Frank Ritter Ice Arena (RIA)

Frank Ritter

RIT's original ice rink is named for Frank Ritter, one of the founders of the Mechanics Institute in 1885. He was named to its first board of trustees and served for more than a decade. Frank Ritter Shumway, his grandson, donated the funds to memorialize his grandfather on the Henrietta campus.

Mr. Ritter was a manufacturer of dental chairs and furniture and his business always participated in the cooperative training program of the school. He strongly believed in the value of a technical education and remained committed to the building of the Mechanics Institute.