An Evening of Pumpkin Carving at the Home of Dean Slusarski
As part of the RIT Graduate School team, we found a wonderful way to embrace the fall season with an evening of pumpkin carving hosted by our very own dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Diane Slusarski and her family. We were invited to enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere that felt just like family away from home, along with fellow student employees, the graduate school team, and their significant others.
Walking into her beautifully decorated house, I was immediately struck by the cozy vibe. Diane’s husband, Tony, and their two sons, Darrell and Anthony, joined in the festivities, making everyone feel right at home. The energy in the room was infectious, with laughter and chatter filling the air as we gathered for an evening of fun.
For us, as grad students from India, it was our first time carving pumpkins for Halloween, and it didn’t disappoint! Everyone who attended the gathering helped walk us through the steps, sharing ideas, tips, and tricks along the way. By the end of the evening, we proudly called ourselves “pumpkin parents” and took pictures with all our beautifully carved pumpkin creations.
The evening was made even better by the delicious snacks. Sharing a meal together allowed us to bond and create connections beyond the office. The atmosphere felt like home, reminiscent of family gatherings during festivals, where elders guide the younger ones in fun activities. It was a wholesome vibe, filled with warmth and connection—a truly nice bonding experience.
Cultural Connections
This pumpkin carving event reminded me of a tradition in Indian culture during festivals like Diwali. Families come together to create beautiful Rangoli designs at the entrance of their homes. These colorful patterns are made from colored powders, flowers, or rice and are meant to welcome guests and bring good luck.
Both pumpkin carving and rangoli-making encourage creativity and community participation. Just as carving pumpkins celebrates Halloween and the harvest season, rangoli represents the joy and brightness of Diwali and homecoming of Lord Ram. Both activities foster a sense of belonging and remind us of the importance of togetherness.
In a world that often feels busy, this gathering highlighted the value of connection and community. Thank you, Diane, for opening your home and creating such a memorable evening for all of us. Here’s to an evening filled with laughter and creativity with the RIT family!
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GraduateAbout the author
Hey everyone! I’m Honey, and my time at RIT has been an incredible journey. I recently graduated with an MFA in Visual Communication Design, but I’m still diving deep into my thesis work and currently doing a co-op. Before RIT, I studied Business and Mass Communication back in India, where I also ran a calligraphy coaching class, teaching over 100 students. That’s where my love for lettering and design really took off.
At RIT, I had the privilege of learning from some of the best faculty in the program, which really shaped my design journey. The projects I worked on in the course led to global recognition, including Graphics New Talent 2024, and I’ll be featured in Bloomsbury Publishing's "Mastering Type" — definitely a highlight! I worked as a design assistant for the Graduate School, which sharpened my skills and gave me fresh perspectives. Outside of design, I love decorating, traveling, cooking, and content creation. These passions keep my creativity alive. RIT has been such a meaningful chapter in my life, and I’m excited for whatever comes next!