AES Good News - October 2025 | October 2025
She is a change-maker! Jess Austin, associate program director, HEOP is being recognized by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as a member of the Rochester's Finest Class of 2025. She was nominated as a “change-maker” for making a bold career move from teaching 11th grade English to managing a yoga studio for several years and then coming to RIT where she says she has found her “dream job.” She is now working hard to make others more aware of Cystic Fibrosis and says feel free to reach out to her.
Robert Bonfiglio has a new position! He is the assistant director for Assessment and Research Management. Congrats, Robert!
Tina Chapman DaCosta was honored to hold a special screening of RIT Brick by Brick Theater’s award-winning short film Dear Eleanor for President William Sanders, his wife Emily Sanders and other RIT leaders in Wegmans Theater. That film, and Brick by Brick are used in community building workshops across campus. Chapman DaCosta has been invited to present them October 6th as part of the Rochester International Film Festival Best of the Fest Roadshow at Irondequoit Library. The program begins at 7pm.
Congratulations to Mei Qi, assistant director for Community and Education. She has been appointed to the Monroe County Library System Board of Trustees. The Board sets policy, provides direction, supports library advocacy efforts, and collaborates with other member libraries. Qi will serve through June 2026.
Phillippa Thiuri, assistant vice president for Academic Access and Success is to serve as the moderator for the keynote/opening session of Together RIT which will be held October 24, 2025, at 10 am in Ingle Auditorium. She will guide a discussion on caste, rank, and socioeconomic diversity with RIT student panelists Eshan Badhan, Sophia Cosentino, Laura Gutaman, Anika Khanam and Patrice Shih who will share their personal experiences.
Sandra Whitmore, executive director for Marketing and Operations, served on the conference planning committee for the 2025 SHRM NY State Conference, “Be the Change” that was held in Albany in September. Over 600 human resource professionals attended from across New York State to learn from outstanding speakers, connect with each other, and gain SHRM/HRCI re-certification credits. Whitmore led the awards for the state in the following categories: Dennis Ryan Memorial Award, HR Professional of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year Award.