Photo Spotlights

Gracie's, RIT's largest dining area, is undergoing a renovation of the kitchen and serving areas this summer. An open layout is being created and a new stone pizza oven and a pasta action station will be added to the upgraded food bars.

RIT Dining participated in its first all-vegan baking class this week, presented by Forward Food from the Humane Society. RIT chefs are looking for menu alternatives due to increased interest and demand from students, faculty and staff. Gracie’s will have a dedicated station with plant-based and gluten-free items in the fall.

The Black Awareness Coordinating Committee organized RIT's first student-driven Black Graduation ceremony on May 9. Malik Johnson, a fourth-year photographic and imaging arts student from Bronx, N.Y. and president, said it's important to recognize black graduating students because they continue to be underrepresented in higher education. "We believe that it is very important to shed light on the accomplishment of graduating from a prestigious institution such as RIT," he said. "This event should undoubtedly serve to unify not only the black community, but the the entire RIT community as well." 

Jacob Mekker, a fourth-year student in the School of Individualized Study from Syracuse, N.Y., explains his research to Sheth Nyibule, a lecturer in physics. RIT's Center for Advancing STEM Teaching, Learning and Evaluation held its sixth annual CASTLE Symposium on May 8. The event celebrated faculty and student research and work focused on improving STEM education. 

From left, Morgan Kline, a fifth-year mechanical engineering student from Horseheads, N.Y., and Logan Hobbs, a fifth-year chemical engineering and materials science student from Bath, N.Y., personalize their graduation caps. College Activities Board hosted a graduation cap decorating party in the Fireside lounge, providing a variety of craft supplies to adorn the caps. RIT Commencement is May 10-11.

Global Union hosted an International Students' graduation reception in Fireside Lounge today. A variety of plush animals, including tigers, were ready to be stuffed and personalized.

From left, RIT Provost Ellen Granberg, Secretary of the Party Committee of Changchun University Yimin Zhao and NTID President Gerry Buckley have signed a partnership agreement bringing cultural and educational exchange to both universities. 

The second of two group exhibitions featuring projects by seniors in ceramics, furniture design, metals & jewelry design, painting, printmaking and expanded forms opened on May 3 at the City Art Space downtown. The exhibit is on view through May 12.

Rachel Coleman, center, RIT/NTID parent and star of the popular PBS and video series "Signing Time!" presented a live concert to a sold-out crowd of children and families in the college's Panara Theatre May 3. Coleman's daughter, Leah, who is graduating from RIT's industrial design program, also appeared in the concert, which teaches sign language through movement and song.

LGBTQIA+ graduating students welcomed students, faculty and staff to their signature end-of-year event, Rainbow Graduation, in the University Gallery April 29. The program included remarks by Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Ellen Granberg and Assistant Director for Campus Life at the Q Center Christopher Hinesley. Comic and author Kelli Dunham gave the keynote address and Alan Smerbeck, assistant professor in psychology, received the Steffens Award. Students shared stories and experiences at RIT and received a rainbow cord. The event, hosted by ritGA and the RIT GLBTQ+ Alliance, was followed by a Rainbow Prom.

Joline Durand, a first-year graphic design student from Hallandale, Fla., reacted to her new look after Supercuts stylist Cait Brown completed the cut. Members of Sigma Nu fraternity hosted their 8th annual St. Baldrick's event, where people get their heads shaved while raising money for childhood cancer research. This is the final official 50 Acts of Kindness event to commemorate RIT's 50th anniversary on the Henrietta campus.

RIT’s performance race teams—Baja, Formula, e-snowmobile and e-motorcycle—were unveiled on April 27 during Imagine RIT. Despite the snow, the teams displayed sleek new designs in preparation for this spring and summer’s competition season. RIT will host the Baja SAE Rochester World Challenge June 6- 9 at the university.