As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I’m writing to express my gratitude for everything you do to make RPI an extraordinary place.

It has been a wonderful fall semester, highlighted by our ongoing Bicentennial celebration. More than 2,200 alumni and guests participated in our largest, and I think best, Reunion and Homecoming ever. You can find photos and videos from the events, including my State of the Institute address, here.

That same weekend, the RPI community and the Capital Region came together at the East Campus Athletic Village for an awe-inspiring Bicentennial Drone Show. The drone show featured 750 drones that depicted our past, our present, and our hopes for the future in the sky over Troy. In October, we were honored to have been featured on one of the world’s most iconic digital displays - the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square to celebrate RPI 200!

I also visited Bill Coleman, RPI Class of 1949, at his home on Swan’s Island, Maine, to celebrate his 100th birthday. Bill was born in the year of our Centennial and became a member of the RPI lacrosse team that played the English national team to a 5-5 draw in an exhibition at the 1948 Olympics. I can’t tell you how meaningful it was to me to get to know this living part of RPI history, and I hope you’ll take some time to explore his story. 

The work you do here every day makes all of this, and more, possible, and I want to thank you again for your dedication to our shared community. 

As Thanksgiving approaches, we will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Staff who are required to work to ensure the necessary services for any on-campus or off-campus students should follow the necessary essential staff protocols. 

If you'll be staying on campus this Thanksgiving Break, you're invited to join us for dinner in the McNeil Room on Thanksgiving Day. Please RSVP here.

Lyn and I extend to you and your families a peaceful, safe, and joyful Thanksgiving holiday.