RIT President Bill Sanders welcomes 4,000 new students: “Stay curious”

RIT President Bill Sanders addressed more than 4,000 new students to campus on Aug. 20 during orientation week. The president offers advice and encourages students to always stay curious.

Here is the full text of his address:

PRESIDENT SANDERS:     

Thank you, Provost David.

Good morning, Tigers!

Welcome to RIT.

We are delighted that you are here.

You all belong here.

Each of you arrives today from a different place, with different experiences, different interests, and different dreams for what comes next. But today, you become part of one community.

You are now Tigers.

Some of you may feel completely confident today. Others may be wondering whether you're ready for what's ahead.

That is normal.

In fact, one of the things I've learned during my first year at RIT is that nobody has everything figured out — not on day one, and not years later.

We're all still learning. That's one of the things I love most about this university.

RIT is a place filled with curious people — people who ask questions, explore new ideas, solve difficult problems, and imagine things that don't yet exist.

Over the next few years, you will be challenged. You will discover talents you didn't know you had. You will learn from outstanding faculty, collaborate with remarkable classmates, and gain experiences that will shape who you become.

You will also make mistakes. And that is OK. Growth rarely happens when everything goes perfectly. It happens when you're willing to try, learn, adapt, and try again.

So let me offer one simple piece of advice: Ask questions.

If you're confused, ask. If you're struggling, ask. If you're curious, ask. If you need help, ask.

The people around you — faculty, staff, advisors, coaches, residence life staff, classmates, and friends — want to help you succeed. You do not have to do this alone.

Another thing I hope you'll discover at RIT is that success is not just about what you accomplish.

It's also about how you treat people. The strongest communities are built on kindness, respect, and a willingness to support one another.

The person sitting next to you today may become a lifelong friend, a future business partner, a research collaborator, or simply someone who helps you through a difficult week.

Take time to get to know people who are different from you. Listen to their stories … Learn from their experiences … Be open to new perspectives.

Our differences make this community stronger. And our shared commitment to one another is what makes it special.

Some of your most important experiences at RIT won't happen in a classroom. Say yes to opportunities. Try something new. Get involved. You may discover a passion you never expected.

And through it all, stay curious.

Curious about ideas.

Curious about people.

Curious about yourself.

Because college is not just about preparing for a career. It's also about discovering who you want to be.

We’ve prepared a short video featuring my wife Emily, our beloved Ollie, and me. Think of it as a small preview of the community you are entering — and an invitation to jump in.

Let’s watch the YOU BELONG VIDEO

Emily and I are excited to watch your journey unfold over the coming years, and we look forward to seeing you across campus.

Thank you for choosing RIT.

And Go Tigers! <<ASL>>