RIT President David Munson is an icon.
THE Rochester Business Journal recently selected Munson as the 2024 Icon Honors recipient. He will receive the award on December 16.
Icon Honors recognizes Rochester business leaders over the age of 60 for their notable achievement and demonstration of strong leadership within and outside their fields. Honorees have advanced their organizations or businesses and Rochester by creating jobs and making a difference in the community. To be eligible for the award, recipients must have a long-standing commitment to the Rochester business community and significant professional achievements through innovation and leadership.
“The 2024 Icon Honors recipients are exceptional leaders who drive innovation and progress, tackling diverse challenges to make the Greater Rochester community a better place to live and work. They are also role models who serve as mentors to others,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, Managing Director of BridgeTower Media/Rochester Business Journal.
Munson is ready to retire in 2025 after leading the university for eight years and capping an illustrious career spanning more than 40 years in higher education. His last day in office will be June 30, 2025.
In addition to leading RIT, Munson has been active in the local business community, including serving on the boards of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Regional Health and the Greater Rochester Enterprise, of which he served as president.
Rochester area leaders helped nominate Munson for this award. Here is what some of them said in their application letters:
- Harry Bronson, New York State Assemblyman: “Dr. Munson’s leadership extends far beyond the RIT campus. He has actively supported initiatives that promote sustainability, social justice and community engagement. His advocacy for policies that promote both educational and economic opportunity is a testament to his holistic approach to leadership, which embraces all facets of community well-being.
- Jeremy Cooney, New York State Senator: “I have had the privilege of collaborating with Dr. Munson on numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening the economic and social fabric of our community. He has been instrumental in aligning RIT’s cutting-edge research and technological expertise with the needs of our local economy, ensuring that Rochester remains at the forefront of industry advancements.
- Matt Hurlbutt, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise: “Dr. Munson has greatly elevated the University’s stature, not only in terms of academic excellence, but also as a key economic driver of the Greater Rochester region. Under his leadership, RIT has become a hub of high-tech innovation and research, fueling collaboration between industry, government and academia. This partnership-driven approach has had tangible impacts for the region, from workforce development to attracting and retaining top talent.
- Tom Judson, RIT Board of Directors and Pike Construction Services: “It is rare to find a leader who can so seamlessly connect education, industry and community. Dr. Munson embodies this unique combination, making him a driving force for positive change in Rochester.