Class Notes

Frances Drew MFA ’94 - I’m Ready for it!!

Name: Frances Drew

Class Year(s): 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994

Note: Frances Drew MFA ’94 is the winner of the Best Self-Produced CD in 2024. Frances will compete in the International Blues Competition in Memphis in 2025. Marine Electrical Designer 2/2023 - present - General Dynamics/Electric Boat Marine Electrical Apprentice 2018 -2022 - General Dynamics/Electric Boat

Submitted on: November 25, 2024

Name: Joel Kwiatkowski

Class Year(s): 1983

Note: Joel Kwiatkowski BT ’83 is very proud to be a 1983 RIT alum with BSEET from the School of Technology. The classroom lectures, lab studies, and staff were all very helpful and beneficial to creating a hands-on learning experience. Along with the co-op work program, Joel was able to decide on a career direction. Getting upfront exposure to corporate styles, culture and structure helped Joel decide on the type of companies and environment that would suit him best.

Submitted on: November 25, 2024

Shown here is Captain Wickfield (on the left) along with FAA inspector Jeffs receiving his Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award

Name: Eric Wickfield

Class Year(s): 1974

Note: Press Release: RIT Grad Receives Our Nation’s Highest Award for a Civilian Pilot A senior representative of the FAA, inspector Richard Jeffs, recently presented Eric Wickfield BS ’74 the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, the highest honor issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), recognizes pilots who have practiced safe flight operations continuously for 50 or more years during the course of their aviation careers. This award is to recognize individuals who have exhibited exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism and for their contributions to safety in aviation. Captain Wickfield has not only distinguished himself as an aviator, but is also a recognized author and speaker on oceanic operations and aviation safety issues. Captain Wickfield was presented the airman’s FAA’s Blue Ribbon package and the distinctive Wright Brothers Master Pilot plaque at a ceremony attended by Captain Wickfield’s wife Leslie, also a distinguished aviator, local dignitaries and many friends and colleagues from his distinguished flying career.

Submitted on: November 25, 2024

Gerard Kiernan BT ’83 and his wife Kim Kiernan

Name: Gerard Kiernan

Class Year(s): 1983

Note: Congratulations to Gerard Kiernan BT ’83 and his wife Kim, on celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary in March. Time sure flies.

Submitted on: November 22, 2024

Name: Howard Hall

Class Year(s): 1972

Note: Howard Hall BFA ’72 became an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in both InDesign and Photoshop, while at U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the immediate office of the director. It was here that he created communication designs supporting public health emergency responses, including COVID-19 pandemic and Ebola epidemic.

Submitted on: November 21, 2024

Cover for new book, In Through the Side Door: Fifty Years of Women in Interaction Design

Name: Erin Malone

Class Year(s): 1994

Note: Erin Malone MFA ’94 has a new book, In Through the Side Door: Fifty Years of Women in Interaction Design. It was just released on October 15, 2024 by the MIT Press.

Submitted on: November 20, 2024

Name: Steve Knobler

Class Year(s): 1981

Note: Steve Knobler BS ’81 just celebrated the 15th anniversary of North Seattle Community Acupuncture in Seattle, Washington. After 20+ years as an engineer, Steve switched to Eastern Medicine with no regrets. Dr. Knobler stays busy with his career and writing novels (Community Acupuncturist Tales).

Submitted on: November 20, 2024

Name: Marie Massuh-Fox

Class Year(s): 2014

Note: Congratulations to Marie Chantal Massuh-Fox BFA ’14 on the feature film distribution accomplishments. The award-winning thriller ‘Thirst Trap’ was directed by Chantal and signed by Echelon Studios. Read about the award-winning thriller ‘Thirst Trap’ here: https://echelonstudios.us/press-release/echelon-studios-signs-award-winning-thriller-thirst-trap/. Watch Thirst Trap. It is currently available on Tubi.

Submitted on: November 15, 2024

Name: Justin Baum

Class Year(s): 2009

Note: Justin Baum BS ’09 was recently appointed Chief of Police at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Justin brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to public safety to his new role, where he oversees all security and law enforcement operations for the airport. He credited his success to his foundational roots in the RIT Criminal Justice Program.

Submitted on: October 30, 2024

Name: Rick Giammaria

Class Year(s): 1977

Note: Rick Giammaria BFA ’77, Senior Staff Photographer, is celebrating 35 years of working for Pepco. To celebrate his dedication and years of service, more than 50 of Rick’s photographs will be on display in the Pepco Edison Place Gallery in Washington D.C. through the end of 2024. The exhibit will feature a collection of Rick’s favorite photographs during his tenure, some never seen before by the public. The collection features several historical moments in Pepco and its sister company’s history, including crews responding to emergencies and other fascinating moments. An opening event on November 13 at 4 p.m. EST at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery will kick off the exhibit. If interested in attending, please RSVP via this link - https://tinyurl.com/35-Year-Retro.

Submitted on: October 29, 2024