General | 12/6/2018 3:28:00 PM

ROCHESTER – RIT alumnus and former student-athlete Don McGrath, Ph. D. spoke with captains and leaders of the Tigers' 24 Intercollegiate Athletic programs on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at RIT's Ingle Auditorium. McGrath shared lessons he learned throughout his career and how his RIT education helped him achieve success.

"I think the key is to be very clear on what you want," said McGrath. "If you're not, everyone else will tell you what you want. If you want to go and get your doctorate start thinking on how to take step to that. It doesn't get any easier at some point you are going to have lots of responsibilities. The key thing is, what do you want? What do you want your life to be like in 10 years? Ask yourself that. Once you do that, ask yourself, what do I have to do to get there? Then it becomes easier."

McGrath, received his bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering from RIT in 1986. While at RIT he was co-captained of both the men's track and field and cross country teams. In 1985, he helped lead RIT's cross country team to a program-best third place finish at the NCAA Championships. That same year, his 4 x 1,600-meter relay team set the outdoor school record (17:38.7) that still stands today. In addition, McGrath was the first recipient of RIT's Ellingson Award for his outstanding accomplishments as a student-athlete and leader.

"I think this is a great educational value for our students and professional support for our coaches and staff to be able to see and hear from a person like Don," said Lou Spiotti RIT's Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "I am thrilled to be able to welcome a guy like Don on campus and have him make the impact that he did."

After RIT, McGrath attended Purdue University to obtain his master's degree in electrical and electronics engineering and went on to complete his doctorate at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, while working at General Electric Corporate R&D. He spent almost 30 years in Fortune 500 companies. Of his many endeavors includes having his team develop chips that are used in everyday internet and CAT scan usages.

McGrath found a love for rock climbing and became an expert rock climber and guide. McGrath is also an award-winning author and speaker. His best-selling book Vertical Mind: Psychological Approaches for Optimal Rock Climbing has been named as one of the most significant books in rock climbing literature.

"It makes me feel like I can be a successful RIT alum," said junior Kerri Zalba of the RIT women's soccer team. "Especially just seeing another member of the athletic community who has graduated and is doing whatever he wants to do to change the world. I think that is just very inspiring."

McGrath message was impactful to the RIT student-athletes in attendance. After the talk was completed many athletes joined McGrath for more of an informal session about his experiences and other aspects of RIT and life.

"I think this is great for the younger guys just coming in who are feeling overwhelmed," said senior Matt Pogue of the RIT men's lacrosse team. "I think this is good for them to know that anybody can make an impacted no matter who you are, how old you are, how good you are, or how good you think you are. It just really great to see that somebody can come in and let everybody know that the possibilities are endless."