RIT President Bill Sanders welcomes more than 3,000 new students to campus

RIT President Bill Sanders addressed more than 3,000 new students to campus on Aug. 21 during orientation week. Like the students, Sanders is new to RIT. He became the university’s 11th president on July 1.

Here is the full text of his address:

President Sanders: “Thank you for that kind introduction, Provost David. Good morning!  I’m new to RIT just like you and recently started ASL lessons.  I am going to turn this over to interpreters.

Fellow Tigers — I have a great deal in common with you today. I too, along with my wife, Emily, am beginning my journey at RIT. Like you, I am learning how to navigate this campus; I am trying to understand the lingo and culture; and I am charting my way as I begin my tenure as your president.  

My first official day was July 1st, so I have a little jump on you. What I have discovered so far is that RIT is a university like no other. I’m deeply honored to join this extraordinary community — and I already feel the energy that makes RIT so unique. I am confident in saying this: Both you and I have made the right choice!

We have more than 154,000 alumni Tigers all around the globe who are shaping and improving the world. And now it’s your turn.

RIT is a dynamic and eclectic university, with nine distinct colleges, including the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, which adds to the richness of our community. As you’ve heard from the previous speakers, we are ready to provide you with an amazing array of opportunities and support to complement your RIT experience. 

Faculty are eager to connect with you — both in and outside of classes — to teach you, challenge you, and help you unlock the creativity and innovation that lives in each of you. Staff across campus are excited to support you as you continue your journey to graduation. In short, we are here to help you make the most of all your experiences here.

You will be challenged here: and you will grow in ways that stay with you for life. You will push your limits, expand your thinking, and surprise yourself along the way.

When I visited the annual Imagine RIT:  Innovation and Creativity Festival this past spring, I saw students who are curious and full of joy. I saw students who had learned how to turn their ideas into action. I witnessed students who are passionate about what they do and who have a real sense of purpose. I envision that for all of you, and I am excited to watch your passions and purpose evolve and emerge over time.

Although we will challenge and push you on a regular basis, you will find RIT to be a supportive place. If you feel like giving up at any point – don’t. Reach out to your faculty, academic advisors, RAs, roommates, friends, coaches …and they will be ready to help you through the tough times. Ask a lot of questions.  Ask “why?”. Use your time at RIT to nurture your intellectual curiosity and learn how to put your creativity to use.  Find joy in the process. And yes, have fun along the way!

As you start to unleash your potential, I encourage you to learn from one another and gain a global perspective. You will meet people from big cities, small villages, nearby communities, and distant nations. Our world is getting smaller, so please be open to learning and growing.

I won’t sugarcoat the headlines: The world can be a messy place. But that’s even more reason to step up and make it better. Learn how to discuss difficult topics honestly and respectfully. Learn how to disagree — with grace and civility. Learn how to become involved in your communities to effect positive change. These and other experiences outside the classroom may be as important as your academic studies. Don’t miss these chances to develop your skills in communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership.  

By working together, we can turn your big dreams into reality.  I am so excited by the possibilities, and I hope you are too. I will be here to support you and to celebrate your accomplishments throughout your journey.

Emily and I look forward to seeing you on campus … whether it’s at the SHED, Java’s, a musical or theatric performance, or an athletic event. And don’t be shy when you see our Labradoodle, Ollie. He loves the attention.

Now, I would like to start a new tradition. Get ready to put on a smile for a selfie. And after this selfie, feel free to come up to me today and take one yourself. Or anytime on campus throughout the year and we can share these on my Instagram.

And then when you graduate, we will take another round of selfies to come full circle!

In summary, today marks a new chapter — for all of us. I look forward to standing in front of you in a few short years, applauding your graduation!

Thank you and Go Tigers!