Newsletter May 2017

On May 3rd, the Men and Women of Color, Honor, and Ambition celebrated their graduation ceremonies of the program, were inspired by mentors, and introduced both the MOCHA and WOCHA incoming student cohorts. For the first time, MOCHA and WOCHA programs celebrated together, like “a family of leaders,” said Dr. Tomicka Wagstaff, Sr. Director for Academic Access & Support Grants, Division of Diversity and Inclusion and co-chair of the WOCHA Council. “It has been a wonderful year of workshops, community service projects, networking and bonding,” among all the participants.

A visionary man who inspired others through his fair compassionate attitude and wholehearted commitment to promoting a unified community at RIT, showing respect for each person’s journey, celebrating differences while inspiring people to attain their full potential, is the living legacy of the late Isaac L. Jordan Sr.

“Encouraging McNair Scholars to think about graduate school from day one, is our primary goal,” said Kate Torrey, Assistant Director for McNair/LSAMP Scholars Programs. “We support our McNair scholars, as they complete their undergraduate studies and ensure they are exposed to the opportunities, requirements and benefits of various graduate degree programs.” added Torrey.

The movie Hidden Figures has brought to light the vital contributions of three African American women who worked at NASA. Speaking to all of their work behind an operation that reshaped our view of the world. Eight MCAS students had the opportunity to hear the ‘Hidden Figures’ author, Margot Lee Shetterly and her experiences at Monroe Community College’s Damon City Campus on May 3rd. She talked about the women in her book, the challenges she experienced in the writing process and how meaningful it has been to her.

Nine new students went through an all-day retreat on April 29th, focused on developing their skills to enrich their RIT experience, which concluded with an MCAS Scholars induction ceremony. These RIT students invested their time to develop intellectual and ethical leadership skills, fostering their desire for educational excellence, and an increased commitment to the learning process. The MCAS staff is excited to see the positive impact these student leaders will have on the RIT community in the coming academic year.