Class Notes
Name: Don Gala
Class Year(s): 1978
Note: Don Gala, Ph.D., ’78 (CLA) returned to Judo training after a 49-year hiatus. In May 2025 he entered in the 2025 USA Judo Senior National Championships in Birmingham, Alabama and won first place (M9 100kg+). Recently, Dr. Gala was promoted to Nikyu/Brown Belt and continues his training toward Ikkyu. Dr. Gala hopes to become a certified Judo Referee (gratis) to help and serve younger students of Judo during competitions.
Submitted on: October 24, 2025
Name: Ruthanne Orth
Class Year(s): 1977
Note: Ruthanne (Schmeh) Orth ’77 (CAST), Dennis Brannon ’77 (CAST), Don Stein ’77 (CAST), Jack Beadling ’77 (CAST), and their spouses gathered May 2025 in Brighton, NY, to reminisce and celebrate almost 50 years since their graduation.
Submitted on: October 24, 2025
Name: Linda Thompson
Class Year(s): 1993
Note: Linda Thompson ’93 (GAP) and Dave Thompson ’94 (KGCOE) just celebrated 30-years of marriage with 2 wonderful boys, Jack & Owen. Jack will be graduating with a master’s degree from the physician assistant major at RIT. Linda is a career & technical education supervisor and Dave is a systems integration engineer in Massachusetts.
Submitted on: October 24, 2025
Name: Brian Nicholas
Class Year(s): 1970, 1980
Note: Brian Nicholas ’70 (GAP), MBA ’80 (SCB) is retired after producing the Security Print Technology Workshops at RIT and is now enjoying time with his grandchildren in the Midwest. Brian has good memories of RIT and Theta Xi in the late 60s, old and new campus!
Submitted on: October 24, 2025
Name: Ray Mulgrew
Class Year(s): 2009
Note: Ray Mulgrew MS ’09 (GCCIS) is a visionary leader in technology, empowering business through innovation.
Submitted on: October 24, 2025
Name: Paul Capotosto
Class Year(s): 73,74,75
Note: Paul Capotosto ’73 (KGCOE) and Ruth Capotosto ’75 (COS), members of the first co-ed residence hall at RIT, continue to reunite each year with their former Gibson A dorm mates. The group includes: Bob ’75 (GAP) and Eileen Kjeldsen, Dan ’74 (COS) and Pat ’76 (SCB) Mizerak, Corky Eckhardt ‘76 (GAP), Neil Borowsky ‘75 (GAP), Ken Corwin ‘76 (KGCOE), and remembered in spirit, the late, Dave Kinlein ‘75 (GAP).
Submitted on: October 24, 2025
Name: Bill Truran
Class Year(s): 1975
Note: Bill Truran ’75 (GAP) is still shooting images for happy clients and plans to do so as long as the work is loved and appreciated. Now 71, Bill recently attended his Golden Circle 50th college reunion and thanks RIT for a great start!
Submitted on: October 24, 2025
Name: Mandi Tryanowski
Class Year(s): 2011
Note: Mandi Tryanowski ’11 (CIAS) and spouse have officially become foster parents and started their journey helping youth in need.
Submitted on: October 24, 2025
Name: Gregory Hafer
Class Year(s): 1979
Note: Gregory Hafer ’79 (GAP), Chuck Goodykoontz ’79 (GAP), MS ’86 (CAST), Hank Russo ’79 (GAP), Ted Skomsky ’80 (GAP), MS ’92 (KGCOE), all took part in the Here Piggy Piggy Golf tournament to benefit the ASPCA at Hidden Valley Golf Course, in Pine Grove, PA on Oct. 3, 2025.
Submitted on: October 24, 2025
Name: Matt Miller
Class Year(s): 2000
Note: Matt Miller ’00 (SCB) recently published Waypoints: Tools and Tactics for Life’s Toughest Choices, a book that explores how people can make better decisions in work and life by applying practical frameworks and clear thinking. Waypoints is available through Amazon and other booksellers. Miller is also the founder of Upleft, an independent advisory firm based in Port Angeles, Washington.
Submitted on: October 24, 2025