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Scholarship Funds

Alumni, parents, and friends, as well as corporations and foundations support the more than 600 scholarship funds established at RIT.

  • Some of the scholarships are general and unrestricted, that is, must receive gifts of support every year to remain active. They are often need-based and may have other specified criteria. These are sometimes a College's scholarship or a fund established and named by an individual.
  • Other scholarship funds are endowed, that is fully funded, and distribute funds in perpetuity. Again, they can be based on need or academic success or culture as determined when it is set up. These also can be named by the donor.
Below is a limited list of the many scholarships you can support. For more information, call Peggy Glitch at (585) 475-3160.

Please note! These short explanations are intended to help potential donors determine where they might like to direct their gift to RIT. If you are a student reviewing these scholarships and want further information, please contact the RIT Office of Financial Aid.

GENERAL

COLLEGES/PROGRAMS

  • College of Applied Science and Technology Alumni Endowed Scholarship
    • ECTET Alumni Book Scholarship
    • MMET Faculty, Staff and Alumni Scholarship
    • Packaging Science General Scholarship
  • Saunders College of Business Alumni Endowed Scholarship
    • Saunders College Recent Alumni Endowed Scholarship
    • Saunders College Women's Network Endowed Scholarship
  • Golisano College Alumni Endowed Scholarship
  • Kate Gleason College of Engineering Alumni Endowed Scholarship
  • College of Liberal Arts Alumni and Friends Endowed Scholarship
  • College of Imaging Arts and Sciences:
    • School for American Crafts Alumni Scholarship
    • School of Art Alumni Scholarship
    • School of Design Alumni Scholarship
    • School of Film and Animation Alumni Scholarship
    • School of Photographic Arts and Sciences Alumni Scholarship
    • School of Media Sciences Alumni Scholarship
  • College of Science Alumni Endowed Scholarship
  • National Technical Institute for the Deaf:
    • NTID Foundation Endowed Scholarship
    • NTID Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship
    • NTID Business Careers Endowed Scholarship
    • NTID Performing Arts Endowed Scholarship
    • NTID Science and Engineering Careers Endowed Scholarship
    • NTID Visual Communications Endowed Scholarship
  • Innovative Learning Institute Merit Scholarship

RIT NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS

NTID NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS

  • Ann (Dorothy E.) Endowed Scholarship
    Barlow Endowed Scholarship
    Beardsley (Alice) Endowed Scholarship for Interpreting Students at NTID
    Bozorgi (Farid) Endowed Scholarship
    Citicorp/Citibank Endowed Scholarship Fund at NTID
    Continental Corporation Endowed Scholarship Fund at NTID
    Cowan (Lillian M.) Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund
    Davila (Robert R. and Donna E.) Endowed Scholarship
    DeCaro (James J.) Endowed Scholarship
    Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity Endowed Scholarship
    Dodge (Ronald) Endowed Scholarship
    Dyer (Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F.) Endowed Scholarship
    Fallon (Barbara M.) KPMG Endowed Scholarship
    Feigenbaum (Rose and George) Endowed Scholarship
    Fenyvessy (Ruth H.) Endowed Scholarship
    Frisina (Ann Wadsworth) Endowed Scholarship
    Forman (Maurice and Maxine) Endowed Scholarship
    Frumkes (Max and Helene) Endowed Scholarship
    Garlinghouse Endowed Scholarship
    Goldmann (Warren) Endowed Scholarship
    Gopen (Allen and Gloria) Endowed Scholarship
    Hall (Mildred F.) Endowed Scholarship
    Hearst (William Randolph) Endowed Scholarship (financially disadvantaged students)
    Horton (Frank) Endowed Scholarship at NTID
    Hymes (Ralph) Endowed Scholarship
    Interpretek Endowed Scholarship Fund
    Jennings (Lucille Ritter)Endowed Scholarship
    Jephson Educational Trust Endowed Scholarship in the Performing Arts
    Johnson Scholarship Foundation Endowed Scholarship for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
    Kearns (David T.) Endowed Scholarship for Technical Excellence
    Kuhnert (Sara L.) Endowed Scholarship
    LaSala Foundation Doctoral Fellowship
    Lichtenstein (Edward H.) Endowed Scholarship
    Marsters (Dr. James C.) Endowed Scholarship
    Murai (Dr. Genji) Endowed Scholarship
    Norton (Ruth G.) Endowed Scholarship
    NYS Federation of Home Bureaus, Inc. Endowed Scholarship in Honor of Martha Perry
    Ohringer (Milton H. and Ray B.) Endowed Scholarship
    Ohringer (Florence L.) Art Scholarship
    Panara (Robert F.) Endowed Scholarship
    Pulver Endowed Scholarship
    Rosenfield (Dr. Ellie) NTID Student Leadership Endowed Fund
    Rosenfield (Dr. Ellie) Endowed Scholarship Fund
    Sargent (Elizabeth Dunlap) Endowed Scholarship
    Sasakawa (Royichi) Endowed Scholarship
    Searjeant (Wilfrid and Isabel) Scholarship Endowment
    Silverman (S. Richard) Scholarship for International Deaf Students
    Simone (Carolie R.) Endowed Scholarship at NTID
    Sklar (Edythe and Edward) Endowed Scholarship
    Smith (David) Endowed Scholarship
    Sprint Endowed Scholarship Fund at NTID
    Summerfield (Solon E.) Foundation Scholarship
    Swartzman (Michael A.) Endowed Scholarship
    Thomas (Michael) Endowed Scholarship in the Performing Arts
    Thornberry (Eloise) Endowed Scholarship
    Urich (W. Paul) Endowed Scholarship
    Williams (Elizabeth W.) Endowed Fund for the Performing Arts
    Wolf (Joseph C. and Loretta F.) Endowed Scholarship
    Wolk (Louis S. and Molly B.) Foundation Endowed Scholarship for Deaf Students
    Women's Club of Rochester Endowed Scholarship Fund
    Women's Council Endowed Scholarship Fund for Hearing Impaired Students at RIT

Alumni Endowed Legacy Scholarship
 This scholarship fund was established in 2002 by the RIT Alumni Association Board of Directors, which advises RIT's Office of Alumni Relations in developing and implementing programs, services and activities for alumni. Scholarship recipients must be either RIT alumni who are continuing their education, or children, dependents or grandchildren of alumni who are enrolled as full-time RIT students.
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General Scholarships (need based)
Nearly 75 percent of RIT's student body depends on financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants or loans. General scholarships are given to students based on their demonstrated need. They are awarded to students from all academic areas. A gift to the General Scholarship Fund helps students who otherwise might not have the opportunity to come to RIT.
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Nathaniel Rochester Society Scholarship (merit based)
The NRS Scholarship Fund is the special focus of the Institute's Nathaniel Rochester Society, a group of RIT's most loyal supporters. Every year, these merit-based scholarships of up to $1,000 each are awarded to hundreds of outstanding third-, fourth- and fifth-year students across all RIT colleges. To date, thousands of students have received these scholarships for maintaining high academic standards as well as for their social skills and willingness to work diligently toward their goals.
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Parents Endowed Scholarship
Many RIT parents and guardians believe that their child’s RIT education had a profound effect on his or her life. Credit for their professional success and personal growth often goes to the student’s degree program or to individual faculty members. Perhaps the best way for families to acknowledge that life-changing impact is to ensure that other students will have the same opportunity for an outstanding RIT education by providing scholarship resources. The Parents Endowed Scholarship Fund is a need-based Fund that will help many deserving students continue their RIT education.
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Named Scholarships

Alpha Phi Alpha Mu Sigma Alumni Endowed Scholarship
 Since its founding in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African-Americans and people of color around the world and was the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-Americans. In 1977, the Alpha Phi Alpha Mu Sigma Chapter was established and has provided outstanding service to the Rochester community ever since. The brothers of the Chapter have maintained a strong alumni network and presence on RIT's campus and their goal for this scholarship, created in 2013, is to build a lasting connection between RIT and the Chapter. This scholarship is awarded to a full-time student who has a GPA of 3.0 and who has submitted a compelling essay outlining academic excellence and community service that demonstrates the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity aims: "Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for All Mankind."
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Salvador Anchondo Jr.
 Salvador was a dedicated reference librarian at Monroe Community College, Damon Campus, at the same time as his wife, Brenda Trinidad, worked at RIT. Salvador was an extraordinary man who passed away suddenly. To honor his memory, Brenda established this memorial scholarship to recognize Salvador's and her vision of helping students reach their educational dreams. This Fund supports students who complete an associate degree at MCC and then transfer to RIT. They also must demonstrate involvement in student life, leadership and show a special affinity for library use. Before applying, students must have completed at least two full-time quarters of study at RIT.
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Butler (Owen) Endowed Photography Scholarship
Owen Butler '76, a graduate of RIT's photography program, has been an RIT faculty member for four decades and continues to touch the lives of countless students through his disciplined and enlightening courses. To honor his teaching excellence and years of service, the Owen Butler Scholarship for the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences was established by his former student Jacolyn Baker Bucksbaum '84 (photography) and her husband, John. Bucksbaum, a production manager for many popular movies, credits her career success in part to Butler's way of teaching "a different way to see the world." Professor Butler has served as chair of the applied photography program and currently continues to teach in the college. The Owen Butler Scholarship, up to $5,000 per year, goes to a third- or fourth-year student selected on the basis of academic excellence, portfolio submissions and interest in book arts.
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Cahn (Deborah Lynn) Memorial Scholarship
Debbie was an information technology graduate student at RIT when she died suddenly on Jan. 27, 1997, at the age of 33. Debbie was held in such esteem in her graduate program that classes were suspended on the day of her death. She loved her time at RIT and practically lived in the lab. An outpouring of emotion from family and friends ensued, and her family made possible the establishment of this scholarship in Debbie's memory. The fund is used for graduate students in the Information Technology Program with a 3.0 or greater GPA and who demonstrate a financial need.
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Cooke (Henry & Pinny) Endowed Scholarship Fund
Awarded through the Innovative Learning Institute, this merit-based scholarship provides tuition assistance to students with a GPA of 3.8 or higher. Preference is given to students who choose careers for the common good, community service, or have demonstrated a personal or career commitment to civic responsibility.
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Countryman (Jerome) Memorial Scholarship
Jerome was a hardworking and generous young man who tragically passed away in his last year of RIT's Mechanical Engineering program. His wonderful sense of humor, easygoing nature and love of life made him a special friend, brother and son. This memorial scholarship was established to keep Jerome's memory alive at RIT. The Kate Gleason College of Engineering uses this scholarship for Mechanical Engineering students in good academic standing who demonstrate financial need. When possible, the award will be made to the student who in addition has shown an interest in varsity or intramural sports.
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DiRoma (Michael) Memorial Scholarship Fund
Michael was a fourth year software engineering student who died tragically in an automobile accident in March 2006. He was a valued member of the Software Engineering student body and served in leadership role in the Society of Software Engineers. This scholarship was established by Michael's family and friends, and is awarded to a student in the Department of Software Engineering with a 3.0 GPA and who has a leadership role in the Society of Software Engineers.
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Donovan (Patrick) Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established in 1985 by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick B. Donovan in memory of their son, Patrick. Every year, this scholarship is awarded by the Department of Civil Engineering to a full-time student in the fifth and final year of the bachelor's degree program in Civil Engineering Technology who has a demonstrated financial need and is in good academic standing.
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Dudek (Christopher) Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund
Christopher was a senior biology major who passed away in October 2004. He planned to attend medical school and demonstrated a passion for his chosen field of study. The scholarship, established by his family, friends and classmates, is awarded to a current senior student in the College of Science who is also in the Premedical Studies Advisory Program and has been accepted into an allopathic or osteopathic medical school.
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Facilities Management Services Endowed Scholarship
In appreciation of the many students who have worked for RIT's Facilities Management Services (FMS) over the years, the FMS staff established this endowed scholarship in 2003. Many of these students have gone on to work with FMS as consultants, contractors or suppliers after their graduation. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and be in good academic standing.
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Ferraro (Joseph T.) Memorial Scholarship Fund
On June 23, 2000, Joe Ferraro, 20, died of meningococcal meningitis shortly after returning to the United States from a trip to Israel. Joe, a film and video major and a Phi Kappa Tau brother, had a talent for making friends no matter what race, religion, ability or nationality. This scholarship was established to keep Joe's spirit alive and to support the education of students like Joe who demonstrate a commitment to building bridges between people.
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Fram (Dr. Eugene H.) Scholarship Fund
To officially mark Dr. Fram's 45 years of service to the Saunders College of Business, this scholarship was established to honor his many achievements, his academic scholarship, and to recognize the considerable affection his former students have for him. This scholarship will be used to help the next generation of Saunders College of Business graduates.
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Georgantas (George T.) Endowed Memorial Scholarship
The son of Greek immigrants with little education, Professor Georgantas knew well the struggle for and the value of an education. After obtaining his own advanced degrees, he joined RIT in 1975. Five years later, he became head of the department of mathematics and statistics, a position he held for 15 years. Under his leadership, the department developed strong ties with business and industry, and more than doubled in size of faculty and number of student majors. In his 25-plus years at RIT, he was admired by students and colleagues alike. Professor Georgantas died in February 2004, and this scholarship honors his memory. Gifts to this fund are used by the College of Science for undergraduates in the department of math and statistics who demonstrate financial need and are in good academic standing.
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Hoffmann (Edward G.) and Bart G. Guerreri Scholarship
Edward G. Hoffman and Bart G. Guerreri were close friends and fraternity brothers while at RIT. Their families have established this scholarship to honor the two men and their time at RIT. Edward was a 1969 Electrical Engineering alumnus and Bart was a 1967 Mechanical Engineering alumnus.
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Hromi (John D. and Rachel E.) Endowed Scholarship
Created in 1983, the John D. Hromi Center for Quality and Applied Statistics (CQAS) has achieved international recognition for excellence in the fields of quality management and applied statistics. This Center was founded by Professor John Hromi, now retired. In 1992, he also established this scholarship.  This fund provides support for deserving students enrolled in CQAS, who by virtue of merit, need, and interest, aspire to a professional career in quality standards and statistical methods.  The recipient must be enrolled as a graduate student and have achieved a 3.0 or higher grade point average in undergraduate studies in engineering, science or business.
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Kodak/Howard Bingham Scholarship
Kodak Professional, a division of Eastman Kodak Co., established this endowed scholarship to honor the dedication and talent of Howard Bingham. The renowned photographer has spent many decades documenting many of America's historical turning points. The scholarship is an annual award with preference given to students of African-American descent.
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Menon (P.G. Chandrasekhara) Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established to meet RIT's objectives in preparing students for successful careers in a global society. It will benefit students in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Technology, and is awarded based on merit and financial need.
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Miller (Norman) Scholarship Fund
Established by the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, this scholarship honors Professor Norman Miller who passed away in August 2000. He had a distinguished career as an engineer and manager in industry and was a member of the RIT faculty for 16 years. This scholarship is used to support deserving Electrical Engineering undergraduate students.
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Montecuollo (Drew) Memorial Award Fund
 Named after a former faculty member of the School of International Hospitality and Service Innovation, part of the College of Applied Science and Technology, this award goes to a graduating IHSI senior who has demonstrated creativity, service and overall excellence.
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Murray (Nicholas F.) Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2010 to provide scholarships to students in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering, this scholarship is intended for an incoming freshman (first-year) student in the microelectronic engineering program and from Shaker High School in Latham, N.Y.
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Policzer (Seth) – Turab (Syed Ali) Endowed Memorial Fund
 On November 9, 2007, a fatal house fire that took place in a Rochester neighborhood claimed the lives of two RIT students, Seth Policzer and Syed Ali Turab. Four other RIT students escaped the fire but lost all of their personal belongings. The purpose of this fund is to provide one-time limited funds to help students with financial assistance for non-tuition expenses including academic supplies such as books and technology needs.
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Prentice Family Scholarship (Saunders College of Business)
The founder of the Prentice Family Scholarship, William J. Prentice II, received his B.S. in Business Administration/Finance from RIT in 1999. Mr. Prentice established this scholarship because of his strong belief in higher education and helping others afford a quality education. Undergraduate students enrolled in any field of study in the E. Philip Saunders College of Business are eligible to receive this scholarship. Recipient(s) must be in good academic standing and demonstrate financial need. Preference will be for students who are the first generation of their family to attend college.
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Rodgers (Ian) Memorial Scholarship
 A 1998 graduate of RIT's Civil Engineering Technology program, Ian Rodgers was killed in a construction accident on September 15, 1999. An outpouring of emotion and generosity from Ian's family, friends, and past employers inspired the establishment of this scholarship. Ian was active as a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers Student Club and the steel bridge competition team at RIT. Recipients must be students in the Civil Engineering Technology program who demonstrate academic achievement as well as financial need.
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Simone (Carolie R.) Endowed Scholarship at NTID
 This scholarship was established in November 2006 to honor Carolie Simone, wife of retired President Albert J. Simone, for her dedication and involvement within the deaf community, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, and the Rochester School for the Deaf, throughout her 15 years at RIT. The scholarship will be awarded annually to deaf and hard-of-hearing students enrolled in NTID, either in an associate degree program and/or cross-registered in any of RIT's other colleges. In addition, it gives preference to students who have graduated from the Rochester School for the Deaf.
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Smith (Kevin) Phi Delta Theta Memorial Scholarship
Kevin possessed an unbridled enthusiasm for life and his integrity was unquestionable. He was a student in the Hotel & Resort Management program in the College of Applied Science and Technology, and participated in a wide variety of activities, from athletics to philanthropy. He also shared an intense bond of friendship with his fraternity brothers. Kevin died as the result of an unfortunate automobile accident. This scholarship was established in 2003 by his Phi Delta Theta brothers. The recipient must be an active member of Phi Delta Theta with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
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Sullivan (Matthew) Memorial Scholarship
Matthew was a dedicated young man who tragically passed away in September 2000. He was a 1997 graduate of RIT's criminal justice program and was employed by the U.S. Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service. His unique sense of humor, drive to succeed and willingness to help others made him a special friend to everyone he met. This scholarship was established to help other students complete their education. It is awarded to recipients who are enrollment in the criminal justice program, are in good academic standing, and who have a financial need. Preference is given to students who demonstrate leadership and/or an interest in Greek life.
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Tessoni (Daniel D.) Endowed Scholarship in Accounting
Professor Dan Tessoni’s career has spanned more than 30 years.  In that time, he has left a legacy of outstanding teaching and scholarship in the accounting field. He has also touched the lives of thousands of students during their years at RIT.  In honor of his accomplishments and the impact he has had on students, he and Jim Salzano ’87, created this endowed scholarship in accounting to provide a vehicle for other Saunders College alumni to give back to the school in a way that supports student success, especially for those in need of financial help.
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Timmerman (Erik) Scholarship Fund
Established in 1999, this scholarship honors professor Erik Timmerman, the founder of RIT's computer animation program and scriptwriting curriculum. He passed away June 30, 2000 after a battle with kidney cancer. Timmerman designed and taught the first computer animation course in 1986 and expanded the course into the master's of fine arts in computer animation. He was also a member of the University Film/Video Association. "We all remember his flair for the dramatic," says Marla Schweppe, professor and program chair, 3D Digital Graphics. "He would wear his glasses on his forehead and flip them down at the right moment to make a point. He was passionate about teaching and his work with students. He made an impact on many lives, mine included." The Erik Timmerman Scholarship benefits first-year animation graduate students, and the award is based on a competition of student work.
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Turkman (Professor Ibrahim Renan) Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established to honor one of RIT's greatest teachers in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. In March 2001, a tragic accident left Professor Turkman in a coma. He passed away on June 15, 2008, without ever regaining consciousness. His commanding knowledge and wry sense of humor are sorely missed on the RIT campus. "His superb teaching made him one of the most revered teachers at RIT," said Robert Pearson, associate professor of microelectronics engineering at RIT. This scholarship honors his accomplishments and is awarded each year to students demonstrating top performance in the understanding of physics of semiconductor devices through academic performance and a seminar presentation.
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Peggy Glitch
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(585) 475-3160
Peggy.Glitch@rit.edu
 
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