RELEASE: Gallaudet taps retiring RIT leader as 2007 Commencement Speaker

From: Gallaudet - Mar 30, 2007

PRESS RELEASE

Gallaudet taps retiring RIT leader as 2007 Commencement Speaker

(WASHINGTON) Dr. Albert Simone, president of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), will deliver the keynote address during the 138th Commencement Exercises at Gallaudet University.

The program recognizing the Bison Class of 2007 will take place 1:30 p.m., May 11 at the Gallaudet University Field House.

Gallaudet will also present an honorary doctorate degree to the administrator. Dr. Robert Davila, Gallaudet’s president, said the measure is a “fitting recognition to [Simone’s] many contributions as an educator, business and civic leader and advisor, and humanitarian.”

Simone, who became RIT’s eight president on September 1, 1992, will retire from his post later this year.

The long-time educator received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Tufts University and his doctorate in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi, Simone is the author of several books and numerous journal publications on the application of mathematics, statistics and computers to economics and business.

Previous accolades received by Simone include:
* the 2007 Chief Executive Leadership Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education
* Rochester Business Alliance Civic Award (2006)
* Entrepreneurial American Leadership Award from Partners for Livable Communities (2006)
* Rochester International Council International Citizen Award (2004)
* Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award (2003)
the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals President's Award (2001)