University News

The prevalence of seasonal flu and COVID-19 makes it more important than ever to take extra precautions to remain healthy this fall and winter. This year at RIT, that means wearing masks, keeping physical distance, washing hands, and getting a flu shot.

While many college athletics are on a timeout during the pandemic, esports at RIT are plugged in and fully operational. This semester, RIT Esports has student groups playing 15 different competitive games, along with four teams to support esports operations. As teams begin their fall leagues, students are finding different ways to practice and scrimmage in a socially distanced manner.

RIT had its best year ever for sponsored research funding. For fiscal year 2020, which ended June 30, RIT received 382 new awards totaling $82 million. The record funding follows $58 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2019, also a record.

RIT alumnus Susan Foley ’73 ’79 (business administration, MBA) used her decades-long experience to compile a book of blog articles, Intrapreneurs: Who, What, How and Why, that explores who intrapreneurs are and why they are often considered to be the “squeaky wheels” in organizations. 

The RIT graduate behind the popular card game Exploding Kittens will be the RIT Alumni Association Distinguished Speaker next month. Elan Lee ’98 (computer science) will lead a Zoom webinar at 1 p.m. on Oct. 24 during Tiger Alumni Week on Oct. 19-25. The week allows alumni to participate virtually in Brick City events, including interactive programs and reunions.

Over the past 50 years, Bruce Bates has worked with seven RIT presidents behind the scenes. He witnessed RIT move a campus from downtown to Henrietta. And he’s made strategic decisions that have helped propel RIT to the global university it is today. For his dedication and passion to RIT, Bates will receive RIT’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy Award during a virtual celebration on Sept. 24.

RIT will host a virtual panel discussion focused on the unique challenges and opportunities facing Black journalists and why representation in the media matters. The event, titled Reporting While Black, will feature six Rochester-based Black journalists from TV, radio, and print media at both the local and national level.

Beginning today, planning for spring semester is the focus of a committee representing several areas of the university.