FUTURE THEME PARK ENGINEERS AND DESIGNERS
RIT theme park
enthusiasts
Meetings Every Thursday
8:00 PM, Xerox Auditorium
ABOUT US
We are the RIT Theme Park Enthusiasts. Our mission is to bring together those with a similar passion for roller coasters and theme parks and foster excitement this unique industry.
We were founded in November 2014 by a group of students who were looking for a place to discuss their passions and work towards future careers in the amusement industry. Our club is a multidisciplinary group of students with backgrounds in engineering, design, business and more.​
Our club participates in a variety of activities including design competitions, multidisciplinary projects, networking and professional development events, amusement park trips, and behind the scenes tours.
Meet our executive Board
President
Matt Klimek
Matt is a 5th year Mechanical Engineering student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, with a minor in Music & Technology. His favorite park is EPCOT, but his favorite rollercoaster is Velocicoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure! A fun fact about Matt is that he enjoys singing in his free time; he’s a part of the Brick City Singers a cappella group at RIT and even got to perform in the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT in 2024!
Vice President
Julia Hackford
Julia is a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. Her favorite park is Epcot and a fun fact about Julia is that she danced for 14 years growing up and she still takes some dance classes at RIT!
Secretary
Matt Kaytes
Matt is a 1st year graduate student in Mechanical Engineering and has been in the club for three years. His favorite park is Cedar Point and his favorite ride is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT. A fun fact about Matt is that he is a third degree black belt in Gojyu Ru karate, and he taught it for four years!
Treasurer
Lily Roberts
Lily is a 4th year Mechanical Engineering student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. Her favorite park is Magic Kingdom and a fun fact about Lily is that she has performed on Waterside Stage in Disney Springs!
Public Relations
Cade Caloia
Cade is a 1st year Mechanical Engineering student in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. His favorite park is Cedar Point and a fun fact about him is that his first looping coaster was Dragon Fyre at Canada's Wonderland!
Faculty Advisor
Tim Landschoot
Mr. Tim Landschoot is a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department of RIT and holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has been the advisor of the Theme Park Enthusiasts since they were founded in 2015 and has been their greatest supporter.
