Newsletter May 2019

“Tënödeyësdahgwá’geh, that word translates to something like, there where they learn. That is the world that the Seneca elders use [for school],” wrote Robbie Jimerson (Seneca), a computing and information sciences doctoral student at RIT

I’m so excited to have been hired as the new Director of Diversity Education. In my three months on campus, I’ve been inspired by all the nerdiness, creativity and innovation.

When I share the latest RIT events, programs or tech’d out campus spaces with colleagues across the country they are envious. When I compare us to our national and regional competitors as it relates to diversity, inclusion and equity we are doing quite well. That said we’ve got work to do.

Keith Jenkins, vice president and associate provost for diversity and inclusion and Tomicka Wagstaff, assistant vice president for student access and success were recognized in a new class of PI Millionaires, a designation given to RIT researchers who have achieved funding of $1 million or more since 2000.

We would like to congratulate and highlight the Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Faculty Pluralism Award Recipient, Dr. Jennifer L. Connelly along with the Student Scholarship recipients, Patrick Edwards and Julia Bartsch.   Each of these recipients have positively impacted the RIT community through either teaching and scholarship, student clubs and organizations and/or committees. 

RIT students participated in the 27th annual statewide Collegiate Science Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) conference. The statewide conference was held April 12-14, 2019 at The Sagamore on Lake George, Bolton Landing NY. The conference, first held in 1992 to highlight the different research CSTEP students had participated in. This year’s theme being “Journeys Beyond Excellence”. RIT is included in the 52 CSTEP College/Universities that were present at this year’s conference.

The Division of Student Affairs celebrated their Community Impact Awards on April 17th where 32 students won awards for their contributions and community service at RIT. CSTEP was well represented at the event by three fabulous young ladies who won five scholarships.