Thoughts from President Bill Destler

In my first year on campus, I have discovered a university of artists and designers on the one hand, and scientists, engineers and business leaders on the other. Blend in the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and you have the makings of a very special university. Indeed, RIT has an unfair advantage in this area with its unique program mix and diverse student body.

The quest to become the nation’s first “Innovation University” is certainly underway. On May 3rd, we kicked off our inaugural innovation and creativity festival: Imagine RIT. The ‘right brain’ and ‘left brain’ collided and an estimated 17,000-20,000 people turned out to see our new festival.

The festival was a success beyond my wildest expectations. I was so proud of both the great turnout for the event and of the quality of creative and innovative work displayed by our faculty, staff and students. May 3rd, was indeed, a great day for RIT. The festival showcased new ideas for products and services, creative arts and crafts, faculty and student research, and more.

The festival’s mission goes beyond bringing visitors to the thriving RIT campus. We see it as a call to national service. Innovation is one of our country’s last competitive advantages. Young Americans want to walk to the beat of their own drummer, and their desire to be different is an innate American characteristic. Channeling that passion in constructive ways will foster the United States’ leadership in technical innovation and creative ideas for new products and services.

As I’ve said before, RIT has an unfair advantage. Let’s exploit it!

Cordially,

Bill Destler