Class Notes
Name: Benjamin Grabski
Class Year(s): 1992
Note: Benjamin Grabski BS ’92 retired from the Army as a Colonel after 30 years. Benjamin moved to San Antonio and started working in a civilian status as an analyst for the Army.
Submitted on: November 25, 2024
Name: Deseree Cain-Arzu
Class Year(s): 2016
Note: Deseree Cain-Arzu MS ’16 was recently selected, for the second time, as a recipient of a grant from Earth Journalism Network: https://earthjournalism.net/what-we-do/project-updates/ejn-awards-9-journalists-story-grants-to-report-on-fisheries-in-belize, to write a follow-up story on conch: https://earthjournalism.net/stories/revisiting-the-science-of-conch-maturity-five-years-later-in-belize. This is a follow-up story to one she wrote in 2019: https://earthjournalism.net/stories/what-if-belizean-conch-soup-or-ceviche-were-no-more. Both stories were published in the San Pedro Sun, which has a monthly post reach of 168.555; monthly post engagement of 12,700; and a FB following of more than 52,000.
Submitted on: November 25, 2024
Name: Daniel Corbin
Class Year(s): 2011
Note: Daniel Corbin BS ’11 launched steel stamping components for a Caterpillar skid steel cab (17 stampings, 6 assemblies), John Deere Harvester components (10 stampings), John Deere Z3 mower (4 stampings, 1 assembly), and various other project support over the last 3 years!
Submitted on: November 25, 2024
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
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
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
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