NTID AlumniNews

Spring 2025: NTID Alumni Board of Directors updates

Group photo of thirteen people at an event, with some standing and others seated in front of a whiteboard and projector screen; one person in a motorized wheelchair and another holding a framed image.
Former NTID President Dr. Gerard Buckley with the board.

Dear RIT/NTID Alumni Family,

Happy Fall! It’s hard to believe that fall is already upon us—and the NTIDAA Board of Directors will meet on campus again during Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend. Meanwhile, here is a recap of our spring meeting to keep you in the loop. We will soon post the fall meeting summary as well, so please watch for the upcoming updates!

As the president of the NTID Alumni Association Board of Directors, I, along with more than 10,000 alumni, last spring extended our heartfelt salute to Dr. Gerard Buckley, who concluded his remarkable tenure as NTID president. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering dedication, enduring relationships, and spirited leadership—always infused with his signature orange and black pride. During his spring State of the Institute address, Dr. Buckley was presented with a beautiful framed mosaic photo featuring hundred photos of cherished memories. It was a touching moment that reflected the impact of his legacy. We wish him all the best as he embarks on this exciting new chapter of retirement.

Spring 2025 Board Meeting Recap (Aligned with Imagine RIT Weekend)

Thursday, April 24 

We kicked off the weekend at a VIP reception in the Dyer Arts Center, welcoming Oscar-winning actor Troy Kotsur and his wife, actress Deanne Bray Kotsur. Attendees enjoyed mingling and capturing memorable photos. Later, we viewed a documentary film in Panara Theatre that explored Troy’s relationship with his father and the life-changing impact of a tragic accident. Moderators Jim Orr, former performing arts faculty member, and JW Guido, visiting assistant professor of NTID performing arts, led a thoughtful Q&A session that left everyone inspired.

Friday, April 25 

Dr. Buckley delivered his final State of the Institute presentation to both the NTIDAA Board and the NTID Foundation Board, highlighting key developments and future directions. 

Marissa Woodruff, director of Dyer Arts Center and Advancement for Deaf Culture, shared her strategic vision for the Dyer Arts Center, including efforts to preserve and showcase Deaf artists’ work. We’re excited about upcoming exhibitions and other new changes within Dyer.

We also visited the NTID Research Fair in Roscia Hall, where students presented innovative research spanning topics from healthcare to space exploration.

During a special luncheon, we honored legendary Deaf actor and performer Patrick Graybill for his decades-long contribution to NTID theater. In recognition of his legacy, the newly renovated Green Room has been named the Patrick Graybill Green Room.

Dr. Alesia Allen, assistant vice president for NTID access, engagement, and success, provided updates, reaffirming NTID’s commitment to progress.

Later, we attended the NTID Distinguished Alumni Award Reception to celebrate Jeffrey McCaw. His heartfelt presentation was truly inspiring. Learn more about Jeffrey. 

Saturday, April 26 

A highlight of the weekend was the continental breakfast meet-and-greet with new RIT President Dr. Bill Sanders and his wife Emily. They expressed enthusiasm for learning more about NTID and even plan to take sign language classes.

We then used time to review board committee goals and strategic plans. Here is a sampling of some things the board has been and will be working on:

  • Alumni in Training Committee: 
    • Continue to support the RIT/NTID Student-Alumni Mentoring program 
    • Continue to collaborate with NTID Alumni and Constituent Relations on other student efforts like the Forever a Tiger event
  • Development Committee: 
    • Hosted an NTID Alumni Financial Planning Webinar with Amanda Borgeson, a Deaf financial representative from Northwestern Mutual, with over 100 registered participants
    • Creating matched-giving video – fall/winter release
  • Communications Committee: 
    • Work on creating various short vlogs for the alumni community 
  • Programming Committee: 
    • Continue to work with Alumni Reps and streamline the process for hosting events
    • Brainstorm “free events” for possible future alumni activities
  • Diversity and Governance Committee: 
    • Continue to create/develop a plan for NTIDAA so all alumni feel welcome
    • Support the onboarding process for new NTIDAA Board members

Closing

We concluded the weekend by attending the Imagine RIT Festival, a vibrant celebration of innovation and creativity. From hands-on demonstrations to cutting-edge STEM exhibits, it was inspiring to see the future changemakers in action. The campus was alive with orange and black spirit!

Warm regards,
Bola Desalu, President of NTIDAA and Megan Gonzalez, Vice-President of NTIDAA

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NTIDAA Updates

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