Photo Spotlights

President Albert J. Simone, RIT’s 8th president, announced during a press conference on May 17 that he will retire in mid-2007. Simone’s career in higher education has spanned nearly 50 years, where he has served as an economics professor, a business school dean and president of two universities. He joined RIT in 1992 after leading the University of Hawaii. “It has been a pleasure to serve RIT in what has been an extraordinarily rewarding experience,” said Simone.

RIT’s Formula racecar was taken for a test drive around Administration Circle on May 5 before stopping near The Sentinel and allowing dozens of spectators their first up-close look at the newly built racer. RIT competes in the annual Formula SAE May 18-20 at the Ford Proving Grounds in Romeo, Mich.

The Memorial Art Gallery is the subject of RIT’s 22nd “Big Shot” photo project. Led by professors from RIT’s School of Photographic Arts and Sciences and NTID, close to 800 volunteers armed with flashlights helped make this nighttime photograph on May 1. Volunteers were strategically placed around the gallery grounds to illuminate aspects of the edifice while RIT photographers took an extended exposure.

RIT’s Robert Manning, professor of finance in the College of Business and author of Credit Card Nation, spent 30 minutes talking with Al Franken (AIR AMERICA Radio Network) on predatory lending and banking deregulation. Manning was a guest of NewsTalk 950 AM as Franken broadcast LIVE at Rochester’s Little Theatre on Thursday, April 27. Also on hand was Mayor Robert Duffy who presented Franken a Key to the City.

Youngsters enjoyed the inclined obstacle-course competition and other interactive exhibits during the 16th annual E3 Engineering and Technology Fair hosted by RIT on May 4 in Clark Gymnasium. The free event, sponsored by RIT and the Rochester Engineering Society, drew more than 500 Rochester-area middle school students.

Engineering professor Steven Day takes the classroom outside so his students can enjoy the spring weather while learning about fluid mechanics.

RIT alumna and scholar N. Katherine Hayles, professor of literature and media art at University of California, visited RIT May 4 to meet with faculty and to present her talk, "Literature as a Computational Practice." She is considered a central figure in establishing connections among literature, media and science, and is the author of several books. Hayles earned her B.S. in chemistry from RIT. She holds advanced degrees in chemistry from California Institute of Technology and literature from Michigan State University.

Sen. Hillary Clinton presented $4 million for RIT's alternative fuels research during a ceremony on May 5. Along with Sen. Chuck Schumer, Clinton sponsored the funding as part of last year's Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act. During her visit, the senator also announced that $8 million has been appropriated for next fiscal year to support RIT's military modernization program. Both the alternative fuels and military initiatives are based in RIT's Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies.

Jessica Schaller of St. John Fisher College presents her study, Female Athletes in the Media: Under Representation and Inadequacy, at RIT’s third annual Conference for Undergraduate Research in Communication, hosted April 19, by the RIT Department of Communication. Nearly 45 students from 10 colleges across New York gathered in the Student Alumni Union to share research papers, posters and other works with peers and the public.

The RIT community enjoyed a Taste of RIT on April 28 with a sampling of appetizers, entrées, desserts and beverages. This delicious annual event was sponsored by RIT Food Service as part of the United Way campaign.

Roland Fryer Jr., assistant professor of economics at Harvard University, discussed race and inequality during RIT's Presidential Colloquium on May 1. The lecture, "Towards a Unified Theory of Black America: The Racial Achievement Gap and What to do About It," described economic reasoning to dispel misconceptions in the affirmative action debate. Fryer's appearance coincided with RIT's annual Expression of Diversity Conference.

Rebecca Stade, 9, examines and identifies archaeological artifacts during RIT's Take Your Daughter or Son to Work Day on April 27. Rebecca is the daughter of Mary Beth Russo-Stade, who works with Hub Print/Postal Services. About 130 children took part in the day's activities, which included campus tours, lessons in film and animiation and toy design, and swimming.