Class Notes

Name: Don McGrath

Class Year(s): 1986

Note: Don McGrath ’86 (KGCOE) has shifted his athletic focus from running to rock climbing since graduating from RIT. He recently won the gold medal in the 60-64 age group at the Huntsman World Senior Games in Saint George, Utah.

Submitted on: October 28, 2025

Name: Gerald Isobe

Class Year(s): 1976

Note: Gerald Isobe ’76 (SCB) is a member of the deaf community and a life-long trailblazer. Gerald Isobe and his son Brandon Isobe, co-founded the app, App MyEar, which helps the deaf and hard-of-hearing to fully converse with those around them. From RIT, to one of Ten Outstanding Young Americans (U.S Junior Chamber of Jaycees), to the U.S. Department of Defense, varsity golf coach and ASL teacher, Gerald has been inspiring for decades. To learn more about Gerald please visit: https://discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2025/9/1/gerald-isobe/

Submitted on: October 27, 2025

Name: Scott Ladin

Class Year(s): 1978,1987

Note: Scott Ladin ’78 (CAST), MBA ’87 (SCB) has retired and is now a small business mentor with SCORE, helping hundreds of entrepreneurs to start, run and grow small businesses. Scott also works with R-Community Bikes to distribute free bicycles to children and adults in Rochester, New York, who depend on bicycles for transportation. As an active cyclist Scott continues to support not-for-profit events such as Tour de Cure and Bike MS to promote research and programs.

Submitted on: October 27, 2025

Name: Nathan Reichert

Class Year(s): 2012

Note: Nathan Reichert ’12 (NTID) was recently promoted to finance manager at Duke University, where he supports faculty, student groups, and staff in managing funds to ensure accurate financial tracking, compliance, and effective resource allocation.

Submitted on: October 27, 2025

Name: Jennifer Hungate

Class Year(s): 2013

Note: Jennifer Hungate ’13 (CAST) is the president and CEO of Hungate Construction, recently certified as a New York State Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE). Passionate about empowering others, Jennifer continues to advocate for women in construction and is dedicated to creating opportunities for minority-and women-owned businesses. Through her leadership, she strives to build not only strong structures but also stronger communities across New York State.

Submitted on: October 27, 2025

Name: Collette V. Fournier

Class Year(s): 1979

Note: Collette V. Fournier ‘79 (GAP) presents Africa: 24/7: The Legacy of Black Visual Culture, a documentary series capturing photographic images in Ghana over four visits (2007, 2010, 2017, 2025). The work reflects the vibrancy, resilience, and energy of everyday life, highlighting a country that works day and night to remain strong and independent. The exhibition features 25–26 prints, including 20 recent images from March 2025 and earlier works from 2010 and 2017. Exhibition Dates: Nov. 3, 2025 – Dec. 19, 2025 at Finkelstein Memorial Library, Spring Valley, NY.

Submitted on: October 27, 2025

Name: William O’Such

Class Year(s): 1988

Note: William O’Such MS ’88 (KGCOE) is consulting on strategy and corporate development in embedded and edge computing. William has also found a passion for street photography in Paris and San Francisco.

Submitted on: October 26, 2025

Name: Valerie O’Hara

Class Year(s): 1976

Note: Valerie O’Hara ’76 (FAA) was awarded The Leo Dodd Heritage Preservation award by Historic Brighton in November. The lifetime achievement award celebrates Valerie’s 60-year commitment to the art and preservation of architectural stained glass in Western New York.

Submitted on: October 26, 2025

Name: Jessica Brock-Schlageter

Class Year(s): 2022

Note: Jessica Brock-Schlageter ’22 (GCCIS) and Drake Busdiecker ’22 (GCCIS) got engaged in August 2025. The couple met freshman year at RIT, where they came for a better future, and left with a partner for life!

Submitted on: October 25, 2025

Name: Shqipe Neziri Vela

Class Year(s): 2007

Note: Shqipe Neziri Vela ’07 (CAST) has been included in the inaugural Women’s Sustainability Power List 2025 by the Lean In Network for her leadership in promoting transparency, energy governance, and sustainable development.

Submitted on: October 25, 2025