Commencement Delegates 2022-2023

Each college selects one undergraduate student and may also select one graduate student to represent degree candidates from the college—students whose overall personal achievement demonstrates the ideals of RIT including, but not limited to, academic achievement.

College of Art and Design

Vincent Alban Headshot
Vincent Alban
Undergraduate Delegate

Vincent Alban is graduating with a BFA in photographic and imaging arts-photojournalism and is a student in the RIT Honors Program. His passion for photojournalism comes from the desire to connect to the community around him. His list of awards and honors include being named the 77th College Photographer of the Year in 2022, the 2022 White House News Photographers Association Student Still Photographer of the Year, and receiving an Award of Excellence in the Local Photographer of the Year category for the 2023 Pictures of the Year International Competition. Vincent was the visual intern at the Baltimore Sun this past summer and will be interning at the Boston Globe and National Geographic, following graduation.

Meagan Snavely Headshot
Meagan Snavely
Graduate Delegate

Graduating with an MFA with a concentration in ceramics, Meagan earned her BFA at the New Hampshire Institute of Art.  Her professional experience includes working as an RIT graduate teaching assistant, a featured artist at Lou Bleu, and the ceramics studio manager at the Currier Museum of Art.  Her work has been included in exhibitions in the US, South Korea, and England. She says, “Ceramics is a lot like life; things break, and we pick them up, and make things work the best we can." After graduation, Meagan will be pursuing a career in higher education and expanding her studio practice.

Saunders College of Business

Maggie Dempsey Headshot
Maggie Dempsey
Undergraduate Delegate

Maggie graduated last semester with a BS in management information systems and was a recipient of the E. Philip Saunders Endowed Business Scholarship. Among her many activities, Maggie was a lead planning committee member for the Women’s Leadership Summit, a member of Delta Sigma Pi, an active volunteer for the American Cancer Society and involved in the International United Miss Scholarship Pageant. For the past two years, she has worked at Wegmans Food Markets as a Project Management Intern assisting in the implementation of technology-driven initiatives. Maggie said, “RIT has been an invaluable part of my personal and professional development, and I am incredibly grateful for the experiences I have gained during my time as a Saunders student.” Maggie is currently enrolled in the Saunders MBA program with an anticipated graduation date of May 2024. This summer, she will be joining Capital One through their Management Internship Program, followed by an internship at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the fall.

Alena Pishchuk
Alena Pishchuk
Graduate Delegate

Alena will graduate with an MBA and is a Fulbright Foreign Program Scholar. She earned an undergraduate degree in social and cultural communications from Belarussian State University.  Alena participated in more than 10 international exchange programs and on her own, organized 3 educational programs.  She worked as a project manager in socially significant projects, while developing the first Belarusian foodbank as a side project after work. Along with her small team, Alena developed a model treaty for the food redistribution in the country and signed a contract with the first corporate partner. Alena was selected as the Graduate Student Speaker at the 2023 Academic Convocation.  Alena is eager to combine her newly acquired knowledge in business with her professional experience in social impact and “see the magic happen.” From the group of college delegates, Alena was chosen as Graduate Student Speaker at the Academic Convocation.

Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences

Nuzhat Minhaz Headshot
Nuzhat Minhaz
Undergraduate Delegate

Nuzhat is an international student from Dhaka, Bangladesh, studying computing and information technologies with concentrations in cybersecurity and database applications, and a minor in criminal justice. In 2019, Nuzhat founded Bangladesh’s first cybercrime countermeasure start-up, PrivaC, which connects cybercrime victims to verified professional legal and wellness services. With support from local and international companies, she organized PrivaShe Hacks in 2020, Bangladesh’s first all-female virtual hackathon to create employment and education opportunities for women in STEM during the pandemic. After graduation, Nuzhat will start employment as a product manager at Microsoft’s Developer Division - Cloud+AI in Redmond, Washington. Nuzhat says, “I want to dedicate my experiences to facilitate cyber safety and security for those most vulnerable in nations with limited security compliance, cybercrime regulations, and a lack of technical resources— while focusing on the reality of marginalized communities in the cyberspace, especially women.”

Wyatt Tauber Headshot
Wyatt Tauber
Graduate Delegate

An honors student in the computing security BS/MS program, Wyatt is originally from Minnesota, where he founded an information technology and security consulting provider at age 14 in response to the worldwide CryptoLocker ransomware attack. He has since interned at the nonprofit MITRE Corporation and the Federal Government to make national systems and data more secure.  Wyatt is a recipient of several awards and honors, including the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service, the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award, the ACT Exemplar Award, and the Scholarship America Dreams to Success Award. Wyatt is a member of RITSEC, a volunteer for the FIRST Robotics Competition’s regional and global tournaments, a freshman mentor in the RIT Honors Program, and was a research assistant for the RIT Center for Advancing STEM Teaching, Learning, and Evaluation (CASTLE). After graduation, Wyatt intends to pursue a Ph.D. in cyber operations at Dakota State University through the Federal Government with a focus on security analytics.

Kate Gleason College of Engineering

Diamoni Peterson Headshot
Diamoni Peterson
Undergraduate Delegate

Graduating with a BS in chemical engineering, Diamoni has experience in the food and beverage industry, using knowledge and application of engineering principles, leadership, and passion for continuous improvement.  Diamoni’s work experience includes a co-op as a process engineer at Ingredion and a maintenance reliability co-op at The Boston Beer Company.  Diamoni serves as president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, an RIT Grand Scholars Challenge Program Scholar, and RIT Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement Momentum Change Agent.  Diamoni says, “I am looking to fulfill my passion for sustainability through operational excellence within industry to combat material, energy usage, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions.”

Anthony Bacchetta Headshot
Anthony Bacchetta
Graduate Delegate

Anthony is pursuing an MS in computer engineering, and his research focuses on quantum circuit simulations and quantum computing.  He earned his BS in computing engineering, also from RIT.  He has completed several internships with various companies such as Mastodon Design, ITT Goulds Pumps, Inc., L3-Harris Tech., and Videk, Inc.  Anthony is described as “engaging, energetic, and enthusiastic”, and an avid ambassador for his department.  He is teaching assistant for his program and serves as a mentor to undergraduate students. Anthony is a recipient of a Merit Award for Outstanding Student Teaching Performance and Service to Computer Engineering Department, a member of the Order of the Engineer, and Eagle Scout, and a certified AWS Technical Partner with Amazon, Inc.

College of Engineering Technology

Calvin Yang Headshot
Calvin Yang
Undergraduate Delegate

Calvin will graduate with a BS in Computer Engineering Technology. His work experience includes software engineering co-ops with both Broadridge Financial Solutions and Transonic Systems, Inc., as well as working at RIT as a teaching assistant/tutor. During his time as a student, Calvin was vice president of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, an orientation supervisor, and an RIT 365 peer facilitator. Calvin says, “A big reason as to why I love RIT now is because I had to go out of my way to love it. The people, friends, environment, and opportunities were all there, but it was up to me as to if I wanted to take advantage of it.”

Peter VanCamp
Peter VanCamp
Graduate Delegate

Peter plans to graduate with a BS in electrical mechanical engineering technology and an MS in manufacturing and mechanical systems integration.  He completed co-ops with Progressive Machine & Design as a controls engineer and with D&W Diesel as a production engineer.  Peter has been heavily involved with RIT Baja Club, a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, is an Eagle Scout, and an RIT Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar. He was a member of the varsity soccer team and a teaching assistant/tutor.  Peter says, “Overall, I have developed a love for learning and a passion for life that I could have never imagined just five years ago.” Following graduation, Peter plans to move to Colorado to begin his career as an automation field applications engineer at MSI Tec.

College of Health Sciences and Technology

Katherine Koontz Headshot
Katherine Koontz
Undergraduate Delegate

A pre-medical student graduating with a BS in biomedical sciences, Katherine is an Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar and an RIT Honors Student. She is a certified EMT volunteering with RIT Ambulance and working at Monroe Ambulance. Katie was recently a research fellow in the Life Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program at the University of Minnesota, and she has since joined the Gleghorn Biochemistry Lab on campus. She worked alongside other biomedical sciences students to found the BMS Mentorship Program, designed to help students on their path to becoming future healthcare professionals. During her time at RIT, Katie has also been an active member of the Health Sciences and Technology Student Association, Computer Science House, and the RIT Women’s Club Soccer team. After graduation, she plans to further expand her research experience in biomedical sciences before applying to combined MD/PhD programs, and she aims to continue serving in the emergency medical services.

Stefanie Lang Headshot
Stefanie Lang
Graduate Delegate

Stefanie is graduating with an MS in health systems administration; she also earned her BS in criminal justice at RIT. She has over 15 years of experience in the public sector as an administrator for government offices in both New York and California.  She is currently a patient care manager at Early Medical.  Her faculty describe her as dedicated with a strong desire to excel and a tremendous work ethic.  

School of Individualized Study

Ndidi Chimah Headshot
Ndidi Chimah
Undergraduate Delegate

Ndidi is from Baltimore, MD, with a heritage from Nigeria.  Through her studies at RIT, she has developed her interests and is working toward her goals through study abroad experiences in more than 5 countries. She has held leadership positions across the student body and has strengthened her entrepreneurial skills with her start-up company, The Blackbook, a digital platform designed to help people find black-owned businesses as they are shopping online.  

Jamie Giroux Headshot
Jamie Giroux, CISSP, CISA, CRISC
Graduate Delegate

With over 25 years of experience in the field of information security, Jamie is an established leader and chief information security officer. He has served customers in finance, health, and government. Regarded as a cybersecurity subject matter expert in regulated and protected industries, he leads strategic infrastructure and architecture initiatives.  He is a trusted expert in the assessment of highly protected justice systems. He has helped to shape the direction of industry policy and has been recognized for his expertise in shaping the direction of cybersecurity.  Jamie is an advocate for cultivating emotional intelligence and empathy in cybersecurity professionals.

College of Liberal Arts

Emma Eagen Headshot
Emma Eagen
Undergraduate Delegate

Emma is a pre-med student graduating with a BS in international and global studies and a minor in chemistry. She was a member of the RIT Honors Program and a recipient of a Presidential Scholarship. Emma's field experience includes serving as a teaching assistant for advanced gross anatomy under the physician's assistant program. She completed an internship with the Center for Oral Biology at the University of Rochester. As a Flower City AmeriCorps service member, she served at the Rochester Refugee Resettlement Services assisting refugee women with employment and other social support needs. Emma was a student assistant to the Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, president of the Beekeeping Club, secretary and a representative on the Liberal Arts Student Advisory Board, and a member of the Students for a National Health Program. After graduation, Emma will be working as an EMT and applying to medical school to pursue an MD with a focus on refugee health.

Libnah Rodriguez Headshot
Libnah Rodriguez
Graduate Delegate

Libnah is graduating with a MS and BS in criminal justice. She is the recipient of the Shaw and McKay Award, an Honors Program Graduate, and an Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar. While pursuing her degree, Libnah was a research associate and assistant for the Center for Public Safety Initiatives where she mentored student researchers, collaborated with agencies on the Jordan Hub project and had the opportunity to be an expert panelist on the Rochester Beacon's online event, entitled "Rochester's Homicide Crisis". She completed an internship with the Monroe County Public Defender's office assisting attorneys and observing courtroom proceedings. Libnah served as the president of the Criminal Justice Student Association and she was a mentor and advocate for the Multicultural Center for Academic Success. Following graduation, Libnah plans to continue working as a research associate with the Center for Public Safety Initiatives.

National Technical Institute for the Deaf

Abigail Murray
Abigail Murray
Undergraduate Delegate

Abigail is graduating with a BS in American Sign Language and Interpreting Education. She works for the RIT Department of Access Services as a student interpreter as well as interning at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She has worked as a notetaker, academic peer mentor, and in NTID’s Admissions office. She is among the first cohort of Performing Arts Scholars, focusing on the discipline of dance with Vis Viva Dance Company. She also served in student leadership with the Deaf Christian group, Hands of Fire. After graduation, Abigail will begin her career as a freelance interpreter while pursuing international work.

Surya Sahetapy Headshot
Surya Sahetapy
Graduate Delegate

Surya graduates with a MS in secondary education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. He also earned his BS in international and global studies from RIT. He has worked as a research assistant for Research Center on Culture and Language, which focuses on access to health care for the Deaf community in the United States, and as a student research and media content assistant for the World Around You (WAY) Projects. During his studies at RIT/NTID, he continued teaching Indonesian Sign Language to hearing students and English to Deaf students in Indonesia synchronously through Zoom. In Indonesia, Surya had been active in advocating for Jakarta Sign Language, including his engagement with the Center of Sign Language in Indonesia, and the Indonesian Sign Language Interpreter Service Centre. Surya is also a co-founder of the Handai Tuli Foundation, which aims to facilitate greater understanding between the Hearing and Deaf communities through education. His vision is to ensure equality for the Deaf Community, including Indonesia.

College of Science

Anna Kasper Headshot
Anna Kasper
Undergraduate Delegate

Graduating with a BS in biology, Anna’s research experience includes working as an undergraduate research assistant at RIT, the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, and the Jackson Laboratory.  She has delivered posters and presentations at conferences around the country. Anna was the OMV Research Project Lead in the Michel Lab, a course grader, and an instructor.  She also served as a residence advisor, peer mentor, and teaching assistant.  Her awards and honors include an NSF REU awarded in 2022, the Al and RC Davis Leadership Scholarship, the Joseph T. Ferraro Memorial Scholarship, and the College of Science Alumni Endowed Award. Anna was also selected to deliver the Undergraduate Student Address at the 2023 Academic Convocation. From the group of college delegates, Anna was chosen as Undergraduate Student Speaker at the Academic Convocation.

Pancy Thein Lwin Headshot
Pancy Thein Lwin
Graduate Delegate

Pancy is pursuing a PhD in mathematical modeling. Under the supervision of Dr. Moumita Das, Pancy’s dissertation focuses on using mathematical models of biopolymer networks to predict their mechanical structure-function properties in cells, tissues, and bio-inspired synthetic soft materials, and of the lifecycle of viruses under antivirals. Pancy also did a research internship at IBM Almaden under the mentorship of Dr. Barbara Jones, which culminated in the antiviral project. Pancy earned her MS in applied mathematics from RIT and her BS in mathematics from Hawai’i Pacific University. Pancy is an author on three publications and a fourth manuscript is under review. She presented at several conferences and symposia. She is a recipient of several awards and honors, including an NSF INTERN Award, and she is a member of the American Physical Society.

Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Paras Nandu
Paras Nandu
Graduate Delegate

Paras is graduating with a Master of Architecture.  His thesis focused on microclimate enhancement in arid climate, outdoor comfort in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.  Paras is a licensed architect in India, where he earned his Bachelor of Architecture at D.Y. Patil College of Architecture in Navi Mumbai. He has extensive work experience, including working at SWBR and at Alliance Architectural Stone.  He is also a recipient of several awards and scholarships.  Paras says, “I want to use technology to the best of my ability to design beautiful and meaningful architecture, analyze the environmental effects and energy use of designed buildings and minimize the building’s impact on the environment. As architects of the 21st century, that is our duty, and I take it as a privilege and a challenge.”

RIT China

Yongzhe Liang
Yongzhe Liang

From Weihai, China, Yongzhe Liang will graduate with a BS in management information systems from RIT China. In addition to distinguishing himself academically, Yongzhe completed an internship in CITIC Securities, presented his research at the RIT Global Humanities conference, and participated in Imagine RIT. Yongzhe leads by example and has been instrumental in the development of the Tiger House, an organization which brings the spirit of RIT to the China campus. He also helped establish a Student/Staff Committee at RIT China to help bridge the gap between students and professors, acting as a tireless advocate and mentor for the past four years. Based on his outstanding achievements, Yongzhe has been awarded the prestigious opportunity to pursue a Master of Engineering in computer science and t echnology at Beijing Jiaotong University. His goal is to become a professional network engineer.

RIT Croatia

Marko Juríc
Marko Juríc

From Srebrenik, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Marko graduates with a BS in web and mobile computing from RIT Croatia. He was selected as an RIT Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar based on his accomplishment of earning a 4.00 cumulative GPA along with other achievements throughout his RIT career. During his studies at RIT Croatia, he helped other students by working as a teaching assistant for web and Mobile 1 and 2, client programming, and software design principles and patterns. Additionally, he offered guidance and support as a peer mentor to fellow students. He also spent one semester at the Rochester campus as a Global Scholar. Marko acquired valuable professional experience by doing his internship and later part-time work in Bit4Bytes as a software developer.

RIT Dubai

Supreeta Olivera
Supreeta Olivera

Graduating summa cum laude with a BS in finance, Supreeta has been active not only in academics but in several extracurricular activities during her undergraduate career at RIT Dubai. As soon as she joined RIT, she became the founder and president of the chess club. She was also given the opportunity to serve as president of the finance club and was instrumental in the planning of several events for RIT and high school students. Supreeta has enjoyed participating with many other RIT Dubai clubs and volunteered as an academic tutor for quantitative business courses. In the future, Supreeta plans on pursuing a master’s degree in finance and eventually attain a PhD in finance.

RIT Kosovo

Zana Misini Headshot
Zana Misini

From Pristina, Kosovo, Zana graduates with a BS in applied arts and sciences with emphases in management and entrepreneurship and multimedia and graphic design and a minor in international relations. She is a 2023 RIT Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar and also was awarded the RIT Kosovo Outstanding Student Scholarship. During her studies, Zana was highly engaged in student activities and community work such as holding positions of both president and vice president of the RIT-K Media Club. In addition to working as a student employee in the Academic Affairs Office, Zana spent two semesters as a teaching assistant in the RIT 365 Program, helping students strengthen their academic skills. Zana has also completed multiple internships at a number of Kosovar businesses, including Recura Financials and SEO Tactica. Most recently, she began working as a digital designer at Youngstarkdc, a Kosovar-based multi-advertising firm. After graduation, Zana plans to pursue an MS degree in either international business or neuromarketing.

Doctoral Hooding

Olivia Kuzio Headshot
Olivia Kuzio

Olivia began her doctoral studies in color science in 2017. She conducted her research in the Studio for Scientific Imaging and Archiving of Cultural Heritage, where she learned the science and art of advanced technical imaging for museum applications. Her dissertation focused on developing and refining accessible techniques and tools for carrying out these kinds of imaging with more familiar, affordable photography equipment. Concurrently with her doctoral studies, she also pursued parallel interests in the chemical nature of artists’ materials, and earned an MS in chemistry in 2022. She enriched her graduate studies with internships at the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute and the Getty Conservation Institute, where she performed scientific imaging and material analysis on collections objects ranging from ancient Near-Eastern cuneiform tablets to Renaissance oil paintings to 20th-century Bauhaus pastel color studies. Olivia defended her dissertation in February 2023, and is currently a fellow in the Science Department of the Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles, CA.