“The entire Rochester Institute of Technology community is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of Edline Chun. She was a well-respected and beloved faculty member who taught in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences for almost two decades. Her colleagues in the School of Media Sciences describe her as someone who ‘always went above and beyond to serve the students and the school with passion, integrity and the utmost class.’
We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
RIT faculty leaders from the college met with students earlier today to tell them of the news, and we are making counselors available to faculty, staff or students. ”
It’s with a heavy heart that I deliver the sad news of the passing of one of our students, Benjamin Zukoff. Ben, a third-year student in the College of Imaging Arts and Science, passed away this morning.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this sorrowful time.
Counseling services are available to assist the community and I would like to encourage any of Ben’s classmates, friends or others who wish to share their feelings of loss to contact the Counseling Center at 475-2261 or the Center for Religious Life at 475-2135.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. at Bernheim Apter Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, NJ.
Contributions in Ben's memory may be made to the Valerie Fund Children's Center at Morristown Medical Center, 100 Madison Ave, Box 70, Morristown, NJ 07962; or Bucks Rock Creative Arts Camp Scholarship Fund, 59 Bucks Rock Road, New Milfort, CT 06776.
The RIT flag will be lowered to half-staff on Jan. 5 in memory of Frank Hutchins, RIT Board of Trustees chairman emeritus and honorary vice chair.
Mr. Hutchins, who lived in Brighton, passed away Dec. 20 at the age of 90. He had served on the RIT board for 40 years.
“RIT has lost a great friend,” said RIT President Bill Destler. “Frank Hutchins worked tirelessly on behalf of this university, serving on our board of trustees in various capacities—including chairman—for more than 40 years. His counsel was always highly regarded and valued, and he will be dearly missed. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Jeanne, to their daughters and to his extended family and many friends.”
A lifelong resident of Rochester and known and celebrated for his passionate commitment to community, Mr. Hutchins played a leadership role in numerous social and educational institutions. A loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, his greatest joy was to be in the company of his family and friends, particularly in the Adirondack Mountains, where the Hutchins have maintained a family home since 1963.
Mr. Hutchins was born in Rochester on July 7, 1922, and attended Brighton schools before graduating from Philips Exeter Academy in 1941 and enrolling in Dartmouth College. His studies were interrupted by World War II. After serving in the infantry in North Africa and completing officer training at Fort Benning, Ga., he returned to Dartmouth to complete his BA and earn an MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business in 1948.
He returned to Rochester and joined Hutchins Advertising Co. As president and CEO, he grew the company to national stature, becoming one of the country’s leading agencies for telephone directory advertising. The success and growth continued through a sale to Young and Rubicam in 1977, which created Hutchins/Y&R, and ultimately a repurchase of the directory business and the creation of Hutchins/DAC Group in 1989.
As successful as he was in business, after family and faith, his priority was community service. For more than 60 years, he served a variety of organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, Camp Cory, United Way, George Eastman House and National Museum of Photography, and the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce, where he served as president. He had a particularly deep attachment to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where he was a parishioner, Vestry member and Warden for more than 50 years. He was an active and engaged Dartmouth alumnus and received the Alumni Award for Distinguished Service in 1979. His passion for the Adirondacks led him to longstanding support and leadership of Paul Smith’s College as a trustee for 33 years, and to The Adirondack Park Visitor Interpretive Center, and Adirondack Park Institute, of which he was a founding director.
Mr. Hutchins received an honorary doctorate in commercial sciences from Paul Smith’s College, as well as the Alexis deTocqueville Award from the United Way of Greater Rochester, and the Civic Medal for Community Service from the Rochester Museum and Science Center.
A memorial service of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Rochester at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 25 Westminster Road, Rochester, N.Y. 14607; Rochester Institute of Technology, One Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, N.Y. 14623; or Paul Smith’s College, Route 86 and 30, P.O. Box 265, Paul Smiths, N.Y. 12970.
It’s with a heavy heart that I deliver the sad news of the passing of one of our students, Alexander Ketchek. Alex, a second-year student in the School of Film and Animation and member of the RIT Juggling Club, passed away this morning after a very unfortunate accident.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this sorrowful time.
Anyone seeking support during this difficult time is asked to contact the Counseling Center, located in the August Center, by calling (585) 475-2261.
I will forward details for a memorial service as information becomes available.
I am saddened to report the death of one of our students, Zachary J. Boyce. Zachary, a Human Resource Development graduate student in the College of Applied Science and Technology, completed his MS in Service Leadership in 2009, briefly worked in Dining Services and then as a manager at Crossroads.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this sorrowful time.
There will be no calling hours; services will be private. If you would like to make a contribution in Zachary's memory, the family suggests the American Diabetes Association.
Counseling services are available to assist the community and I would like to encourage any of Zachary’s classmates, friends or others who wish to share their feelings of loss to contact the Counseling Center at 475-2261 or the Center for Religious Life at 475-2135.
Diane Hope, professor emerita, passed away Sept. 25 after a yearlong battle with cancer. The RIT flag will be lowered to half-staff on Oct. 6 in her memory.
Hope spent 28 years at RIT and was one of the founding members of the Department of Communication in the College of Liberal Arts. During her time at RIT, Hope held a number of positions, including chairperson of the professional and technical communication program, Caroline Werner Gannett Professor in the Humanities, interim dean and the William A. Kern Professor in Communications.
“Diane’s contributions to the RIT community were significant and long lasting,” said College of Liberal Arts Dean James Winebrake, in a letter to Liberal Arts faculty, staff and retirees. “Diane was an exceptional teacher and scholar. Aside from her numerous publications, as Kern Professor she hosted four conferences around the theme of visual communication, was editor of Women’s Studies Quarterly and hosted four conferences at RIT on women’s issues with the Feminist Press. In addition, Diane possessed an unrelenting commitment toward serving others. As the Gannett chair, she instituted service learning in what was then known as Senior Seminar, and she was always willing to volunteer her time and energy for the good of the larger community. This commitment to service extended beyond RIT, where Diane’s passion for protecting pristine wilderness for future generations led to her involvement in a number of environmental activities.”
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, in RIT’s Fireside Lounge, Student Alumni Union.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Diane Hope Student Support Fund to benefit professional and technical communication students by contacting RIT’s Office of Development, 116 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, N.Y. 14623.
RIT is mourning the loss of Karen Ellingson Trueheart, a longtime friend of the university and member of the RIT family, who lost her courageous battle with cancer on Sunday.
The RIT flag is being flown at half staff today in honor of Mrs. Trueheart. Her husband, Harry P. Trueheart III, and two children survive her.
Mrs. Trueheart was affiliated with RIT on many levels. Her husband is an RIT Trustee and chairman emeritus, Nixon Peabody LLP. Mrs. Trueheart was the daughter of longtime RIT President Mark Ellingson, who served from 1936 to 1969. She was also the granddaughter of John Randall, who served as RIT president from 1922 to 1936. She was a member of RIT’s Women’s Council.
Mrs. Trueheart was also a spiritual counselor and contemplative practice teacher in Rochester. She was founder of Heartprints for Humanity, a public awareness and education project based on psychological, spiritual and Gandhian principles for developing skills for living in a more compassionate, sustainable world.
Mrs. Trueheart served on the faculty of the California Institute for Integral Studies, a graduate school in San Francisco, where she was also director of the Center for Psychological and Spiritual Health. In Rochester, her community service included the Board of United Neighborhood Centers of Greater Rochester, a project of the United Way; The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children; and the Board of Directors of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence.
A memorial service will be held on the RIT campus on a date to be announced shortly.
It is hard to believe that a week has passed since the sudden and untimely passing of our friend and colleague, Dr. David Axon. David passed away during his current visit to RIT, in which he was accompanied by his wife, Lynne. He has been repatriated to the UK; the funeral will take place near their home in the county of East Sussex in the South of England, but the exact place and date are not yet available.
A short biography follows; a more complete version will appear at http://davidjohnaxon.blogspot.com/, where it will also be possible to commemorate David by sharing condolences, memories and stories.
We will be establishing an endowed fund in David's memory, which will directly benefit RIT students.
To make a donation in memory of David Axon, please prepare a check to “RIT” and on the memo line of the check designate your gift to the “David J. Axon Fund.” This fund will be used to enhance the college experience for RIT students. Donations may be sent to: RIT, Office of Development, 116 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623-5608.
Professor David John Axon, Ph.D. (1951-2012)
David Axon will be remembered as one of the most versatile, creative and respected astrophysicists of his generation. He was also a passionate educator and tireless in his
efforts to enhance the student’s experience of higher education.
A native of the county of Yorkshire, England, David joined RIT as the Head of the Physics Department in 2002. Under his leadership the face of the Department was transformed, the number of Physics majors grew substantially, and several important curriculum initiatives were implemented, including the introduction of a Capstone Research Experience as a
graduation requirement. David was an essential catalyst in the spectacular growth of
astrophysics research group, which now involves nearly 40 faculty, post-docs and graduate
students. David was also instrumental in the development of the Astrophysical Sciences and
Technology graduate program, and became, with Dr Stefi Baum, one of its founding
co-Directors when it began operations in Fall 2008. It is part of David’s legacy that the
program awarded its first PhD in Spring 2011. David was the recipient of the RIT Trustees Scholarship award in 2008 and just a few weeks before his untimely passing,
he was also recognized by RIT as a “PI Millionaire”.
In 2009, David was appointed Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at
the University of Sussex, one of the UK’s top-ranked universities. However, he retained strong links with RIT as a Research Professor in the Department of Physics, visiting regularly and maintaining extensive research collaborations with members of the astrophysics group.
David’s research interests were many and varied but he is best known as a leading expert
in astronomical polarimetry and in the physics of Active Galactic Nuclei. His published output includes over 230 refereed papers in the leading astronomical journals, covering a wide range of subjects and including an astonishing variety of co-authors from many different countries.
David was a superb scientist, a dynamic leader and an inspiring mentor to graduate and undergraduate students, post-doctoral research fellows, and junior faculty. He will be sorely missed by his wife, Lynne, his family and many friends, collaborators, students and colleagues both at RIT and from around the world.
Lisa Fraser, student support specialist in RIT’s Academic Support Center, passed away July 10 after a courageous battle with cancer. The RIT flag will be lowered to half-staff on July 16 in her memory.
In 1994, Fraser began her career at RIT as an adjunct learning specialist for the Structured Monitoring program and was promoted to program coordinator in 2001.
Fraser’s connections to her students and their families were well recognized. She cherished working with students through their best—and most difficult—educational moments and kept in touch with them beyond graduation.
She is survived by her husband, Joe, and children Katie and Jacob.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. July 16 at St. Louis Catholic Church, 64 S. Main St., Pittsford, N.Y.
I am saddened to report the death of one of our students, Steven Jefferson. Steven was a 3rd year student in Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences majoring in Information Technology. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this sorrowful time. Counseling services are available to assist the community and I would like to encourage any of Steven’s classmates, friends or others who wish to share their feelings of loss to contact the Counseling Center at 475-2261 or the Center for Religious Life at 475-2135. I will forward details for the funeral service as that information becomes available.
Jim Winter, associate director for financial aid and scholarships in the Division of Enrollment Management and Career Services, passed away Dec. 15. In his memory, the RIT flag will be lowered to half-staff on his birthday, Jan. 28.
To commemorate his life, a celebration will be held 3-6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, in the RITz Sports Zone. RIT community members are invited to enjoy birthday cake, popcorn and pizza, along with a cash bar, free billiards and Wii games. All bartender tips will be donated to the Jim Winter Memorial Scholarship Fund.
To make an online donation to the scholarship fund, visit www.rit.edu/development/giving/home_makeagift.php
Claudia Potter, a cook with RIT Dining Services, passed away Oct. 20. The RIT flag will be lowered to half-staff on Oct. 29 in her memory.
In 2006, Potter joined Dining Services at Grace Watson Hall as a production cook. In 2009, she became the full-time Mongolian grill cook. She had an extensive culinary background, including working in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as a sous chef for the Radisson Hotel.
“Claudia was a well-rounded, skilled cook and baker,” says Aimee Mitchell, a friend and colleague. “She shared many of her Hispanic, vegan and vegetarian recipes with staff for use on personal and professional levels. She contributed greatly to kitchen-recipe testing and recipe work for special events. A quote from the cover letter of Claudia’s résumé best explained her dedication: ‘My loyalty is very motivating. It gives me a strong sense of responsibility, in turn, creating a want in me to help make my employer the best it can be.’”
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 29 at Hope Lutheran Church, 1301 Vintage Lane, Rochester, N.Y., 14626. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Mt. Carmel House or The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.
Donna Scheid, assistant director of executive education programs in RIT’s E. Philip Saunders College of Business, passed away Oct. 17. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff Oct. 21 in her memory.
Scheid, a graduate of RIT’s Executive MBA program, was active with Camp Good Days and Special Times, passionate about hiking and, according to friends, “appreciated a good glass of wine.”
“Donna had a great and free spirit, was very giving in all ways a person can give and always had a smile and positive outlook,” says Dawn Sullivan, Scheid’s friend and colleague. “She touched many people in so many different ways, taught all of us about grace in her fight against cancer and that a kind heart and smile is sometimes all it takes to truly be successful. No matter how you met her or for how long you knew her, she impacted your life and will always have a special place in your heart.”
Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home, Greece Chapel, 1075 Long Pond Rd. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21 at Spiritus Christi Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, send donations to Camp Good Days and Special Times (CampGoodDays.org) in her memory.
Robert "Bob" Kayser, RIT professor emeritus, passed away Sept. 7 after a courageous battle with bone marrow cancer.
Professor Kayser joined RIT's photography department in 1972 as an associate professor and earned his master's degree in instructional technology from RIT. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959 during the Berlin Crisis in Europe, and prior to coming to RIT, he worked for Town Photo, Technicolor, Burke Photo and Combo Photo in New York City. Kayser retired from RIT in 1996 after more than two decades in the classroom.
He was an avid photographer since early adulthood and has work in the George Eastman House collections.
"My father was a truly special man who was beloved by his students," says his daughter, Alison Tyler, an adjunct professor in RIT's packaging science department. "He loved his time at RIT and as a testament to his love of teaching and dedication in the classroom, he has received countless letters from his past students throughout the years thanking him for the great influence he had on their lives."
Professor Kayser's funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at St. Thomas More Church, 2617 East Ave., followed by a private interment at Pittsford Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to a reception following the service at 12:30 p.m. at Pomodoro Grill and Wine Bar, 3400 Monroe Ave., Pittsford, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Professor Kayser's memory may be made to Smile Train, which provides free cleft and lip-palate surgery to children all over the world.
I am sad to notify the RIT community of the death of Joan Stone this past Friday evening. Since first diagnosed with cancer more than twenty years ago, Joan had repeatedly and characteristically defied the formidable odds against her.
A native of Chittenango NY, Joan received her bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University, a master’s from Syracuse University, and her Ed.D. from the University of Rochester.
Since joining RIT in 1976 as an NTID faculty member in mathematics, Joan proceeded to share her considerable talents with RIT in a number of critical roles. She chaired RIT’s Faculty Council (now Academic Senate) from 1990-93—a particularly vexed period in RIT’s history. Many will remember how deftly Joan steered the Faculty Council through the CIA-related controversy of those years.
In 1994, Joan was appointed Associate Provost for Academic Programs, a position in which she oversaw the implementation of RIT’s 1994 Strategic Plan; the first Academic Program Review in 1995; and the 1997 Middle States Self-Study process.
In the late 1990’s, at Provost Stan McKenzie’s request, Joan served on the curriculum development “Crossroads” committee in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences. It was this experience that initiated her thirteen-year love affair with the talents and complexities that define CIAS. After serving two years as interim dean of CIAS, she emerged from an international search process as dean of the college—a job she repeatedly claimed was “the best job at RIT.”
As world-renowned designer Massimo Vignelli has attested, RIT’s new Vignelli Center for Design Studies, which opened in the fall of 2010, would not have been realized without Joan’s visionary leadership and fastidious attention to the project. Upon first meeting the Vignelli’s, she immediately understood the powerful partnership that could and should evolve between their remarkable work and the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences. After stepping down as dean in 2009, she devoted her professional time to the analysis and cataloguing of the Vignelli archives that now fill the center.
RIT was indeed fortunate to have been the beneficiary of Joan Stone’s uncompromising intellectual standards, boundless imagination, and profound belief in the power of education. Her colleagues and friends will feel deeply the loss of her unwavering loyalty and selfless support.
The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff tomorrow in honor of Joan.
A memorial service is planned for early September. Details will be announced as they are confirmed. Those wishing to honor Joan’s memory are asked to contribute to the Joan B. Stone Endowed Scholarship Fund, which she founded to support MFA students in the College of Imaging Arts and Science. Gifts may be mailed to RIT, Office of Development, 116 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623. Questions may be directed to 585-475-5500.
David Conyer, an award-winning executive producer in the educational design resources department at National Technical Institute for the Deaf, passed away July 17 at Strong Memorial Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 59.
A native of Wabash, Ind., Conyer graduated from Indiana University and worked throughout the country, including Alaska, Nebraska and Michigan. He worked on PBS shows such as Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and Sesame Street before joining NTID more than 25 years ago.
In 2008, he was one of four video producers from around the world invited to Russia for the International Moscow Disability Film Festival where he spoke about a documentary film he made featuring students with Usher Syndrome, a genetic condition which also eventually causes blindness. He also taught a master class during the festival.
In 2007, the documentary won the Award of Excellence from The Communicator Awards, an international program that recognizes creative excellence in the communication field. He also was on the creative team that won a bronze Telly award in 2003 for a videotape series that highlighted the careers of deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
Conyer was the go-to person at NTID when video recordings needed to be made. He produced countless productions for the college and its leaders, and his work continues to be seen by prospective students, their parents, alumni and others.
Conyer lived in Fairport and enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his family.
His obituary will be in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle on Wednesday, July 20. Calling hours will be 3-7 p.m. Thursday, July 21 at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Road, Perinton. Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.
The RIT/NTID community will celebrate Conyer's life during a ceremony planned for September. The RIT flag will be lowered in his memory at that time.
Donations may be made in his name to the Pluta Cancer Center, 125 Red Creek Dr., Suite #101, Rochester, N.Y. 14623.
Stephanie Kirschen Cole, a faculty member in the foundations department of the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences, passed away May 30. A reception in her memory will be held this evening, Thursday, June 2 from 7-9:30 p.m. at Mill Gallery, 41 N. Main St., Honeoye Falls. The RIT community is welcome to attend.
Kirschen Cole’s interest in teaching was specifically two-dimensional design, drawing and painting. Her mixed-media collages and constructions have been shown in numerous solo and group exhibitions including Gallery 15 in Rochester, N.Y.; Harris Gallery in Texas; and Tibor de Nagy in New York City, among others.
Her work also appears in collections at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, Weatherspoon Art Gallery in North Carolina and Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. Kirschen Cole is known for creating imaginary worlds, each with unique time and space frames.
Information regarding a memorial service is forthcoming.
RIT is saddened by the loss of faculty member Thomas Locke, who passed away suddenly May 26. The RIT flag will be lowered to half-staff tomorrow in memory of Professor Locke, who was part of RIT’s College of Applied Science and Technology for 20 years.
Professor Locke served as a faculty member, machine tool lab manager and advisor for the RIT SAE Baja racecar team. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Rowan University, Glassboro, N. J.
“An immensely kind and patient man, Tom taught hundreds, if not thousands of students how to safely use complex machine tools,” says Daniel Johnson, department chair of the manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology/packaging science department. “He was a terrific mentor to students as they struggled to turn their ideas and designs into reality. For faculty, staff and students, Tom was known as the person to see for help, advice, encouragement, a good laugh and a healthy dose of how-to reality.”
Plans for a service have not yet been announced.
The RIT flag is lowered to half-staff today in memory of Andreas “Andy” Langner, professor of chemistry in RIT’s College of Science. Professor Langer passed away March 31, according to Jeremy Haefner, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
Langner joined the RIT faculty in 1989, attaining the rank of full professor in 2000. He was recognized for his dedication to teaching in general, physical and polymer chemistry and received the Sears-Roebuck Foundation Teaching Excellence & Campus Leadership Award in 1991 and the Eisenhart Outstanding Teaching Award in 200.
According to Haefner, Langner maintained an active research group at RIT focused on computational and experimental investigations of phase/structural transitions in soft materials and complex fluids while mentoring dozens of graduates and undergraduate students.
“To me, Andy was a model teacher-scholar who cared deeply for students,” says Haefner. “He played a special role, reminding all of us what our mission here at RIT is all about.”
In a 2004 interview with University News, Langner described how his love of family and pride in his four children carried over to his students.
“When I first started teaching I think I had more of a philosophical approach, but now that I’ve become a father, it is a lot more pragmatic,” said Langner. “All you can do is create the opportunity, create the environment.”
He added: “I think what I value in myself is independence and being adaptable and being forward thinking. And I think this spills out to how I work with my students.”
Plans for an on-campus memorial service will be announced at a later date.
It is with deep regret that I share this update regarding one of our students. New York State Police confirm their belief that a body found in a wooded area of Steuben County yesterday is the remains of George Delany.
That announcement came at a news conference held late this morning. Investigators cite the discovery of personal effects belonging to George found at the scene among the reasons for their determination. An autopsy being conducted by the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to confirm the identity.
I cannot find words that adequately express the sorrow members of the RIT community are feeling in light of this discovery. We remained hopeful that the search for George might yield a much different outcome, and our heart-felt sympathies go out to his family and friends.
Please join us tomorrow at 5 p.m. in the Schmitt Interfaith Center for a Campus Gathering to Remember George Delany. Friends are asked to bring pictures of George or pictures taken by George that will be displayed in commemoration of his life and a tribute to the people with whom he shared his time while at RIT.
For anyone on campus having difficulty coping with George’s loss, assistance is accessible through the Counseling Center. Counselors are available in the August Center, second floor, or by calling 585-475-2261.
On behalf of the campus community, I express sincere thanks to RIT Public Safety for working in cooperation with multiple law enforcement agencies on this case. RIT, the New York State Police, Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Steuben County Sheriff’s Department and the citizens of Steuben County all played a significant role. And I extend a particular sense of gratitude to members of Students Finding George Delany. Their tireless efforts ensured that the search for George remained in the public eye and became far-reaching.
I am saddened to report the death of one of our students, Adam Childs. Adam was a 2nd year student in Imaging Arts & Sciences majoring in New Media Publishing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this sorrowful time.
Counseling services are available to assist the community and I would like to encourage any of Adam’s classmates, friends or others who wish to share their feelings of loss to contact the Counseling Center at 475-2261 or the Center for Religious Life at 475-2135.
I will forward details for a memorial service as that information becomes available.
Edward Cain, professor emeritus in the College of Science, passed away Jan. 12. The RIT flag will be lowered to half-staff Jan. 18 in his memory.
Professor Cain enjoyed a career at RIT that spanned more than 30 years. He joined RIT in 1974 as assistant professor and chairperson of NTID's science support team. In 1980, he transferred to RIT's chemistry department as an associate professor and assistant department head. He was promoted to professor in 1984 and retired in 2005 as professor emeritus.
In 1980, he received the Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching and the Gamma Epsilon Tau Outstanding Teaching Award and honorary membership in 1982. He taught general chemistry to a wide range of students and his devotion to his students is well known. In addition to his teaching duties, he was an expert in curriculum development. He wrote The Basics of Technical Communicating for the American Chemical Society, published several journal articles and was a member of many professional organizations. He was also profiled in Who's Who in Science Education.
Professor Cain was a grader for Advanced Placement chemistry exams for six years, a proposal reviewer for the National Science Foundation and a manuscript reviewer for scientific publications and book publishers. He enjoyed traveling to Australia, Wales, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States. Locally, he served as a scorekeeper for euchre tournaments and as an election inspector. He was also active with OASIS, an organziation devoted to providing activities for seniors.
Remembrances may be made to AIDS Care or to OASIS (mailing address for both is 259 Monroe Ave., Rochester, N.Y. 14607)
I am saddened to report the death of one of our students, Ryan P. Phillips. Ryan was a 5th year student in the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences studying Computer Science. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this sorrowful time. Calling hours will be held Friday, January 14th from 6-8pm and Saturday, January 15th from 9-10:45am at St. Padre Pio Parish, 4680 Dante Ave., Vineland, NJ 08361. Mass will be at the same location on Saturday, January 15th at 11am with a reception immediately following. Counseling services are available to assist the community and I would like to encourage any of Ryan’s classmates, friends or others who wish to share their feelings of loss to contact the Counseling Center at 475-2261 or the Center for Religious Life at 475-2135.
There has been a campus-wide expression of concern related to a motor vehicle accident that took place early Monday at the intersection of Jefferson Road and John Street and killed one individual. While authorities have not yet made a positive identification, we now have sufficient reason to believe that person was a member of the RIT community.
It is with a heavy heart that I report the apparent passing of Pranita Agarwal. She was a second-year multidisciplinary studies student from India. I have heard from a variety of Pranita’s friends and understand the positive impact she made on the lives of so many. Her death creates a tremendous void here on campus.
Anyone seeking support during this difficult time is asked to contact the Counseling Center, located in the August Center, by calling 475-2261. Students are also welcome to contact Lilli Jensen, assistant director of RIT's International Student Services at lhjncs@rit.edu or 475-6943.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those individuals who have been affected by Pranita’s passing.
I am saddened to report the death of one of our students, Robert J. Rozeski III. Robert was a 3rd year student in the Electrical Engineering program. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this sorrowful time.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, October 10th from 6-9pm and Monday, October 11th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the James W. Cannan Funeral Home Inc., (Southtowns Chapel), 3155 Orchard Park Rd., Orchard Park, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, October 12th at 9:30am at Nativity of Our Lord Church, 26 Thorn Ave., Orchard Park, NY.
The RIT flag will be lowered in Robert’s memory on Tuesday, October 12th.
I am saddened to report the death of one of our students, Nicholas F. Murray. Nick was a 3rd year student in the microelectronic engineering program. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this sorrowful time.
Calling hours will be held in the Albany area, Thursday, October 7th from 4:00-7:00pm and funeral services will be held on Friday, October 8th at 11:00am. Details regarding location and directions can be found starting tomorrow at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesunion-albany. The RIT flag will be lowered in Nick’s memory on Friday, October 8th.
Contributions in Nick’s memory can be made to the Nicholas F. Murray Memorial Scholarship at RIT, Office of Development, 116 Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623.
We have received the sad news that William Rago, a second-year student in the College of Applied Science and Technology, passed away on September 15th.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Willie’s family and friends. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff today.
Willie joined the RIT family with aspirations of following in his brother Dan Rago's (class of 2008) footsteps as an RIT lacrosse player. But he later learned he had a rare type of bone cancer. He was never far from the team and was considered an honorary member.
"His grit, determination, energetic attitude, passion for lacrosse and school, will and perseverance, were a constant inspiration to the team and a huge part of our success ...," said Jake Coon, head coach of the men's lacrosse team.
Calling Hours will be held Sunday, Sept. 19th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The McGuigan Funeral Home, 45 High St., Geneva, NY. The funeral service is at St. Stephen's Church, 48 Pulteney St., Geneva, NY at 1:00 pm.
Richard Eisenhart, RIT trustee chair emeritus and beloved benefactor, passed away Aug. 29. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff Thursday, Sept. 2, in his honor. Eisenhart was first elected to RIT’s board of trustees in 1972, succeeding his late father M. Herbert Eisenhart, who was the former president and chairman of Bausch & Lomb Inc. and served on RIT’s board for 50 years. Together, their ties to RIT date back to the 1920s. The Eisenhart family began the Eisenhart Award for Excellence in Teaching for RIT faculty in the memory of their late father and the M. Herbert and Elsa Eisenhart Memorial Scholarship, supporting more than 350 students over the past 35 years. In 1999, Richard and his wife established the Richard and Virginia Eisenhart Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, which recognizes and supports faculty who have taught three years or less. Both Eisenharts have also supported the Eisenhart Memorial Scholarship, the Nathaniel Rochester Society and the Kilian J. and Caroline F. Schmitt Interfaith Center. In 1976, Richard Eisenhart was named chairman of RIT’s board of trustees. Early on, he was conscious of the need to develop a high standard of technical education at RIT. His visions helped propel RIT into a tradition of seeking out students and shared programs from around the world. He also recommended the renovations to RIT’s City Center campus in downtown Rochester and oversaw planning for City Center’s first tenant, RIT’s School of Applied Industrial Studies. He was also instrumental in the creation of the RIT Research Corp. in 1980. “I think this whole institution is out of the ordinary,” Eisenhart said when he was named chairman of RIT’s board of trustees in 1976. “Just being a pioneer in career education—which is a hot button across the world—we have a tremendous job to do in staying ahead of the pack that is trying to catch up and emulate us.” The growth of state and private schools was the ever-threatening competition to RIT, and Eisenhart was determined to keep RIT thriving. After a trip to China in 1978, he returned with both the firm idea that technology was in demand the world over, and the conviction that schools that could provide highly trained people for the growing demand—like RIT—would succeed. “RIT needs to broaden its base throughout the 50 states and internationally,” Eisenhart said after returning from China. During the years of his tenure on the board, RIT grew to offer more than 230 programs to students from every state and many foreign countries. Eisenhart attended Amherst College. He worked for Pratt & Whitney Machine Co. in Hartford, Conn., before going to work for Bausch & Lomb Inc. in 1938. He stayed until 1958, when he left to form R.H. Eisenhart Inc., a manufacturer’s representatives firm. He drew on his work experiences and community spirit to become involved in civic affairs, including service on various Rochester-area boards. Among his affiliations were membership on the boards of Allendale Columbia School, the American Optometric Foundation, Bausch & Lomb Inc., the Brighton Chamber of Commerce, Community Chest, the Council of Governing Boards of Independent Colleges and Universities of New York, and the former Genesee Hospital. He also served on the boards of Hillside Children’s Center, Monroe Community Hospital, the Riverton Foundation, Rochester Savings Banks, the Rochester Regional Health and Hospital Council, and the Third Presbyterian Church. Eisenhart was also instrumental in heading the committee that organized RIT’s 150th anniversary fundraising campaign in 1979. He and his wife, Virginia, were also members of RIT’s Nathaniel Rochester Society. Upon his retirement from the board he was named chairman emeritus. “Dick Eisenhart and his family leave an amazing legacy at RIT,” says RIT President Bill Destler. “Dick was an active contributor to RIT until his very last day. He had tremendous vision for both the university and the Rochester community. We will miss him dearly.” His wife, Virginia, passed away in 2009. Surviving are his two sons, Doug and Rick; and two daughters, Debbie and Susan. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Anthony Funeral and Cremation Chapel, 2305 Monroe Ave. in Rochester. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, at Lutheran Church of the Incarnated Word, 587 East Ave., in Rochester. A reception will follow at the Country Club of Rochester. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Hillside Children’s Center, 1183 Monroe Ave., Rochester, N.Y. 14623, or to the Richard and Virginia Eisenhart Provost’s Award for Teaching Excellence, RIT, 116 Lomb Memorial Dr., Rochester, N.Y. 14623, or Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St., Rochester, N.Y. 14607.
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Anthony (Tony) Wallace, an RIT/NTID alumnus and former officer with RIT Public Safety.
Tony died Saturday night while on duty with the Hoonah (Alaska) Police Department, where he served as an officer since 2008. According to officials, Tony and a colleague were confronted by a lone gunman, and both officers died as a result of injuries suffered in the attack.
On behalf of the RIT community, I extend condolences to Tony’s family, friends and colleagues. We recognize that his passing creates a void that cannot be filled, but we hope there is comfort in an outpouring of support. Efforts are underway to plan a memorial service to be held on campus, and details on that will be shared as soon as we have them.
Tony, who was hard-of-hearing, proved remarkable at many levels. After graduating in 2003 with a degree in business administration, he joined the staff of RIT Public Safety. He later went on to attend the police academy and graduate as class valedictorian. He was also an accomplished athlete. An All-American wrestler during his student days, he would become a 2008 inductee to the RIT Athletic Hall of Fame.
During an interview last year with University News, Tony expressed hope that his accomplishments could serve as an inspiration for others. “I hope that people who are in the same situation as I am see my story and begin to believe that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve it,” he said. “Anything and everything is possible, it's just a matter of how bad you want it and how far you are willing to go to prove to people that you are worthy of whatever career you want to pursue.”
Too often we are reminded of the dangers associated with police work, and that reality comes sharply into focus when it takes the life of a member of our community. In Tony’s memory, I hope we can find time to appreciate all the members of law enforcement who put their lives at risk for us everyday.
Nelson Cole, a 3rd year student in RIT’s College of Science passed away on July 25, 2010. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff on Monday, August 2nd in his honor.
Nelson's service will be held on Monday, August 2, 2010 at the Cobble Hill Chapels located at 171 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY. Viewing hours will be from 1:00-5:00pm and the Celebration of Life will be from 6:00-9:00pm.
A funeral service will be held the following day at 12:00pm on August 3, 2010 at Green-Wood Crematory located at 500 25th Street (corner of 5th Ave. and 25th St.), Brooklyn, NY.
A memorial service will be held for the RIT community in the fall. Details on this event will be shared at a later time.
Francena Miller, former RIT professor, retiree and wife of President Emeritus Paul Miller, passed away July 10. The RIT flag will be lowered this week in her memory. Miller graduated with two degrees from Cornell University and achieved her doctorate in rural sociology and family studies at The Pennsylvania State University. She was professor of rural sociology at Penn State, assistant dean and director of the School of Home Economics at West Virginia University, dean of the College of Home Economics at the University of Connecticut, national director of the American Association of University Women in Washington, D.C., professor of sociology at Queens College in Charlotte, N.C., and professor of family studies at RIT. She was also a leader or participant in numerous state and national commissions on issues of women, families and poverty. As a senior program consultant of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, she reviewed projects in Africa, Greece and Latin America. In Rochester, she was deeply engaged in civic projects in her major fields and served on several boards of banking, college and industrial institutions. She has received numerous awards for her civic contributions, including an honorary doctorate from Nazareth College of Rochester. In her retirement years, Miller was especially interested in the Unitarian Universalist Church, the women’s support group of the Missouri Symphony Society, tutoring in English as a second language and serving on the advisory board of University of Missouri’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lounsbery and Miller We Build Fund, the Kiwanis Club of Columbia, P.O. Box 158, Columbia, Mo., 65205. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.parkerfuneralservice.com. A celebration of her life for family and friends will be held at later date.
Kathy Kirby, custodian with RIT’s Facilities Management Services, passed away June 27. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff on Thursday, July 1 in her honor. Kirby joined RIT in 1991. She is survived by her mother, Kathleen Broman; siblings, Bob (Yvonne) Broman, Larry (Bev) Broman, Donna (Bob) Daniels, Don (Dee) Broman, Nancy (Don) Kurrasch, Linda Cain, Richard Broman, Bill (Myra) Broman, John Broman, Carol Kingsley, Diane Banks, David Broman; Lucky the cat, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. “Kathy was a long-time, respected member of the imaging science team,” says Joe Pow, associate director of the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science. “Her tireless contributions helped to ensure that the Carlson Building remained a showpiece among the facilities on the RIT campus.” Family and friends are invited to a celebration of her life at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 1, at the Smith Warren American Legion, 61 Main St., Scottsville, N.Y. To leave an online condolence, visit www.ScottsvilleFuneralHome.com.
Earl Krakower, professor emeritus in the College of Science, passed away May 9. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff May 12 in his memory. Professor Krakower enjoyed a teaching career that spanned more than 30 years. He was a professor in the Department of Chemistry, served as head of the department and was a recipient of the Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching. He retired from RIT in 1996. He also enjoyed a 16-year career as a well-respected real estate agent and was active in many charitable and professional organizations in the Rochester area. According to the obituary in the Democrat and Chronicle, “Earl touched his family, friends and the Rochester community with his kind heart and sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.” A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, at Temple Beth El, 139 Winton Road South. The family will receive friends from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 13, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 14, at 130 East Ave., Suite 430. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cancer Wellness Spa, 240 Kilbourn Rd., Rochester, N.Y. 14618.
Loma Allen, former assistant to the RIT president, passed away March 23. Born in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Allen lived in Buffalo for many years before moving to Rochester in the early 1950s. Before coming to RIT, she worked as conference coordinator at Colgate-Rochester Divinity School. She dedicated her life to the Rochester community, volunteering locally and nationally for more than 50 years. Allen was also a great lover of the arts, from theater and music to fine arts and crafts. She was co-founder and the first vice president of The Urban League of Rochester, and former president of the Baden Street Settlement, The National Federation of Settlement and Neighborhood Centers, and The Junior League of America. She was a board member of Planned Parenthood, Family Services of Rochester, The United Way of Greater Rochester, The Chatterbox Club, The Harley School, Valley Manor, and an honorary board member of The Rochester General Hospital Foundation. She was also listed in Who's Who of Famous American Women. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester at 11 a.m., Friday, May 7. Contributions may be made in her memory to The Rochester General Hospital Foundation, 1445 Portland Ave., Suite G04, Rochester, N.Y. 14621; or Planned Parenthood, 114 University Ave., Rochester, N.Y. 14605.
George Sutherland, professor in RIT’s manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology/packaging science department, passed away March 17. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff March 22 in his memory. Professor Sutherland joined RIT in 2003 and was chairperson of the manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology/packaging science department until 2007. He was an expert in the areas of vehicle dynamics, kinematics of robotic devices and lean manufacturing. His research was published in numerous professional journals and he held several patents. He was also a member of both the American Society for Engineering Education and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. “George was a brilliant engineer who enjoyed creating challenging and fun learning experiences for students,” says Dan Johnson, chair of the manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology/packaging science department. “The land vehicle dynamics course he created has been extremely popular. George was able to combine complex calculations, computer simulation and real testing with students turning highly instrumented donuts in a remote RIT parking lot.” Plans for a memorial service are underway.
Ellie Rosenfield, associate dean for student and academic services at RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf, passed away March 7. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff March 9 in her memory. With more than 30 years of experience serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students in various capacities at RIT, Rosenfield focused her energy on promoting student success. In 2009, Rosenfield was nominated for the Isaac L. Jordan Sr. Faculty/Staff Pluralism Award. On her nomination form, friend and colleague Lisa Nolan wrote: “Ellie is someone who is committed to the deaf community, advocating for them, fighting for them. I think almost every student at NTID knows who she is, what she does, and what a wonderful and helpful person she is. I have never interacted with Ellie when she is not going above and beyond in her job or considering the needs of a student or a student group, specifically our deaf and hard-of-hearing population and other underrepresented groups, before thinking about herself.” Adds James DeCaro, NTID interim president: “Ellie was a one-of-a-kind person who contributed to brightening and enriching the lives of many of us at NTID and around the country.” A local memorial service is being planned. Friends may contribute to The Dr. Ellie Rosenfield Endowed Scholarship Fund at RIT, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr., Rochester, N.Y. 14623-5603.
Robert Gilman, professor emeritus in the College of Science, passed away Feb. 2. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff Feb. 19 in his memory. Gilman enjoyed a career at RIT that spanned 30 years. He served as head of the chemistry department and was the first recipient of the Eisenhart Award for Distinguished Young Teachers in 1966. He retired from RIT in 1994. Gilman enjoyed reading and was a fan of small theaters, opera and poet Robert Frost. Donations in Professor Gilman’s name can be sent to: RIT, Office of Development, 110 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, N.Y. 14623, or the Long Beach Opera in California.
Bochiwe Hara-Kaonga, assistant professor in RIT’s School of Biological and Medical Sciences, passed away Jan. 28. The RIT flag is lowered to half staff today in her honor. Hara-Kaonga was an expert in the fields of cell signaling pathways, vascular biology and embryonic development, and the development and progression of human cancers. She taught courses in immunology, cellular/molecular microbiology, and ethics and issues in microbiology, among others. She is also the author of several publications in the field of microbiology and has given presentations in her areas of expertise. “Bochiwe was a wonderful teacher, mentor, scientist and colleague and she will be missed by those of us who had a chance to get to know her during her too brief time at RIT,” says Doug Merrill, director of RIT’s Center for Bioscience Education and Technology A memorial service is planned for 4:30 p.m. Feb. 13, at Seventh Day Adventist Church, 391 Genesee Park Blvd. in Rochester.
Phillip Batchelor, lecturer in the Department of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering/Packaging Science, College of Applied Science and Technology, passed away Nov. 19. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff on Dec. 3 in his memory. Batchelor began teaching at RIT in 1994 as an adjunct instructor then as a lecturer in 2006. Prior to teaching at RIT, he served as advance development mechanical design engineer and software development manager with Xerox Corp. “Phil liked nothing better than working with students in the classroom, lab and online,” says Daniel Johnson, department chair. “He was known to be an incredibly organized and dedicated instructor, as well as a trusted friend and colleague.” Colleagues acknowledged Batchelor for his dedication to students and strong work ethic. He will be remembered as a well-respected member of the manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology/packaging science department where he was able to connect his industrial experience with in-class learning. At RIT, he taught classes in machine design and computer applications. “We and our students have been privileged to have him as a mentor, a colleague and a friend,” says Robert Merrill, professor, manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology/packaging science department. “He will be greatly missed.” Batchelor lived in Fairport with his wife, Judith. They have three grown children. Plans for a memorial service have not been announced. Counselors are available today in the Louise M. Slaughter Building (rooms 2120 and 2130) until 4 p.m. Counselors will also be available Nov. 30-Dec. 4.
Michele Dermody, lab technician in the biological and medical sciences department in RIT’s College of Science, passed away Oct. 13. The RIT flag is lowered to half staff today in her honor. As an integral member of the biological and medical sciences department for more than 10 years, Dermody was responsible for laboratory setup and preparation, animal care and managing research and teaching lab schedules, as well as many other vital support activities. “Her outstanding example as a great member of the RIT community plus her cheerful attitude made her a great friend and colleague who we will dearly miss and remember,” says Larry Buckley, associate professor. Contributions in her name may be made to the Churchville Fire Department or American Cancer Society.
Tom Castellano, professor of criminal justice in the College of Liberal Arts and former department chairperson, passed away Sept. 9. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff Thursday, Sept. 10 in his honor. Professor Castellano had been with RIT since 2003. Prior to that, he was the director of the Center for the Study of Crime, Delinquency and Corrections at Southern Illinois University. He earned his Ph.D. in criminal justice from SUNY Albany in 1986. Castellano was a passionate advocate for restorative justice and a board member of Partners in Restorative Initiatives, a Rochester organization promoting restorative justice. He was also named one of “101 Most Dangerous Academics in America” in a 2006 book written by David Horowitz. He is listed for his outspoken criticism of the Patriot Act and of the prison at Guantanamo Bay. He leaves behind his wife Maria and two adult children, Kate and Devon. “Tom is a major scholar and leader in the field of criminal justice,” says John Klofas, a friend and colleague. “He was a mentor to students and new faculty and he often served as the conscience of the department, holding both his students and his colleagues to the highest of standards. He will be missed.” Funeral services will be held in New York City. Plans for a memorial service at RIT will be announced at a later date. To send a note of remembrance, contact Klofas at 475-2423 or jmkgcj@rit.edu.
We have received the sad news that a second-year student in the Interior Design program of the College of Imaging Arts and Science, Kristina Keeley, passed away June 17. Kristina was from the Rochester area. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Kristina’s family and friends. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff on Monday. Note: Calling hours noted in Friday's announcement were inaccurate. Calling hours are tomorrow night (Sunday) from 4-8 p.m. at Diponzio Funeral Home, 219 Spencerport Road, Gates. A funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday at St. Theodore’s Church 168 Spencerport Road, Gates. For more information, here is a link to the obituary in the Democrat and Chronicle: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/democratandchronicle/obituary.aspx?n=kristina-marie-keeley&pid=128642994
Bernard Weber, an M.B.A. student in RIT’s E. Philip Saunders College of Business, passed away June 7. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff Thursday, June 11 in his honor. \n\n Mr. Weber was the last of four generations of proprietors of Weber's Dairy, and in recent years was the financial manager of BOCES #1. He was a graduate of McQuaid Jesuit High School, the University of Rochester and SUNY Brockport. \n\n Friends may call 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, at Dreier-Giltner Funeral Home Inc., 1717 Portland Ave. A service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, June 11, in the funeral home chapel. Contributions can be made to a charity of your choice.
Ira Current, an RIT retiree, passed away May 19.
Current joined the RIT faculty in 1972 and served as staff chairman of the professional photography department. He co-authored several textbooks on photographic process and materials to add to an extensive list of smaller books and articles. He retired as associate professor in 1980 and served as an adjunct professor until 1987.
He served on the editorial staff of the Photographic Society of America Journal for more than 42 years. He is a fellow of the Photographic Society of America and Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers.
During the centennial of the Civil War, he appeared on the Today show performing in costume as Mathew Brady photographing recreated battle scenes using 1860-era glass-plate methods. He designed, machined and installed several active displays illustrating the processing of photographic materials for the science and technology division of the Smithsonian Institution. A collection of over 60,000 negatives, prints and slides, as well as over 200,000 feet of 16 mm movies, amassed over a 70-year span, have been added to the archives of the University of Colorado.
Donations in his memory may be directed to St. Thomas More Church, or RIT Office of Development, 116 Lomb Memorial Dr., Rochester, N.Y. 14623.
To light a candle in his memory, visit www.anthonychapels.com.
I am saddened to report the death of one of our students, Joseph J. DiMichele. Joseph, of Pentwater, Mich., was a 5th-year student in the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joseph’s family and friends during this sorrowful time. I will be forwarding the details for a memorial service as that information becomes available. I know this is a particularly stressful time for our community as we prepare for finals and graduation. Therefore, I have arranged for counseling services to be available at the Counseling Center located in the August Center (Building 23A). If you would like to take advantage of these services, please call 475-2261 (voice/TTY) to make arrangements to meet with someone.
Thomas Gosnell, former chairman of the RIT board of trustees and well-known community philanthropist, passed away April 27. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff Saturday, May 2 in his honor. Gosnell was appointed to RIT’s board of trustees in 1977 and served as chairman from 1987 to 1992. Gosnell followed a long family tradition of involvement with RIT as a descendant of Ezra R. Andrews (great grandfather), a founding trustee of Mechanics Institute, RIT’s predecessor. RIT’s College of Science building is named for Gosnell, formerly chief executive officer of Lawyers Cooperative Publishing Co. The long-standing Gosnell family’s leadership at RIT continues today through the trusteeship of one of his children, Arthur Gosnell, who joined the board of trustees in 1997. Gosnell was instrumental in the establishment of the $13 million Center for Excellence in Mathematics, Science and Technology, an addition to the College of Science building. Other contributions have helped establish or have supported the Student Life Center, eight memorial scholarships (each in memory of family members), the Nathaniel Rochester Society, Center for Hearing and Speech Research and the Arthur J. Gosnell Professorship in Economics. RIT’s Gosnell Boathouse was named in his honor, along with his wife, Georgia. In addition, the RIT men’s and women’s crew teams added three shells to their fleet due to their generosity. Arrangements are currently underway for a boathouse dedication ceremony. RIT will continue plans to honor the family and his memory with this special recognition in the coming months. Bruce Bates, who knew Gosnell for about 40 years through several organizations including the RIT board of trustees, called Gosnell’s leadership at RIT “a spectacular five years with a lot of interesting challenges." A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2 at Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Gosnell Boathouse Fund, RIT Office of Development, 116 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, N.Y. 14623.
Richard Rosett, dean emeritus of RIT’s E. Philip Saunders College of Business, passed away April 4. The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff on April 17 in his honor. Rosett, who served as dean for six years, retired in 1996 after 30 years in academic administration. He continued his service to the Saunders College of Business as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council. Prior to his work at RIT, he served as dean of the faculty of arts and sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and dean of the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business. In 1991, he established the RIT/USA Today Quality Cup Award honoring individuals and teams making exceptional contributions to their employers’ quality programs. Under Rosett’s leadership, RIT became one of eight universities selected to participate in the Motorola TQM University Challenge. Selected universities were chosen based upon integrating total quality into business and engineering curricula. Other major accomplishments during Rosett’s tenure included the Saunders College of Business finishing tied for 37th among the top 50 undergraduate programs in the 1996 U.S. News & World Report annual college rankings. In 1991, the college, in cooperation with the U.S. Business School in Prague, launched an Executive MBA program in the Czech Republic, and in 1992, the college launched its own Executive MBA program. A private family gathering will be held April 18. A memorial service is being planned for later this summer.
Paul Swift, former director of graphic arts at RIT Research Corp., passed away March 9.
Swift graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in chemical engineering, and was a World War II veteran serving in Europe and the Pacific. Swift also worked for Eastman Kodak Co. in the Panama Canal Research Labs.
After retirement, Swift developed his interest in painting and continued to be a devoted reader of the classics. He was also a member of Transfiguration Catholic Church in Pittsford.
Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 13 at Anthony Funeral & Cremation Chapels, 2305 Monroe Ave. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14 at Church of the Transfiguration, 50 W. Bloomfield Rd., Pittsford. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Al Sigl Center, 1000 Elmwood Ave. # 300, Rochester, NY 14620 or The Church of the Transfiguration, 50 W. Bloomfield Rd., Pittsford, NY 14534.
The RIT flag will be lowered to half staff Friday, Dec. 12, in memory of Sharon Rasmussen, associate professor in NTID’s Department of Science and Mathematics, who passed away Nov. 9. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13 in the Schmitt Interfaith Center chapel. A reception in the Dyer Arts Center will immediately follow the service. Individuals wishing to make contributions in Sharon’s name may consider the Pluta Cancer Center, 125 Red Creek Dr., Rochester NY 14623, or NTID at RIT, in support of programs to encourage women in mathematics, science and engineering.
Michelle A. Jackson, a fifth-year student in industrial & systems engineering, passed away Sunday, Oct. 12. She was a native of Vernon, N.Y. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Oct. 16 at Malecki Funeral Home, 23 Front St., Vernon, N.Y. Her funeral will be held at 9:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 17 at Church of the Holy Family, 4343 Peterboro St., Vernon, N.Y. For more information, visit here: http://www.jacksonaesthetics.com/michelle.html
Terry L. Mackin, a 2008 applied arts and sciences (Multidisciplinary) graduate, passed away Saturday, Oct. 11. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17 at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, N.C. Visitation hours will be from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday at the church. More information can be found in the Charlotte Observer (http://www.legacy.com/Charlotte/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=118845618)
Lieutenant Mohsin Naqvi, an alumnus of RIT’s Tiger Battalion Army ROTC program, was killed while serving in Afghanistan earlier this month. On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the RIT flag will be lowered to half-staff in Navi’s memory. Naqvi, who attended RIT from 2003-2005, joined the Army Reserve a few days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and served during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Upon completing his tour of duty in Iraq, Naqvi came to RIT to continue his academic studies and become an Army officer. He then resumed active duty and began a tour in Afghanistan. The ROTC program is also planning a permanent memorial in Naqvi’s honor. Details will be forthcoming.