FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2005

Washington, DC-The Rochester Institute of Technology has named one of its public service awards, the Bruce R. James '64 Distinguished Public Service Award, after RIT graduate, Chairman of the RIT Board of Trustees, and Public Printer of the United States Bruce R. James for his 40 years of dedicated public service. 

"I am a true believer in the importance of having a balanced life including work, family and public service.  No matter what the school, the American public finances a good portion of the costs of everyone's college education which in turn obligates each recipient to devote a portion of their life to public service," said Public Printer of the United States Bruce James.  "It is an honor to have this award carry my name, I congratulate the winners and all of those in the RIT community who strive to make this a better place through service to our world."

The award recognizes a student for exemplary public service in the wider Rochester, New York community. The Inaugural Bruce R. James '64 Distinguished Public Service Award went to Sheila Sarratore, a fourth-year new media publishing major from Vermilion, Ohio.  The Student Government President also served as President of Greek Council, and was a member of the women's tennis team.  While at RIT, Sarratore has volunteered for Special Olympics, the American Cancer Society and Cystic Fibrosis.

The Bruce R. James '64 Distinguished Public Service Award is one of two Alfred L. Davis Public Service Awards given out every year.  The second award is the Four Presidents Distinguished Public Service Award. Davis has been associated with RIT since 1938 - first as a faculty member, later as a vice president, and today as an active retiree, mentor and adviser.

To view James' biography please visit:  http://www.gpo.gov/management/ppbio.htm