Photo Spotlights

The RIT-led FIRST LEGO League team practices in preparation for its first competition Nov. 21 at Churchville-Chili middle school. The team is comprised entirely of middle school-aged girls. Stephanie Ludi, an RIT software engineering professor and the team’s coach, put the team together to encourage girls to get involved in computing and engineering.

Christine Whitman, RIT trustee, handed over the traditional gavel to Donald Boyce ’67 (business administration) on Nov. 13. Boyce, of Lake Forest, Ill., will serve a three-year term as chairman of the board of trustees. Boyce takes over for Mike Morley (’69 business administration), who had served as chair since 2005.

Construction continues for the new Campus Center, located in the heart of campus in the former Woodward Pool area. The center will serve as an alternate entry to the Student Alumni Union and have a second level overlook onto the Quarter Mile. The facility’s main level will house Student Government, the Leadership Institute and Community Service Center and the RIT Women’s Center. It will also include seven conference rooms and an area designated for RIT clubs and club services.

RIT observed Veterans Day with a presentation by the RIT Army and Air Force ROTC Color Guard, prayers and messages from veterans and other guests.

RIT’s Habitat for Humanity student organization, along with Engineers for a Sustainable World, have begun constructing the first RIT-sponsored sustainable home for a resident in need in Rochester’s poverty-stricken JOSANA neighborhood. To celebrate the continued revitalization of the area, RIT, in conjunction with Flower City Habitat for Humanity, hosted a “wall raising” ceremony on Nov. 7.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration presented the 2009 EDA Excellence in Economic Development Award for University-led Economic Development to RIT’s Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies during a Nov. 9 ceremony. The award recognizes the center’s commitment to advancing regional competitiveness and helping grow the local economy. The Economic Development Administration also announced the awarding of $500,000 to the center to assist small manufacturers in upstate New York become more globally competitive.

RIT Tigers roared for reading at John Williams School No. 5 on Nov. 6. More than 55 student athletes, coaches, administrators and RIT Wallace Center staff members promoted literacy at the second “Giant Read.” Volunteers, including Adam Wallander, a second-year illustration student on the RIT Men’s wrestling team, read the book Amazing Tigers to all the first-graders. Each child received a copy to keep.

Drive and commitment are what motivates scholar/athlete Sharon Dennis to excel in the classroom and on the basketball court. Dennis is a student in RIT’s physician assistant program and one of two captains for RIT’s women’s basketball team.

Dave Mullaney, student government representative, first proposed the idea of changing RIT academic facilities from “building” to “hall” as part of the Campus Building Identity Committee. That change will be implemented as part of a broader strategy being rolled out this year.

The School for American Crafts Faculty Exhibition is on view through Nov. 14 in Bevier Gallery, James E. Booth Building, part of the school’s 60th year celebration. In addition, Alan Cameros, a member of the RIT Institute of Fellows, crafts collector, researcher and former National Museum Trustee Chairman, will speak on “The History of SAC” from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 5 in RIT’s Center for Student Innovation.

RIT’s Habitat for Humanity student organization is working with Flower City Habitat for Humanity building a sustainable home for a Rochester resident in need. Volunteers from RIT and the Rochester community expect construction to be completed in February.

Visitors to the fourth floor of the Eastman Building will see new colors and an improved look leading into the School of Hospitality and Service Management. Renovations were completed this fall to provide a more welcoming feel to the space that includes Henry’s Restaurant, classrooms and offices for students, faculty and staff. The area includes more gathering space for students, a greeting and service area and more focus on the Wall of Fame, photographs and memorabilia of the department’s distinguished alumni and supporters.