A monthly message from President Marty Schmidt ’81 on giving back & getting involved.
February arrives with a quiet determination — the heart of winter urging us to slow down, look inward, and reconnect with what matters most. It's a month that asks us to reflect on relationships, resilience, and the quiet power of showing up for one another.
At RPI, February reminds us that building community isn't about grand gestures — it's about consistency. The neighbor who clears your sidewalk. The volunteer who shows up every week. The student who checks in on a friend. These are the threads that hold us together when winter feels long and the world feels uncertain.
This month, I invite you to consider how small, steady acts of connection can create lasting change. Whether you're supporting an organization that has served our region for generations, attending a local event, or simply being present for someone who needs it — you are part of the fabric that makes our community strong.
February asks us to be patient — with winter, with ourselves, with the pace of change. But it also reminds us that even in the coldest months, warmth exists wherever people gather in common purpose.
Whether you donate, volunteer, attend an event, or simply help a neighbor — you are keeping the light burning for someone else. Remember: we are never truly alone when we reach out to one another.
FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT: UNITED WAY OF THE GREATER CAPITAL REGION
As we featured in November, United Way of the Greater Capital Region continues to be a cornerstone of community support in our area. For over a century, they've mobilized resources to address our region's most pressing challenges — food insecurity, housing stability, early childhood education, and health access.
Why United Way Matters in February
Winter is when our neighbors need support most. Heating costs rise, food pantries see increased demand, and isolation becomes more acute. United Way coordinates the network of nonprofits that respond to these needs every single day.
Ways to Support United Way This Month
- Donate: Every dollar stays local and supports vital services. Visit the RPI United Way website to donate or email Jacqueline Farmer for the payroll deduction form if you prefer.
- Volunteer: Browse opportunities at unitedtovolunteer.org/need
- Advocate: Follow United Way on social media to learn about issues affecting our community and how to make your voice heard
United Way's work isn't about charity — it's about building the kind of community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. When one of us succeeds, we all do.
GOOD NEWS FROM RPI
RPI Professor Karyn Rogers and Graduate Student Meri Herrero Perez Featured on PBS's NOVA
RPI Professor Karyn Rogers, director of the Rensselaer Astrobiology Research and Education Center, and graduate student Meri Herrero Perez were prominently featured in the PBS NOVA episode "Asteroids: Spark of Life?" which aired January 21. The episode explores how asteroid impacts may have contributed to the emergence of life on Earth. Learn more.
Research
RPI Awarded $3.3 Million Grant to Improve mRNA Purification Technology
New York Invests $1 Million in Hemp Manufacturing Lab
RPI and TIPA Partner on Industrial Technology Development
Athletics
Men's Basketball Dominates
The Engineers have been on a tear, defeating Skidmore 76-56, routing defending Liberty League champion Ithaca 88-73, and beating RIT 79-62. The team is now 7-1 in league play with multiple players posting double-digit scoring performances.
Men's Track and Field Shines
The team posted a dominant performance at the Utica Winter Opener with Cortez Garrett winning the 60-meter hurdles (8.48 seconds) and Cameron Caso taking first in the 60-meter dash (7.02 seconds).
Women's Swimming & Diving Tops Field
RPI women's swimming & diving delivered a commanding performance at the annual Kumpf Invitational, topping a field including SUNY Cortland, Skidmore, and William Smith. Gwenyth Snyder won the 1,000 freestyle, Sierra Pargett claimed victories in both the 100 and 200 freestyle, and Vera Korff won the 50 freestyle.
Other News
RPI Hosts VEX Robotics Competition
RPI hosted the 3rd Annual RPI VEX V5 Robotics Competition Push Back Tournament on January 19, bringing together 36 high school robotics teams from New York, Vermont, and Maine for a full day of engineering and innovation.
RPI to Recognize Employee Service
RPI will recognize more than 500 employees for service milestones over the past five years at the February 20 men’s hockey game.
FEBRUARY IN TROY: COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Friday, February 28, 2026, 5-9 p.m.
Downtown Troy
End the month with Troy's beloved celebration of arts, culture, and community. Live music, special deals, and the creative energy that makes downtown Troy special.
VOLUNTEER AND GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Unity House Fire Recovery:
The need continues following the devastating January 4 fire at Unity House's Kathryn Allen Center. Unity House has maintained services without interruption, but rebuilding requires sustained community support.
Donate or learn more:
- Visit the Unity House website for information on how to donate
- All donations support rebuilding efforts and continued services
Food Security:
- RPI Student Food Pantry – East Campus Class Community Center. Drop-off: Tuesdays 1-4 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Fridays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Most needed items: soup, tuna, pasta, rice, beans, toothpaste, soap, bags. Email offcampus@rpi.edu to arrange a pick-up.
- Hope 7 Community Center – 520 Pawling Ave. Open weekdays 9:30-11:45 a.m., Thursdays 5-7 p.m., last Saturday monthly.
- Unity House Food Pantry – 2431 Sixth Ave. Call (518) 274-2607 for donations and volunteer opportunities.
- The Food Pantries for the Capital District – Supports 65+ pantries regionwide.
Community Service:
- United to Volunteer – Year-round opportunities supporting food security, literacy, housing, and more.
- Sidewalk Warriors Troy — Every Thursday, rain or shine, join Sidewalk Warriors at the corner of 5th Avenue and State Street (35 State Street at Christ Church Troy United Methodist) to distribute hot meals, sandwiches, fresh produce, pantry staples, and basic necessities to over 120 children, families, and adults in need. Setup begins at 4:30 p.m., serving starts at 6:00 p.m., and breakdown is at 7:30 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome to help with setup, distribution, or breakdown. Donations of meals, pantry items, and essential supplies (socks, underwear, winter items, hygiene products) are gratefully accepted. Contact Robin Fontanelli at (518) 265-7026 or visit sidewalkwarriorstroy.com to volunteer or find their weekly wish list on Facebook.