Russell W. Bessette, M.D., executive director of the New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR), will be keynote speaker at RIT's 116th Annual Commencement.

Dr. Bessette will speak at the Academic Convocation at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 25.

NYSTAR, created under the historic Jobs 2000 Act passed in 1999, was established to help expand the state's position in high-technology research and to foster economic development. Bessette was appointed in January 2000 by Governor George E. Pataki.

Dr. Bessette has been involved in academic research for more than 30 years.

Academic convocation, which is open to all, takes place in the commencement tent, located in parking lot U behind the Student Alumni Union. Commencement ceremonies for each of RIT's colleges are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 25 and 26. For more information, see the Commencement 2001 Web site: www2.rit.edu/commencement/