Personal Congratulations from Elizabeth and Zachary Sanders

Eizabeth Sanders: 

Hello everyone, my name is Elizabeth, and this is my brother, Zachary. While everyone else has been speaking about Dr. Sanders, I have the honor of speaking to my Dad. Dad, what a joy it is to highlight the very important parts of you that make you, you — the parts that might not quite show up on the resume.

I want to tell you how much I have appreciated the values and character that you have helped me build over my life.

First, of course, no one would be surprised that you instilled the value of education in me, though not just in an academic sense, but in the sense that learning is a lifelong journey.

You taught me to be there for what matters. You have put in so much work to get to where you are now. What’s wild though, is I will probably *never truly* comprehend just how much, because you made sure to be at every one of Zach and my’s soccer games, and every one of our band performances.

You make sure to celebrate every one of our wins, big or small, and you are always here whenever we need advice or a hug. I strive to be there for others in the way that you have selflessly done so for us.

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Elizabeth Lamark

RIT President Bill Sanders shares a hug with his children, Elizabeth and Zachary, at his Sept. 26 inauguration ceremony.

You also taught me to be both a realist, and an optimist. Early on, and throughout my academic career, I faced anxieties when it came to test taking, but you always told me, “Elizabeth, slow down, read and understand the problem carefully, and you’ll know what to do.”

But, what little Elizabeth didn’t know, was that you were giving her important *life* advice as you quelled her concerns - you were encouraging me to meet every situation at face value and with an open mind, and to trust that in doing so, everything else will follow. It has reminded me, across all chapters of my life, I am strong enough to handle whatever I might be facing. It brings joy to my heart knowing that you have not only shared this wisdom with me, but with your students, helping them just as you’ve helped me.

When I helped you move into your new office here, I saw this firsthand in the letters and mementos that students have given you over all these years. I am so excited for you to continue supporting students in new ways as you step into your new role here.

Finally, you and Mom, an unstoppable duo, have taught me what true love and true partnership looks like.

From the easy moments to the hard, you both have been steadfast, right beside one another, navigating every twist and turn. You are always thinking about one another, about how you can better support one another, or what the other person might need. This cannot be summed up in one single moment, but I am reminded of after mom’s surgery, where she lost feeling in one side, someone asked her about what it felt like holding hands with you now. She said, “I might not be able to feel his hand anymore, —- but I can always feel his warmth.”

Dad, — mom, Zachary, and I are so proud of you, and we love you more than words can express. We are proud of you for all of the accomplishments in your professional career, but what I am so honored to be able to share today, as your daughter, is how proud we are of you for centering your values and family every step of the way.

Zachary:

Dad, I am not a man of many words, so I will keep this short. 

Congratulations on this incredible moment. I am so incredibly lucky to have you as a father, not just because of all your accomplishments, but because of the big example you have set for me and so many others.

Congratulations.