Perseverance: An RIT Trait

Fall 2009

Perseverance - I see it all around the campus.

Perhaps it's built into RIT's DNA, dating back to our 19th century Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute roots. I especially see perseverance in our recent 2009 graduates, who remain resolute despite the deepest economic downturn since the Great Depression.

I also see it in our alumni, who are making a difference in the workplace and in their communities. And for those in our family who have fallen on tough times in their jobs, we can help. RIT alumni can access the Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services for free services. Visit www.rit.edu/alumni/careers or call 585-475-2301.

Let's fast-forward to yet another exciting fall.

On Sept. 25, we plan to dedicate our new Center for Student Innovation. The center will be a signature structure that brings RIT closer to the vision of becoming America's "Innovation and Creativity University."

This year's "RIT Big Shot" will be held at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 26. This should be another memorable event in one of RIT's more interesting traditions.

We're also looking forward to Brick City Homecoming, Oct. 9-11. For the first time, we've built a hockey game into our homecoming events. The Tigers open the season Oct. 10 vs. Colgate in downtown Rochester's Blue Cross Arena.

I hope to see you on campus soon. So as you see, we persevere.

Bill Destler
President