Campus Spotlight

Five honorary degrees were conferred during the commencement ceremony on May 12. Among those recognized was Charles Gaines, renowned artist and 1967 MFA graduate of RIT’s College of Art and Design, center, who received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree in recognition of his influential contributions to contemporary art and his continued commitment to education. Pictured, from left to right, are RIT President David Munson, RIT Provost Ellen Granberg, Gaines, RIT Board of Trustees Chairman Jeff Harris, and RIT Trustee Hope Drummond.

Five honorary degrees were conferred during the commencement ceremony on May 12. Among those recognized was B. Thomas Golisano, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Paychex Inc., who received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in recognition of his business leadership and philanthropic contributions to the greater Rochester community and beyond. Pictured, from left to right, are RIT President David Munson, RIT Provost Ellen Granberg, Golisano, RIT Board of Trustees Chairman Jeff Harris, and RIT Trustee Ronald Ricotta.

Five honorary degrees were conferred during the commencement ceremony on May 12. Among those recognized was E. Philip Saunders, a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist who has had a major impact on the Rochester business landscape. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in recognition of his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the university. Pictured, from left to right, are RIT President David Munson, RIT Provost Ellen Granberg, Saunders, RIT Board of Trustees Chairman Jeff Harris, and RIT Trustee Ronald Zarella.

Five honorary degrees were conferred during the commencement ceremony on May 12. Among those recognized was Thomas Zurbuchen, astrophysicist and the longest continually serving associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate in NASA’s history, who received an Honorary Doctorate of Science in recognition of his outstanding contributions to space exploration and scientific research. Zurbuchen was also the ceremony’s keynote speaker. Pictured, from left to right, are RIT President David Munson, RIT Provost Ellen Granberg, Zurbuchen, RIT Board of Trustees Chairman Jeff Harris, and RIT Trustee Clayton Turner.