News by Topic: Technology, The Arts, And Design

A former top NASA administrator told graduates of RIT that their futures may seem as ambiguous as outer space. But by daring to do mighty things with hope instead of fear, untold possibilities will come into focus. Thomas Zurbuchen, astrophysicist and the longest continually serving associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate in NASA’s history, addressed the crowd during today's Academic Convocation ceremony in the Gordon Field House. More than 4,800 RIT graduates, including those attending RIT’s global campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo, were recognized.

Many of the RIT students who received the first Performing Arts Scholarships four years ago are preparing to take the stage one last time as they graduate this week.

Over the last year, RIT students, alumni, faculty, and staff have worked to give back to the Rochester community by leveraging art and design. From providing creative outlets for young students to making a shelter to protect residents from the weather, RIT community members are dedicated to giving back to the city where they blossomed into the professionals they are today.

Thousands of RIT students are graduating this week with majors including engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, business, and fine arts. But more than 250 graduates are also receiving customized bachelor’s and master’s degrees from RIT’s School of Individualized Study, which allows students a flexible education pathway of their choosing.

RIT will confer a record 69 Ph.D. degrees during commencement May 12, marking a 53 percent increase from last year.

Tiffany Brodner was named RIT’s inaugural executive director of the Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED), following a national search. She assumed her new position in April. She will work closely with Michael Buffalin IV, who was appointed director of RIT’s makerspace within the SHED.

RIT will confer honorary degrees to five outstanding individuals at its 2023 commencement ceremony on May 12. The honorees will be recognized alongside more than 4,800 graduates.

Thousands of visitors at the 2023 Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival got to see what’s on the horizon in the areas of technology, the arts, and design. Festivalgoers traversed RIT’s campus on Saturday, exploring more than 350 exhibits.

The Futurists Symposium, a collection of RIT alumni tapped to present an insider’s look into the future of industry as it relates to technology, the arts, and design, was held during the April 29 Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival.

WROC-TV features Imagine RIT.

RIT is elevating its awareness efforts in New York City. An advertising campaign showcasing RIT’s creativity and innovation as a leading university will take over the Grand Central Train Station and even some Metro North rail cars traveling to Westchester County and Connecticut.

WHAM-TV previews Imagine RIT as part of the Good Day Rochester segment. Reporter Sam Carter talks to Ann Ielapi, director of Imagine RIT, and highlights several exhibits: Theme Park Enthusiasts, NASA balance gamification, space radiation shield, the RIT Drumline, interpreting dreams from brainwaves, Couchbot, AI car chase, RC cars from RIT Dubai, belt sander racing, That Damn Goat, digital weaving from RIT Kosovo, robotic dog, and the human hamster wheel.