Reed Headshot

2008 Outstanding Alumni Award

Dr. Kenneth Reed

BS ’71

College of Science


"This award is in recognition of Ken's service to RIT. His diligent effort and generosity have contributed significantly to the growth of the university. This award is meant to honor those efforts and to express our appreciation for his dedication."

Dr. Kenneth Reed BS ’71 is a 1971 graduate of RIT's College of Science, with an honors BS degree in Chemistry. After obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Physical Chemistry from Stanford University in 1975, he joined the research laboratories of Eastman Kodak Company. His thirty–year career at Kodak focused on reaction chemistry and precipitation of nanoparticles and micro–emulsions. Ken's work yielded 24 patents and resulted in his induction into the Kodak Distinguished Inventors Gallery.

Similarly, Ken's long–term involvement with his alma mater has been defined by his characteristic enthusiasm, passion and commitment. He was a 12–year member and past president of RIT's Alumni Association, and an RIT Trustee from 2001 to 2005. In 2000 he was awarded the RIT College of Science Distinguished Alumni award, and in 2003 he received the RIT Volunteer of the Year Award. Ken was actively involved with several funding initiatives including the Powered–by–the–Future Campaign, and the 2005–2006 Trustee Annual Fund.

Following his retirement from Kodak in late 2005, Ken and his new business partner, Mick Stadler teamed up to launch a nano-catalyst company, Cerion Energy from RIT's business incubator, Venture Creations. Ken states that one of the most rewarding experiences of his long career has been the recent interaction among RIT's College of Science faculty/staff, RIT undergraduate co-op students, and two East High School students as they do the research necessary to bring Cerion Energy's products to market.

Ken's personal life is also noteworthy for its success! He is still happily married to his high school sweetheart, Shirley–past president and current member of RIT's Women's Council and former RIT Trustee. Ken and Shirley are proud parents and grandparents, with two daughters: Cheryl Ackerman and Wendi Costanzo along with four grandchildren.

2008 Outstanding Alumni Award

Dr. Kenneth Reed

BS ’71

College of Science


"This award is in recognition of Ken's service to RIT. His diligent effort and generosity have contributed significantly to the growth of the university. This award is meant to honor those efforts and to express our appreciation for his dedication."

Dr. Kenneth Reed BS ’71 is a 1971 graduate of RIT's College of Science, with an honors BS degree in Chemistry. After obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Physical Chemistry from Stanford University in 1975, he joined the research laboratories of Eastman Kodak Company. His thirty–year career at Kodak focused on reaction chemistry and precipitation of nanoparticles and micro–emulsions. Ken's work yielded 24 patents and resulted in his induction into the Kodak Distinguished Inventors Gallery.

Similarly, Ken's long–term involvement with his alma mater has been defined by his characteristic enthusiasm, passion and commitment. He was a 12–year member and past president of RIT's Alumni Association, and an RIT Trustee from 2001 to 2005. In 2000 he was awarded the RIT College of Science Distinguished Alumni award, and in 2003 he received the RIT Volunteer of the Year Award. Ken was actively involved with several funding initiatives including the Powered–by–the–Future Campaign, and the 2005–2006 Trustee Annual Fund.

Following his retirement from Kodak in late 2005, Ken and his new business partner, Mick Stadler teamed up to launch a nano-catalyst company, Cerion Energy from RIT's business incubator, Venture Creations. Ken states that one of the most rewarding experiences of his long career has been the recent interaction among RIT's College of Science faculty/staff, RIT undergraduate co-op students, and two East High School students as they do the research necessary to bring Cerion Energy's products to market.

Ken's personal life is also noteworthy for its success! He is still happily married to his high school sweetheart, Shirley–past president and current member of RIT's Women's Council and former RIT Trustee. Ken and Shirley are proud parents and grandparents, with two daughters: Cheryl Ackerman and Wendi Costanzo along with four grandchildren.