President David Munson’s 2025 Academic Convocation address

RIT President David Munson addressed the crowd at the Gordon Field House during RIT's annual Academic Convocation ceremony on May 9. The full text of his speech is below:

Good morning, Tigers!

It is my pleasure to welcome you— Class of 2025, families, friends, faculty, staff, and trustees— to this special occasion.

My warmest congratulations to our new graduates in their finest hour here at RIT.

Class of ’25, think back to your first-year orientation and kicking off your RIT adventure here in this Field House. You have worked incredibly hard to get to this moment. And now you are graduating!

What an honor it has been for me to serve as your president as we celebrate your achievements today. I am amazed by your creativity and your devotion to your studies. I am touched by your kindness and care for one another. And I am thankful for the leadership and service you have offered to make our community a better place.

We have more than 4,800 students — at all degree levels — earning diplomas within this academic year. This includes our students at our campuses located in Dubai, Croatia, Kosovo, and China. We truly are a global university.

Speaking of the world, what an uncertain time. This includes the United States, where higher education is under siege and our value is being questioned. I can assure you that RIT is defending our values and culture, and upholding freedom of speech, freedom to peacefully assemble, and academic freedom, most of which are cornerstones of the education we provide. Building on this education, most of our graduates are blessed today with wonderful job offers. These range from brand-name companies to entrepreneurial start-up firms. Some of you will move on to seek advanced degrees either from RIT or other prominent universities, while others will go on to serve in the military or nonprofits. Each of you in this audience has an amazing story behind your journey, culminating in this moment.

It is my hope that you will serve the greater good … because from my vantage point, the world needs more RIT Tigers! Success is not measured by material wealth or prestige. It is my hope that you wake up tomorrow not solely focused on how to earn a living. Rather, that you go out and do your best to enrich the world. Indeed, RIT alumni — now more than 150,000 strong with you included — are emblematic of goodness.

We represent creativity and innovation in all fields, with a strong culture of making. We make things that never existed before and we make things better, whether those things are physical objects, digital media, new processes, new laws or regulations, or breakthrough concepts or ideas. And we put those things into use. That's innovation and that’s RIT! Today’s world needs people who know how to create and innovate, analyze and implement, collaborate and lead, and do so ethically. That’s you!

As you continue your amazing journey, RIT will continue to grow and become the best it can be. RIT has an ecosystem that embraces and designs the future. You will see a continued upward trajectory under the leadership of our new president, Dr. Bill Sanders. On July 1, Dr. Sanders will join us from Carnegie Mellon University, which is renowned on the technological side, but also excels in the arts and in disciplines in between. Sound familiar?

As you move on to your next phase, I urge you to continue to rely on your RIT family for support whenever needed. We hope that, when you reflect on your time at RIT, your thoughts will be of favorite professors and staff, lasting friendships, and a feeling of joy and fulfillment. All of us at RIT—faculty, staff, and trustees—congratulate you and your families and wish you much continued success.

When you return to campus as an alum, I predict that you will see many familiar traditions and programs.  For example, I’m betting that we’ll still have Mud Tug; the Red Barn; the Corner Crew; the Pep Band; winning athletics; concerts, plays, and dance performances; cosplay, EDM, Humans versus Zombies, the Outing Club, and maybe even students dressed like furry creatures that gather in the woods! 

At the same time, when you return, you will see notable changes … changes that should make you feel great pride … new facilities, new programs, new faculty and staff, and students who are as smart as ever. You literally have laid the foundation that enables this exciting future. You are part of RIT for Life.

Please come back and visit often! Nancy and I intend to. We consider ourselves to be members of your class of 2025. But we’re a little slow—we finally are graduating after starting our bachelor’s degree programs 54 years ago! In retirement, Nancy and I certainly will be returning, whether it is for the inauguration of our new president, Brick City Homecoming, a hockey game, the opening of our new theater in 2026, or Imagine RIT. Let’s all pledge to return to campus to relive beautiful memories, reconnect with old friends, and make new ones.

Until then, you have our deepest admiration and gratitude. Today, please celebrate your well-earned graduation. Congratulations, and Go Tigers!