Rochester Institute of Technology Athletics

For more than 43 years, Fred Bleiler has been involved in education at all levels. The Odessa, N.Y. native retired from RIT in 2000. In 1968, after successful high school administrative positions, he became director of Physical Education and Athletics at the newly opened Eisenhower College, which would later become part of RIT. Bleiler directed a program of 18 intercollegiate teams and coached just about every sport. He came to the RIT campus in 1982 and became director of Physical Education in 1984. Under his guidance, wellness, health enhancement and fitness programs were added to the curriculum. One of his most rewarding highlights came in 1992 when RIT opened the Hale-Andrews Student Life Center. He, along with Hall of Famer Dr. Fred Smith and Greg Moss, were instrumental in the design and planning of the center.