The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to a graduate who has brought distinction to the college and RIT through professional and community achievement. Join us for a reception and fine dining as we honor the Distinguished Alumni of 2013.  For questions or special assistance, contact Janette Frank at 585-475-4489 (voice), or janette.frank@rit.edu.

2013 College of Science

Jon Roberts '70 (imaging science) has taken his father's advice seriously: Do what you have to do so you can then do what you want to do. As a senior partner in the Marbury Law Group, he practices in security clearance law, patent, copyright and trademarks. He has counseled, tried and documented more than 100 security clearance cases and submissions for applicants for security clearances for U.S. government agencies.

He also personally holds more than 50 U.S. and foreign patents and he counsels U.S. and foreign clients on development and protection of intellectual property. He previously worked for the CIA while he completed his Ph.D. from Syracuse University and then took night classes to earn his law degree from George Washington University National Law Center.

Throughout his busy career, he has maintained a steadfast passion for the arts and music, singing with the National Symphony Orchestra and acting in theater productions with his wife, Jessie.

He was a student at RIT during the "big move" from downtown Rochester to the Henrietta campus and credits the excitement and fond memories of that time for his dedication to RIT. He serves on the President's Roundtable and has established a scholarship with his wife in support of science students who participate in the performing arts.