Celebration 2020

University of Rochester alumnus. National leader in the study of educational and occupational trajectories of marginalized students. When Cecelia Rios-Aguilar ’03W (MA), ’07W (PhD) considers the cultural heritage, family and community…

First African American woman to graduate from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Founder of Physicians and Laypersons Educational Associates of Greater Rochester. As a spiritual woman…

University of Rochester alumnus. Native American scientist and professor engaged in biomedical research, STEM education, and mentoring, with a focus on American Indian and Alaska Native health. Long before European…

Cofounders of the Global Partnership for Women and Girls. Social entrepreneurs dedicated to the education and economic advancement of Muslim women and girls in local communities around the world. As…

Susan B. Anthony voted only once in her decades-long struggle for women’s suffrage, and she did so illegally.

University of Rochester alumnus. Teacher. First African American woman to graduate from the University. In 1879, the University of Rochester unveiled a striking marble bust of abolitionist, activist, and local…

Successful real estate executive and community leader Amy Tait clearly benefited from a stellar education, including an MBA from the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester. But, she also learned a lot from one of her lifelong mentors—her father Norman Leenhouts.

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan.

On the surface, Renée Richards seemed like a happy, well-adjusted kid from Forest Hills, Queens. She did well in school and excelled in sports, particularly tennis. She also fit in with her friends and peers. But from the age of nine, she felt like she was different.

Many people believe the myth that the role of nurse practitioner came about due to a shortage of medical doctors.

Captivating audiences with her rich, velvety soprano, opera singer Renée Fleming, also known as “the people’s diva”, has become one of the most celebrated and beloved operatic singers of our time.

Founder of the University of Rochester’s Memorial Art Gallery. Philanthropist and patron of the arts in Rochester. Emily Sibley Watson left a significant mark on the city and the University…