Professor, student hailed for public service
Larsen will receive the Four Presidents Distinguished Public Service Award, which commemorates the four RIT presidents that Davis has worked with in his 67-year association with RIT. The award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to public service.
Larsen, a faculty member for more than 20 years, has been involved in a number of international relations and humanitarian activities, assisting individuals and governments in third world developing countries to improve their circumstances and standards of living. Larsen has contributed service to the following organizations: Rochester Association for the United Nations, the Haiti eyeglass program, Partners of the Americas, and the Genesee Valley Chapter, New York Civil Liberties Union.
“Bill has done all of his work in a much unheralded way,” said one nominator. “Most importantly, Bill has instilled in his students an extraordinary sense of civic responsibility, and has lived that example through his own work and life.”
Sarratore, a fourth-year new media publishing major from Vermilion, Ohio, will be presented with the first Bruce R. James ’64 Distinguished Public Service Award.
This student public service award commemorates the 40 years of distinguished public service of Bruce R. James, chairman of the RIT Board of Trustees and the U.S. Public Printer. The award recognizes a student for exemplary public service in the wider Rochester community.
Sarratore, Student Government president, also served as president of Greek Council, and was a member of the women’s tennis team. While at RIT, she has volunteered for Special Olympics, the American Cancer Society and Cystic Fibrosis.
“Her generous and supportive nature is consistent and continuous, whether the setting is academic, athletic, or social,” said a nominator. “When there is a need for volunteers, Sheila is always there ready to help.”
Both Larsen and Sarratore will receive an award commemorating their outstanding record of service. In addition, a gift will be made in the recipient’s name to the community organization of their choice.
Alfred L. Davis has been associated with RIT since 1938 – first as a faculty member, later as a vice president, and today as an active retiree, mentor and adviser.