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When you give to RIT,
you spark big ideas that
shape tomorrow’s leaders today.
Gifts to the RIT Fund provide the critical resources necessary for RIT to meet its most immediate needs. Endowment spending only covers about four percent of the annual operating budget but truly unrestricted support provides university leadership the flexibility to prioritize the needs of our students.
Unrestricted gifts provide resources that allow university leadership to take advantage of unanticipated academic and student life opportunities, make life-changing international experiences accessible, offer powerful career building and research programs, and react to numerous unforeseen challenges our students face.
Impact Stories
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Lynne Damianos AAS ’79, BS ’81
When Lynne Damianos AAS ’79, BS ’81 was at RIT, there was no architectural photography major. However, from early on in her studies, she knew that’s what she wanted to do.
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Susan O’Rourke BS ’66
As a retailing major, Susan O’Rourke BS ’66, had no idea how connected she’d be to RIT history. She spent her RIT college years on the downtown campus, and got a preview of what was to come for the university, a time that came full circle 50 years later.
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Dedication to the lasting impact and transformative power of education
Paul Senior MBA ‘72 has been a steadfast supporter of his alma mater for over five decades. His unwavering dedication to giving back to RIT is a testament to the transformative power of education and the lasting impact it can have on an individual's life.
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Krystle Jones-Ellis BS ’09 MS ’15
Alumna Krystle Jones-Ellis BS ’09 MS ’15, College of Liberal Arts, is a Sentinel Society founding member.
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Your gifts make great campus spaces
Did you know that students applying to RIT rate the quality of the facilities equal in importance to preparation for careers? That’s why continued support of outstanding campus facilities is so important.
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The importance of finding your "people"
The catalog from RIT came to her in the mail, and at the time she didn't know anything about RIT. She only remembers opening the catalog and saying, "Ah, this is the school I want!"
Your Impact Today and Tomorrow
RIT is deeply appreciative of our generous philanthropic community and its commitment to the university.
The Sentinel Society is a community of annual leadership donors who play a pivotal role in providing unrestricted gifts that support financial aid and scholarships, as well as RIT's most pressing and immediate needs across campus. Sentinel donor generosity helps RIT fund unexpected needs and pursue emerging opportunities. Learn more about Sentinel Society and view the online Honor Roll.
The Ellingson Society honors those forward-thinking individuals and families who have informed us of their legacy gifts that in the future will fund RIT's greatest needs. The thoughtful planning of Ellingson Society donors ensures unlimited possibilities for future generations of students and faculty. Learn more about planned giving and the impact you can make by visiting legacyrit.org.
News
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December 1, 2023
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Tigers turn Big Apple orange
An advertising campaign showcasing RIT’s creativity and innovation as a leading university took over Grand Central Terminal and Station, and even some rail cars traveling to Westchester County and Connecticut.
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December 1, 2023
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Distinguished Alumni Award winners named for 2023-2024
Twelve RIT alumni have been honored with Distinguished Alumni Awards for the 2023-2024 year. The Distinguished Alumni Awards are presented annually by each of RIT’s nine colleges, the School of Individualized Study, and the RIT Graduate School to alumni who have performed at the highest levels of their profession or who have contributed to the advancement and leadership of civic, philanthropic, or service organizations.
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November 29, 2023
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Transformative Campaign propels university to new heights
More than $200 million has been given to Transforming RIT to support scholarships and the student experience to ensure the best and brightest minds can attend RIT regardless of their financial circumstances. The campaign, launched publicly in 2018, is bringing RIT’s strategic plan to life by investing in student success, creating world-class facilities, advancing research and discovery, and innovating careers of the future.
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October 16, 2023
![two people standing on a stage clapping with large projector screens behind them show the dollar amount of 1 billion, 59 million, 5 hundred 81 thousand, 4 hundred 63.]()
Gala marks successful conclusion of Transforming RIT: The Campaign for Greatness
Nearly 300 people gathered on Friday evening at the beginning of Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend as RIT officials marked the successful conclusion of Transforming RIT: The Campaign for Greatness. RIT’s largest-ever fundraising campaign raised $1,059,581,463 to propel the university forward in its pursuits at the intersection of technology, the arts, and design.
For additional information, please contact us.
Our team is available to provide further clarification and assistance, and can be reached by phone at 585-475-5500 or toll-free at 1-800-477-0376, or by email at givetorit@rit.edu. We welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have and assist you in making a meaningful impact through your giving to RIT.