Gifts in Action: A Donor Newsletter - April 2023
Gifts in Action:
A Donor Newsletter
April 2023
We have a serious case of spring fever at RIT.
Campus is blossoming, and we’re not referring to the landscaping! Students are eager for an exciting end to the academic year. Prospective Tigers and their families are finding inspiration as they explore Brick City during their admissions tours. May 2023 graduates are preparing for their own rebirth as they embark on new chapters.
We are embracing this change of season in true RIT fashion—with creative expression, a spirit of innovation, and a hunger for the extraordinary.
And we’re just getting warmed up.
Commitment from our dedicated philanthropic community has ushered us into the home stretch of Transforming RIT: The Campaign for Greatness. Your generosity—especially gifts made to unrestricted funds—helps plant the seeds for groundbreaking programs, fosters a fresh start for students in need, and nurtures opportunities for personal and professional growth across the entire university.
Whether you’re a budding donor or a long-time supporter, we deeply appreciate all that you have personally done to advance RIT’s mission. Thank you.
We have officially surpassed our $1 billion goal for Transforming RIT: The Campaign for Greatness. While this campaign is not yet complete, we are truly grateful for each and every donor. We know that a culture of philanthropy and engagement with RIT alumni, campus community members, and friends is vital to our continued success and the upward trajectory of RIT.
To all our generous Tigers on campus and across the world, thank you for Getting in the Game! With 771 gifts, we raised over $155,800 for RIT Athletics. We are thrilled by how many of you supported our student-athletes and teams during this year’s spring campaign. Because of you, our student-athletes will be able to excel on the field, in the classroom, and reach new heights. Our deepest gratitude to you!
Unrestricted Gifts.
Unlimited Possibilities.
One RIT Community.
Your gifts to unrestricted funds, such as The RIT Fund, Diversity and Inclusion, Scholarships and Financial Aid, The Tiger Spirit Fund for Student Life, and The Performing Arts General Fund, among others, help create limitless opportunities. These donor dollars allow RIT faculty and staff the flexibility to allocate funding for special student projects, student organizations, clubs, and new academic programming.
RIT’s Graduate School
At the heart of RIT’s Graduate School is a genuine, driving desire to help students identify their path forward and prepare for prosperous careers. With a 93 percent student retention rate, graduate programs are on the rise at the university, and donor funding continues to play a paramount role in their growth and success.
“RIT is an institution in transition,” comments Diane Slusarski, Ph.D., Associate Provost and Dean of RIT Graduate School. “Our campus is changing because the world is changing. The complexity of the questions being asked is changing. Our goal is to prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, help them find their way, and inspire them to find opportunities to collaborate with others from across the university as they go along.”
To achieve these objectives, the Graduate School has welcomed financial support from donors in the form of scholarships and unrestricted gifts, which can be used for purchasing laboratory materials and equipment, travel stipends for students to present and participate at national conferences, and hosting critical workshops that focus on graduate-level communication and workforce skills.
The Graduate School also relies on critical sponsorships—from, individuals, organizations, and corporations—to help organize and fund the Graduate School’s most anticipated annual event: the Graduate Education Week & Showcase. This year’s event, which concludes on April 7, continued a proud tradition of featuring a broad spectrum of creative and intellectual work from RIT’s promising graduate students and connecting them with alumni and community partners.
RIT moved to an R2 or “high research activity institution” ranking under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning in 2019. The development of an interdisciplinary research portfolio forms one of the four primary pillars of Transforming RIT: The Campaign for Greatness and has helped drive the expansion and fortification of RIT’s master's and doctorate programs.
“RIT is poised to become a top research university,” says Dr. Slusarski. “We have a leading edge. Our co-op programs allow our students to experience working in the industry in addition to the research aspect of education. This is very unique to RIT.”
There are countless RIT Graduate School milestones achieved to date; however, there is more work to do and there are more goals to accomplish, according to Dr. Slusarski. Faculty and staff are continuously evaluating student resources and opportunities in order to enhance the curriculums. Donor support remains a pivotal aspect of growing RIT’s graduate programs, as grants are not always available (or large enough) to cover operational costs and assist with student tuition.
“We’re very grateful for the funding we receive, and it’s extremely important to the work our students and faculty are doing. Every little bit helps!”
Performing Arts Scholars
Brendan Cappon BS ’24, ME ’24 and Sandhya Vaidyanthan BS ’24, ME ’24 have a lot in common.
Both students are majoring in mechanical engineering; they both plan to graduate in 2024, and both are Performing Arts Scholars who happen to play stringed instruments. Most notably, although Brendan and Sandhya come from very different backgrounds and focus on contrasting genres of music, they have both found their niche on campus and are surrounded by faculty and other students who support their interests within the newly launched School of Performing Arts at RIT.
“It’s nice to know that a tech school values the arts. It makes sense because learning and playing music opens up a different way of thinking and is valuable to anyone in any field. Successful individuals have hobbies and interests other than their jobs, and education is more than just your major. I’m definitely a better student because of my instrument,” comments Brendan.
The evidence supporting the link between performing arts and academic success is readily available. A 2018 study conducted by the San Diego Workforce Partnership found that students involved in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for scholarly achievement and that arts education is key to ensuring students’ success, not only in school but also in the workplace and beyond. Innovation, particularly in the STEM fields, requires creative thinking, the ability to think expansively, communication, and teamwork —all elements required in music, dance, theatre, and the visual arts.
Students also comment on how engaging in the performing arts helps to balance the everyday intensity of rigorous STEM degrees. Sandhya certainly agrees. “I think it’s easy to leave the artistic side of yourself when you’re busy trying to survive a STEM major. But without music, I would go crazy! It’s not only a stress reliever but helps me to exercise parts of my brain that I otherwise wouldn’t. Plus, I get to meet a lot of people outside of my major.”
Both Brendan and Sandhya readily admit to choosing to pursue their degrees at RIT because of the performing arts offerings for non-majors. Having decided early on that they would pursue studies in STEM, they were similarly drawn to the opportunities at RIT to participate in multiple campus music groups, work closely with passionate faculty, and continue advancing their musical skill sets. Sandhya focuses on playing Carnatic, or Southern Indian classical music, on violin and composing. Brendan has been playing viola for many years and has played in the RIT Philharmonic Orchestra and with the Red Brick String Quartet.
Receiving a scholarship for participating in performing arts is just the cherry on top. “For me, being a Performing Arts Scholar puts me in the same space as others who are serious about growing their art, regardless of their major. I feel encouraged to put in as much time to music as possible,” says Sandhya.
RIT is in the midst of developing the leading performing arts program in the nation for non-performing arts majors, which is evolving at an ambitious pace. The program has grown from 162 Performing Arts Scholars 4 years ago to a projected 2,000 scholars by fall 2023. With donor support to the unrestricted Performing Arts Fund, the university is able to recruit more faculty, provide equipment, purchase instruments, expand curriculums, enhance performance facilities, and provide financial resources for student scholarships, trips, and live performances. More than basic operational funds, donor gifts are helping to shape a performing arts ecosystem on campus.
Erica Haskell, inaugural director of the School of Performing Arts, has seen first-hand the impact of donor funding for performing arts programs.
“We’re working hard to get our students the resources and tools they need for their creativity,” she comments. “Although RIT has a history of performing arts through student clubs and organizations, the formal curricula we are establishing are unprecedented. Donor support is crucial to helping make our goals a reality.”
In addition to providing Performing Arts Scholars with tickets to productions and concerts in Rochester, Haskell is seeking to outfit the campus with new acoustic and digital pianos.
Unique initiatives are on the horizon as the program continues to grow, including the potential for digital platforms to share RIT performances with audiences off campus. This summer, Erica is planning the first performing arts-focused study abroad trip, entitled “Performing Arts Abroad: Global Music” to expose students to various styles of music and artists in southeastern Europe. She anticipates at similar courses in Global Theater and Global Dance will follow.
As for Brendan and Sandhya, both plan to continue their musical pursuits—in addition to working in engineering—after graduation.
Native American Student Resources
Unrestricted gifts to RIT’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion provide funding for valuable services, resources, and programs to better serve its students who self-identify with an underrepresented group. Because of donor generosity, RIT offers a rich array of opportunities, including those that benefit the university’s Indigenous (Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and First Nations) community.
Going into its 16th year, the Native American Future Stewards Program (FSP) is dedicated to increasing the success of Native students in STEM fields and is the main reason why RIT is recognized as one of the top schools in the country for Native American students. FSP’s mission entails the support of Native scholars in their transition to college and throughout their academic journey while also helping them give back to their tribal communities upon graduation.
RIT students can participate in the American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) and the Native American Students Association (NASA) to experience educational trips, attend national conventions, and execute special programming on campus, including an annual Native American Outreach Day, which takes place this year on April 14.
Additionally, RIT offers an immersion in Native American and Indigenous Studies and is committed to partnering with local Tribes and organizations in a variety of projects to preserve Native history, culture, languages, and traditions.
Together, RIT and its philanthropic community are collaborating to nurture a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment. To learn more about Indigenous offerings at the university, visit www.rit.edu/diversity/futurestewards.
Erica Coles BS ’23
RIT’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is a campus student group dedicated to supporting Black engineers in their pursuit of excelling in all aspects of their life—academically, professionally, and within their communities. Donor support for this group and unrestricted funds for student life continues to help students attend life-changing professional events and participate in purposeful projects that build upon their skills, talents, and passions.
For Erica Coles BS ’23, NSBE has provided a wealth of opportunities that a few years ago she never imagined she would have experienced.
“With NSBE, I have learned that growth and ambition are limitless. When I started at RIT, I was hesitant to join clubs, participate in anything that involved public speaking, and try new things. I’ve learned to advocate for myself, which in turn, has helped me advocate for my chapter. Now, I have gained more confidence in myself as a person, as an engineer, and as a leader. When I graduate, I can envision myself in high-level managerial and executive roles,” she says.
Erica has been part of NSBE’s executive board for three years, previously serving as the program’s chair, then secretary, and now as president. She shares that her goal for the organization has remained the same since first joining—to contribute to the success of NSBE and its members in the best way she can.
“My favorite thing about the group is the people. For a couple of hours each week, I forget the stress of classes and other things in my life. It’s fun meeting new people and having bonding experiences.”
Unwavering dedication to NSBE has proven to Erica and the other members just how crucial donor support for the organization is. In order to fund trips to the NSBE Annual Convention, attend workshops, participate in professional and academic success events, and engage in community service projects, NSBE relies heavily on the generosity of alumni, individual donors, and corporate sponsors. These critical dollars are not only vital to RIT’s student group but for the general support of students of color in STEM fields.
“One major reason for the lack of retention and the small percentage of Black students in engineering and other STEM fields is the lack of resources. I believe that providing a community that can help these students as soon as they enter college can significantly improve those odds,” comments Erica. “RIT donor support can continue to greatly help the chapter accomplish these goals for now and for years to come.”
Erica shares that this year, the RIT NSBE chapter is working on a project to showcase at Imagine RIT as well as focusing on the establishment of a pre-collegiate chapter, NSBE Jr., with Rochester high school students interested in STEM. She explains that creating this relationship is important for helping to support and strengthen the pipeline of graduating Black high school students who plan to enter the engineering fields in college. Upholding this community for future generations is imperative to Erica and the rest of NSBE’s members, especially for students starting at RIT. They hope that incoming Black engineering students will have a welcoming experience and will engage with their peers through NSBE, just as they did.
“NSBE has changed my life in more ways than one,” says Erica. “Since joining this community, I’ve attended my first out-of-state conference, earned a scholarship, and connected with different student leaders, employers, and other great individuals along the way. Personally, NSBE has helped me develop not only as a leader but as an individual. I have felt more linked to the diverse community on campus as well.”
Upon graduation, Erica plans to work full-time as a digital system design engineer and explore opportunities that incorporate her love of art.
Hot Wheelz Goes Solar
Hot Wheelz Racing is going solar, thanks to generous support from alumni across the country and collegiate partners around the globe. Shifting gears from a Formula-style racecar to building a 16-foot solar vehicle, the team is preparing for its first Sun Grand Prix taking place this summer in Kansas.
RIT Donors are on to amazing things
Ted BS ’83 and Katherine BS ’84 Martinez
When they first met while pursuing their business administration degrees, Ted BS ’83 and Katherine BS ’84 Martinez didn’t necessarily anticipate building a life together after RIT.
Since that time as students, the well-traveled and successful married couple have raised two daughters, lived in seven U.S. states, and have visited many parts of the world.
Today, they are focused on helping others within their community and giving back to RIT in gratitude for their education.
“The combination of what we learned at RIT and our co-op experiences became a critical part of our career success,” explains Katherine. “We feel a sense of responsibility to help the next generation of students.”
Over the last 20-plus years, Ted and Katherine have been avid RIT donors. They have committed generous resources to help fund the E. Philip Saunders Building Expansion project as well as a wide array of student scholarships. Their passion lies in the integration of technology across all of RIT’s colleges and in helping to create a unique perspective that becomes a competitive advantage for all RIT graduates.
In fall 2022, the Martinezes established the Ted and Katherine Martinez Endowed Scholarship for students with financial needs studying within the Saunders College of Business.
Both feel strongly that college is a time of defining moments and important takeaways. Thinking back to their time as students, Katherine and Ted identify certain elements of their journey that helped form skill sets for success.
“The discipline acquired from a quarter system required a consistent attention to detail, and the co-op program kept our focus on continuous training,” they reflect. Of course, RIT no longer follows quarterly academic terms, transitioning to the fall and spring semester system back in the fall of 2013, but students today would agree that consistent routine and rigor are as important now as ever.
As proud and engaged alumni, Ted and Katherine look forward to continuing their support of students as they navigate their career preparation.
“Helping students to achieve their full potential is very meaningful to us,” Ted comments. “While it’s difficult to visit campus frequently, we enjoy reading and hearing about the latest academic and technological advances that are taking place at RIT. We also appreciate the local alumni events that we attend.”
Disability Leadership Scholars
At the start of the 2023 spring semester, eight first-year students were selected to become RIT’s first Disability Leadership Scholars. The program was launched with support from Microsoft, who in 2021 named RIT a Microsoft Accessible University. RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf matched dollars awarded from Microsoft, doubling the program’s size and impact.
RIT-Rochester Prep High School Program
The RIT-Rochester Prep High School Program, established and funded by RIT trustee Ronald L. Zarrella in 2013, hosted its fifth Capstone Showcase on February 6, 2023. High school students worked alongside RIT STEM faculty to gain hands-on experience in research.
onsemi Gift to Kate Gleason College of Engineering
onsemi, an intelligent power and sensing technology corporation, announced $500,000 in funding to RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering to support educational programming and research in advancing today’s semiconductor industry.
Beverly Jones Markus
Although Beverly Jones Markus spent a small portion of her life in Rochester, she has never forgotten her time as a faculty member at RIT. It was an unexpected career transition for her in the 1970s, but the impact it has had on her life has lasted to this day.
After receiving her degree in retail from The Ohio State University in 1961, Beverly was hired by a department store in Cleveland where she also met her future husband.
The couple relocated in 1973 after Beverly's husband accepted a position to become president of Sibley's flagship department store in downtown Rochester. Due to a company rule about relationships within the workplace, Beverly was not permitted to work at Sibley's. Also, because of her husband's high-level position at the store, she was unable to find work in retail at other Rochester-area businesses.
During her search, someone mentioned working at RIT to Beverly. While normally she would not have considered a position in higher education, three former roommates of hers in Cleveland had all attended the university, graduating from the business school.
So Beverly signed on at RIT as part-time adjunct professor, arriving at a brand new campus. She loved that her curriculum could be a combination of learning from the textbook and from Beverly's first-hand retail experience. However, she found she was a "nervous wreck" before her lectures, with even the dean remarking to her on a cold winter's morning, "I've never seen someone hate a position so much and yet do so well."
After a year of teaching, Beverly jumped at the opportunity to be the coordinator of cooperative education for the college of business.
"I found a subject students really like—it's called themselves," Beverly jokes.
And even though she still had to teach one class on co-op preparation, the position was a perfect fit for Beverly as she also did study abroad in Mexico and fieldwork at Lord & Taylor's 5th Avenue store in New York City. Both experiences proved to be the most beneficial two semesters of her education.
During Beverly's time helping students find co-ops, she made lifelong connections with them, one of whom she still keeps in touch with nearly 50 years later.
"It's because of relationships like these that I consider RIT to be a special place," said Beverly. It's also why she gives back. "I feel so strongly about supporting education and consider it the best insurance policy because you never know where life will take you, but your degree will open so many doors."
In 2021 Beverly made a bequest intention to fund the Edwina B. Hogadone & Gertrude J. Larwood Memorial Scholarship to honor the scholarship's strong female namesakes. Created in 1982 by Dean Edwina Hogadone, who, at the time of her retirement in 1970, was the nation's only woman dean of a business college and the first woman dean of any college at RIT, the scholarship also honors the memory of Edwina's friend, Gertrude Larwood, who began her career as an RIT co-op student at Sibley's and then held a number of positions in her 42-year career at that store.
Beverly's gift will ensure that generations of future RIT students who demonstrate financial need continue to receive scholarships so that they can pursue their dreams, just as Beverly, and so many others were able to do.
Beverly now relaxes and enjoys warm Florida winters. "I am truly grateful for my time spent at RIT and thrilled to give back what RIT provided for me while I was there. I know it may be trite, but I have had far more fun giving than receiving, and I think that's a great expenditure to help somebody help themselves. In the long run, we'll all be better off."
Reconnect with KGCOE in Tempe, AZ
Thursday, April 20, 2023
6:00 p.m. Mountain
Dr. Doreen Edwards and the Kate Gleason College of Engineering (KGCOE) National Council are hosting a KGCOE alumni get-together in Tempe, AZ and you’re invited! Connect and reconnect with fellow KGCOE alumni and hear brief updates on the college and its plans for the coming year.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Mixer
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Eastern
Learn more and register
Information provided by Division of Diversity and Inclusion
40th Annual Tiger Open
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
We invite you to participate in the 2023 RIT 40th Annual Tiger Open Golf Tournament on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Greystone Country Club in Walworth, NY.
View all RIT Events
Visit the events calendar web page for more information.
We are tremendously grateful for your ongoing engagement with RIT and your consistent support.
Donors like you help us meet the ever-changing needs of our campus, students, and faculty. Thank you for believing in the mission of RIT and our incredible students.