RIT mourns the loss of Marty Golia

Marty Golia, teaching and learning consultant with RIT’s Center for Teaching and Learning, died July 6 after a battle with cancer. The RIT flag will be lowered to half-staff in his memory on July 12. 

Mr. Golia began his career at RIT in 2011, assisting faculty in course redesigns for the quarter-to- semester conversion. He played a critical role during the initial years of the Innovative Learning Institute working on online course development and the launch of the university’s edX course offerings. Most recently, Mr. Golia was working to advance active learning teaching practices in the new SHED and Wallace classrooms. He also guided the design and facilitation of the new undergraduate teaching assistant training program launching this fall, in addition to other projects underway in the Center for Teaching and Learning. 

Mr. Golia was also an active member of the Classic Comics Forum and loved comic art, surf guitar rock music, film noir, and detective novels. 

“Marty was a much respected, trusted adviser to many faculty members at RIT across a wide range of disciplines and teaching issues,” said Neil Hair, executive director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. “He was also a wonderful colleague who would gladly give his time, attention, and legendary laser focus to any project or situation that needed him. He will be sorely missed by us all.”

Added Ian Webber, director of Academic Technology and Operations, “Marty played an instrumental role in many faculty and student initiatives in the center. He had a passion for instructional design and brought a well-informed and unique approach to his work. He was a genuine, positive influence on all that connected with him at RIT.”

Details regarding a memorial/celebration of life are forthcoming.