A message
from President Simone
I often tell people
the “R” in RIT means something special. This university
is a part of Rochester and must be an active member of the larger
community.
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| Alfred
L. Davis (left) and Albert J. Simone |
It is critical, as
we face the challenges of uncertain times, that we all understand
the importance of giving back to the community. I want to tell
you about a special member of the RIT family, a man who has found
a special way to recognize the importance of service.
Alfred L. Davis has
been associated with RIT for 65 years – first as a faculty
member, later as a vice president and today as an active retiree,
mentor and adviser. He is known on campus simply as “Mr.
RIT.”
Al recently walked
into my office with an exciting idea to promote and recognize
public service. This idea, Al says, was inspired by CIA Director
George Tenet’s call for public service during his commencement
address here last spring. Al has created what he calls the “Four
Presidents’ Distinguished Public Service Award.”
The award pays tribute
to four RIT presidents who have worked with Al and have been strongly
committed to serving the Rochester community. I am honored to
be part of this group, which also includes Mark Ellingson, Paul
Miller and Richard Rose.
The purpose of the
award is to recognize a member of the RIT faculty or staff who
is a leader in public service. Al has started a $50,000 endowment
to fund the award. The recipient will have the privilege of designating
the endowment income to a beneficiary of their choice, such as
a not-for-profit organization in Rochester or a group on campus.
The dedication, commitment
and philanthropy of Al Davis will continue to guide RIT for years
to come. We are indeed fortunate to have such a wonderful friend.
I wanted to share this
story with you because I know so many folks in the RIT family
are doing their part to improve their own communities. Let us
all reflect on George Tenet’s advice: “Serve someone
other than yourself, something bigger than yourself.”
Albert J. Simone
President
