Class Notes

Matt Burrough’s book Locksport: A Hacker’s Guide to Lockpicking, Impressioning, and Safe Cracking

Name: Matt Burrough

Class Year(s): 2007

Note: Matt Burrough ’07 (GCCIS) recently completed his second book. "Locksport: A Hacker’s Guide to Lockpicking, Impressioning, and Safe Cracking" is a collaboration between some of the best competitive lock pickers, safe dial manipulators, and impressioners in the world. The book aims to get more people interested in this fascinating sport. Published by No Starch Press, the book will be available in March, 2024.

Submitted on: February 21, 2024

'In 1979, I had the extraordinary experience to photograph my icon James Augustus Van Der Zee who documented portraits of ordinary life of African Americans in Harlem, NY. He operated the GGG Photo Studio and was simply known as “The Picture Taking Man”.

Name: Collette Fournier

Class Year(s): 1973, 1979

Note: https://mailchi.mp/socialdocumentary/black-history-month-2024?fbclid=IwAR3QwTI1HYzWZNiuCBvEVx0RUSxzxVnFuFd0aPClXmjTpQmiJZ5t4s1SR9I RIT SPAS (School of Photographic Arts and Science) was insightful in inviting African American Photographers James VanDerZee and Gordon Parks to lecture to photography students in 1973 and 1977. Collette Fournier ’79 (GAP) and their photography work and the work of ten African American photographers was honored for Black History Month by The Social Documentary Network (SDN) and curated by their Diversity Advisor, Ms. Lisa DuBois. In observance of Black History Month, SDN recognizes the exceptional achievements of James Van Der Zee, an African American photographer who was born in 1886 in Lenox, Massachusetts. Van Der Zee defied expectations and achieved fame and acclaim as a photographer by creating a unique form of portraiture during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 1930s. Van Der Zee’s work has consistently been a source of inspiration for all photographers specializing in portraiture. Photo of James Van Der Zee by SDN member Collette Fournier Photographer. "In 1979, I had the extraordinary experience to photograph my icon James Augustus Van Der Zee who documented portraits of ordinary life of African Americans in Harlem, NY. He operated the GGG Photo Studio and was simply known as “The Picture Taking Man”. Lisa Dubois and SDN acknowledged my body of work on "Queen Mother of Progress", series that I photographed in Ghana, W. Africa in 2007, 2010, 2017 while touring with my cultural group Chiku Awali African Dance, Drum and Culture. All photography © Collette Fournier Photography 1979; 2007, 2010, 2017

Submitted on: February 20, 2024

Mercedes Castro ’15 (CIAS) sitting in a chair

Name: Mercedes Castro

Class Year(s): 2015

Note: For the past decade, Mercedes Castro went from graduating RIT with my BFA in Photographic Illustration, majoring in Advertising Photography, to working endless odd jobs and freelancing, just dreaming of owning her own photography business full-time one day. The past 4 years, she worked at a Florist in Orlando, Florida as a Content Coordinator turned Marketing Manager. Mercedes Castro ’15 (CIAS) is excited to announce her transition into becoming a full-time business owner starting this month. She provides product photography, portraits of team members, and interior designs of businesses to promote brands from the inside out. She is looking forward to this new chapter and hope to connect with business owners and brands to tell their story through professional photography and social media content. My work can be viewed at www.MercedesLaceCastro.com.

Submitted on: February 19, 2024

Name: Ivan Jacobs

Class Year(s): 2023

Note: Ivan Jacobs MS ’23 (GCCIS) is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in artificial intelligence at the University of Luxembourg, delving deeper into the fascinating realm of AI research. Prior to his master’s, Ivan had the privilege of contributing to the field of artificial intelligence as an AI expert at the European Commission. Post-graduation, he embarked on a new chapter as the Vice President and head of Artificial Intelligence Capability Development – Cyber at ST Engineering Singapore. In this role, he is honored to lead the charge in building and enhancing the capabilities of artificial intelligence for cybersecurity, aligning with the company’s growth and strategic objectives. Ivan writes: My responsibilities encompass providing technical guidance to business units and steering AI-related product roadmaps to meet specific business needs and demands. Additionally, I play a pivotal role in mentoring, training, and guiding team members while spearheading research and development initiatives in AI for cybersecurity. Overseeing the implementation of AI platforms and related processes, I advise on technology stacks and roadmap strategies for the development, testing, and deployment of AI models for cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. I am grateful for the solid foundation and support I received during my time at RIT, which undoubtedly paved the way for my continued success in the dynamic field of artificial intelligence. I am eager to stay connected with fellow alumni, share experiences, and contribute to the collective growth of our alma mater.

Submitted on: February 19, 2024

Amelia Hamilton’s wedding in Lyons, New York with RIT/NTID alumni from the 1970s to recent years

Name: Amelia Hamilton

Class Year(s): 2020

Note: Amelia Hamilton ’20 (CAD), MS ’25 (NTID) got married on October 14, 2023 in Lyons, New York, and it was a joy seeing RIT/NTID alumni from the 1970s to recent years coming together to celebrate their love!

Submitted on: February 16, 2024

Name: Kenneth Kuzia

Class Year(s): 1980

Note: Ken Kuzia ’80 (CCE) has been retired for 20+ years but is still active in amateur astronomy, genealogy, genetic ancestry, photography and digital artistry, authoring, editing, and illustration for his friends’ books. He is working on his third book and maintains a website & gallery of recent artwork. (Just Google "Ken Kuzia" and select "The Art Of Ken Kuzia"). Ken lives with his wife in Victor, NY.

Submitted on: February 10, 2024

Jaclyn Pytlarz ’14 (CIAS) looking at a screen on the wall

Name: Jaclyn Pytlarz

Class Year(s): 2014

Note: Jaclyn Pytlarz ’14 (CIAS) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) group was recognized with a 2023 Engineering, Science and Technology Emmy Award for the “standardization of high dynamic range television.”

Submitted on: February 2, 2024

Mariah Texidor ’15 (CIAS) holding a camera

Name: Mariah Texidor

Class Year(s): 2015

Note: Mariah Texidor ’15 (CIAS) recently started a new position as Head of Circulation and Adult Services at Wallington Public Library. Mariah also serves as faculty at the International Center of Photography.

Submitted on: January 29, 2024

Name: Megan Lessard

Class Year(s): 2004

Note: Megan Lessard ’04 (CIAS) was recently promoted to Head of Digital Projects & Metadata (DP&M) at Providence College’s Phillips Memorial Library. DP&M digitizes, publishes, and promotes, Providence College-created scholarship where possible; partners with faculty and local researchers on digital scholarship projects (many open educational resources/OERs); maintains the media technology collection; assists with Library website maintenance and development; and provides metadata for Library created digital collections. DP&M also provides media production and literacy instruction to support students and faculty with media assignments and projects, such as documentaries, podcasts, and websites.

Submitted on: January 29, 2024

Lunchboxes designed and fully illustrated for Toynk.com

Name: Jeremy Sniatecki

Class Year(s): 1995

Note: Jeremy Sniatecki ’95 (CIAS) was chosen to design and fully illustrate several licensed retro style metal lunchboxes for Toynk.com, including Rocky IV, Svengoolie and Killer Klowns from outer Space.

Submitted on: January 22, 2024