RIT Business

This year, we are deeply moved to introduce the Lex Baker Spirit Award, established in loving memory of former RIT student and Kozel StartUp Program participant, Lex Baker, by his former mentors/coaches.

Lex was a cherished member of our startup community who truly embodied what it means to support and uplift those around him. To keep his supportive spirit alive, this new annual award will recognize a student in the program who demonstrates that same collaborative heart. The inaugural award will be presented during Demo Night.

Learn more about the Kozel StartUp Program and this beautiful tribute: https://brnw.ch/21x42CZ

Register for upcoming Demo Night: https://brnw.ch/21x42CY

We are thrilled to share that Saunders College of Business has been ranked #38 globally and #26 in the United States in CEOWorld Magazine’s 2026 Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools! 🏆🌐

Out of 116 premier schools evaluated worldwide, Saunders continues to stand out as a global leader in shaping the future of hospitality.

What makes this recognition so meaningful is how it’s earned. CEOWorld evaluates programs using strict data and feedback from those who know the industry best—including global graduates, industry professionals, recruiters, and employers. The ranking is heavily weighted on:

perceived global brands influence (20%)
recruiters’ responses (20%)
employers feedback (10%)
job placement rate (10%)
admission eligibility (10%)
specialization (10%)
academic reputation (20%)

At Saunders, our Hospitality and Tourism Management programs do more than teach service, they integrate advanced technology, data analytics, and global experiences (like our study abroad rotation in Dubrovnik, Croatia!) to prepare the next generation of "guestologists" and industry disruptors.
A huge congratulations to our dedicated faculty, incredible students, and our global alumni network making waves in the industry! 🐅✨

A huge Tiger welcome to our newest Saunders Scholars! 🐯💛

We are thrilled to celebrate Casondra Young (Dansville HS graduate) and Chloe Meys (Livonia HS graduate) as this year's recipients of the E. Philip Saunders Endowed Business Scholarship, supporting Livingston County students!

Starting their journeys at RIT on August 24, Casondra is majoring in accounting, and Chloe is focusing on marketing and management information systems. Each student receives $25,000 per academic year to support their undergraduate studies.

This life-changing scholarship has supported 44 outstanding Livingston County students over the last 20 years. We can't wait to see these two lead, grow, and thrive in our campus community!

Thank you Phil Saunders! Learn more about his legacy and our past scholarship recipients here - https://brnw.ch/21x3Vd0