Class Notes

Name: Eugene Rusiecki

Class Year(s): 1978

Note: Gene Rusiecki ’78 (CAST) has officially retired after a 48 year career as an electrical engineer, contracting officer representative, project/energy manager and healthcare engineer. Over the years Gene has worked for companies and federal agencies such as United States Steel Research Laboratories, Western Electric, AT&T, Lucent Technologies, Optical Fiber Solutions, United Parcel Service, Siemens, Department of the United States Air Force and Department of Veterans Affairs. Gene has earned a master of science degree from Clarkson University in Engineering and Global Operation Management. Gene is a holder of three U.S. Patents. Gene is a former RIT Swim Team co-captain and medalist on both the USA Deaf Olympic Swim Team (Malmo, Sweden) and Pan American Games for the Deaf. Gene and wife Barbara reside in Gainesville, Florida.

Submitted on: August 17, 2026

Name: Amanda Weissman

Class Year(s): 09

Note: Amanda Weissman ’09 (KGCOE), MS ’09 (COS) is excited to share a new book, Women in Advanced Computing and Software in Defense, which has been published by Springer! Amanda had the opportunity to serve as the editor for the book, bringing together perspectives from women working across advanced computing, software, engineering, and defense. Amanda also authored the introductory chapter, which provides an overview of advanced computing and software technologies and their applications in the defense industry.

Submitted on: August 17, 2026

Name: James Bossert

Class Year(s): 1979, 1981

Note: Jim Bossert MS ’81 (CCE) was promoted to manager, Lean Six Sigma Academy at Oncor Electric Delivery in Fort Worth, TX.

Submitted on: August 17, 2026

Name: Luisa Schum

Class Year(s): 2014

Note: Luisa (Katie) Schum ’15 (SCB) graduated from University of New Mexico with a master’s degree in business administration on May 16, 2026.

Submitted on: August 17, 2026

Name: Scott Ladin

Class Year(s): 1976, 1977, 1978

Note: Marcia Gabrilove ’79 (CAST) and Scott Ladin ’78 (CAST), MBA ’87 (SCB), 50 years since meeting at RIT 1976.

Submitted on: August 17, 2026

Name: Martin Daly

Class Year(s): 1989

Note: Martin Daly ’89 (CAST) was recently elected to the Mystic Aquarium’s Board of Trustees. It will be an honor to serve, and Martin looks forward to working with fellow Trustees, the leadership team, staff, and many volunteers to advance the Aquarium’s important mission of conservation, education, research, and animal rescue.

Submitted on: August 8, 2026

Name: Jim Brunswick

Class Year(s): 91

Note: Jim Brunswick ’90 (COLA) has published a book ’My Way: The Life and Legacy of Pete Todd - Rochester Running Pioneer’ https://share.google/SSZbeurWWMGXztSut. Jim has been working on this for a few years and is finally ready to get it out there. Anyone who ran track or cross country under Coach Todd would be thrilled to relive these memories. Pete was a long-time coach and involved in the Coast-to-Coast run during the 150th anniversary of RIT.

Submitted on: August 6, 2026

Name: Melissa Vuz (Maiden name Young)

Class Year(s): 2017

Note: Melissa (Young) Vuz ’18 (GCCIS) and Dylan Vuz ’18 (GCCIS) happily welcomed their first child in September 2025, and are excited to celebrate his first birthday soon!!

Submitted on: July 18, 2026

Name: Jim Edmonds

Class Year(s): 1979

Note: After 20 years retired from US Customs and Border Protection, Jim Edmonds ’79 (GAP) has relocated to Ohio to be near family.

Submitted on: July 17, 2026

Name: Robert Ripps

Class Year(s): 1983

Note: Robert A. Ripps ’83 (GAP) was selected to have not one, but two of his Negativityness images appear in the American Photography 42 annual award book! AP-42 launches in November of 2026.

Submitted on: July 14, 2026