The search is on for ‘diversity trailblazers’

Do you know a Diversity Trailblazer? In celebration of the university’s 175th anniversary, RIT’s Commission for Promoting Pluralism is highlighting the contributions of men and women who have helped RIT become
a community where differences are respected and celebrated.

Gary Gasper and Christina Fisher at work on the current Diversity Trailblazers exhibit, which features photography alumnus Bernie Boston.

Since May 2004, changing displays in the Student Alumni Union have provided information about Diversity Trailblazers from RIT’s history. During the Expressions of Diversity Week, April 25-29, an exhibit featuring 15 of “Today’s Trailblazers” will be unveiled. Nominations can be submitted to the commission until Feb. 11.

“RIT’s Diversity Trailblazers are those who paved the way, breaking new ground and opening new pathways for a more diverse campus community,” explains commission member Gary Gasper, head of the project. “We know there are many people doing this every day, and we want to recognize their efforts.”

The project has been a learning experience for its organizers as well as for people who stop and view the displays.

“We began our research with Dane Gordon’s fascinating book on the history of RIT. Ultimately we came up with a list of names,” says Gasper. A small team spent many hours in the RIT Archives and Special Collections searching for photos and information. Fourth-year illustration student Christina Fisher designs the displays.

The commission developed the following list of RIT’s Diversity Trailblazers:

Henry Lomb. The first president of the Mechanics Institute Board (1885-1891), Lomb championed domestic sciences and urged election of women to the board.

Betsy and Ezra Andrews. Instrumental in starting the domestic science department in 1892, Betsy Andrews was the first woman named to the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute Board of Trustees. She served with her husband, who also supported programs for women.

Kate Gleason. RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering—the only engineering college named for a woman—honors the successful entrepreneur who logged many firsts in engineering and business in the early 1900s.

Edwina Hogadone. The first dean of RIT’s College of Business was also the first woman in the nation to head a college of business. Mark Ellingson. President from 1936 to 1969, Ellingson oversaw an era of great progress including construction of the current campus and the founding of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT.

Bernie Boston. As a Native American, Boston made RIT history by becoming president of Student Government. He graduated in 1955 and went on to a highly successful career in photojournalism.
Hettie Shumway. A member of RIT’s Women’s Council and a supporter of Rochester School for the Deaf, Shumway persuaded Ellingson to promote RIT as the site for NTID.

Isaac Jordan Sr. and Cynthia McGill. An educator, social activist, corporate manager and minister, Isaac Jordan served as the first chair of RIT’s Commission for Promoting Pluralism. As assistant provost in the late 1980s and early 1990s, McGill helped seek out a more diverse selection of candidates for academic positions.

Robert Davila. The son of a widowed Mexican farm worker, Robert Davila became deaf at age 8. A leader in educational organizations and government agencies, he came to RIT as vice president for NTID, serving from 1996 to 2003.

Nominations are now being accepted for future diversity trailblazers. If you would like to make a nomination, send the following information to Alfreda Brown, chairperson, Commission for Promoting Pluralism. Nominations can be faxed to 475-5700, or e-mailed to axbpro@rit.edu.

Include name of nominee, his/her title, department, telephone and e-mail address, and what aspects of the nominee’s accomplishments align with groundbreaking and insightful initiatives that opened pathways for a more diverse campus community.

Nominations are being accepted until Feb. 11.