As
you receive this magazine, memories of Commencement 2000 are fresh
in our minds, and we can reflect on another rich and successful
year for RIT. Student applications were at an all-time high; the
quality and diversity of our student body improved as well. On
May 20, another 3,5000 new RIT graduates proudly crossed the stage
to accept their degrees. We wish them much succes and welcome
them to the RIT alumni family.
In
the next several pages, you will read about a bold new endeavor
that we believe will set a course for RIT's future and further
enhance the credential that an RIT degree already represents.
It is called our First in Class Initiative. In short, we
envision that RIT will be the university of choice for buisness
and government organizations that want to partner with a university
to solve critical problems in selected areas of expertise and
to add high-quality graduates to the work force.
First
in Class represents an attitude of collaboration, focus and
responsiveness in "Internet time" that is unique to this university.
It will provide experiences and opportunities for our faculty
and students that will set us apart from other institutions.
Other
articles in the issue reflect the many dimensions of RIT: the
Big Shot even on the Intrepid, the key role of our interpreters
in the academic experience of our deaf students, and the contributions
of our alumni in the day-to-day work of Alumni Relations. We are
proud to share these stories about this dynamic and special place
that we call RIT.
Cordially yours,
Albert J. Simone
