Biographical/Historical Information:

The Rochester Institute of Technology Aviation Club was originally started as the General Aviation Ground School Association around 1965. The purpose of the group was to provide ground school instruction, as well as to organize social activities for those interested aviation. Robert Tompkins, an instructor in RIT's printing department, served as the ground school teacher. The course was designed to help members earn their private pilot certification. Some of the social events included aviation films and lectures by experts in aircraft and flight technology. The club also helped members stay informed of developments in both military and commercial aviation. In 1974, the group revised its constitution with its new stated purposes being: To promote general aviation in accordance with the Federal Aviation Agency To better acquaint the members with general aviation rules and regulations To introduce new instructional materials to private and commercial pilots To teach the student pilot pertinent information about flying Another goal mentioned in the club's constitution was to "eventually have our own aircraft for the members to use." This suggestion had been made as early as 1969. It is unclear whether this goal ever came to fruition. As of 2011, the Rochester Institute of Technology still had an Aviation and Pilot Club for "future pilots" and "aviation enthusiasts."

Biographical/Historical Information:

In January, 1967, eight Rochester undergraduates met to create a constitution for a proposed Rochester Area Intercollegiate Student Association (RAISA). Those students were: Ray E. Baker (Rochester Institute of Technology), Jerry Eckert (St. John Fisher), Ralph Huninger (SUNY Brockport), Art Brown (Roberts Wesleyan), Joan Mascaro (Nazareth), Joe O'Brien and Mike O'Connor (Monroe Community), and Greg Talcott (SUNY Geneseo). RAISA would be open to area undergraduates. The constitution lists four objectives: To discuss and act upon common problems of local and national origin as related to member schools. To discuss and act upon common problems of member schools. To promote mutually sponsored academic, cultural, and social events. To promote individual campus activities when requested. Each member school would contribute 2 delegates and 2 alternates to the Association. The original idea for the group was Jerry Eckert's, who contacted the other area student association presidents in the summer of 1966. RAISA was ratified in 1967, and Ray E. Baker was named first president. One of the first issues of concern to RAISA was the draft for the Vietnam War. RAISA was active throughout the 1960s.