The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Amateur Radio Association (known as ARA) was officially formed in October 1953. The organization was open to anyone who had an interest in "ham" radio and met on a weekly basis. During its first year the group sent a request to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requesting permission to operate an amateur radio station at RIT. The request was approved and by the following year the club was able to operate on all amateur radio frequencies and was known as K2GXT.Individuals had to hold a valid amateur radio license and belong to ARA to broadcast on the group's station. For those who did not hold a valid license, the club helped them work toward a license by providing instruction on radio theory, Morse code, and FCC rules and regulations. By 1954, six of the twenty members of ARA had licenses, with five of those licenses being obtained through the club. The club was reorganized in 1954. According to the revised constitution, the objectives of the organization were: to provide recreation and advancement for members; to train persons interested in becoming licensed members; to provide information, technical aid, and a place to test equipment for members; and to be of service to the Institute and to its student population. Shortly after this reorganization, the club was able to secure funds to purchase some equipment. For instance, the club bought a Hallicrafters SX-96 receiver in 1956 and a Heathkit DX- 100 transmitter in 1957.In addition to allowing individuals interested in amateur radio to have access to resources and equipment, the club has offered some important services to the RIT and Rochester community. During the Gulf War, the club helped individuals communicate with soldiers overseas by participating in the Military Affiliate Radio System. RIT students, faculty, and staff could drop-off messages at the radio station. These messages were then radioed to a communication center in Western New York and forwarded on to command stations in the Persian Gulf. Most messages could be delivered within 24 hours, with emergency messages being received in under an hour. Then, in 2007 the club helped students at the Emma Sherman Elementary School in Henrietta contact a Flight Engineer in the International Space Station for a question and answer session. As of 2011, the RIT Amateur Radio Club, as it is now known, was still operating on RIT's campus. According to the group's 2008 constitution, the purpose of the organization is to "further the exchange of information and cooperation between members, to promote radio knowledge, and to conduct club programs and activities as to advance the general interest and welfare of amateur radio at RIT and in the community."
From the description of RIT Amateur Radio Club constitutions 1954, 2008 (RIT Library). WorldCat record id: 756215364
