Awards and Recognitions

E. Philip Saunders Endowed Business Scholarship

A lifelong resident of Livingston County, NY, Mr. Saunders is a tireless promoter of the Upstate NY economy and believes strongly that an educated workforce is the key to economic growth in the region. As part of his commitment to RIT and to the naming of its College of Business, in July 2006, Mr. Saunders established the E. Philip Saunders Endowed Business Scholarship, providing two four-year academic scholarships annually, one each to a graduate of Dansville (NY) High School and of Livonia (NY) High School, who have been accepted to Saunders College of Business at RIT.

Herbert W. Vanden Brul Entrepreneurial Student Award

The Herbert W. Vanden Brul Entrepreneurial Student Award is presented to an RIT student who has proven their potential to become a successful entrepreneur.

Phil Saunders Cornerstone of Philanthropy Award

This award is presented to a graduate, faculty, staff or friend who exemplifies a groundbreaking spirit and gives selflessly to Saunders College of Business and RIT through philanthropic support. The awardee has impacted Saunders College of Business students, alumni, faculty, staff and the RIT community.

Outstanding Business Leader Award

The Business Leader Award recognizes individuals who personify the mission of Saunders College of Business. Alumni are chosen annually to represent three of the four college departments, MBA program, and EMBA program. Through outstanding achievements and civic, cultural, and charitable contributions, these individuals bring honor to Saunders College of Business, their respective department, Rochester Institute of Technology, and over 25,000 alumni the college represents. Ideal candidates have made a significant impact on their field and/or contributed to the success of their respective department.

Sarah Margaret Gillam Award

The alumni award is given by the Department of International Hospitality & Service Innovation to an alumnus/alumna who has distinguished themselves in a significant way in a hospitality career. Criteria for the award is based on the recipient's outstanding contribution to hospitality services and excellence within industry and community.

The Sarah Margaret Gillam Award is named for the 1916 graduate of the Mechanics Institute. Sarah Margaret Gillam taught and developed new courses in foodservice, consulted for both the Veterans Administration and the New York Hospital-Cornell medical center, was a dietitian at Rochester General Hospital and former president and member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She was named RIT's 1967 Outstanding Alumna.

Outstanding Community Partner Award

This award is given to exemplary business, corporation, foundation, or non-profit partner of the Saunders College of Business. Eligible candidates have shown a long standing commitment to employment of our students and alumni, have engaged in various academic research/sponsorship collaborations and/or have philanthropically supported the college to help foster innovation and student success.

Saunders Student Impact Award

Given annually to a Saunders College staff member who takes a student-centered approach to completing their job. The awardees provide a supportive environment and are highly accessible and approachable to the students they serve. The awardees are individuals who will assuredly follow up to ensure each student’s needs are met and are always cooperative and collaborative in doing so.

Saunders Difference Maker Award

Given annually to a Saunders College staff member who has embraced and excelled in his or her position. Recipients of this award have displayed great enthusiasm towards their jobs, team, department, and college goals. Winners of the ‘Difference Maker Award’ are also proactive in identifying challenges and suggesting viable solutions. They are those who have earned the respect of their colleagues for their professionalism and integrity.

RIT Presidential Awards for Outstanding Staff

The Presidential Awards for Outstanding Staff include the Staff Recognition Awards, the Albert J. Simone Legacy Award, and the Isaac L. Jordan, Sr. Staff Pluralism Award. In 2019, four Saunders staff members were nominated. For full details on the awards and nominees, visit the RIT Presidential Awards for Outstanding Staff web pages.