In 1961, the Rochester Institute of Technology's (RIT) Board of Trustees voted in favor of relocating the school's campus from the city of Rochester to the suburbs of Henrietta. A New Campus Fund was established to help raise money for the project. As the campaign drew to a close, many contributors wanted to continue to give to the college on an annual basis. Alfred L. Davis, a vice president of the college, proposed the formation of the Nathaniel Rochester Society. Along with the support of several other individuals, including Board of Trustees member Gaylord Whitaker, the initiative became a reality. The Nathaniel Rochester Society was officially established on October 29, 1967. Individuals who donated $500.00 or more to the college each year were admitted to the Society for the respective year. The purpose of the Society was to not only provide financial assistance to the school, but to "develop friends and ambassadors to promote and support RIT." In addition to recognizing RIT's generous donors, the Society provided members with a means to become more involved in the Institute. Named after Nathaniel Rochester, the founder of the city of Rochester and the first president of the Rochester Athenaeum (RIT's predecessor), the official purpose of the society was: to offer active participation and stimulate interest in the challenges that face RIT as an international leader in technological education, to familiarize members with the multi-faceted programs, resources, leadership, and people of RIT, to increase contributions to the Nathaniel Rochester Scholars, a scholarship fund for exemplary RIT students, to provide a number of significant programs where members may enjoy one another's sociability and experience the breadth and friendliness of the RIT community, and to provide appropriate recognition to the dedicated friends of the Institute who exemplify the leadership and generosity of Nathaniel Rochester. The Society also recognized outstanding individuals in the RIT community through a scholarship program and two awards. Each year, 150 $1,000.00 scholarships were given to RIT students that demonstrated academic merit and community leadership. Additionally, the Nathaniel Rochester Society Award was given to an individual who contributed to the overall advancement of the Institute. The first award was given to Gaylord C. Whitaker, the society's founder and first chair. The Whitaker Service Medallion was created in his honor to recognize individuals who contributed to the society through leadership and service. As of 2011, the Nathaniel Rochester Society had nearly 500 members made up of RIT alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff.
From the description of Nathaniel Rochester Society records 1959, 1967-2005 (RIT Library). WorldCat record id: 758008021
