Newsletter December 2019

Six RIT Students Return after Successful West Coast Conference

Five CSTEP students attended the 2019 Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) in Anaheim, California last month.

They are Jessica Asante, Daihlia Beckford, Shi (Susan) Cheng along with Janice Fung and Autumn Grimins who presented at the conference. Biomedical Professor Dr. Bolaji Thomas accompanied the fourth-year students. (THERE IS A PHOTO)

Dr. Taj Smith, director of Diversity Education has joined the Levine Center to End Hate Steering Committee. The mission of the center, established through the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester, is to work to unite the greater Rochester community to overcome hate through education, dialogue and positive action.

Maria Vega is on a mission.

The director of RIT’s Collegiate Science & Technology Entry program wants to get the word out to students about the benefits of CSTEP.

It is a New York State grant funded program for college students who major in STEM fields and or licensed professions. CSTEP works with historically underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged undergraduate and graduate students by providing access to an array of opportunities.

Vega easily cites the programs benefits for students. She knows because she once walked in their shoes.

Since I started in February 2019, I’ve experienced a campus that is creative, cares about the student experience and desires to be great by making a difference. As it relates to authentic engagement with diversity and inclusion, I conclude good intentions but room for growth.

What a spread!

Beef on weck, empanadas and Jamaican cabbage and plantains. Flan, brownies and banana pudding.  (Just writing the words makes my mouth water.)

Those are just some of the dishes shared by team members in the Division of Diversity and Inclusion at a recent luncheon.

The “Cultural Potluck” was organized by the division’s professional development team.

Taj Smith, director of Diversity Education and an admitted “foodie” helped pull it all together.

'Tis the season for gift giving.

One of the best presents you can give to your family is the gift no one likes talking about: pre-planning for death.

The subject matter may sound “dreary” or “too heavy” for this time of year, but just taking the first step in discussions with your family can help alleviate many problems that can occur when there is a death--your death-- in the family.