News
Department of International Hospitality and Service Innovation

At Saunders College of Business, students are always on to something amazing, even before graduating! If you are a student at Saunders College and have exciting news to share, email communications@saunders.rit.edu.

Three Saunders programs prepare students to pioneer innovation using technology and leadership.

As part of a 25th anniversary celebration of RIT Croatia, Francis Domoy, the longtime leader of RIT’s hospitality and service management program who was pivotal in the launch of what was then named the American College of Management and Technology, was honored April 1 as a recipient of the RIT Croatia Distinguished Service Award.

RIT business students can expect major changes to Max Lowenthal Hall, home of Saunders College of Business, after the completion of a more than $20 million expansion and renovation project in fall 2023.

Saunders College of Business will launch a new sports and entertainment management minor this spring. The minor will focus on the business and management of sports and entertainment organizations and provide students with applied skills in business strategy, analytics, customer service, negotiations, and event and venue management.

Saunders College of Business is proud to offer the Herbert W. Vanden Brul Entrepreneurial Student Award. This award will be presented to an RIT student who has proven their potential to become a successful entrepreneur. 

Students from RIT's Industrial Design (BFA and MFA) and Master of Architecture programs constructed a large-scale sculpture on the Woodstock music festival grounds for a Hello Wood event. 

Ryan Brooks ’96 (food management) is the third-generation owner of the business that began as a poultry farm, providing fresh eggs and packaged meats to nearby stores. His grandparents dreamed of opening a restaurant, and in 1961, they adapted their catering business into what would become a recognized family-owned business—Brooks’ House of Bar-B-Q.

Saunders College of Business teaches students how to thrive in an increasingly global, connected, and diverse business environment through its hospitality and tourism management, international business, and management degrees.

Ndidiamaka “Ndidi” Chimah, a third-year hospitality and tourism management major from Baltimore, has been awarded the Statler Scholarship of Excellence. This prestigious scholarship, valued at $25,000, is awarded to students that go above and beyond, excelling in hospitality management programs, and who plan to pursue careers in the field.

This year’s Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend, Oct. 15 through 17, features numerous in-person events including entertainment, hockey, speakers, escape rooms, axe throwing, a zip line, tours, open houses, and more. Building on the success of last year’s Tiger Alumni Week, a variety of virtual programs specifically for alumni will be held beginning on Oct. 11.

Saunders' recent $19 million expansion project was featured in a Daily Advent article.