Ten stories that shaped RIT in 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on a year filled with milestones, innovation, and inspiring stories from across the RIT community. From national recognition and groundbreaking research to new programs and unforgettable student experiences, these highlights showcase the momentum that continues to drive RIT forward. Here are 10 of our favorite stories from the past year.
RIT rises to No. 88 nationally in ‘U.S. News’ best colleges ranking
RIT continues its upward trajectory, rising to No. 88 in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The publication also cited RIT as being among the best universities in value, game design/simulation, experiential learning with co-ops and internships, and innovation.
Eleven questions with RIT’s 11th president
Bill Sanders began as RIT’s 11th president on July 1. This question-and-answer feature, which ran in January shortly after Sanders was announced as the university’s next leader, introduces him to the RIT community. He was installed as president on Sept. 26.
Historic theater pipe organ destined for RIT
The first pieces of a massive, historic theater pipe organ built more than 90 years ago have been installed at RIT’s music performance theater, currently under construction. News about the restoration and the organ’s future destination was featured by the Associated Press last summer, and the story made headlines around the world.
RIT introduces esports scholarships
The new scholarships recognize students for their competitive video gaming skills and dedication to representing the university at the highest level. Since forming in 2016, RIT Esports has become one of the largest and best collegiate esports programs in the world.
Coast-to-Coast Connections: RIT solidifies its place in LA
Each fall semester, RIT in LA students attend classes and gain work experience while living on the West Coast. Students come home with foundational experiences that will help pave the way to a career in the entertainment industry.
RIT offers occupational therapy clinical doctorate degree in 2026
An entry-level clinical doctorate in occupational therapy will launch in June 2026 making it RIT’s first clinical doctoral degree. The program offers a personalized approach to helping people with illnesses or disabilities participate in life.
Tackling the macro problem of microplastics
To understand the impact microplastics have on the ecosystem, scientists must first know how plastics enter the environment, how they break down, and what their chemical components are. RIT is part of a team that received nearly $10 million in funding since 2020 to be at the forefront of this research.
EMBA students build community through a traveling stuffed tiger
This latest cohort of RIT’s nationally ranked Executive MBA program has turned a stuffed tiger into a symbol of connection. The tiger travels from home to home as a tangible link between classmates across the country.
Venture Creations startup company is redefining breast cancer detection
A small Venture Creations startup company is making big waves in the area of breast cancer detection. BiRed Imaging, co-founded in 2020 by RIT mechanical engineering professor Satish Kandlikar, blends infrared camera capture, numerical simulation, and artificial intelligence-driven algorithms to accurately detect the presence, size, and location of tumors.
COSMOS-Web opens window into universe for scientists and citizens
An international team led by RIT researchers has made an unprecedented amount of information from COSMOS-Web available to the public for future discovery in this easily searchable catalog.
