News

The first woman of color to go into space reminded the Class of 2026 at Academic Convocation to be fully present in the world—observing, wondering, and “looking up” rather than moving through life with the shades down in apathy or fear. 

When Juan Hernandez-Guerrero's '26 seven-year Army service concluded, like many veterans, he searched for ways to “clear my head and find some peace.” He found serenity in photography, and he's showing fellow veterans how it helped him. 

A rewarding co-op experience, coupled with a laser-focused ambition while studying in RIT's one-of-a-kind photographic sciences program, led to a full-time position after graduation for Melanie Ng '26. 

Emily Ohl '26 (industrial design) was the steady hand behind many of the award-winning costume designs in RIT theater performances the last couple years.

Louisa Duchin '26 MFA (film and animation) has been a licensed practical nurse, worked in theater production management, and tried her hand at being a psychic, librarian, clown, and standup comic. But to her, nothing compares to being a filmmaker, a title she is using to blend her life experiences into stories that have been recognized at film festivals around the country.

As a graduating Army Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet, Ryn Pease combined experience in military science with a BS degree in military and political communication in the School of Individualized Study.

Engineering technology graduate Talitha Sutton is putting computing technology skills and STEM advocacy to use for social good.

History major Julia Resciniti is headed to law school in the fall, bringing her one step closer to her career goal of becoming a disability rights lawyer and policy advocate.

Tyler Mahan has learned how to balance Division I hockey and his academic programs. Now, he weighs professional hockey offers in North America and Europe against a career in finance at Deloitte.

Computer science student Melanie Couillard stayed busy at RIT in academics, club leadership, and performing arts, and is now on to a new career in IT at the New York State Department of Health.

Valeria Marin Montealegre is completing her Ph.D. in mechanical and industrial engineering. She plans to expand a custom, implantable device company she co-founded.

Through changing majors, joining clubs, networking with alumni, and finding internships, graduate Makenna Davis has built a successful academic career driven by her own initiative.