Children Lend "Powerful" Inspiration to RIT’s 2002 ESPRIT Project

"If you could have one super-power, what would it be and why?" That’s the question posed to a group of children, ages 5 to 10, for an ambitious production by Rochester Institute of Technology students.

Zazmo, the 2002 ESPRIT project at RIT, taps into the imagination of youngsters to produce a publication showcasing RIT student excellence in photography, graphic design, printing, and information technology. These super-power fantasies provide the foundation for 14 scenarios that are being transformed into photographic illustrations. The images will be printed on a series of posters and accompanied by a small book, which includes the photos and related text.

To further emphasize the focus on children, coordinators of the project have created a partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation‚ of Western New York, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Linda Bergenedahl-Pauling, founder of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, contributes to the effort by writing the book’s forward. Student organizers hope Zazmo will encourage others to support this worthy cause.

"Since kids provided the inspiration for our project, we couldn’t think of a better way to return the favor," explains Shelbylyn Sullivan, Zazmo staff member. "This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight efforts by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to bring joy into the lives of so many deserving children."

To enhance this collaboration, RIT students are producing a 12-minute promotional video. They are also working on designs for a Web site.

"I think it’s wonderful that, in the process of intellectual pursuits, these RIT students have willingly turned to us as their beneficiaries," says John Merino, CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western New York. "It shows a warm, humanitarian side to help children in our community that need special attention."

In exchange for donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western New York, contributors will receive copies of Zazmo, a name chosen for its sense of energy and limitless possibilities.

Zazmo is the latest installment of ESPRIT (Electronic Still Photography at Rochester Institute of Technology), a cross-campus collaboration between printing, photography, design, and information technology programs at RIT. This year, nearly 60 students are taking part in its creation.

In addition, a team from RIT’s packaging science program will build prototypes of packages in which to distribute this year’s publication. The final design will be made available for shipping, scheduled for mid-May.

For more information on supporting Zazmo, RIT’s 2002 ESPRIT project, contact Deborah McKenzie Bristol at (585) 475-2182.