Photo Spotlights

Members of the Women in Engineering program had a birthday bash with colorful cupcakes to celebrate Kate Gleason’s birthday. The college’s namesake, born on November 25, 1865, was a Rochester business leader, entrepreneur, engineer and the first female member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. In 1998, RIT’s engineering college was named after her, and in 2010, RIT Press published her biography, The Life and Letters of Kate Gleason, sharing her inspiring story of success. Melissa Miller, a fourth-year industrial engineering student from Belvidere, NJ, arranged some of the 500 cupcakes to honor Gleason.

AJ Horde, a first-year business student from Oak Park, Mich., tallied a career-high 28 points, including six three-pointers, in an 85-73 win over D’Youville College on Nov. 23. He was last week’s Rookie of the Week. This week the team has been battling in the 49th Annual Wendy’s College Classic. The Tigers lost to St. John Fisher 70-45 on Dec. 3 and face Nazareth College in the consolation round at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at the University of Rochester.

Faculty researchers Risa Robinson, left, from the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, and Gabrielle Gaustad, from the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, were among those who were introduced to “George?” at the Celebration of Research event on Nov. 20. “George?,” the brainchild of Deborah Gears, associate professor of information sciences and technologies, is a digital database and gamified experience that uses scholar trading cards. Using the database, RIT faculty researchers can create their own scholar trading card to be viewed and printed, and view and collect trading cards of their colleagues. The cards feature information that’s useful in building collaborative relationships across campus. Anyone with an RIT user ID and password will be able to view the entire collection and search for keywords of interest. The primary goal is to foster new connections and promote further interdisciplinary research. Visit george.rit.edu to learn more.

Students in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering’s Systems and Project Management class held a “Zumbathon” fundraiser on Nov. 20 to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer Association. About 30 people participated in the fundraiser, which brought in $165.

A celebration of Native American culture was held Nov.19. as part of Native American Heritage Month. The event included traditional games, crafts and food. From left, Juanita Sarmiento, Corinne Mendieta and Dwayne Harding play Jacob’s Ladder with yarn.

Students gathered to play international games on Nov. 18 as part of International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States. This year’s activities are sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts’ Department of Modern Languages and Culture, the English Language Center, Global Union, International Student Services and RIT Global. From left, Emily Beagles, Jay Park, Andrew Lanos and Tousif Chowdrey play a balloon game by popping balloons with only one foot. A full schedule of events is available online.

The RIT Orchestra’s next performance is the RIT Advent Lessons and Carols Service, 5 p.m. Dec. 5 in Allen Chapel, with a reception to follow. The 40-member orchestra includes students from nearly all RIT colleges. Other performing arts groups have concerts this week. The RIT Jazz Ensemble performs at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 in Ingle Auditorium, and the RIT Concert Band performs at 3 p.m. Nov. 23 in Ingle Auditorium.

RIT industrial design students presented their creations during judging for Metaproject 05, held at the University Gallery on Nov. 18. This year, the Metaproject partnership is with Kikkerland and Bed Bath & Beyond. Kikkerland is an international hub that designs, produces and markets original products in a variety of consumer categories such as gift, stationery and housewares. Bed Bath & Beyond is a national retail chain that specializes in the home furnishings categories. Center, Audrey Kirk, a third-year industrial design student from Ontario, Canada, spoke about her project.

RIT saw the first accumulating snow of the season today. About an inch of snow is expected today and tonight, according to the National Weather Service in Buffalo. A lake effect snow advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday with 3 to 5 inches of snow predicted. Check with the National Weather Service as conditions may change.

A reception was held on Nov. 17 to kick off International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States. This year’s activities are sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts’ Department of Modern Languages and Culture, the English Language Center, Global Union, International Student Services and RIT Global. For a full schedule of events, go to http://www.rit.edu/academicaffairs/global/international-education-week-save-date-november-17-21.

The NTID Performing Arts Program presents “Almost, Maine,” a magical, funny and heart-warming story of love in the frozen woods of Maine. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13–15 and 2 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Panara Theatre. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $7 for general public. Pictured here are Logan Lofgren and Kelsey Lindhorst.

Andrew Sears, left, dean of the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, spoke at a news conference Nov. 12 announcing a three-part Cybersecurity Panel Series, hosted by Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle and County Legislator Justin F. Wilcox, right. The panel series aims to educate consumers and business owners about cybersecurity threats and the strategies for protecting identities and assets. “RIT is delighted to partner with Majority Leader Morelle and County Legislator Wilcox to showcase our nationally-recognized computing security program that is turning out highly-qualified graduates who pursue a variety of careers in cybersecurity,” said Sears. “We are committed to preparing a new generation of talented cybersecurity professionals who have the skills—and the ethics—necessary to protect our public and private sectors from online threats.” RIT will host the third and final panel in the series. Also pictured is District Attorney Sandra Doorley.