Graduates of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the techniques and technologies they’ve developed, and the discoveries they’ve made have undoubtedly changed the world. From digital cameras, to e-mail, to sunscreen, the modern world would not be the place it is today without members of the Rensselaer community answering the call “Why not change the world?”

Inventions

From digital cameras, to e-mail, to sunscreen, the modern world would not be the place it is today without members of the Rensselaer community answering the call “Why not change the world?”

As Founders Day–the annual celebration of the founding of the Institute–approaches, Rensselaer is posing another question to its alumni, students, faculty, and other community members: How has Rensselaer changed your world? Maybe it was a single course that inspired a career, a lifelong friendship forged in a residence hall, or unforgettable memories from study abroad or a club activity.

From now through Friday, Oct. 31, share your photos, short videos, or stories explaining how Rensselaer changed your world by tweeting or posting to Instagram with the hashtag #WNCTW or #RPIFoundersDay. Select submissions will be included in a special video that will premiere at the Institute Founders Day festivities on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

“Everyone who has passed through the halls of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute–whether as a student, faculty member, or a member of our larger community–has been changed in some way by their time at the Institute. As we mark 190 years of Rensselaer history, I hope everyone will take some time to reflect on and share the ways Rensselaer has changed their worlds,” said Jeff Schanz, assistant vice president for Alumni Relations/Institute Advancement at Rensselaer and executive director of the Rensselaer Alumni Association.

Nov. 5 is the 190th anniversary of a letter written by Institute founder Stephen Van Rensselaer announcing the formation of a new school and declaring his intent to educate students “in the application of science to the common purposes of life.” The celebration of the 190th anniversary of the founding of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is part of a decade-long series of celebrations marking a bridge to the Institute’s bicentennial in 2024.

Submissions are also welcome by contacting Emily Donohue