DDI Good News | March 2024
How Time Flies!
Congratulations to the following colleagues who were recently recognized by the Division of Diversity and Inclusion for their years of service at RIT.
5 years: Journalist in Residence DDI Janet Lomax and Executive Director for Culture and Diversity Education Taj Smith.
10 years: Associate Director for Rochester City Scholars David Benitez, Assistant Provost and AVP for Faculty Diversity and Recruitment Torrence Sparkman and Director of Faculty Diversity and Recruitment Lorraine Stinebiser.
15 years: Assistant Director for Faculty Diversity and Recruitment Nancy Dimock.
25 years: Executive Director for Marketing and Operations Sandra Whitmore.
30 years: Financial Coordinator for DDI Grants Beth Caito.
Assistant Director for Assessment and Academic Success Robert Bonfiglio, was invited to observe a discussion with K-12 math teachers from Western NY with the U of R Warner School’s Center for Professional Development and Education Reform earlier this year. The theme: “Challenging Norms of Traditional Mathematics Education.” The Warner staff led the cadre through higher level instruction for simple tasks to avoid reverting to traditional instruction like rote, repetitive and memorization techniques. Bonfiglio says, “All of this is helpful to MCAS in formulating a stronger math bridge for the Summer Experience program for incoming first-year students. It also underscores the importance of engaging with secondary education as a sphere and with personnel to create a more supportive pipeline for students.”
We bid farewell to our colleague and friend Maria Vega, program director HEOP. She has spent 17 years at RIT, with more than a dozen years in the Division of Diversity and Inclusion. Her focus has always been on our students. She was once asked what it is about her job that keeps her here. In addition to her colleagues, Vega said, “I know it sounds cliché, but I truly love working with HEOP students. They truly encompass the definition of resiliency and determination. They keep me grounded and humbled.”
Vega has decided to continue her professional journey in a new direction. Her last day with us will be Tuesday March 19th. It has been announced that Jessica Saltzberg, associate director in MCAS, will become interim director for HEOP, effective March 18.