Bill Nye to Teach Students How to ‘Get Rich’ during RIT Appearance, Oct. 11

TV star to discuss opportunities in STEM disciplines—science, technology, engineering & math

Oct. 7, 2008
by John Follaco
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Bill Nye, star of the Emmy Award winning PBS series “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” knows how to capture students’ attention. Rochester Institute of Technology’s Acting Student Government President Matt Danna can attest to that.

“(Nye) told me he was going to teach students how to get rich with engineering and green energy,” says Danna of a conversation he had with Nye earlier this month about the Science Guy’s speech, which takes place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, in RIT’s Gordon Field House and Activities Center.

RIT’s Student Government is making sure there will be plenty of talented young students in the audience to hear that message when Nye delivers his remarks as this year’s Horton Distinguished Speaker. The group has distributed nearly 250 tickets to Rochester area high schools and colleges.

“Bill Nye is a mark of our time. Our generation grew up with him,” Danna says. “We thought that reaching out to local high schools and colleges would be a great way to encourage participation in the STEM disciplines. Bill Nye’s presentation fits perfectly with RIT’s efforts to drive innovation, creativity and sustainability.”

Nye will be available to speak to the media at 1 p.m. in the Gordon Field House and Activities Center. Media must RSVP to John Follaco at (585) 475-4948 by noon on Thursday, Oct. 9 in order to obtain credentials for the event.

Other major events happening during Brick City Homecoming include:

  • The Capitol Steps: The comedy troupe made up of current and former Congressional staffers offers a humorous slant on the nation’s political scene; 5 p.m and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, in the Student Alumni Union’s Ingle Auditorium.

  • Red Barn Centennial: RIT’s Red Barn, which has morphed into “Interactive Adventures” over the years, celebrates its 100th birthday. Free rock climbing is offered from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. A reception, featuring live music, follows from 4-6 p.m. The Red Barn is located on the west side of campus, off East River Rd.

  • Jimmy Fallon: The “Saturday Night Live” star and future host of NBC’s “Late Night” caps off the weekend with a comedy show; 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, in the Gordon Field House and Activities Center.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Gordon Field House Box office (585) 475-4121 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

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