Class Notes
Name: Lynne Damianos
Class Year(s): 1981
Note: Lynne Damianos BS ’81 recently published the book: Solitude, Community, Hope: An Anthology. It is a collection of poetry, prose, and images. From the pain of loneliness to the joy of voluntary solitude, to the building of community and the hope for a better future, the contributors to this compilation explore a diversity of emotions and perspectives. The personal stories, artwork, and creative expressions offer a unique and authentic perspective on loneliness. It is a collection that helps us recognize and appreciate that despite our differences, we all have a common need for human contact and connection. All proceeds earned for book sales will be donated to First Parish Framingham, a Unitarian Universalist congregation, as it seeks to offer programming to end the epidemic of loneliness. Books may be ordered from SilverStreetMedia.com Edited by Brett Peruzzi Cover illustration © Marianne Orlando Designed by Joanne Sarkar Published by Damianos Publishing, November 2024
Submitted on: November 25, 2024
Name: John Letteney
Class Year(s): 1983
Note: After 43 years in law enforcement in New York, Georgia and North Carolina, John Letteney BS ’83 retired from the policing profession and accepted a position as assistant town manager for the Town of Morrisville, North Carolina. In this role, Jon has the responsibility for several municipal departments and serves as a member of the senior leadership team, working with department heads and the Town Council to advance their vision and enhance the quality of life in Morrisville.
Submitted on: November 25, 2024
Name: Velvet Howland
Class Year(s): 2023
Note: Velvet Howland BS ’23 married Nathan Holtby at Fair Haven Beach State Park on September 1, 2024. It was a lovely day and many members of the RIT Women’s Rowing team came out to support! RIT alum, Michael DeFranco BFA ’24 captured their day via video.
Submitted on: November 25, 2024
Name: Clifford Locks
Class Year(s): 1981
Note: Exciting Announcement: Cliff Locks BS ’81 publishes his seventh book: Your Path to Greatness: Essential Leadership Skills for the Next Generation Leaders. This comprehensive guide empowers emerging and seasoned leaders with the tools, strategies, and confidence to excel in today’s ever-evolving business world. Focused on leadership development, the book provides a systematic framework covering essential topics like: strategy, mentorship, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and integrating business intelligence and AI for organizational growth. Through practical examples and actionable insights, Cliff equips readers to unlock their full leadership potential, inspire others, and chart a path to success. Whether you want to refine your leadership style, set impactful goals, or optimize team performance, Your Path to Greatness is your roadmap to becoming an exceptional leader. Get your copy today on Amazon: Your Path to Greatness: Essential Leadership Skills for the Next Generation Leaders: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Path-Greatness-Leadership-Generation/dp/B0DGGJLYL6 Looking to take your growth even further? Pair the book with Cliff’s self-paced online course, Emerging Leaders Program, designed to help you implement the strategies and skills outlined in the book. Enroll now: Emerging Leaders Program: https://millionairelifeservices.uteach.io/courses/emerging-leaders-program Discover more about Cliff Locks and his mentoring services at www.MillionaireLife.Services. Start your journey to greatness today!
Submitted on: November 25, 2024
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