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Heidi Zimmer-Meyer, Sepbember 16th, 2009

Heidi Zimmer-Meyer gave us a fascinating overview of what is in store for Downtown Rochester. Although in years past there was a rush to the suburbs, the downtown is now beginning to make its comeback. As young people are now making a lifestyle choice towards big cities, Rochester needed a strong downtown. With Paetec committed to building by 2012, the Eastman Theater renovation, Alexandrer Park (the old Genesee Hospital) gearing up to be a health services center, and housing like the Lofts at Harmony, Rochester is well on its way to once again being "the" place to be.

Dr. Margaret Bailey, May 20th, 2009

Dr. Bailey, P.E. is the Kate Gleason Endowed Chair and Associate Professor within the Kate Gleason College of Engineering and is a wonderful advocate for women in engineering. Charged with leading faculty efforts within the College to improve gender diversity, she created WE@RIT. Dr. Bailey discussed some of the exciting programs that have been developed in order to entice young women to consider engineering as a profession. "We Build" and "We Explore" and TEAK (Traveling Engineering Activity Kits) which target girls as young as 4th and 5th graders, are just a few.

Jeff Tyzik, April 22nd, 2009

Jeff Tyzik gave us an overview of the intricacies of managing the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra including its financial status and how it compares to the New York Philharmonic in size, budget and salaries. After his presentation, the Women’s Council enjoyed the “Live at Hochstein” concert in the Performance Hall conducted by Tyzik and narrated by WXXI’s Julia Figueras.

Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide Overture” was followed by Jeff Tyzik’s own lively and melodic compositions — “Bravo Colorado” and “Pleasant Valley Suite”, all beautifully executed by the RPO.

Kate Bennett , March 18th, 2009

Kate Bennett, the CEO of the Rochester Museum and Science Center talked about the future of our city in addition to sharing some of the important facts about the RMSC.

One of Kate’s favorite quotes was from Alan Kay, which states, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” It sounds as if, from Kate’s activities at the RMSC, that she is trying to do just that. From some dire facts (i.e., that the U.S. ranks among the lowest of 50 countries in math and science) to some really positive Rochester facts (that Rochester hold 890,000 patents - and almost as many festivals!) it was an interesting and inspiring speech.

T. Jane Doctor, January 21st, 2009

Our January Event was a special treat - a presentation by our own, T. Jane Doctor. Jane gave an outstanding presentation of her culture and the ways of the Haudenosaunee. As a matrilineal society, the clans are passed on from mother to child. One quote that seems to embody
Jane and her philosophy, is ”Our energy is the combined will of all people with the spirit of the natural world, to be of one body, one heart, and one mind."

Holiday Tea, November 19th, 2008

Our first tea at the Memorial Art Gallery was a sell-out event. We learned about what makes a real tea (ask an attendee about the difference between "low tea" and "high tea") Patricia Drumwright of the Bedford Tea Society was an interesting and engaging speaker and the food and drink provided by the MAG was just wonderful. We also got to say "goodbye" to Fred Smith as he retires. We will certainly miss him.

Pop Up Books & Bill Finewood, November 19th, 2008

Council members were treated to an amazing display of Pop-Up Books (they aren't just for kids anymore!) with Bill Finewood, Associate
Professor of Illustration in the School of Art at RIT. Bill described for us how the books are conceptualized and then painstakingly produced. It was an eye-opening experience.

Pumpkin Patch Glass Event, October 18th, 2008

Our Glass Pumpkin Patch event was once again a tremedous success.

Tour of RIT Campus Park Point October 15th, 2008

The Women’s Council had an informative guided bus tour of the RIT campus by Jim Yarrington, the Director of Campus Planning, Design and Construction. A visit to Margaret's House, a stop at NTID and the new Student Development Center (SDC) were just part of this interesting tour.

Stefi Baum September 17th, 2008

The Women's Council of RIT was treated to an interesting event as we listened to Stefi Baum, PhD Astronomical Imaging Systems RIT, as she discussed her topic: “Women in Science”

Annual Meeting May 21, 2008

Our May meeting saw the election of new officers and committee chairs for our 2008-2009 year. We also heard from Alexa Gifford, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Culinary Center. We learned what a tremendous success the center has become - serving 36,000 flights of wine and seeing over 151,000 people walk through 480 educational programs in the first 18 months of operation. To learn more about the center, visit www.nywcc.com

Fashion Show — April 2008 Event

The RIT Women's Council Fashion Show was a sell-out event. The food was wonderful, the fashions were stunning, and the auction items got the crowd buying tickets like hotcakes! Thank you to everyone who put time and effort into this event. It could never have been done without you!

Roberta DiNoto — March 2008 Guest Speaker

Roberta is the Director of RIT's Margaret's House. She talked about the program and the children. You could easily see why the children all love her. She had a warm and caring spirit that shown through the words she spoke. As we watched a slide show of the children, we learned how some of the parents wouldn't even be getting a college eduction if it wasn't for the work of the Women's Council and their scholarship program.

Dr. James Watters — January 2008 Guest Speaker

Dr. James Watters gave us a fascinating glimpse into the RIT of the future. With new buildings going up, renovations being made to existing structures and wonderful green spaces, RIT will soon provide even more reasons for students to attend this outstanding school. It's enough to make your websmater wish she was 18 again!

December 2007 — Corning Glass & The Rockwell Museum

On December 5th, the RIT Women's Council went on a bus trip to the Corning Glass Museum. We had a guided tour, along with a $10 coupon to spend for lunch and a trip to the gift shop. Then we went to the Rockwell Museum where we were treated to a tour of Nancy and Alan Cameros' Southwestern Pottery Collection. Words cannot do this exhibit justice. The Pottery was just amazing and the stories the Cameros' told of their collecting adventures made it all the more special.

3rd Annual Glass Pumpkin Harvest in October

Our Glass Pumpkin Harvest was a resounding success. In conjunction with the School of American Crafts, the RIT Women's Council raised over $11,000 for scholarships. We would like the thank the students from the SAC school for the tremendous contribution to this wonderful event. Put it on your calendar as a "do not miss" event for next year!

Dr. Walter Cooper — October 2007 Guest Speaker

Our guest speaker in October was Dr. Walter Cooper. He is Regent Emeritus, State of New York, Seventh Judicial District. He spoke on eloquently on "Education Issues & a Touch of History."

Stacey Miller — September2007 Guest Speaker

If so, you missed a delightful presentation by Stacey Miller. She showed off some of her extensive collection of hats from around the world. Whether they are worn to demonstrate wealth & prestige, power, status & authority, cultural and ethnic identity, religious affiliation, beliefs & ceremonies, asthetic enhancement, or even for rites of passage, hats are full of meaning.

Stacey took us on her fascinating journey around the world. To learn more about this presentation, visit her website at: www.hathorizons.com

Watch a quick video of Stacey's presentation. If you don't have QuickTime, please download the free version here.