A monthly message from President Marty Schmidt ’81 on giving back & getting involved.
Dear RPI Community,
As autumn deepens, I am reminded that giving back is more than a seasonal act — it is part of the ethos we cultivate here at RPI. Our progress, our innovations, and our successes are built not in isolation, but in interaction — with neighbors, with local institutions, and with the city we call home.
Each month, I look forward to sharing with you a brief reflection on how we — as students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends — can deepen our connection with the larger community that surrounds us. At RPI, we talk often about excellence, innovation, and impact. Yet one of our greatest opportunities is to extend that impact outward, through service, partnership, and generosity.
Why Giving Back Matters
- Giving of our time, energy, expertise, and resources helps bridgethe gap between “town and gown.” It fosters mutual respect and shared purpose.
- Volunteerism and philanthropy build empathy: they remind us that we are part of a larger ecosystem, where each individual’s well being affects us all.
- Through service, we develop leadership, humility, and a more grounded sense of purpose beyond our immediate academic goals.
- Finally, by contributing to the health of our community, we help strengthen the social infrastructure (nonprofits, neighborhood programs, local culture) that makes RPI a vibrant place to live, work, and learn.
Each month, we’ll spotlight a local organization or initiative, share upcoming opportunities, and invite you to connect in a meaningful way.
This October, I invite you to join me in shining a light on Unity House of Troy and its work to serve those facing hardship in Rensselaer County. The organization’s commitment to human services, domestic violence support, housing stability, and community well being aligns beautifully with our values of technical excellence grounded in social purpose.
Below, you’ll find ways to engage this month, along with additional highlights from across Troy that reflect the vibrancy of our shared region. I hope you will find something meaningful here to plug into.
Thank you for all you already do — and for what I hope you will consider doing next.
OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT: UNITY HOUSE OF TROY
Unity House is a nonprofit serving Rensselaer County, offering services such as emergency food and meals, housing assistance, domestic violence intervention, early childhood programs, and more. Their mission is “making life better” for those in our region who experience instability, vulnerability, or crisis.
OCTOBER OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED
Block Party for Domestic Violence Awareness
Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Time: 2-6 p.m.
Location: Kathryn Allen Center, Troy
Open air community celebration to raise awareness and foster connection.
(Cost: Free)
Ongoing Volunteer/Donation Roles
Location: Unity House offices & programs
Help with meal service, food pantry, administration, advocacy, holiday program prep, etc.
HOW TO CONNECT
Email: Events@UnityHouseNY.org or volunteer@UnityHouseNY.org
Phone: (518) 274-2607 (ask for volunteer or events desk)
OTHER OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS IN TROY & NEARBY
Troy ChowderFest
Sunday, October 12, 2025, 12-5 p.m. Downtown Troy
Sample chowders across downtown restaurants and vendors, enjoy live music and community energy. (Free admission; $2 samples)
Troy Night Out: Dogtober
Friday, October 31, 2025, 5-9 p.m.
Downtown Troy
A Halloween & pet-themed iteration of the monthly “Troy Night Out,” with a booth for Moose Lodge Senior Pet Sanctuary, dog costume contests, and trick-or-treating.
Troy Waterfront Farmers Market (final stretch)
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
River Street/Monument Square
Through October, enjoy a vibrant open-air market of local produce, crafts, and food vendors.
Archtober: Troy Edition
All month (October 2025)
Various venues across Troy
A city wide series of architecture, design, and preservation talks, tours, installations, exhibitions and participatory events — hosted by TAP Inc. and partners including RPI’s School of Architecture. Learn more.