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RIT grad donates another $1.8 million to school
RIT grad donates another $1.8 million to school
A $1.8 million gift to the Saunders College of Business from Rochester Institute of Technology alum Chance Wright will fund renovations to existing facilities and the planned building expansion in the fall.
“We are so grateful for Chance’s commitment to and belief in Saunders College,” said Jacqueline Mozrall, dean of the school, said in a news release. “This gift will allow us to transform the educational environment in our existing facilities, while enhancing opportunities for applied learning and business community engagement in the expansion.”
Wright is founder of Wright Productions and Entertainment LLC, a feature film production company based in Virginia, and president and co-founder of Los Angeles-based ATL/WYO Productions LLC, which manages multiple assets.
He entered RIT as a photography major and started taking businesses classes for a minor. He then entered the accelerated 4+1 MBA program, completing his advanced degree in 2019.
He is now giving back to his alma mater through a series of donations. His first contribution was $3.5 million to expand and renovate Gannett Hall.
The latest donation will support renovations to existing spaces in Max Lowenthal Hall, home of Saunders College. Classrooms and common learning spaces on the third floor will be upgraded, as will a seminar room on the first floor.
“I don’t want the old spaces to be left behind,” Wright said. “If classrooms aren’t up to date, learning in them is more challenging, especially with the advent of more laptops and more technology in the classroom.”
In addition to added technology accessibility in the classrooms, aesthetic updates will help create continuity between newer and older spaces.
Wright’s donation will also support the addition of a south-facing outdoor balcony on the top floor of the building expansion, with scenic views of campus.
“With two recent RIT degrees, Chance deeply understands the student experience and wants to make a difference for our undergraduates and graduate students,” RIT President David Munson said. “We are deeply appreciative of this second gift to the university. Chance is also a strategic advisor in his role as a member of the President’s Roundtable, where we discuss major initiatives and how to best position RIT for future success.”
The gift is part of Transforming RIT: The Campaign for Greatness, a $1 billion university fundraising initiative. So far the campaign has raised $783.
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