About the Author

Cait Bennett

BS Electrical Engineering '22

MBA Life Science Entrepreneurship '23

156th Grand Marshal

Hey, I'm Cait, and I've written a history book about the Rensselaer Union.

I began writing because I was leaving RPI for the final time, and I realized I had a lot of knowledge that I might not be around to give to the current and future students. It was also the bicentennial year, and I was surrounded by history and the historical importance of RPI. Much of that history came from research I did as Grand Marshal. Some of it came from research I did for my news/history radio show. Some of it came from what I learned from mentors like Cameron McLean, who saved a lot of history over her 32 years at RPI. And some of it came from my own experiences learning about higher education in general. Once I began to write, I felt an urge to fill in the blanks, and eventually my headings became chapter titles and the rest is history (HA!)

If you recognize me, it's probably because I ran for Grand Marshal twice, a very populist process that involves plastering your face everywhere. I chose a different picture this time. But the glasses are pretty distinctive. I also was a TA in John's processes shop for years, I was a DJ with WRPI Troy (the upstate underground!), I was in Hillel for a while, I was a tour guide. I jumped around I guess.

I do have a day job now, I work for Deloitte Consulting in their Government and Public Service space. I work with federal health clients, helping improve healthcare systems. It's extremely rewarding work, and I love what I do. Besides my "5-9" of writing this book, I also enjoy ice skating, swimming at Grafton, concerts, and art and history museums. I've recently gotten into House of the Dragon too.

I love RPI. I don't know why. I don't think you choose what you love. College was a time of social and emotional growth for me, and any way I can give back to the students of today, I will. As an alum, I offer advice when asked, but too much advice can take away learning experiences. Students deserve to be in charge of their own destiny. The best lessons are learned on one's own... but I had to read like 600 issues of the Polytechnic to figure all this out, so I figured maybe I should make it easier on the next person.

Anyways, I think that's all I have to say. Feel free to reach out to get involved or learn more, or just grab lunch. Its allaboutrpi (at\) gmail (dot/) com (I wrote the email funny to get around the robots)

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