First Byte - 2025 Spring

Dear friends,

As I write my final column for New York Institute of Technology Magazine, I find myself filled with an immense sense of gratitude at the incredible strides we have made as a community these past eight years. Serving this institution has been the highlight of my career, as I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated faculty, students, staff, and alumni. Together, we have done more than uphold the legacy of New York Tech—we have, in fact, elevated our reputation in ways we should all be proud of.

Dear Friends,

As I write my final column for New York Institute of Technology Magazine, I find myself filled with an immense sense of gratitude at the incredible strides we have made as a community these past eight years. Serving this institution has been the highlight of my career, as I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated faculty, students, staff, and alumni. Together, we have done more than upheld the legacy of New York Tech—we have, in fact, elevated our reputation in ways we should all be proud of.

From growing our research enterprise to increased enrollment, higher academic rankings, upgraded facilities, state-of-the-art classroom technology, and more, I’ve watched New York Tech grow with an enduring commitment to providing the best student experience possible. And while the achievements have been many, it’s the people—New York Tech students, alumni, faculty, and friends—who have made this place truly extraordinary.

During an April event, I greeted newly admitted students who will be among the graduates of our Class of 2029. Seeing them reminded me of our ongoing mission to provide career-oriented professional education, to give all qualified students access to opportunity, and to support research and scholarship that benefit the larger world. I was further reminded of this on May 16 as we officially opened the Biomedical Research, Innovation, and Imaging Center (BRIIC). This state-of-the-art facility provides new opportunities to advance discoveries and potential treatments for pressing health conditions and biomedical challenges (see “BRIIC by BRIIC”). That same day, we also unveiled a new innovation-focused initiative—the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Academy—aimed at attracting the next generation of student entrepreneurs. The academy will initially be supported by a $5 million venture fund to enable students to gain access to the guidance and resources needed to launch startups and develop new technologies. Both are extraordinary developments that I am thrilled to have overseen.

Looking ahead, I am confident in New York Tech’s future—in the strength of our leadership under Dr. Jerry Balentine, the creativity and drive of our students, the passion and commitment of our faculty and staff, and the dedicated support of our alumni and friends.

I am endlessly proud of those who have passed through our halls, walked our campuses, and experienced firsthand what it means to be part of New York Tech—the home of doers, makers, healers, and innovators ready to reinvent the future.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Henry C. “Hank” Foley, Ph.D.

President, New York Institute of Technology

Magazine Staff

Associate Director, Editorial: Bessie Nestoras Knoblauch Vice President, Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications: Joseph Posillico, Ed.D. Senior Director, Strategic Communications: Libby Sullivan Senior Director, Digital Marketing and Creative Services: Erica Pennant Contributors: Allison Eichler, Ashley Festa, Steven Gaines, Renée Gearhart Levy, Sean Nalaboff, Sabrina Polidoro, Alix Sobler, Carina Storrs, Libby Sullivan, Kim Tucker Campo Copy Editor: Kathleen Scheiner Art Director: Lixia Guo

Alumni Relations

Vice President for Development, Alumni Relations, and External Affairs: Patrick Minson, Ed.D. Director, Alumni Relations: Sabrina Polidoro Coordinator, Alumni Relations: Kelly Imperial (M.B.A. ’19) Coordinator, Alumni Relations Vancouver, BC: Alexandria Smith

NYITCOM Alumni Relations

Assistant Director, Alumni Relations: Kathryn Karwoski Specialist, Alumni Relations: Jared Meltzer

New York Institute of Technology Magazine welcomes submissions, story ideas, and feedback. Unsolicited manuscripts, related materials, photography, and artwork will not be returned. Please include your year of graduation, degree completed, and major or program of study. Visit nyit.edu/magazine/submissions, email magazine@nyit.edu, or write to: Bessie Nestoras Knoblauch, New York Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000.

Update your contact information or mailing address: alumni@nyit.edu or 516.686.7800.

New York Institute of Technology Magazine is published by Strategic Communications, New York Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 8000, Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000.

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