Alfred L. Davis '41
is one individual who has had an extraordinary impact on the RIT
of the past, present and future. For over 60 of the Institute's
170 years, Davis has been engaged in the life of the university,
serving as advisor to four RIT presidents, as a mentor and a role
model to both students and staff members, and as a dedicated and
committed volunteer and benefactor who, as a retiree, continues
to contribute in numerous ways to making RIT the best that it
can be.
"The name of Al Davis
is most highly regarded here at RIT and in the Rochester community
at large," says President Albert Simone. "Indeed, RIT is proud
that Al Davis's name continues to be associated with the university.
His contributions to RIT have truly been exceptional."
During his years as
RIT vice president in the 1960s and 1970s, Al Davis played a key
role in shaping RIT's destiny by helping to raise the funds to
build a new campus in Henrietta. Through these efforts, he developed
a fine appreciation for the selfless generosity of these RIT benefactors
and their profound impact on the students and the community of
which the university has been such an integral part. Today, Davis
recalls the legacy of each and every one of these individuals
and speaks eloquently to RIT and community audiences of their
respective roles in RIT's history.
In recognition of
RIT's historical roots and to appropriately demonstrate appreciation
to these individuals and others, Davis was instrumental in founding
the Nathaniel Rochester Society (NRS) in 1967. To recognize his
service and commitment to the NRS, in 1988 Davis was presented
the Nathaniel Rochester Society Award. He is also a charter member
of RIT's Mark and Marcia Ellingson Society, which was formed to
recognize individuals who have made a planned or deferred gift
to RIT.
In 1977, RIT board
member Brackett Clark and his wife, Ruth, established the Alfred
L. and Ruby C. Davis endowed scholarship. It was the Clarks' intention
to recognize Al for his many contributions to the development
of RIT, and Ruby, for her significant role, with Mrs. Clark and
Mrs. Ellingson, in establishing the RIT Women's Council. The fund
is unique because, at Davis's request, the scholarships are awarded
to students who are campus leaders, and who have demonstrated
service to the university through club memberships, volunteer
activities, and the like. In establishing these criteria. Davis
recognized that the future of RIT will depend upon such voluntary
efforts, and again his efforts have established the benchmark
for these young men and women.
Al Davis continues
to demonstrate through his own words and deeds the extraordinary
importance of philanthropy in the life the university, In 1996,
Davis's support made it possible for RIT to build a new childcare
facility to replace the former Horton Child Care Center. The new
facility, named in memory of his late wife Margaret Welcher Davis,
enables RIT to provide students, faculty, and staff with an exceptional
state-of-the art daycare center. "This kind of high-quality child-care
center was Margaret's vision of what early childhood education
should be," Davis says of Margaret's House.
Margaret's House director
Roberta DiNoto adds: "The next generation of the RIT community
is growing up with the benefit of the Davises' understanding,
compassion and generosity."
"The dedication, commitment
and philanthropy of Al Davis have taken RIT through the last portion
of this century and will continue to guide us in the next millennium,
as well," says President Simone. "RIT has indeed been fortunate
to have such a relationship."
