2023-2024 Tiger Imprint Showcase | Diversity and Inclusion

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion (DDI) is pleased to share the AY 2023-2024 Tiger Imprint Showcase. It highlights various accomplishments this academic year which support the mission and strategic plan of the university through the four dimensions of people, programs, places and partnerships. It also includes all national recognitions we have received that affirms RIT’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. DDI works collaboratively to lead diversity and inclusion efforts across the university.

RIT Action Plan for Race and Ethnicity

The RIT Action Plan for Race and Ethnicity highlights RIT’s commitment to look at and “address systemic racial inequities and injustices” and to enhance a “sense of belonging “among students, staff, and faculty in various ways. Input is encouraged and welcomed from RIT students, staff, and faculty. From the renaming of a residence hall to better reflect our values to RIT leaders sharing their personal commitment to DEI, it all helps shape the campus climate. One campus-wide initiative is now in its second year. Together RIT: A Day of Dialogue held October 20^th, focused on gender and sexuality. There were 18 different sessions that participants could attend. Newly added was an opening panel featuring two students, three staff and two faculty members. One lunch topic discussed was the intersection of hip-hop and masculinity which included WDKX radio station staff. Over 450+ participated and 88% of the respondents surveyed were satisfied.

Read more here on some of the ways RIT shows its commitment to DEI.

RIT Residence Hall Renamed to Honor Frederick Douglass's Granddaughter

A Chat with RIT’s Neeraj Buch: His Focus is on Student Success

A Chat with RIT’s Provost on His Role, His Goals and the Importance of DEI

National Recognition

Two insight logos

For its commitment to diversity & inclusion in AY 2023-2024, RIT was recognized nationally with the 2023 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award (10th time); named a 2023 Diversity Champion by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine (9th time); listed in the “Top 200 Colleges for Native Americans” in the American Indian Science and Engineering Society’s Winds of Change magazine (13th time).

RIT Scholarships & Awards

The prestigious Isaac L. Jordan Sr., Faculty & Staff Pluralism Awards for outstanding commitment to pluralism were again presented. The Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Endowed Fund provided two scholarships to a freshman and an upper-class student for their leadership and commitment to pluralism. RIT Advancement secured 17 new Sentinel Society members in support of DDI between July 1, 2023 and April 1, 2024 bringing in a total of $137,500 in unrestricted dollars to the Division. We also secured a Transdigm commitment for an additional scholarship pledge of $500,000 to DDI. Finally, the Minett Professors Endowed Fund has commitments of $122,533 with $108,183 received to date. Advancement (in collaboration with DDI) held several events both on campus and in Washington, DC and New York City focused on diversity in an effort to engage alumni of color and bring awareness to how donors can support diversity initiatives and programs at RIT.

Read more about the Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Pluralism Award honorees below

Dina Newman - Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Faculty Pluralism Award Recipient

Marykatherine Woodson - Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Staff Pluralism Award Recipient

Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Endowed Fund Student Recipients

People

Where Creativity Begins

The 43rd Expressions of King’s Legacy was held in Gordon Field House on January 30, 2024. Professor and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Ibram X. Kendi met with select students from two courses, and offered actionable steps and insights for the Greater Rochester community who were among the approximately 1,350 people in attendance. Kendi was interviewed on stage by our own local legend Janet Lomax. One attendee said, “RIT’s event is such a well-done program. I look forward to attending every year to glean new insight, perspective and affirmation of the work to continue Dr. King’s vision forward.”

To also honor Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., RIT alum Krystle Ellis, owner of Ellis K Consulting and Executive Director of the Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley, delivered the keynote address at the 7th Annual Let Freedom Ring program on January 15, 2024. This event drew a large turnout of 350 employees and students. Krystle Ellis’s talk was rated by attendees as “above average or excellent.” One attendee said, “Krystle was a very impactful speaker for both her message and lyrical delivery. The reframing of racism as not only a response to a specific fear but also a symptom of a greater issue with humanity had a great effect on me.” About 60% of attendees strongly agreed that their multicultural perspective was enhanced.

DDI’s 8th Annual Celebration of Excellence was held in Ingle Auditorium, April 25, 2024, with various awards presented to alumni, students, and employees with a student performance by Alma de Mexico RIT. Dr. Keith Jenkins presented DDI Vice President and Associate Provost Awards to Dr. Kijana Crawford, Professor Luvon Sheppard and he presented the DDI Corporate Award to TransDigm Group Inc. The Beacon awards went to Dr. Lea Michel (faculty), Sally Douglas (staff), Arthur Deane (alumni), La’akea DiCarlo and Maddie Tlachac (students). MOCHA and WOCHA of the Year Awards were presented to Sedrick Thomas and Nayely Gonzales. The ALANA Collegiate Association presented the Phoenix Award to the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers; the ALANA Family Award to the Asian Culture Society and the Affiliate of the Year Award to the Black Awareness Coordinating Committee.

Read more about two of the honorees below:

Professor Kijana Crawford

Professor Luvon Sheppard

The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) served 150 New York State resident students who will pursue careers or graduate education in STEM fields or licensed professions (such as Accounting, Law, or medical careers). CSTEP students’ workshops focused on the graduate school application process, undergraduate research, 1:1 resume and CV reviews, and more. Students were supported to attend national conferences (NSBE and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students); to complete in-person research with RIT faculty; to engage in one-on-one tutoring; and receive funding for textbooks, graduate school entrance exams and exam preparation materials.

The Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), was successfully renewed for the next five years (2024-2029), securing approximately $4.9 million, which surpasses the initially requested amount by more than $91,000 (SP People 1 and 2). The program served 79 low-income diverse students in 2023-24, enrolling 17 new freshmen from across NY State for the 2023-24 academic year; retaining 94% of students who started in fall 2023; and graduating 13 students in 2024. HEOP’s six-year graduation rate for the 2017 cohort was 79%, which is 7 percentage points higher than RIT's overall six-year graduation rate.

Triumphs and Aspirations of RIT's Graduating HEOP Scholars

two group photos of MOCHA and WOCHA students

The Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS) among other programs and initiatives, reinstated the WOCHA program under the helm of the newly hired assistant director for affinity programs and leadership development with its 7th cohort to accompany MOCHA’s 10th cohort; supported 59 incoming first-year students in the DDI SE program; continued its partnership with NTID and Enrollment Management to support community building; partnered its Hotspot services with CSTEP and HEOP Tutoring to provide more comprehensive support; and welcomed students into the 14th cohort of the Destler/Johnson Rochester City Scholars program.

A Mentor Made All the Difference for Gena Willis - How She Pays It Forward

As mentioned, the Division of Diversity and Inclusion Summer Experience (DDI SE) welcomed 59 incoming first-year RIT students who participated in the 4-week residential program this year. Students were enrolled in two three-credit college courses, received one-on-one academic coaching, attended evening math recitation or evening study hours, and completed an online non-credit course in Academic Strategies. Students, Peer Advisors, and DDI SE staff also participated in weekly social and community-building activities. 100% of DDI SE students were retained for fall semester.

The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program prepared students for STEM related graduate degrees and careers. LSAMP, serving 48 students, supported undergraduate student research; textbook funding; travel funding to attend professional conferences such as the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS); funding for 1 LSAMP student to visit potential graduate schools who was, soon afterward, offered (and accepted) a spot at their first-choice graduate school.

collage of images of work

DDI Marketing and Communication continued to reach populations at RIT and beyond as evidenced by the website, newsletter, and the Tiger Imprint Showcase “DDI Annual Report”. DDI MARCOM published nine DDI newsletters with 46 total articles (September 2023-May 2024); produced “Difference Makers” which weekly highlighted faculty and staff during Hispanic, Native American, Black, Women’s, and Asian American Pacific Islander heritage/cultural months; and published six advertorials in INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, focusing on the Office of Veteran Student Success (July ‘23), RIT STEM Scholars & Research (September ‘23), Diversity Champion feature (October ‘23), RIT HEED feature (November/December ‘23), Indigenous Education Story (April ‘24) and Performing Arts (May ‘24). DDI oversaw marketing and the overall program execution of all RIT Signature events and the end of year celebration.

The McNair Scholars Program served 35 students who plan to attend graduate school, including 7 new students accepted into the program in Spring 2024. McNair had 6 scholars participate in in-person undergraduate research with RIT faculty during the summer of 2023 and 13 additional students completed research at RIT during the academic year. In addition to funded research, McNair also provided textbook funding to students in the program and travel funding for students to visit graduate schools and present their research at professional conferences. McNair Scholars presented their research at National McNair Scholars conferences at the University of Maryland, University of California, University of New Mexico, and the University of Washington.

The Native American Future Stewards Program (FSP) served approximately 84 American Indian, Alaskan Native, First Nations, Native Hawaiian, and Indigenous students from Mexico, and South America this year with intentional programming and support meetings. RIT’s American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) chapter members attended the 2023 AISES National Conference in Spokane, Washington and the AISES Regional 6 Conference at Cornell University. In conjunction with the Assistant Director of Community and Belonging, RIT AISES, and the Native American Student Association, Hawaii Culture Club, the Future Stewards Program implemented a variety of Indigenous focused events throughout the year for the RIT campus, including Indigenous Peoples Day Social Dinner, Radioactive Waste in our Backyard with Shannon Seneca, Commemorating Canandaigua Treaty Day, Alumni Mixer Panel, and Forensic Insights with Deneen Hernandez. FSP has continued the partnership the Department of Modern Language and Culture, to create the Indigenous language and culture education, preservation, and revitalization project. Through connections with Damian Webster, Director of Honöta:önih Hënödeyësdahgwa’ (Tonawanda Seneca Language Program) on the Tonawanda Seneca Reservation, FSP and Honöta:önih Hënödeyësdahgwa’, held the first Hodinöhšö:ni:h Language conference in June 2023 and again in June 2024 at the Ganondagan State Historic Site. FSP students Maddie Thlachac (Oneida of Wisconsin) and La’akea DiCarlo (Native Hawaiian) were recipients of the 2023-2024 Division of Diversity and Inclusion (DDI) Student Beacon Award). FSP also competed in the First Nations Launch Competition hosted by the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Robert Jimerson (Seneca Nation of Indians) completed a major milestone in becoming part of the 0.3% of American Indians to receive a PhD. Abigail Reigner (Comanche Nation) received multiple job offers from NASA and other major companies. Mikala Bliahu (Navajo Nation) accepted a job offer from Boeing Company. Maddie Thlachac will continue their educational journey at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law to study environmental law.

The NTID Office of Diversity & Inclusion continues to support the NTID BIPOC community through programs and events including the Johnnie “JB” Brown Black History Month Potluck Luncheon Celebration and Ramadan workshops. ODI is currently renovating a space in the Student Development Center that will become a safe space for NTID’s faculty, staff, and students, an initiative proposed by the NTID Diversity Group to create belonging in NTID. The safe space is expected to open in Fall 2024.

Read about Alesia Allen's keynote conference address

In efforts to both attract and retain world-class faculty, especially female faculty in STEM fields and AALANA faculty in all fields, the Office of Faculty Diversity and Recruitment (OFDR) celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Future Faculty Career Exploration Program, of which three participants were made offers to join RIT—two Future Faculty Fellowships (CAD and COLA) and one a tenure track faculty role (GCCIS). The office partnered with GCCIS, registering over 120 computing scholars—predominately women and/or BIPOC—for the RIT Pathways virtual program. The Scholars Network database contains a pipeline of nearly 1500 historically underrepresented scholars and artists, which represents a 25% increase over last year and is a direct result in the Office’s outreach and recruitment travel. OFDR presented “Making the Move from Grad Student to Professor” sessions at four conferences, in addition to exhibiting and recruiting at all of the events. Lastly, the office helped to support the diversity outreach efforts for nearly 60 faculty (tenure and non-tenure) searches so far this academic year and provided referrals of more than 70 AALANA scholars and artists to the search committee chairs.

Future Faculty Career Exploration Program 20^th Anniversary

Programs

Innovating Across the University

DDI Research and Assessment and Diversity Education analyzed and disseminated the qualitative results of the campus-wide Diversity and Equity Campus Climate Survey to Administrative Council, University Council, the Board of Trustees DEI Committee, Staff Council, Student Government, and at multiple other university venues.

Diversity Education continued to offer conversation spaces, events, trainings, and workshops. In Fall 2023, the 5-year goal to reach 65% of employees in at least one educational opportunity was met after being set in Spring 2018. A beta version of the Diversity Education Module was released to RIT students and employees and feedback from those who participated allowed us to finalize the official required version of the module for release on August 5, 2024. A new initiative, the Inclusive Pedagogy Academy, attracted 14 full-time faculty and adjuncts on January 26th. While the Breaking Bread Circles program had another successful group of cohorts, a decision was made to sunset another program that engaged over 100+ RIT students and employees over three years—What’s Your Diversity virtual program.

three people sitting on bench at sunset

Diversity Theater’s Brick by Brick Community Building Film & Workshop for RIT 365, now in its fifth year, continued to be a strategic offering for the Division of Student Affairs in advancing community building and diversity education for all new first-year students. This is the second year Diversity Theater’s award-winning film, DEAR ELEANOR, was presented. DEAR ELEANOR, among several local and international awards, won Best Score (Max Di Carlo RIT partner) at the Diversity in Cannes Film Showcase, Cannes Film Festival 2023, and an official selection for the Oscar qualifying Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF48) April 2024. Diversity Theater also continued to be a strategic partner with RIT academic and business units—Computer Science, Wellness Department, DDI, and the Division of Student Affairs—designing and delivering workshops for search committees, professional development, and for new department chairs and school heads.

Places

Facilitating Creativity

Making our Space an Inclusive Community (MOSAIC Center) is located on the second floor of the Student Alumni Union. Here, students can gather to study or relax between classes. MOSAIC is used by student clubs, staff, and faculty for meetings. To reserve the space, go to reserve.rit.edu.

Partnerships

Extending Our Reach and Serving the World

The Minett Professorship is designed to bring distinguished Rochester-area multicultural professionals to RIT to share their professional knowledge and experience with students, faculty, and staff for one academic year. Sherry Tshibangu served as the 2023-24 RIT Minett Professor. Sherry led an array of workshops and presentations with students and employees—sharing her personal experience as a first-generation student and how education has shaped her life; serving as a mentor for Women of Color, Honor and Ambition (WOCHA); and providing the keynote address for the RIT Black Graduation.

Sherry Tshibangu Looks Back

Destler/Johnson Rochester City Scholars welcomed its 14th cohort of students this year. Rochester City Scholars, founded over ten years ago by former RIT President Bill Destler and his wife Dr. Rebecca Johnson, provides tuition and academic support to students in the Rochester City School District, charter schools and the Urban-Suburban Program. Since its inception, more than 100 Rochester City Scholars have graduated from RIT. RCS Scholars who wish to pursue advanced degrees receive support thanks to the Mark and Maureen Davitt Graduate Education Endowed Scholarship.