Recognition for excellence in service as Don Pophal and Christian Waldschmidt are named winners of the 2025 Davis Awards

Rochester, New York – In recognition of their exceptional dedication to service and innovation, Don Pophal and Christian Waldschmidt have been named the recipients of the 2025 Alfred L. Davis Distinguished Public Service Awards. These prestigious honors celebrate individuals at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) who have made significant contributions to their communities through public service and leadership.

Pophal, a senior lecturer and lead guide in the Multidisciplinary Senior Design Capstone Program at RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering, will receive the Four Presidents Distinguished Public Service Award. Meanwhile, Waldschmidt, a fifth-year biomedical engineering major with a mechanical engineering minor, has been selected for the Bruce R. James ’64 Distinguished Service Award.

Both honorees will be recognized at a ceremony on April 8 at 4 p.m. in RIT’s University Gallery, followed by a reception at 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, inviting members of the RIT community to celebrate the contributions of these two distinguished individuals.

A Career Dedicated to Guiding Future Innovators

For Don Pophal, teaching has always been about more than just delivering knowledge—it’s about shaping the next generation of problem-solvers. After a long and successful career at Eastman Kodak Company, where he played a key role in commercializing digital imaging technologies, Pophal returned to RIT to help students develop critical thinking skills and real-world problem-solving abilities.

“I wanted to put a capstone on my career and come back to RIT to teach,” said Pophal. “I can have more of an impact working with young people and teaching them how to solve problems. I try not to tell them what to think, I want to teach them how to think, how to solve problems. These young persons at RIT now are our futures. We really need them right now.”

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Pophal’s approach emphasizes teamwork and the practical application of knowledge. While he has no doubts about the technical capabilities of his students, he strives to teach them how to collaborate effectively and navigate the complexities of bringing an idea from concept to production.

“I have no concern about their technical skills, but what I like to do is teach them how to work within a team, and the use of best practices on how to commercialize these new products. These new minds are untethered, and they are way smarter than we are. They come out with solutions we would never have thought of.”

His dedication to service extends beyond the classroom. Pophal has been actively involved in public service initiatives, including serving on the board of directors for the former Lakeside Health Systems in Brockport, New York, and working with local government on renewable energy regulations. He is currently a trustee of the Seymour Library in Brockport, where he is leading efforts to remodel the facility.

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As part of his award, Pophal will receive a $2,500 donation to the charity of his choice. He has chosen to direct these funds to the Seymour Library, continuing his commitment to education and community development.

Engineering a Future of Compassion and Innovation

Christian Waldschmidt’s passion for engineering and public service has been evident throughout his time at RIT. Growing up in Allison Park, Pennsylvania, he was always drawn to hands-on problem-solving.

“I always liked playing with Legos and anytime my dad was fixing things in the garage, I would see if I could help,” he said. “In high school, I liked physics and math and realized engineering was right for me.”

Waldschmidt’s interest in biomedical engineering was sparked while working at a pharmacy in high school. His experiences at RIT—including a co-op with Thermo Fisher, a company specializing in medical equipment—solidified his desire to develop life-saving medical devices. After graduating in May, he will begin a co-op with a medical manufacturer in Pittsburgh, with hopes of securing a full-time position there.

Beyond academics, Waldschmidt has devoted countless hours to volunteer work. He has been a dedicated member of Habitat for Humanity, participating in the annual Framing Frenzy event and serving as a building supervisor on projects in Batavia, New York. His leadership extended to coordinating campus-wide initiatives, such as organizing an RIT campus cleanup and volunteering at a Buddhist temple.

Despite his extensive contributions, Waldschmidt remains humble about receiving the award.

“I feel a bit dumbfounded winning this award because I know there are so many other students who also volunteer in the community,” he said.

One of his most impactful experiences came during a winter break trip to Guatemala, where he and fellow RIT biomedical engineering students repaired critical medical equipment, including ventilators, incubators, and monitors. This hands-on experience reinforced his belief that engineering could be a powerful force for good.

“I grew up with a mindset of helping others,” Waldschmidt said. “My parents always felt showing kindness was a good virtue. I really want to show that if you lead by example, that will spread and help others share kindness as well.”

Waldschmidt maintains an impressive 3.76 GPA while actively participating in extracurricular activities. He is a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Pi Kappa Phi, and Phi Sigma Pi, and has helped raise over $1,000 for the American Cancer Society through RIT’s Relay for Life.
As part of his award, Waldschmidt will receive a $1,000 donation to a charity of his choice. He has chosen Habitat for Humanity, recognizing the organization’s role in shaping his personal and professional growth.

Honoring a Legacy of Service

The Alfred L. Davis Distinguished Public Service Awards were established to recognize individuals at RIT who embody a spirit of selflessness and community involvement. The Four Presidents Distinguished Public Service Award honors faculty or staff who have demonstrated outstanding public service, reflecting the legacies of former RIT presidents Mark Ellingson, Paul Miller, M. Richard Rose, and Albert Simone. The Bruce R. James ’64 Distinguished Service Award, named in honor of an RIT trustee, acknowledges students who have made significant contributions to public service.

Both Pophal and Waldschmidt exemplify the values that these awards seek to highlight. Their unwavering dedication to innovation, education, and service has not only enriched the RIT community but also left a lasting impact on the lives of those around them.

As they accept their awards, Pophal and Waldschmidt serve as inspirations for future generations of students and educators, demonstrating that true success is measured not just by personal achievements, but by the positive difference one makes in the world. Their commitment to service and leadership ensures that the spirit of the Davis Awards will continue to thrive at RIT for years to come.