Michael Fahy named senior associate vice president for URMC Advancement

Following a comprehensive nationwide search, Michael Fahy ’09W (EdD) has been named senior associate vice president for University Advancement, overseeing the philanthropy and engagement programs for the Medical Center. Fahy has served as interim leader of the team within Advancement since August 2024.

Do neurons transmit light?

Rochester researchers led by Pablo Postigo, a professor at the Institute of Optics, have begun a project to study whether neurons can transport light like fiber-optic communications channels.

How much influence the Fed actually has on the stock market

Wall Street Journal, May 5

Alan Moreira, an associate professor of finance at Simon Business School, explains how market responses to Fed actions are driven by investor expectations, often more than the actions themselves.

Move-Out Cleanout for students

Students can get rid of unwanted items responsibly before moving out of campus housing. Donate unopened toiletries and non-perishable food at collection bins through May 19, and on May 17, drop off larger items like furniture, appliances, and electronics at “Dump and Run” events happening at select residences. Find more information on move-out programs from the Sustainability Office and the Office for Residential Life and Housing Services.

Last call for ‘Zero Waste Ranger’ volunteers

Support the University’s commitment to sustainability during Commencement receptions on Saturday, May 17. Volunteers will demonstrate recycling and waste reduction activities by helping guests sort their waste properly. Flexible shifts are available, with food and a T-shirt provided. Email the Sustainability Office if interested.

Prepare for Commencement impact on River Campus parking

On Friday, May 16, the University will hold its Commencement ceremony, which will have a significant impact on campus traffic flow and parking.

Students and their families will begin arriving around 6 and 6:30 a.m., and all River Campus lots will be needed for guest parking. Given the heavy traffic flow and need for guest parking, departmental supervisors are encouraged to consider different alternatives to staff working onsite that day, where operationally possible. Employees who must work onsite that day should park in their regular lot.

Medical Center employees who park in lots accessed off Crittenden and Kendrick Roads should expect increased traffic that morning and adjust their travel times accordingly. Lot 2 and 9 permit holders are asked to follow the regular parking overflow plan if needed.

School of Nursing tuition grant information session

The School of Nursing tuition grant, which supplements employee tuition benefits to provide 100 percent tuition coverage in select academic programs, is available to new students who enroll by summer 2027. The initiative has supported more than 850 Medical Center healthcare professionals since its 2019 launch, strengthening the nursing workforce and opening doors to opportunities in leadership, education, and more. Join a webinar on Wednesday, May 14, at 2 p.m. to learn about how to apply, enroll, and get started.

Gain health and wealth through Well-U

Eligible University employees can earn a monetary incentive by completing a Well-U program in 2025, such as Healthy Weight, Nutrition Basics, or a Personal Health Assessment.

Warner School drop-in hours today

Stop by the Warner School of Education and Human Development in LeChase Hall, Room 239, today, May 7, between 3 and 5 p.m. to meet with admissions advisors. Get help with your application, ask questions about graduate programs and scholarships, and more—no appointment is necessary. The Warner School accepts applications on a rolling basis. Apply now and start as early as summer 2025. Contact Warner’s admissions office with questions.

Celebration of life for Ronald Paprocki

There will be a celebration of the life of Ron Paprocki ’69, ’86S (MBA), a retired senior vice president for administration and finance and chief financial officer, in the Interfaith Chapel at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10. A reception will follow, and parking will be available in Trustee Parking lot.

Workshop on mastering your NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan

Are you ready to meet the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) standards for data management and sharing? Do you understand the new public access policy? Hosted by University Libraries Data Services, the virtual workshop will give you an overview of the NIH Policy for Data Management and Sharing, guide you through the steps to effectively create a Data Management and Sharing Plan, and give an overview of the 2024 NIH Public Access Policy. Learn more and register here to attend on Tuesday, May 13, from 11 a.m. to noon. If you have questions or want to request a Data Management and Sharing Plan review, contact Data Services.

Eastman Community Music School Springfest

Eastman Community Music School’s (ECMS) annual Springfest is a celebration of music, learning, and community. Taking place over two weeks—May 19–22 and May 28–June 7—this event features more than 30 ensembles and highlights the talents of hundreds of students from all instrumental and vocal departments. From orchestras and bands to choirs and chamber groups, each performance reflects the hard work and passion of ECMS students and faculty. All Springfest events are free and open to the public, inviting families, friends, and community members to join in the celebration and experience the vibrant musical spirit that defines ECMS.

Celebrating 175

As the University celebrates its 175th year, we’re highlighting some of the notable people, events, and discoveries that have contributed to Rochester’s rich history. Today, we look back at some commencement history.

The University’s first graduation ceremony was held July 9, 1851, in Corinthian Hall in downtown Rochester. The academic entourage entered the hall with full brass band fanfare, and 10 men were ceremonially graduated. Henry Ward Beecher, a popular clergyman and orator, was the headline speaker at the ceremony. Arthur May offered details about the University’s opening, including the first commencement ceremony, in chapter 4 of History of the University of Rochester, 1850-1962. You can also review the first commencement program.

The site of the commencement ceremony has shifted over the years, being held at locations including Eastman Quadrangle, Eastman Theatre, Fauver Stadium, and the Community War Memorial in downtown Rochester. A University-wide ceremony returned to Fauver Stadium in 2022; this year’s ceremony is set for 8:45 a.m. on Friday, May 16, at Fauver Stadium. Award-winning journalist Tommy Evans ’99 will address the graduates.

Speaking of commencement addresses, the University has a proud past of commencement speakers and honorees, but the 91st commencement ceremony on June 16, 1941, was particularly noteworthy. On that day, University President Alan Valentine presented an honorary doctor of laws degree to British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who accepted the honor from London through a trans-Atlantic radio address. Learn more about Churchill’s address and explore the history of notable Commencement speakers and honorees.