His Excellency Andràs Simonyi, Ambassador of Hungary to the United States, visited Rochester Institute of Technology May 11 to learn about the programs of PEN-International and tour the facilities of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.
James J. DeCaro, director of PEN-International, provided a tour of NTID's Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD) Lab, Robotics Lab, Digital Imaging Technology Lab and Learning Center. At each of these locations, the Ambassador met with faculty members and students; learned about NTID's approach to educating students who are deaf and was briefed regarding how PEN-International uses these same principles in its work around the world.
Ambassador Simonyi spoke to a group of NTID students and faculty regarding his interest in educational programs for deaf students, his desire to see Hungary increase the linkages between higher education and business and his belief that education is critical for individuals to assume meaningful roles in society.
RIT President Albert Simone hosted a lunch for the Ambassador in the NTID Dyer Arts Center with a small group of RIT and NTID administrators and faculty. At the luncheon, Dr. Simone detailed the relationship between RIT and The Nippon Foundation and how that allows RIT to work as an international change agent in postsecondary education of people who are deaf. Further, there was discussion regarding possible areas for future collaborations between RIT and Hungary.
