RIT alumnus Joey Ganser becomes the 1000th member of the Sentinel Society marking a major milestone for university giving

Rochester, New York – For Joey Ganser, memories of his time at the Rochester Institute of Technology are not confined to classrooms or textbooks. They are tied to something deeper—an experience that quietly shaped both his career and his outlook on life. Nearly two decades after graduating, that connection has come full circle, as Ganser is now recognized as the 1,000th member of RIT’s Sentinel Society, marking a significant milestone for the university’s growing culture of giving.

Ganser, a 2007 graduate in electrical engineering, has built a professional life far from campus, now working as a principal engineer at PK Electrical in Reno, Nevada. Yet despite the distance, the influence of his time at RIT remains unmistakable. He credits the university’s practical, hands-on approach as a defining force in his development as an engineer—one that extended well beyond theory.

“The applied nature of the curriculum prepared me for what engineering actually looks like in practice—solving real problems, working in teams, and taking responsibility for outcomes,” he said. “That mindset has followed me throughout my career.”

His journey from student to donor is not a sudden shift, but rather a continuation of something that began years ago. As a student, Ganser immersed himself in challenging coursework while also gaining real-world experience through cooperative education opportunities. Those co-op placements, a hallmark of the RIT experience, gave him early exposure to the demands and expectations of the engineering field.

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But his growth at RIT was not limited to academics. Outside the classroom, Ganser found another kind of balance through his involvement with the university’s Alpine Ski Team. The experience, he says, helped him understand the importance of maintaining a healthy rhythm between work, personal life, and community—an idea that continues to influence how he leads in his professional role today.

“I believe people do their best work when they feel supported, trusted, and encouraged to live full lives outside the office,” he said.

That philosophy has shaped not only his leadership style, but also his perspective on giving back. For Ganser, joining the Sentinel Society is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a deliberate effort to support future generations of students navigating the same path he once walked.

“I want to help make it easier for future students to focus on learning and growth, not just on making ends meet,” he said. “RIT doesn’t just educate students; it prepares professionals. Staying engaged as an alum feels like a natural extension of that experience. Engineering is a profession built on mentorship, shared knowledge, and opportunity, and alumni play an important role in keeping that cycle going.”

The Sentinel Society represents a community of alumni and supporters committed to sustained contributions, providing a steady foundation for scholarships, programs, and student support initiatives. Reaching the 1,000-member mark is a milestone that reflects both the university’s expanding network and the shared belief in its mission.

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For Ganser, however, the number itself is not what matters most. His focus remains on impact—particularly when it comes to easing the financial burdens that many students face. He hopes his contribution will allow students to stay enrolled, take advantage of experiential learning opportunities, and ultimately graduate with the skills needed to succeed.

At the same time, he sees philanthropy as a way to broaden access. By supporting initiatives that open doors for underrepresented students in technical fields, Ganser hopes to help create a more inclusive environment—one where more individuals can see themselves pursuing careers in engineering and beyond.

Reaching this milestone carries personal significance, but Ganser is quick to place it within a larger context.

“Being the 1,000th member isn’t about the number,” he said. “It’s about being part of a community of people who believe in RIT’s mission and its students.”

In many ways, his story reflects a cycle—one that begins with opportunity, grows through mentorship, and returns through giving. It is a cycle that institutions like RIT rely on, and one that alumni like Ganser continue to sustain.

As the Sentinel Society grows, so too does its potential impact. And for students walking the same halls Ganser once did, that support may prove to be the difference between simply attending college and truly thriving within it.