Greetings RIT/NTID alumni,
The spring NTID Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting was filled with energy and insights. We are excited to share the highlights from a full weekend of learning, discussion, and celebration. As usual, we were also joined by the NTID Foundation Board of Directors, which provides us with meaningful connection and partnerships.
On Thursday, April 23, we heard from NTID President Caroline Solomon, who discussed NTID’s Strategic Journey, which is built around four guiding themes:
- Transformative Student Experience and Success
- World Changing Research and Scholarship
- Community Well Being and Belonging
- Global Reach and Mindset
The NTIDAA Board of Directors reflected on how these pillars resonate with our mission as alumni leaders. We explored both the broad vision and the practical implications for our community, identified future challenges, and discussed short term priorities we must address to support NTID’s continued growth. For more information about NTID’s strategic framework, you can explore the full overview on NTID’s official website.
We were excited to learn about NTID’s newly established AI Taskforce, an important initiative shaping how emerging technologies will enhance teaching, learning, and accessibility. The taskforce, led by Amanda Picioli, Donna Lange, and Ernie Roszkowski shared goals, expected outcomes, and the vision for integrating AI thoughtfully across campus. Visit the NTID Al Task Force website.
And a highlight of the day was the Alumni Awards Luncheon, where we celebrated the achievements of outstanding NTID alumni.
Each honoree shared heartfelt reflections on the ways in which their experience at RIT/NTID shaped their journey, influenced their growth, and guided them to where they are today. Their stories were powerful reminders of the impact our alumni continue to make around the world. Visit the NTID Alumni Relations website to learn more about these awards.
The first the day of our meeting continued with a tour of the new RIT Performing Arts Center, a modern addition to campus. The building’s architecture and interior design are truly stunning. Visit the RIT Performing Arts Center website.
The evening concluded with a captivating presentation by alum and internationally renowned artist Christine Sun Kim, who shared the evolution of her artistic journey. Her work, which is featured in major museums across China, the U.S., and Germany, blends words, shapes, performance, drawing, video, and sign language. Each piece carries a powerful story that challenges and expands the way we think about communication and expression.
Ensuring Access to College Education – The K–12 Deaf Education Pipeline
Our Friday, April 24 meeting centered on the theme: Ensuring Access to a College Education through the K–12 Deaf Education Pipeline. Three panel sessions were held throughout the day with local and national professionals addressed different stages of a student’s educational journey from early childhood through the transition to college and beyond. Each panel was followed by lively discussion, and we will take portions of that discussion to guide NTID Alumni Association Board actions and support NTID in coming months.
NTID Student Research Fair
We also had the opportunity to visit the NTID Student Research Fair, which showcased more than 30 student projects. The work spanned a wide range of fields from education and accessibility to space related research and innovative signing apps. The creativity and depth of the students’ work was truly inspiring.
NTIDAA Board Updates & Closing Reflections
Our last day of meeting brought meaningful updates, thoughtful discussions, and a heartfelt moment of transition for our leadership team.
The NTIDAA Board President opened the meeting with updates on current happenings across NTID and within the broader community. The vice president followed with committee reports, highlighting ongoing initiatives and progress across our various working groups.
A Message of Gratitude from the NTIDAA Board President
As this marks my final newsletter article as president of the NTIDAA Board of Directors, I share my deep gratitude with the board. Serving in this role for the past two years has been an honor and a truly rewarding experience. With my term ending on June 30, I want to emphasize that this is not a goodbye—it is simply a “see you later.” I will continue supporting our alumni community in new ways, and I look forward to staying connected.
We are excited to announce the incoming executive board, beginning their term in July 2026:
- Megan Gonzales — President
- Jason Wagner — Vice President
- Tim Beatty — Secretary
Please join us in giving them a well deserved round of applause as they step into their new leadership roles.
As I close this chapter, I want to say: Go Tigers! And stay connected with us.
Tigerly Yours,
Bola Desalu, President
Megan Gonzales, Vice President
