2011 RIT Commencement speaker announced

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Brian Hinman

Rochester Institute of Technology announces that entrepreneur Brian Hinman, a pioneer in the computer-based communication industry, is the keynote speaker for RIT’s 126th commencement celebration. His address comes during Academic Convocation, which begins at 3 p.m. May 20 in the Gordon Field House and Activities Center.

Hinman is a venture partner at Oak Investment Partners, executive chairman of GreenVolts Inc. and executive chairman of Aurora Algae Inc. In addition, he is co-founder and former president and CEO of 2Wire, a provider of broadband service platforms for the DSL market, as well as Polycom Inc., the world’s leading teleconferencing company. Hinman started his first company at the age of 22 when he co-founded PictureTel Corp., which pioneered video compression technology.

“Brian Hinman is an inspiration for all who seek to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity,” states RIT President Bill Destler. “His message is one that is certain to resonate with our graduates, and we welcome his participation at this year’s commencement celebration.”

Hinman earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at the University of Maryland and a master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He holds 18 U.S. patents covering a variety of technologies including electrical circuits, algorithms, optics, and industrial design. He has received several awards for entrepreneurship including recognition as “Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2005 by Ernst & Young.

In addition to Hinman’s address, Destler will confer degrees on more than 3,500 RIT undergraduate and graduate students during Academic Convocation. The event serves as the kickoff to the university’s two-day commencement celebration.

For more information on RIT’s 126th commencement, go to the RIT Graduating class webpage.