2021-2022 Distinguished Alumni Awards: Franklyn Athias

The Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented annually by each of RIT’s nine colleges, the School of Individualized Study, and the Graduate School to alumni who have performed at the highest levels of their profession or who have contributed to the advancement and leadership of civic, philanthropic, or service organizations. It is the highest award an RIT college can bestow upon its alumni. The 2021-2022 recipients were honored during presentations throughout the spring semester.

Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences honoree: Franklyn Athias BS ’85

Computer science
Chief Technology Officer and senior vice president, Xfinity Mobile Retail Convergence (xMRC)

What’s one fond memory from your time at RIT?

“Without a doubt, the opportunity to spend the summer prior to classes beginning as a part of the HEOP was transformational. HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program) allowed me the time I needed to adjust to college and to become acclimated with Rochester. Coming from Brooklyn and leaving my tight-knit family behind presented challenges. I am forever grateful for the solid foundation this program provided, not the least of which was a roommate and a number of lifelong friends.”

How is giving back core to what you do?

“I am a firm believer that while you’re giving, you’re also getting. Having the opportunity to build teams at Xfinity afforded me the opportunity to build the most diverse teams. In addition, my volunteer work teaching coding to young people at the Second Antioch Baptist Church and through danceLogic in Philadelphia enabled me to give some of my time and talent. In doing so, young people saw someone who looked like them succeeding in technology.”

Read about the other 2021-2022 Distinguished Alumni.