Extra Credit with Carla Betlem, Instructor and Senior Staff Specialist at Rochester Institute of Technology & Founder of the Student Club Caring Hearts for RIT Cats

“If people know what you’re doing, they will come out of the woodwork. If the commitment’s there and you really want to do it, it’s definitely possible.”

This episode is sponsored in part by Telecom Consultants, Buzz to the Rescues, and Maddie's Fund.

Stacy speaks with Carla Betlem, a professor at Rochester Institute of Technology where she has been performing TNR for nearly 15 years. Carla along with several RIT students came together to establish a campus club, Caring Hearts For RIT Cats, which provides care, comfort, and security to the feral cats on and surrounding RIT’s campus.

Caring Hearts, which became an official college club in 2019[1], has over 400 student members involved. The club operates as a nonprofit entity and has a board of directors, along with various committees and subcommittees.

Carla describes how this club was founded, how its members communicate, and the importance of training others to become leaders. She stresses the importance of educating students about the resources available in caring for their pets, as well as the importance of having them involved in caring for RIT’s cats. Carla also provides advice for individuals that would like to begin a similar program at their own university.

To learn more about Caring Hearts for RIT Cats, visit their Facebook, Instagram, or website. You can also connect with them through email at caringhearts@rit.edu.

If you enjoyed this episode, you may also enjoy Stacy's earlier interview with Dr. Emily Cobb. | Episode 50.