Class Notes

One of Ken’s more recently edited and illustrated efforts

Name: Kenneth Kuzia

Class Year(s): 1980

Note: Ken Kuzia ’80 (CCE) just finished editing and illustrating the fifth and sixth books for his author and friend, Rand Gee. The books include short stories, humorous quips and anecdotes, and, most recently, a series of books documenting the coal mining regions around Pittsford, PA in the 1800s and early 1900s. Previously, Ken edited and illustrated a book by his mother, Dorothy Dupere-Kuzia, about her story growing up in the upper peninsula of Michigan and the trials she endured. Among other accomplishments, Ken has researched his family tree back to his seventh great-grandfathers in the early 1600s. His database for his genealogical information includes more than 1,300 names of related individuals, and a printed version of his family tree fills 156 pages.

Submitted on: January 1, 2021

Name: Charles Holden

Class Year(s): 65,69

Note: Charles Holden ’68 (GAP) writes: Located in Wilmington, NC I have started a letterpress and book studio. I teach classes in typography, letterpress printing, bookbinding and papermaking. Classes are small, but there is also open studio/lab time for students to continue using skills learned for for in-depth work. Visit the site at portcityletterpress.com.

Submitted on: January 1, 2021

Name: Kenneth Becker

Class Year(s): 1968, 1970

Note: Ken Becker AAS ’72 (SCB) writes: Fond memories of RIT - Photo Science/Business; Student Government, Student Court; not retired yet! National Corp for Housing Partnerships - 1975-1987 - VP; Becker Associates - 1987-1994; Rakusin & Becker Management, Inc., Bethesda, MD., President - 1994 - Present - Real Estate Development & Management; Montgomery College Foundation - Board Chair; married 44 Years; 2 daughters; 4 granddaughters.

Submitted on: December 31, 2020

Name: Zeid Nasser

Class Year(s): 2012

Note: After 6 years with Delphi Automotive, Zeid Nasser ’12 (CAST) moved on to L3Harris engineering, and has now transitioned to the L3Harris international sales team.

Submitted on: December 28, 2020

Name: Tim Torres

Class Year(s): 2017

Note: Tim Torres ’18 (CAD) just accepted an offer from EY Seren in London, UK as a senior user experience designer, after having just recently moved from NYC to be closer to his partner in London.

Submitted on: December 28, 2020

Ron Gallo, hard at work in his backyard.

Name: Ron Gallo

Class Year(s): 1961

Note: In April of 2020, Ron Gallo ’61 (FAA) was the recipient of the Best Figure & Portrait award from the national art magazine Plein Air Painting. To view Ron’s award winning painting "Chalk Walk", as wells his other work, please visit www.rongallo.com

Submitted on: December 26, 2020

Jan Detanna (far right) of The Dukes appearing on stage on a seven day Mexican Riviera Cruise in February 2020

Name: Jan Detanna

Class Year(s): 1968 1969

Note: Jan Detanna MFA ’68 (FAA) is the lead singer in The Dukes acapella singing group, who appeared on a seven day Mexican Riviera Cruise in February 2020. The Dukes have appeared all over Southern California.

Submitted on: December 25, 2020

Name: David Gianna

Class Year(s): 1991

Note: David Gianna ’91 (CAST, GAP) completed a PhD in Technology at Capitol Technical University. He is teaching graduate Cyber Security at Yeshiva University and at University of Maryland. David is also a Business Risk & Control Officer at Wells Fargo Bank.

Submitted on: December 24, 2020

Name: DINA JOHNSON

Class Year(s): 2015

Note: Dina Johnson ’15 (CHST) writes: I am happy to announce that I have started a non-profit organization called the Monroe County Family Coalition, Inc. In June 2020, I held a Black Families Matters march in the Town of Greece, N.Y., that would start the conversation to bring about unity and healing to the community. My vision is to create opportunities for families to bring about change and bridge inequality gaps in the community. The mission is to connect local families to community resources and bridge the gap between local government and partnering agencies and at-risk youth and families. I also recently applied for 501(c)3 status in November. I feel dedicated to continuing the work with several community partners with a distinct focus on underserved and underrepresented communities. I owe this all to RIT and the mentorship and leadership skills I received while going back to school as an older adult!

Submitted on: December 23, 2020

Name: Rick Morris

Class Year(s): 1983

Note: Rick Morris ’83 (CCE) writes: I was promoted to Industrial Furnace Co. Site supervisor at AMG Vanadium, Zanesville, OH.

Submitted on: December 22, 2020