Honor RIT President Destler

years of distinguished service as the Ninth President of Rochester

Institute of Technology in the university's 188-year history to be

celebrated at a Tribute Dinner held in his honor on the RIT campus on

Saturday, June 10, 2017; and

WHEREAS, During his illustrious tenure, RIT's reputation and

recognition as one of the nation's leading technological research

universities has grown significantly; and

WHEREAS, Under President Destler's leadership, the university's

enrollment has grown to over 18,000 students from all 50 states and more

than 100 foreign countries, while at the same time increasing the

diversity of its student body particularly in STEM disciplines and the

arts; and

WHEREAS, A signature theme of Dr. Destler's presidency has been to

celebrate the university as a hub of innovation and creativity, as

exemplified by events such as Imagine RIT, an annual one-day festival

that showcases the multifaceted talents of RIT's students, faculty and

staff and draws over 30,000 visitors annually to the RIT campus, and by

new programs and initiatives such as the MAGIC Center and MAGIC Spell

Studios that capitalize on the university's unique assets and expertise

in digital media, interactive gaming and film and animation; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Destler's vision led to the creation of RIT's ninth

college, the College of Health Sciences and Technology, as well as a

strategic alliance with the Rochester Regional Health System to

capitalize on the unique strengths of both organizations and lead to

innovations in medical care, education and research; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Destler's dedication and commitment to the well-being

and success of the university's students has led him to be known as the

"Student's President"; and

WHEREAS, Out of their concern for the opportunities and future

success of students in the Rochester City School District, Dr. Destler

and his wife, Dr. Rebecca Johnson, established the Rochester City

Scholars Program which enables qualified City school students to attend

RIT tuition free; and

WHEREAS, Both President Destler and Dr. Johnson have established RIT

as a recognized leader in sustainability through its academic programs

such as the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, its operations such

as the university's Committee for Sustainable Practices and the

greenRITnetwork, and its facilities including several LEED certified

buildings constructed over the past decade; and

WHEREAS, President Destler and Dr. Johnson have made a tremendous

impact on RIT and the greater Rochester community through their

involvement on the boards of many community organizations; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the

efforts of individuals such as Dr. Destler and Dr. Johnson who work in

support of New York State's proud tradition of preparing students with

the education and skills for successful careers and lifelong prosperity;

and

WHEREAS, Dr. Destler and Dr. Johnson will continue to reside in the

City of Rochester and contribute to the community through their

volunteer efforts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to

commend Dr. William W. Destler upon the occasion of his retirement after

years of distinguished service to RIT, and to wish both he and Dr.

Rebecca Johnson continued success and good fortune in the years ahead;

and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be

transmitted to Dr. Destler and Dr. Johnson.