Celebrating together in China and Rochester, led by the China Parent Network Committee.

The Ģ����ý is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, and celebrations have reached new heights—literally—at the Great Wall of China. On June 14, 2025, the Beijing team of the China Parent Network Committee (CPNC) hosted a special event, bringing together more than 40 parents, alumni, students, and incoming families to welcome new members of the Rochester community and celebrate this historic milestone.

As a tribute to the University, on October 6, 2025. The piece entitled “Great Wall Hero Bamboo Slips” embodies both cultural and historical significance, featuring the ancient Chinese writing medium of bamboo slips, engraved with Chairman Mao Zedong’s poem Qing Ping Yue · Liupan Mountain.

The gift symbolizes courage, heritage, and connection, values shared by both the Ģ����ý and its global community.

In addition to the event atop the Great Wall, celebrations were held in Shanghai, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Jinan, Chengdu, and a second event in Beijing throughout the year, hosted by members of the CPNC.

Jennifer Feliberty ’16S (MS) shares her path to volunteer leadership as she takes on the role of co-chair with the Latin Alumni Network, where she’s been a member since 2023.

Jennifer Feliberty ’16S (MS)

For Jennifer Feliberty ’16S (MS), volunteerism has been a throughline that can be followed all the way back to her days growing up in the East Elmhurst/Corona neighborhood of Queens, New York.

“Volunteering has not only allowed me to give back, but it has profoundly shaped the way I see myself, my community, and the life I want to build for my family,” Feliberty reminisced. “From an early age, service was part of my foundation. I witnessed the power of people coming together to lift one another up. I remember helping our church organize donations to send to the Caribbean after devastating hurricanes or spending weekends scrubbing graffiti off local storefronts so businesses could feel proud of their presence in the neighborhood.” Adding, she said, “These moments left a lasting impression on me: that change doesn’t always come in grand gestures, but in the small, steady actions that show people they are not alone.”

The authenticity and togetherness of her childhood community is similar to what she found following her graduation from Simon Business School. While attending a NYC Metro Women’s breakfast, she found meaningful conversation with an incredible group of women, and was moved when the group was asked, “What are you looking for help with today?”

“This experience made me realize that the URochester not only strengthened my ability to solve complex problems but also genuinely wanted to understand who I am and what I seek,” she said. “Recognizing the authenticity at Rochester, I was eager to extend my engagement beyond that initial encounter. When the idea of forming the Latin Alumni Network emerged, I jumped at the opportunity to be involved in its creation and leadership.”

Now that she’s taken on the role of co-chair with the Latin Alumni Network, she is excited to follow in the footsteps of her alumnae mentors from the Women’s Network. She described Kathy Murray ’74, Barbara Grossman ’77 P’10, and Sherli Looi ’04S as “instrumental in building community within the Ģ����ý and unapologetically authentic.” She feels her ethos works hand-in-hand with the University and is excited to continue to make an impact in her new role.

“Our motto, ‘Meliora,’ meaning Ever Better, resonates deeply with my personal mission. As co-chair, I focus on fostering natural mentorships across generations, starting with conversations and creating opportunities for alumni to connect,” she said.

Feliberty’s journey reflects the lasting influence of her roots and the power of carrying those values forward. She continues to embody the spirit of connection, authenticity, and mentorship. It’s an idealism she hopes to share with the alumni community, and also her daughter.

“I want her to see that true strength lies in connection, and that fulfillment comes from being part of something larger than ourselves. When she sees me show up for our community, I know I am passing down more than tradition—I am passing down a way of seeing the world with heart,” she explained.

By weaving together her personal mission with the University’s motto of Meliora, Feliberty is not only honoring her past and the mentors who paved the way for her but also ensuring that future generations of Rochester alumni feel supported, seen, and empowered.

Newly endowed professorship at the Warner School supports early-career faculty

Mary Ellen Burris ’68W (EdM)

A newly endowed professorship at the URochester’s Warner School of Education and Human Development—established by longtime benefactor Mary Ellen Burris ’68W (EdM)—will provide vital, ongoing support for early-career faculty. The gift, made during For Ever Better: The Campaign for the Ģ����ý, reflects Burris’s enduring commitment to empowering future educational leaders.

“We are extremely grateful to Mary Ellen for her vision and generosity,” says Melissa Sturge-Apple, interim dean of the Warner School. “Federal funding for higher education has become increasingly limited, particularly for early-career scholars. Her investment supports individual faculty and strengthens Warner’s academic mission and long-term impact.”

, assistant professor at the Warner School, has been named the inaugural holder of the new Mary Ellen Burris professorship. Han’s research explores emerging technologies, interest-driven learning, and second language acquisition. Sturge-Apple adds that Han’s work “shows remarkable promise and could lead to field-defining contributions in educational research.”

A gift made at the right time

Endowed professorships are among higher education’s most powerful forms of philanthropic support. They provide stable, perpetual funding that allows faculty to pursue innovative research, teach and mentor students, and contribute meaningfully to their respective fields. For early-career scholars, such support can be transformative, especially at a time when universities are grappling with tighter budgets and increased demands.

Burris says the decision to establish the professorship right now was intentional. “I believe in giving while living,” she says. “I didn’t want to wait, and I look forward to following Professor Han’s work. Supporting Warner like this is my way of giving back to a place that gave so much to me.”

As a longtime executive at Wegmans Food Markets—where she retired in 2020 as senior vice president for consumer affairs—Burris has been dedicated to education and principle-driven leadership. Her decision to support early-career faculty was also shaped by her understanding of current challenges in the research landscape.

“I’ve seen what’s happening with federal research funding,” she says. “There’s a real need to support young faculty. It made me want to jump in with both feet.”

A lasting impact at Warner and beyond

Burris’s deep engagement with Warner extends well beyond her gifts. She has served on the school’s National Council since its founding in 2008, and she was instrumental in supporting the creation of LeChase Hall, where the Mary Ellen Burris Conference Room is named in her honor. She is a founding member of the Advocacy Council that was established to help launch the Warner School’s Center for Urban Education Success. Additionally, she is a supporter of the past East High School partnership and a member of several University leadership groups, including the Women’s Network, the George Eastman Circle, and the Wilson Society.

At Warner, the new professorship underscores a broader commitment to fostering innovation and academic excellence at every level. “Our junior faculty bring energy, creativity, and new ideas to the table,” adds Sturge-Apple. “This gift helps us support them in meaningful and lasting ways.”

For Burris, that alignment of values—between Warner, the University, and her own beliefs—is what inspires her continued involvement.

“I was fortunate to work at Wegmans for many years, where values came first,” she says. “The University is the same. We share the kind of values that matter. Mark Twain said, ‘Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.’ That’s what I try to live by.”

Learn more about Mary Ellen Burris’s transformational philanthropy and her

For Jeanine Khoury ’82, staying connected to the Ģ����ý isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about purpose.

After decades of professional experience that took her from the corporate world to executive coaching and nonprofit leadership, Jeanine could have easily stepped back. Instead, she leaned in—reengaging with the University not just as an alumna, but as a mentor and guide for others navigating their own career crossroads.

“I had the privilege of a fulfilling career,” Jeanine says. “And I wanted to give back to a community that helped shape the person I became. That’s what led me to the alumni career programs.”

From C-suite to coach

Jeanine’s career began with a strong foundation in collaboration and communication. Over the years, she climbed the banking corporate ladder, overseeing operations and technology integrations resulting from large-scale mergers and acquisitions. Along the way, she developed a passion for helping others grow—engaging in executive coaching, leadership development, and serving on nonprofit boards while transitioning away from the corporate world.

That evolution wasn’t by accident. It came from careful self-reflection and a desire to make her next chapter one of impact and service. So, when the opportunity to mentor fellow Ģ����ý alumni came her way, she welcomed it.

“What I love about the Rochester approach is that it’s holistic,” she explains. “It’s not just about landing the next job. It’s about connecting values to career choices and recognizing that transformation can happen at any stage.”

A new kind of fulfillment

Jeanine currently serves as a mentor in The Meliora Collective Mentoring Program, which pairs alumni and students with experienced volunteers across industries and career levels. While she shares her expertise with others, she’s quick to note the relationship is mutual.

“Mentoring isn’t a one-way street. I’m constantly inspired by the creativity, courage, and resilience of the people I meet. I’ve had conversations with alumni making major career shifts, returning to the workforce after time away, or launching second careers post-retirement.”

She also praises the structure and accessibility of the program. With flexible virtual conversations, thoughtful matching, and a vibrant online community, The Meliora Collective offers a low-barrier, high-impact way for alumni to connect.

A call to fellow leaders

Jeanine believes seasoned professionals and retirees are in a unique position to give back—and get something deeply meaningful in return.

“As a C-suite alum or someone who’s retired, you have a wealth of insight that others are eager to learn from. Sometimes we underestimate how valuable our lived experience really is. The perspective we can offer is something no article or webinar can replicate.”

Whether it’s mentoring, leading a virtual workshop, or simply having an informational coffee chat, she encourages peers to explore ways to stay involved.

“There’s something incredibly energizing about helping someone find clarity in their next step,” she says. “And it reminds you of your own growth. It reconnects you to your ‘why.’”

Lifelong belonging

Jeanine sees her continued engagement as a reflection of the University’s enduring mission.

“Rochester has created a space where belonging doesn’t end at graduation. These programs are about community, curiosity, and contribution. And the results speak for themselves—from job offers and new ventures to meaningful personal reinvention.”

For Jeanine, that sense of purpose is what keeps her coming back.

“It’s easy to think you’ve done your part once you retire or reach a certain level,” she says. “But I’ve found that there’s always more to give—and so much more to gain.”

“What these programs did for me,” Derek explained, “was reawaken the mindset I had back in school. That sense that the world is full of possibilities. It wasn’t just about making a career pivot—it was about reimagining what’s possible at any stage of life.”

For many professionals in their 50s, making a career change—or even considering one—can feel daunting. After decades of experience, well-worn routines, and the weight of expectations, pivoting or reimagining one’s path often seems out of reach. But for Derek Nowicki ’90, the decision to connect with the Ģ����ý’s alumni career programs wasn’t just a helpful step—it was a catalyst for renewed energy, curiosity, and possibility.

“I wasn’t necessarily unhappy with my work,” Derek recalls. “But I knew I needed something to change. I had this strong sense that there was more I could do, or do differently—but I didn’t know what that looked like.”

A serendipitous start

Derek’s reengagement with the University happened organically. As he helped plan his upcoming class Reunion, a conversation led to an introduction to Michelle Cavalcanti from the University’s alumni career services—and the start of something transformative.

“I didn’t go in with a clear plan,” he says. “I just knew I needed to take a step back and reassess. What had I done? What did I still want to do? Where could I go from here?”

Through personalized coaching, Derek began attending virtual workshops on leveraging transferable skills, refining personal branding, and creating a vision-driven career identity. These sessions didn’t give him a linear path—they gave him something more powerful: a fresh perspective.

Reframing the narrative

Rather than abandoning his 20+ year career in New York real estate, Derek began to reimagine how he could do the work differently. Through conversations within the Rochester network, he didn’t throw everything out—he rediscovered the parts of his career that aligned with his passions and values and let go of the ones that didn’t.

“I shifted how I approached my work. I let go of some old routines, infused more fun, and began exploring other opportunities simultaneously. And interestingly, everything started to flow better.”

Instead of chasing certainty, Derek chose exploration. And what he found was not a single outcome, but a “cornucopia of possibilities.”

The power of community

One of the most energizing aspects of Derek’s journey has been the support of the alumni network. He connected with several alumni, each of whom responded enthusiastically—many scheduling Zoom calls within hours of the introduction.

“The conversations were real. Thoughtful. And none of them were under an hour,” he laughs. “What that showed me is that Rochester alumni genuinely care. They want to give back. They want to help.”

From practical advice about exploring new cities to conversations about career transitions, these connections reaffirmed for Derek just how strong and giving the Rochester community is—even decades after graduation.

Reawakening curiosity and confidence

Derek describes his experience with the career resources as “a rejuvenation of spirit.” He found himself more curious, more engaged, and more open to life than he had been in years. What began as a search for career clarity turned into a broader transformation.

“Change doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” he says. “You can pivot without burning down everything you’ve built. Sometimes, you just need to shift your mindset—and the way you show up in your work.”

He remains active in real estate, but now approaches his work with renewed creativity and possibility. And he’s continuing to explore what else might be on the horizon.

A message to fellow alumni

For other alumni—especially those in mid-career—Derek offers this advice:

“You’re not too old to learn something new. You’re not too far along to change course. You’re not locked into anything unless you decide you are.”

He urges others to start small: reach out to a classmate, attend a webinar, or connect with the career center.

“The University didn’t stop supporting us when we graduated,” he says. “They are still here—and the door is wide open.

How alumni resources guided Mary Bucklin ’16 from research to industry success

Mary graduated from the Ģ����ý with an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering in 2016.

Making a career pivot can be daunting—especially when you’re stepping into uncharted territory. For Mary Bucklin ’16, shifting from academic research to a role in industry wasn’t just about changing jobs. It was about discovering new strengths, building confidence, and finding a support system that could help guide her through an uncertain transition.

Even after completing a PhD in biomedical engineering and working as a postdoctoral researcher, Mary was still figuring out her path. She had developed a passion for scientific writing—drafting grant proposals, preparing award-winning conference presentations, and realizing how much she enjoyed translating complex research into impactful narratives. But like many professionals looking to pivot, she was unsure how to take the first step.

“I had the skills,” Mary says. “But I didn’t know how to apply them in a different setting, or even what roles might be a good fit. That’s when I turned to the Career Resources offered to Ģ����ý alumni—and it changed everything.”

From uncertainty to action

A single email to the University unlocked a flood of opportunity. Mary was introduced to Mentorship Program, one-on-one career coaching, and a calendar of virtual events designed to empower alumni at any career stage. She jumped in with both feet.

“Working with a career coach and participating in mentoring gave me clarity,” Mary explains. “They helped me update my resume, refine my networking approach, and develop the confidence I needed to move forward.”

Mary also discovered how to use LinkedIn as a strategic tool. After attending a virtual workshop on personal branding and outreach, she began connecting with professionals in medical writing—a field she hadn’t previously considered. That single tactic sparked more than 50 conversations, opened doors to job interviews, and even led to direct referrals.

Community that lifts you up

For Mary, one of the most powerful takeaways has been the feeling of support and belonging.

“Getting a job is often about who you know,” she says. “The Rochester community has been that network for me. From coaches to mentors to fellow alumni, I’ve had people cheering me on and guiding me at every step.”

Her mentor offered firsthand insight into careers in industry and helped Mary understand the value of her academic background in new contexts. Meanwhile, her career coach encouraged her to reflect on what she really wanted and what she was capable of.

“It was about more than resumes or interviews,” Mary says. “It was about realizing that I had options, and I wasn’t alone in figuring them out.”

Encouraging others to reach out

Now actively pursuing roles in medical writing, Mary feels energized by the possibilities ahead. And she’s passionate about helping other alumni see what’s possible, too.

“My advice? Just send the email,” she says. “Explain where you are in your career and what you’re looking for. That’s exactly how I started, and I was blown away by the response.”

Mary’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to have all the answers to begin. What matters is taking that first step—and being open to what comes next.

“I’m so grateful for the guidance I received,” she says. “It’s made me more confident, more connected, and more excited about the future.”

**After this story was posted, Mary started a new position at Orthofix as a medical writer. She shared, “I’m very excited to start my new position, as I have both a deep passion for and a personal connection to the work I’ll be doing to improve musculoskeletal health.”

By establishing the Schwartz Discover Grant for Undergraduate Student Research and other experiential learning funds at Rochester, this alumni couple has made a difference in thousands of lives.

Each fall, dozens of students gather for a poster session on the Ģ����ý’s River Campus, sharing research they’ve spent months exploring—from engineering innovations to social science discoveries. For many, it’s the first time they’ve seen themselves as real researchers. And for most, the opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of Richard “Dick” Schwartz ’63, ’66 (MS) and his late wife, Vicki Proschel Schwartz ’62.

“It’s an amazing experience to stand in a room full of undergraduates who are thrilled to talk about what they learned over the summer,” says Dick. “That kind of feedback is powerful.”

So powerful, in fact, that Dick and Vicki have increased their support every year for the Schwartz Discover Grant for Undergraduate Summer Research program, which began in 2022. Their goal: to help students engage in research early, giving them the confidence and experience to pursue opportunities that will enrich their lives and careers.

Ģ����ý 70 grant recipients each year receive up to $5,000 to help cover cost-of-living expenses during the summer. The funding allows them to fully focus on research, which often requires 40 hours of dedicated work per week.

Lilli Tamm ’25, a biochemistry major graduating this spring, says receiving the Schwartz Discover Grant for the summer after her sophomore year marked a turning point in her life. “Thinking back to the researcher I was becoming then, I could only spend a few hours each week dedicated to research during the academic year,” she explains. “Then, when I received the Schwartz Discover Grant, I could spend the summer dedicated to my research and really became a full-time scientist.”

And become one she did. That research project spanned three semesters and gradually narrowed to focus on cell membrane proteins—vital structures that influence how the body functions and responds to disease. Receiving the Schwartz Discover Grant opened the door to a competitive summer internship in pharmaceutical research following Tamm’s junior year. The experience also helped her stand out as the University’s 2024 Astronaut Scholar, a national honor recognizing the country’s top undergraduate STEM researchers. Ultimately, it culminated in her acceptance into a PhD program at Stanford University in cellular and molecular physiology.

Deep and lasting impact

Dick and Vicki Schwartz at the Schwartz Discover Grant Research Showcase, 2023

The Schwartz Discover Grant program is just one way Dick and Vicki have shaped the undergraduate experience. Over the years, they’ve established a variety of funds to support immersive learning in research, internships, the arts, and community engagement. In 2002, the couple established a student scholarship, which they later enhanced with additional funding and renamed the Proschel/Schwartz Meliora Scholarship—further amplifying support for students with demonstrated financial need

“Dick and Vicki have changed so many lives,” says Emily Rendek, director of the University’s Office of Undergraduate Research. “With all the programs they’ve supported, they’ve made experiential learning possible for thousands of students, creating pivotal opportunities that benefit our students right now. They’ve had a direct role in the future of research, scholarship, creativity, and engagement in a variety of scientific and technological areas as well as the humanities.”

For the couple, supporting experiential education has always been rooted in a shared belief that learning happens everywhere, not just through lectures and labs, but through collaboration, curiosity, and real-world application. That philosophy continues to guide their giving: help others, see the impact, and do good right now.

A legacy of learning and service

Schwartz Discover Grant Research recipients with Emily Rendek (first row, far left) and Vicki and Dick Schwartz (first row, far right), 2023

Dick says his own values of service and education were modeled by his parents, especially his father, a surgeon with the Department of Veterans Affairs. “My dad chose a medical career path with regular hours because it gave him more time to dedicate to our family and to those activities he believed in,” he says. Vicki’s parents, both teachers, also emphasized the power of education to transform lives.

As undergraduates, both Dick and Vicki were deeply involved in campus life. Dick spent his summers interning in a variety of settings, including Tropel, a Rochester-based startup founded by his professor, optics legend . For his second summer internship, he joined a friend in San Diego to assist with optics projects at the University of California. After that, Dick interned at an aerospace technology company in Boston. By the time he earned his master’s degree from the Institute of Optics, Dick had also interned with Xerox—setting the stage for a smooth transition into full-time work and a 30-year career in research and development there.

“Those internships were invaluable to me,” he says. “They gave me confidence, expanded my networks, and gave me a chance to apply what I’d been learning in a professional setting. Vicki and I always wanted others to have these kinds of vital opportunities, which is why we’ve established them.”

Vicki, whose roots were in the humanities, earned her degree in English with honors, completed a master’s in teaching at Harvard University, and then taught high school English for several years. The couple’s distinctive academic paths helped shape an approach to philanthropy that will benefit students in both STEM and the arts for years to come.

Philanthropy as a shared commitment

Giving back was always a personal decision and a shared commitment for the couple, who had two children together, Steven and Douglas, and were married 57 years at the time of Vicki’s passing in 2023. “Every year, we’d look forward to meeting students who participated in the programs we supported,” Dick says. “We loved hearing their stories, why they chose the University, and what they hoped to do in the future.”

Today, Dick continues their legacy through a donor-advised fund (DAF), which offers flexibility and transparency. It allows him to support the causes he and Vicki have cared about the most while staying actively involved in choosing when and how to give.

In addition to their philanthropic support, Dick and Vicki spent decades as volunteer leaders at their alma mater, serving on reunion committees and class councils as well as the Lifelong Learning Advisory Council and the University Libraries National Council. They have also been members of the University’s Wilson Society, which honors and celebrates those who have established life-income plans or named the Ģ����ý as a beneficiary of their estate, and the George Eastman Circle, the University’s leadership annual giving society. Additionally, Dick serves on Hajim’s National Council and the Rochester Philanthropy Council and has chaired or supported many nonprofit organizations throughout the Rochester community.

Throughout all his involvement, Dick’s greatest joy comes from seeing tangible outcomes: students exploring their potential, the University offering transformative programs, and communities made stronger in the process. “It’s a win-win-win,” he adds. “Students benefit, the University benefits, and society overall benefits. Plus, I get the joy of knowing I helped make a difference.”

This matching challenge will inspire a new wave of philanthropy and generate up to $3 million in student support.

Randi and Steve Piaker

Rochester Trustee Steve Piaker ’84 and his wife, Randi, have committed $1 million to launch a new scholarship challenge benefiting undergraduates at the University’s Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences and School of Arts & Sciences. The Piaker Family Scholarship Challenge has the potential to generate up to $3 million in financial aid for students with demonstrated need.

The Piaker Challenge is designed to spark generosity and amplify impact through matching gifts—encouraging others to start endowed scholarships of their own. For each new endowed scholarship that qualifies, matching funds will be added to increase the total scholarship value. For example, if a donor contributes $100,000, the Piaker Challenge will contribute an additional $50,000—bringing the fund total to $150,000. Likewise, if a new donor makes a $67,000 commitment, the Piaker Challenge will add $33,000, for a total value of $100,000. Each year, a portion of the fund’s value will be used to provide student aid, ensuring ongoing support, while the principal remains invested to benefit future generations.

“We are grateful to the Piakers for making this generous gift and inspiring others to give too,” says Rob Alexander, vice provost and University dean of enrollment. “Because of the Piakers’ leadership—and the support of others who will join them—many students will receive the financial aid they need to access a Rochester education, now and for years to come.”

“Like so many other alumni, my time at Rochester was truly transformative,” says Steve. “It was—and still is—a special place for me. Randi and I are honored to make this gift knowing it will serve as a force multiplier. Establishing a matching fund is a powerful way to help others maximize the impact of their giving. Together, we can support even more students.”

A legacy of student support

Steve and Randi have a long history of supporting Rochester’s undergraduate students. In 2020, they established an endowed scholarship through the Nataraj Scholarship Challenge, an initiative launched by Rochester Trustee Naveen Nataraj ’97 and his wife, Courtney, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Within a year, that challenge raised $2.6 million and created 22 endowed scholarships—illustrating the power of matching challenges. “It’s our hope that this new challenge will have a similar impact,” says Steve.

The Piakers have also supported students through the Brady Scholars Program, established by Elizabeth Pungello Bruno ’89, another Rochester trustee and alumnus as well as a parent of a Rochester graduate. This is one of the University’s premier scholarship programs, providing ongoing financial support and individual academic advising, peer mentoring, and special academic and social opportunities.

“Rochester students share an ethos,” adds Steve. “It’s a real community here, full of young adults with a passion for learning—students who are intellectually curious, socially engaged, and rooting each other on. It’s a privilege to make a gift that adds to this momentum.”

Another inspiration for the couple’s support is Steve’s father. “As a World War II veteran and son of immigrants, he was only able to go to City College in New York because it was free,” says Steve. “He was always grateful for that opportunity and worked so hard to provide for his family and give back to the community supporting innumerable causes. My parents sacrificed a lot to ensure that my brother and I could attend a university of our choice. Attending the Ģ����ý and graduating without a mountain of debt was a privilege. Underwriting this challenge—and providing financial assistance to students over the years—has been a meaningful way for Randi and me to honor my parents while helping students realize their full potential.”

Committed to excellence and education

Steven Piaker is co-founder and managing partner of Ten Coves Capital, a financial technology- focused growth equity firm based in Darien, Connecticut. He has more than 30 years of experience investing at the intersection of technology and financial services. Before forming Ten Coves, he served as co-head of Napier Park Financial Partners, was among the founding partners of Napier Park Global Capital, and served as managing partner at CCP Equity Partners. He also held various investment positions with Conseco Inc., GE Capital’s leveraged buyout division, and Chase Manhattan Bank. Steve received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Rochester and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, and he holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Steve has served on the University’s board of trustees since May 2024 and is a member of its investment committee. A former trustee of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, he serves on the boards of Cassini Systems Limited, Inbox Health Corp., PointPredictive, Inc., and Steeleye Limited. The Piakers are longtime members of the George Eastman Circle, the University’s leadership annual giving society.

Gift supports faculty excellence and innovation and completes the distinguished professorship part of the Wyant Challenge.

Joanne Y. Law at the University’s 1998 Commencement ceremony

Joanne Y. Law ’98 (PhD), an inventor and optical engineer, has established a new endowed fund—the Joanne Y. Law Distinguished Professorship in Optics—at the URochester’s . Her generous $800,000 gift will be amplified by an additional $1.2 million from the Wyant Challenge, a historic initiative launched in 2022 by the late optics pioneer James C. Wyant ’69 (PhD), trustee emeritus, and his wife, Tammy.

“I believe in science, research, and education, and I am deeply committed to supporting them all—especially now when the need is so great,” says Law. “Earning my PhD at the Institute of Optics shaped my career and life, and I am profoundly grateful for the education and opportunities I received because of that. This is my way to pay it forward.”

“We are thrilled that Joanne has established this gift,” says Wendi Heinzelman, dean of the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences. “She joins a distinguished group of benefactors and dedicated leaders committed to making a lasting investment in the institute—advancing education, pushing the boundaries of research, and creating a meaningful impact on society. We are grateful to Joanne for her generosity.”

Heinzelman emphasizes that the Wyant Challenge and the matching gifts made through it will empower top-tier faculty to address the leading challenges in the field and the increasing need for skilled optics graduates. These professionals will contribute to advancements in precision manufacturing, national security and aerospace, biomedical imaging and diagnostics, renewable energy, and other industries.

Established in 2022 through a $12 million gift from the late optics pioneer James C. Wyant ’69 (PhD), trustee emeritus, and his wife, Tammy, the Wyant Challenge is transforming the Institute of Optics. As the largest gift in its history, funds from the challenge and matching gifts, including Law’s contribution, will increase the number of full-time faculty at the institute from 20 to 30 over the next decade. The challenge will ultimately support 10 endowed professorships—five for distinguished faculty and five for early-career scholars—along with a visiting professorship and a staff position. This growth will support the institute as it plans for its 100th anniversary in 2029.

Law’s generosity marks the fifth and final distinguished professorship to be funded through the Wyant Challenge. Additionally, two early career professorships have already been established through it. To date, the challenge has generated an additional $5.2 million in new donor funds. When completed, matching gifts will account for $8 million, bringing the total impact of the challenge to $20 million.

“Through this challenge, I can help future scientists and engineers have the same opportunities I had to learn, grow, and contribute to this important field,” says Law. “I am excited that this professorship will attract top talent and bring a positive spirit to scientific research.”

Noting that the Wyant Challenge presented a compelling opportunity to make a difference in alignment with her values, Law adds, “Because the challenge offered matching funds, I was able to establish this professorship at this point in my life. It helped me meet the financial requirements to create an endowed professorship.”

“It is especially meaningful to me to see a former student invest in the institute like this,” says Tom Brown, the director of the Institute of Optics and a Mercer Brugler Distinguished Teaching Professor. “Joanne’s generosity, along with the collective support of the Wyant Challenge, allows us to invest in faculty excellence in a way that will positively impact many generations of graduate and undergraduate students.”

Ģ����ý Joanne Y. Law

Law attended the Ģ����ý in 1994 as a Sproull Fellow, conducting research on vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers under the guidance of Professor Govind P. Agrawal. After receiving a PhD in optics from the Institute of Optics, she moved to California, where she spent 16 years in industrial research and product engineering at Therma-Wave, Agilent Technologies, and Nanometrics. Her work focused on optical design and system analysis for semiconductor metrology.

In addition to the newly established distinguished professorship, Law has supported the University’s Student Emergency Fund, which began during COVID-19. In 2021, she created the Law Optics Scholarship to further her commitment to helping others reach their full potential. She plans to continue with charitable giving to science advancement and education as a long-term goal.

Beyond science, Law spends time crafting art with a 5W diode laser at home and sharing her creations with the community. She enjoys giving back through her artwork.

Through his journey, Thomas exemplifies the lasting bonds between alumni and their alma mater and inspires others to stay connected and give back.

Clayton Jones, Robert DeLeon ’21S (MBA), Tochukwu Iyke-Nzeocha ’25, Katherine Thomas ’22, Eugene Nichols III ’20, Courtney Thomas, Jr. ’18

Courtney Thomas, Jr. ’18 knows the power of giving back. As a student at the URochester, he immersed himself in campus leadership, serving as a Student Alumni Ambassador (SAA) and a member of the Senior Giving Committee. Today, as an alumnus, Thomas continues to make an impact, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to supporting the university that shaped his path.

Thomas’s journey to Rochester began with the Posse Foundation, a program that provides full-tuition scholarships to students from select cities. From his first campus visit, he was captivated by the university’s dynamic environment and open curriculum, which allowed him to craft a unique academic experience.

Arriving in the winter of 2014, Thomas quickly sought ways to stay engaged indoors (and in the warmth). This led him to explore student leadership roles, working in Wilson Commons, getting involved in student government, and joining key organizations like the Minority Male Leadership Association and the Douglass Leadership House. These experiences taught him valuable lessons about university operations, funding structures, and the critical role that alumni support plays in sustaining student initiatives.

Passion for staying connected

For Thomas, graduation was not a farewell—it was a transition into a new chapter of involvement. Recognizing that his own success was built on the generosity and dedication of others before him, he felt a deep responsibility to continue the cycle.

Courtney Thomas, Jr. ’18

Since graduating, he has remained actively involved in multiple alumni organizations, including the Young Alumni Council and the Black Alumni Network. He also mentors the Minority Male Leadership Association, helping to guide students. His dedication extends to the Posse Foundation, where he continues to support and engage with new cohorts of scholars.

A career rooted in service

Thomas’ commitment to public service is evident in his professional life as well. Currently serving as a key aide to the mayor of Rochester, he works at the intersection of community engagement, policy, and advocacy. His path to city government was unexpected but serendipitous. A chance encounter with then-City Council Member Malik Evans ’02, now Rochester’s mayor, at a URochester event led to an opportunity to become a City Council aide. That experience ignited a passion for civic engagement, and today, Thomas plays an integral role in city leadership, embodying the university’s motto, Meliora—ever better.

Encouraging others to give back

Thomas is a firm believer that every contribution to the university—whether time, resources, or mentorship—makes a meaningful difference. His advice to fellow alumni and students? Start small.

Liam Kirsch ’23, Franklin Hong ’23, Ben Schwartz ’23, Mayor Malik Evans ’02, Professor Gerald Gamm, Ari Drotch ’23, Blaine Doyle ’23, James Bentayou ’23, Courtney Thomas Jr. ’18

He emphasizes that giving back is not just about sustaining the university but also about creating opportunities for future generations. From participating in panels and speaking engagements to supporting fundraising initiatives, he encourages all alumni to find ways to stay engaged.

When Thomas reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave behind, he envisions a thriving, interconnected community of alumni who continue to uplift and empower students. He wants to see more students embrace study-abroad opportunities, take advantage of the university’s fifth-year programs, create their own majors, and immerse themselves in the city of Rochester’s cultural and professional offerings.

“Don’t just come here—stay connected,” he urges. “The Ģ����ý is a lifelong community, and staying involved is one of the best ways to make the most of that connection.”

Through his unwavering dedication, Courtney Thomas, Jr. exemplifies the best of what it means to be a URochester alumnus. His story is one of gratitude, service, and a commitment to ensuring that the doors of opportunity remain open for those who follow. In doing so, he continues to make both his alma mater and his community ever better.