Hall of Fame
Albert J. Simone, the university’s 8th president, helped guide RIT athletics into the 21st century. A former college athlete himself (wrestling at Tufts University), Simone transformed the RIT campus with more than $300 million in physical improvements during his 15-year tenure. This includes the addition of the Gordon Field House and Activities Center (2004), a turf field with lights (2004), and a tennis complex (2003). A new chapter in RIT sports history was added on Dec. 15, 2004 when President Simone announced the men’s hockey team would be elevated to Division I. The Tigers are now members of the Atlantic Hockey Association. RIT hockey is the only Division I team in the Rochester area.