Former NTID president releases new memoir

T. Alan Hurwitz, former president of Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf and Pittsford, N.Y., resident, details his experiences with leadership, family life, and advocacy as a Deaf individual in a newly published memoir, Let’s Go In: My Journey to a University Presidency.

According to Hurwitz, NTID president from 2008 to 2013 and president emeritus of Gallaudet University, the memoir tells the story of turning points and life lessons he hopes will serve as a guide for younger generations of Deaf people and encourage them to aim for their highest goals. The forward was written by RIT President Emeritus Albert Simone, and the book title pays homage to Hurwitz’s wife of 55 years, Vicki, who upon their arrival at Gallaudet dispelled all doubts about pursuing this next opportunity by proclaiming, “Let’s go in!”

Throughout the book, Hurwitz discusses the challenges he experienced as a Deaf person throughout his life and the opportunities he created for himself through hard work and building relationships. He recounts his professional journey and demonstrates the importance of building a strong foundation for progressive leadership roles in higher education. He provides insights into the decision making and outreach required of a university president, covering topics such as community collaboration, budget management, and networking with public policy leaders. As he reflects on a career committed to service in higher education, Hurwitz also offers important takeaways on the issues, challenges, and opportunities faced by Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

Hurwitz came to NTID from McDonnell Douglas Corp. in 1970, where he was an electronics engineer and numerical control programmer. At NTID, he taught math, electronics, and computer science, and provided support services such as tutoring and academic advising to students majoring in engineering and computer science. He became support department chair for engineering and computer science programs and later was promoted to director for NTID support services, associate dean for educational support services, associate vice president for NTID outreach and external affairs, and associate dean for student affairs. In addition, Hurwitz served NTID as the director of the Northeast Technical Assistance Center at NTID. He was appointed vice president of RIT and CEO/dean of NTID in 2003.

“Let’s Go In is a testament to Alan Hurwitz’s perseverance, patience, balance, resiliency, and devotion to removing barriers by improving access and opportunities for deaf individuals in America and around the world,” said RIT Vice Provost Christine Licata.

In addition to paperback and e-book editions, a multimedia online edition is available that features original video content of Hurwitz sharing some of his experiences, as well as archival video footage and additional photographs. This Manifold edition is available free for all users through May 2021 on the Gallaudet University Press website.