Alumni Activities

For more information...
To find more information on all alumni activities, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (716) 475-2586. You can also visit the Alumni Network online at www.rit.edu/alumni.

Lifelong Learning
The RIT Alumni Network sponsored two successful educational activities over the summer. The Back to Black seminar held July 13 provided information to a full house on creating a debt-free and prosperous lifestyle. Through online advertising, a second seminar was offered on Sept. 6 and sold out.

Back by popular demand was Appalachian Adventure, which chronicles the six-month journey on the Appalachian Trial of two RIT alumni, Sue and Rich Freeman. Held on Aug. 16, more than 200 people attended this free alumni program.

Brick City Festival 2000

In keeping with tradition, Brick City Festival, Oct. 13-15, featured entertainment, faculty presentations, reunions, and the Stonehurst Capital Invitational Regatta.

The Class of 1999 enjoyed a one-year reunion during BCF 2000. Some of RIT's newest alumni feasted on Dinosaur Barbecue and socialized with one another.

Members of the printing and publishing class of 1950 joined the Brick City festivities through the efforts of Roger Stabley '50 and his committee. Along with the banquet, the 50th reunion celebration included a tour of the George Eastman House and Gardens, and a tour of RIT's printing facilities. More than 30 alumni and friends participated.

Together again
A group of friends from the Classes of 1960-1965 (affectionately named the "party animals") held a reunion during Brick City Festival weekend in October. The group, organized by Dan Robert '65, had a reception on Friday evening and a dinner on Saturday night at the Radisson Inn.

Siggraph 2000
The RIT alumni network hosted a special reception July 24 at Siggraph 2000 in New Orleans. Siggraph is a premier computer graphics conference and exhibition. At the reception, RIT alumni, students, faculty and staff networked with one another and met with industry professionals.

Graph Expo 2000 and Converting Expo 2000
There was an RIT alumni open house sponsored by the School of Printing Management and Sciences at Graph Expo 2000 and Converting Expo 2000 in Chicago Sept. 25. Graph Expo 2000 and Converting Expo 2000 are highly regarded events for the graphic communications industry. RIT alumni and students were given the opportunity to network at a luncheon hosted by Harold Gaffin, chair of printing management and sciences at RIT, and Sarah Gaffin, senior development officer.

Big Shot 2000 and 2001
This year Big Shot 2000 will feature the lighting of the Liberty Pole in Rochester. This event, which consistently attracts national attention, will be held on Dec. 2. As with the Big Shot 1999 in New York City, RIT alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends are invited to join in the festivities.

The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is the site for Big Shot 2001. See page 21 for more information.

Sports Hall of Fame Dinner
The annual Sports Hall of Fame Dinner will be held Nov. 11 at the Oak Hill Country Club. The induction is an annual event, and a time to recognize outstanding RIT athletes. This year's inductees include Gregory M. Coughlan '95, cross country/track; Philip J. Ferranti, Jr. '80, baseball; Kristine S. Gray '94, volleyball/softball; Lynda Gorsky Kessler '84, tennis; Jennifer Lynn Polo Sheehan '93, volleyball; and Christine Jung Ponzi '92, soccer.

Minority Alumni Advisory Committee (MAAC)
The Minority Alumni Advisory Committee (MAAC) successfully sponsored an Education Day on October 7 at RIT.

Alumni Admissions Network
One of the best ways for alumni to stay involved in the growth of RIT is through participation in the Alumni Admissions Network. These dedicated alumni volunteer their service by assisting the Office of Admissions with its efforts to attract qualified students to RIT. By representing RIT at area college nights or participating in Admissions Receptions, alumni play an important role in helping prospective students learn more about RIT. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (716) 475-2586.

RIT Class Gift Campaign
Developed in 1998, the Class Gift Program is an annual campaign offered to graduating students. With guidance from the Office of Alumni Relations, graduating students from each college coordinate the campaign, raise funds and purchase a gift to display in their college. The program has grown each year, and with the recent addition of faculty/staff advisors to help the students, it will continue to flourish.

The Class Gift Campaign will raise awareness of the Annual Fund and highlight the importance of giving to the institute. This program provides students with the opportunity to "leave their mark" on campus. Past gifts include a stained glass window, picnic tables for outdoor recreation, a clock and a collection of historical photos illustrating the college's history.

For more information or to become involved in the program, please contact Suzanne Sollecito at (716) 475-2601, or via e-mail at svsalum@rit.edu.

Career Advisory Network (CAN)
The RIT Alumni Network is pleased to introduce the RIT Alumni Career Advisory Network (CAN). Offered jointly by the Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services and the Office of Alumni Relations, this program connects interested practicing professionals with RIT students and alumni seeking career information and advice.

As a CAN volunteer, alumni can assist students and alumni in a variety of ways including:
* Career and job search advice
* Resume and portfolio review
* Networking leads and opportunities
* Information about your industry, business or organization
* Information about relocating to your geographic area

If you are interested in finding out more about this program, please visit our web site at www.rit.edu/~964www/alumni/alumninew9_CAN.htm. You can register as a CAN Volunteer by filling out an online RIT Career Advisor Alumni Profile at www.rit.edu/ ~964www/alumni/index.htm. We hope you lend your expertise and assistance to this exciting new service for students and alumni!