Remembering Our Own

Team Founder

Dr. Alan Nye

“Doc” to generations of RIT Racing members

The founder of RIT Racing, Dr. Alan Nye built far more than a Formula SAE team — he built a legacy. Known affectionately by the team as “Doc,” he helped create a program that would go on to shape generations of students, engineers, leaders, and lifelong friendships.

Through his vision, dedication, and belief in what students could accomplish, Doc established RIT Racing as a place where hard work, learning, and passion came together. What began under his leadership became one of the defining experiences for so many team members, both on and off the car.

But Doc was beloved for more than what he built. He was respected for the way he led, the encouragement he gave, and the lasting impact he had on every student who had the privilege of knowing him. His presence meant something special to the team. He was a mentor, a supporter, and a steady reminder of what RIT Racing stood for at its best.

The success, pride, and tradition of RIT Racing are deeply rooted in the foundation Doc created. His influence continues to live on in every student who joins the team, every car that carries the RIT Racing name, and every lesson passed from one generation to the next.

He will always be remembered as one of the hearts of RIT Racing, and his legacy will remain part of the team forever.

KGCOE Operations Manager

Dave Hathaway

A friend to every student who walked through those doors.

A staple of the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, Dave's influence and contributions extended well beyond his title as Operations Manager. For decades, anyone who entered the machine shop or walked the halls of KGCOE was greeted with his warm smile and signature laugh — followed by his undivided attention to student success.

Dave maintained that he was here for the students, regularly stating "you guys are what keeps me here" — a motto responsible for countless project teams and student achievements, and friendships that continued long after graduation.

RIT Racing would not be what it is without Dave's support, encouragement, and the open door of the machine shop he looked after so carefully for so many years.