Alumnus Joey Ganser is RIT’s 1,000th Sentinel Society member
Electrical engineering graduate says philanthropy honors how RIT shaped his career and opens doors for students
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Alumnus Joey Ganser ’07 is RIT’s 1000th member of the Sentinel Society, joining donors who commit to providing funding for student scholarships and the university’s most pressing and immediate needs.
When Joey Ganser reflects upon his time at RIT, he doesn’t just think about lecture halls or late nights studying engineering principles. He remembers the foundation of a career and a caring community that continues to shape his life nearly two decades later. Now, as the 1,000th member of RIT’s Sentinel Society, Ganser is supporting students while helping the university celebrate a philanthropic milestone.
Ganser ’07 (electrical engineering), who is principal engineer at PK Electrical in Reno, Nevada, credits RIT’s immersive, hands-on approach to education for preparing him for the realities of engineering.
“The applied nature of the curriculum prepared me for what engineering actually looks like in practice—solving real problems, working in teams, and taking responsibility for outcomes,” he said. “That mindset has followed me throughout my career.”
His journey from student to Sentinel Society member is defined by mentorship, opportunity, and a deep appreciation for the experiences that helped shape his professional path. As an electrical engineering student, Ganser immersed himself in rigorous coursework while also participating in valuable co-op experiences.
Outside the classroom, Ganser’s involvement in the RIT Alpine Ski Team helped him balance academics, athletics, and his personal life, which has reinforced the importance of creating supportive workplace cultures—an approach he has embedded into his company’s environment.
“I believe people do their best work when they feel supported, trusted, and encouraged to live full lives outside the office,” he said.
That sense of balance and mentorship also fuels his commitment to philanthropy. For Ganser, joining the Sentinel Society—a group of alumni and supporters who provide sustained giving to the university—is an extension of the support he once received as a student.
“I want to help make it easier for future students to focus on learning and growth, not just on making ends meet,” he said. “RIT doesn’t just educate students; it prepares professionals. Staying engaged as an alum feels like a natural extension of that experience. Engineering is a profession built on mentorship, shared knowledge, and opportunity, and alumni play an important role in keeping that cycle going.”
Ganser is hoping his contribution will help ease financial pressures that can derail students, allowing them to stay enrolled, pursue experiential learning opportunities, and build the skills necessary for long-term success. Ganser hopes his gift will also expand access for students who may not yet see themselves represented in technical fields, helping foster a more inclusive engineering community.
Reaching the milestone as the Sentinel Society’s 1,000th member carries special meaning for Ganser. “Being the 1,000th member isn’t about the number,” he said. “It’s about being part of a community of people who believe in RIT’s mission and its students.”
