Gifts in Action: A Donor Newsletter April 2022

The Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement (CLCE) prepares RIT students to exercise leadership as members of a rapidly changing global community. Through involvement with the CLCE, students are equipped with the knowledge, awareness and skills they need to become global citizens and leaders who positively impact their communities.

The CLCE provides opportunities for students to connect with their community, through programs such as Alternative Break, Into the ROC and on-campus service projects. The Center also offers leadership development through academic courses, leadership retreats, and Momentum, a multi-level experiential leadership development program. The purpose of Momentum is to introduce students to challenges impacting communities around the world and to equip them with the skills, confidence and competencies necessary to actively engage in efforts to address those challenges.

Oluwamumiyo A. Makindipe BS ’25 has participated in the Momentum program, first in 2021 as a participant, and now as a Student Lead. Oluwamumiyo explains that donor funding towards both Momentum programs has provided her with the opportunity to experience the leadership opportunities and trainings that the program offers. Without donor funding, the programs would not be able to operate effectively and benefit the most students.  From the Momentum 1 program, Oluwamumiyo has developed her strengths and leadership traits that allow her to work productively with other people.

When asked what her favorite thing about RIT is, Oluwamumiyo replied “the array of majors and educational opportunities the university has to offer.  There is a space for everybody no matter what your interests and capabilities are. I especially like RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees. It allows students like me to obtain two degrees in a shortened time and also with reduced expenses.”

Founded in 1976, Computer Science House (CSH) is one of RIT’s most unique living and learning environments. Located on the third floor of Nathaniel Rochester Hall dormitory, CSH’s standard residence hall facilities house over fifty on-floor students.   Additionally, CSH has several special multi-purpose rooms, filled with technical and material resources for both on-floor and off-floor students to use. At CSH, hands-on learning is emphasized and a strong social atmosphere helps members grow both professionally and personally.

With donor support, CSH generates enriching opportunities for its members. Projects are an integral part of the living and learning experience at CSH. Notable projects include Drink and Snack, a networked vending machine, CSH Arcade, and Schedule Maker, which allows RIT students to plan their schedule for upcoming semesters.

Matt Breidenbach BS '23 is the House History Director on  CSH's Executive Board. Matt is responsible for keeping the line of communication between CSH and RIT alumni open. Matt shares CSH's accomplishments through the yearbook, Coredump newsletter, floor displays, and updating the media database. Matt also coordinates alumni storytelling nights and other special events. 

Matt shared that he has been able to see firsthand how donations make an impact in this community. "Donations have made it possible for us to construct a new 3D printer which we now have in our Project Room. We have also been given plenty of new hardware which has benefitted member projects and our Server Room as a whole." 

CSH has been fortunate enough to have a myriad of generous sponsors who ensure that members have the opportunity to learn, grow and continue to innovate. Donor support helps ensure that CSH can provide some incredible member benefits. This includes access to all of CSH's facilities and resources, the ability to provide funds for technical projects and social events, networking and storytelling from alumni in the industry, and professional connections that last a lifetime. ​

RIT Newman Catholic Community, a growing and vibrant community that nourishes and integrates faith and learning, offers many programs and opportunities to RIT students. RIT Newman fosters thedevelopment of leadership on campus as well as in service to marginalized communities. 100% of gifts to Newman Catholic Community help to fund programming, liturgies, staffing and events.

Because of the opportunities that RIT Newman provides, Maggie Blaisdell BFA ’22 is able to express her faith through service. Maggie has served in a variety of leadership roles at RIT Newman including volunteer coordinator, treasurer, president and Alpha group leader. During her second and third year at RIT, Maggie organized Newman’s own Operation Christmas Child project and said “the generosity and support of the community was inspiring.” Thanks to donations from RIT students and local residents, Newman was able to donate 30 shoeboxes filled with toys and necessities to Operation Christmas Child. Maggie has also been responsible for organizing the biannual clean-up at the House of Mercy in Rochester, as well as other volunteer opportunities. Maggie is an active volunteer, most recently spending her time as a regular volunteer at Nativity Prep as a weekly tutor for underprivileged middle school students.

When asked about her favorite thing at RIT, Maggie replied, “the people at RIT are amazing; everyone here is so diverse, not just in race and ethnicity, but in thought and talent. I love the environment created by the constant creativity and acceptance of others.”

Chabad at RIT is a home where Judaism becomes alive, current and exciting. All Jews are welcome, no matter the affiliation, denomination or lifestyle. Their vision is to open their doors to Jews of all backgrounds and to infuse the next generation of leaders with Jewish pride, internalizing all they learn and experience in order to lead meaningful lives. 

Rebecca Klosko BS ’24 is an ASL Interpreting major who grew up in Springfield, VA. Although Rebecca’s mother’s family is Jewish, she did not grow up practicing Judaism. Always, wanting to learn more, Rebecca stepped outside her comfort zone during her first week at RIT, when she made the decision to attend a Shabbat dinner. Through her involvement with Chabad at RIT, Rebecca has had the opportunity to get to know people from varied Jewish backgrounds in a non-judgmental space, and to discuss Judaism, compare experiences and learn. Rebecca is thankful for donor support to Chabat at RIT because she’s met some of her closest friends through the Chabad community. Starting college out of state, especially during a pandemic, she doesn’t know how she would’ve met people, otherwise. Rebecca says “Without Chabad, I am not certain I would have a Jewish future. I’m not sure I would have gotten to learn and experience Judaism. I’m grateful for that opportunity!”