Ellie deGrandpre (She/Her)
Where are you from?
Mount Vernon, NY
What are you involved in at RIT?
I'm a member of the College of Science Student Activities Board (COSSAB) and a mentor for COSSAB's peer mentor program. I am also a member of RIT Players, RIT's theater club. I am currently assistant directing a play for RIT Players. I am also an RIT 365 Peer-Facilitator for Year One Program. I was an Orientation Leader for Orientation 2026 and the Artist Director for RIT Player's 2026 Spring 24 hour show.
Why RIT and the College of Science?
Having gone to a performing arts high school, I wanted to be able to still partake in the arts while studying math, and RIT had the best of both worlds. I can pursue a degree in Applied Mathematics while also being able to act, write, direct, and participate in tech. I met with the head of the math department, and our conversation sold me on RIT. I was also given the opportunity to be a part of Art Experience, and I couldn't pass up the offer. Over the past year, I've learned how to weld, blow glass, throw pottery, and make jewelry. I've loved every second of being at RIT and am so grateful for all the opportunities I've been given.
What is your advice for prospective college students?
I would say my advice for prospective students is to just say hi to other students. I met one of my best friends by going up to her after class and asking if we had sat next to each other in one of our other classes. We ended up talking on our walk back to the dorms and meeting up for ice cream or lunch after we had classes together. Now we're roommates. When I first joined a club, I would go to the meetings and leave after instead of signing up for events or talking to the people next to me. I wish I had talked to more people during meetings. I did this in my second semester and had so much more fun when I went to my clubs because I had friends to go with.