RIT’s School of Film and Animation has a growing reputation in Hollywood and has been recognized by the entertainment industry for its high-achieving alumni who graduate with expertise in cutting-edge technology. The school’s latest recognition comes from Variety magazine, the “most authoritative and trusted source of entertainment business news” in the world. Variety named RIT as one of the Top Film Schools in North America in the publication’s annual Education Impact Report. The list includes universities as old as the moving picture itself, as well as newer budding programs—all of which offer “an impressive array of educators, facilities and lessons to be learned,” according to Variety. The report noted RIT’s “deep bench of facilities,” students’ access to internships and industry collaborations, and experienced instructors who are “a huge asset for students.” “Being named among the top film schools by Variety is a tremendous honor. It’s a testament to the exciting momentum we’ve built and our dedication to providing our students with the experiences and skills needed to thrive in the industry,” said Shanti Thakur, director of the School of Film and Animation. She added, “Nurturing the talent, passion, and creativity of our students is at the heart of what we do. Watching the evolution of their work from their first year to their final year at RIT is inspiring.” In the past year, RIT has steadily climbed in film school rankings and was included in lists released by The Hollywood Reporter, TheWrap, and Animation Career Review. For third-year student Carson Munn, it’s an exciting time to be part of the program. During his college search, Munn said the top-notch facilities offered by RIT’s MAGIC Spell Studios—complete with sound stages, sound and color mixing studios, and high-quality equipment for students to use—and the supportive community within the school is what drew him to the film and animation – production option program. He shared that the abundance of experiential learning opportunities available on campus, and in Los Angeles through the RIT in LA program, helped him grow as a filmmaker. “I wanted to go to a university where I knew I could leave with confidence and stability as I went about my career search. I have no doubts that RIT will make this happen for me,” said Munn, from Amsterdam, N.Y. “No matter what area of film you want to pursue, you will find another RIT alum working there.” RIT’s community of Deaf and hard-of-hearing students also attracted Munn to the school. “As someone with hearing loss, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf provides me with accommodations in my classes that no other college would have been able to give me,” he said. Former Disney executive Tom Connor ’11 (film and animation), assistant provost and professor of practice at RIT, worked directly with Munn and other students enrolled in the RIT in LA program. Connor said he is impressed by the interdisciplinary film and animation curriculum offered by the school. “RIT is unique in that our graduates are just as likely to win awards for their technical innovations as they are their creative contributions. This fusion of technology and creativity sets our students up for industry success by giving them the skills needed to create today’s cross-disciplinary entertainment experiences,” said Connor. In addition to the hands-on opportunities available through RIT in LA, the School of Film and Animation recently established a new student exchange program with the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU) under the leadership of Thakur. Todd Jokl, dean of RIT’s College of Art and Design, said the accolades earned by the School of Film and Animation this year are extremely gratifying and a reflection of the school’s high-achieving graduates and the talent of the student body, faculty, and staff. “The RIT community knows that the school has long-been renowned for its unique approach to learning that combines the timeless art of filmmaking and cutting-edge technology. Seeing that awareness spread across the nation is a point of pride for the College of Art and Design,” said Jokl.  Go to the School of Film and Animation’s website to learn more about its program offerings.

For Stacey (Wolff) Incorvaia ’83 (retail management), love meant taking the long way—literally. As a student, she would walk past the residence hall room of AJ Incorvaia ’85 (computer science) hoping for a glimpse. “I used to walk to the farthest water fountain just to see him,” Stacey said. Along RIT’s Quarter Mile, AJ noticed too. “She was so cute in that blue suit.” ‌ RIT provided the foundation for AJ and Stacey Incorvaia’s relationship. This connection seemed unlikely at first. He spent hours buried in his studies. She commanded rooms with her vibrant personality. Cupid had a plan and a snow-filled football game in 1982 during Cold Hands & Warm Hearts Winter Weekend provided the spark. With snowballs flying after the game, AJ saw an opportunity and tackled Stacey. “My mother told me to never let anybody get the better of me, and I wasn’t going to allow him to,” Stacey recalled, describing how she knocked AJ to the ground in retaliation. What began as playful banter blossomed into a dynamic partnership spanning four decades. RIT played a pivotal role, cultivating their bond through a blend of support and encouragement, which sustained them through life’s challenges. “AJ was my rock when it came to math classes,” Stacey said. “I couldn’t have passed stats without him.” “She was my social manager and alarm clock,” AJ added. “Left to my own devices, I’d have stayed in the dorms, but Stacey made sure we had fun. I think that’s what made the experience special.” ‌ The couple’s relationship began in 1982 with a football game during Cold Hands & Warm Hearts Winter Weekend. Their bond was tested with distance. Stacey’s co-ops took her to Chicago and Boston, and she embarked on a retail career in New York City while AJ stayed to finish his degree. The pair wed in 1989, and their careers took them to Northborough, Mass., where they currently live. “We didn’t have cell phones or the Internet back then,” AJ said. “Maintaining a long-distance relationship took effort and commitment, but she was worth it.” Another hurdle? Skiing. Stacey began skiing at 3 years old, a central part of her upbringing. “My mother grilled AJ about skiing the first time he came home with me,” Stacey said. “She didn’t ask about his major or career plans—she asked if he could handle Vermont slopes.” At the time, AJ had only been skiing twice, but he was determined to impress Stacey and her family. Trips to Vermont, Utah, and Western Canada are now cherished memories with their three children, now ages 33, 30, and 28. ‌ Balance, independence, and shared experiences have kept the couple together for more than 40 years. “It’s something that brought us closer as a couple and as a family,” AJ said. “Even today, when we hit the mountain together, it feels like the perfect blend of adventure and connection.” Today, AJ works as a senior vice president at Siemens, while Stacey runs a knitting shop and serves on local boards. Reflecting on their relationship, they stress the value of balance through independence and shared experiences, and the daily choice to love. “Every day, you wake up and decide to keep choosing each other,” Stacey said. “That choice, and the effort you put into it, is what builds a lasting partnership.”