Photo Spotlights

Magic and more highlighted the grand opening celebration of The Commons dining area in RIT's Hettie L. Shumway Commons on Sept. 29. The Commons features menu items from Hettie's Grill, Quiznos, Stone Oven Pizza & Pasta Cucina, Brick House Gourmet Pizza, and Cuisine du Jour. The facility serves students, faculty and staff and is open seven days a week.

RIT hockey captain Marc Hyman, left, joins President Albert Simone and Coach Wayne Wilson to unveil the new RIT athletic logo. The design was introduced on Sept. 27 during Media Day activities for the inaugural Division I season of RIT men's ice hockey. Reporters got a chance to speak with members of the team in advance of the season opener on Oct. 14. The new logo becomes the official image of RIT's 24 varsity sports.

RIT students Peter Franklin, left, and Tom Rudick help with a fishing activity, organized by Compeer, as part of the university's second annual ROCS Day community service event Sept. 24. ROCS (Reaching Out for Community Service) Day offers a yearly opportunity for members of the RIT community to share the spirit of volunteerism. Community service projects were scheduled throughout Rochester and included alumni chapters across the country.

Students line up to enjoy a taste of India as part of the new dining options now available at Gracie's dining facility in Grace Watson Residence Hall. Tandoor Restaurant, located in Henrietta, offered a menu featuring tamarind rice, basmati rice, Manchurian chili chicken, dum aloo, coconut chutney, Indian nan bread. Other local establishments featured regularly at Gracie's include Yang's Asian, Thali of India, Fox's Deli, Sal's Birdland and The Empanada Shop.

RIT's Greek community has set up shop along the Quarter Mile to raise money for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Members of Tau Kappa Epsilon are taking part in the annual Tent-Out event through Friday, Sept. 23. The group is living in tents for five straight days while seeking donations from students, faculty and staff. The event traditionally raises awareness and funding for Alzheimer's research. Members say they will hold an additional fundraiser this year to benefit that cause.

An all-out tug of war in the mud, hosted by RIT's Greek community, may play an important role in helping save lives. Phi Kappa Psi and Zeta Tau Alpha hosted the 10th annual Mug Tug on Sept. 17. Dozens of teams got down and dirty in order to tug their way to bragging rights at this year's showdown. Proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The Center for Bioscience Education and Technology (CBET) is quickly taking shape on the RIT campus. The $12 million, 35,000-square-foot CBET facility will house comprehensive academic, community and career-training programs in biotechnology and the emerging life sciences. Occupancy of the building is expected by next September.

Frank Romano, professor emeritus in RIT's School of Print Media, received the Cary Award at the trade show Print ‘05 in Chicago on Sept. 11. Romano, a longtime educator, typographer and prolific writer, is a leading entrepreneurial force in the development of digital printing. RIT’s School of Print Media presents the award annually to someone who has distinguished themselves in the development or application of digital technology in graphic communications.

Howard Woolridge of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition speaks to students and faculty before his presentation at RIT on Sept. 12. Woolridge, a former police officer and longtime advocate for the legalization of drugs, is nearing completion of a 3,400–mile tour from Los Angeles to New York City, by horse, to raise awareness concerning proposed reforms of national drug control policies. RIT’s department of criminal justice sponsored his speech. Woolridge’s horse, Misty, is also pictured.

French fries prepared by Oscar O'Flynn and other staff members at the Ritz Sports Zone are a little healthier these days, thanks to a new cooking oil with zero trans fat. RIT Food Service recently "changed the oil" at all of its food preparation centers across campus. RIT is believed to be among the first colleges and universities to make the switch, which is earning favorable reviews from customers.

Anthony Capobianco, project manager for RIT's Formula SAE team, far left, and Alan Nye, professor of mechanical engineering and team advisor, far right, met recently with Provost Stanley McKenzie, second from left, and RIT President Albert Simone to present trophies the RIT team won at national and international Formula competitions during the 2004-2005 school year.

Alan Mikolajczuk greets fellow students from atop his perch during the 11th annual RIT Pole Sit. Members of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, who are taking turns at hanging out 40 feet above campus on a utility pole, are raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The four-day event runs through Friday, Sept. 9.