When some 3,400 alumni came to campus last weekend, they enjoyed 156 events, including music and dancing at Toast to Tech on Saturday night — plus the satisfaction of making a major contribution to MIT's future through record-setting reunion giving of $250.1 million.
The reunion giving included a major gift — $200 million — from the 50th reunion class (1962); more than half the total has been earmarked for institutes and centers including the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.
The 40th reunion class (1972) gave $13 million, including some $107,000 for a new fund to allow MIT's presidents to address urgent and strategically important needs. The 25th reunion class (1987) broke its own goal by 8 percent, raising $2.16 million. The Senior Class Gift also reached new heights, with a participation rate of 80.4 percent.
At Technology Day, the Alumni Association thanked President Susan Hockfield for her many contributions on behalf of MIT and alumni by presenting a 72-page tribute book, a specially designed “Brass Rat” brooch, and an Alumni Association Board of Trustees resolution. Watch the faculty and expert talks on American Transformations: The Next Industrial Revolution.
Honorary membership in the MIT Alumni Association was awarded to physics department head Edmund Bertschinger, retired administrator Daniel Langdale, and Council for the Arts volunteer Jane Pappalardo.
Bertschinger, a theoretical astrophysicist and professor of physics, was honored for his passion for education and mentorship, his contributions to MIT’s Committee on Race and Diversity, and his leadership on the alumni travel program.
Langdale was saluted for his advocacy for need-blind admissions and his support for underrepresented minorities during 31 years serving MIT in roles including associate director of admissions.
Pappalardo, as vice president of the Council for the Arts, helped envision MIT150 arts events. She also serves as chair of the Corporation Visiting Committee for Music and Theatre Art.
Participating alumni, who represented 14 classes and graduate-only degree holders, hailed from 45 states and 24 countries, including Hong Kong, India, Jamaica and Russia.
The reunion giving included a major gift — $200 million — from the 50th reunion class (1962); more than half the total has been earmarked for institutes and centers including the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.
The 40th reunion class (1972) gave $13 million, including some $107,000 for a new fund to allow MIT's presidents to address urgent and strategically important needs. The 25th reunion class (1987) broke its own goal by 8 percent, raising $2.16 million. The Senior Class Gift also reached new heights, with a participation rate of 80.4 percent.
At Technology Day, the Alumni Association thanked President Susan Hockfield for her many contributions on behalf of MIT and alumni by presenting a 72-page tribute book, a specially designed “Brass Rat” brooch, and an Alumni Association Board of Trustees resolution. Watch the faculty and expert talks on American Transformations: The Next Industrial Revolution.
Honorary membership in the MIT Alumni Association was awarded to physics department head Edmund Bertschinger, retired administrator Daniel Langdale, and Council for the Arts volunteer Jane Pappalardo.
Bertschinger, a theoretical astrophysicist and professor of physics, was honored for his passion for education and mentorship, his contributions to MIT’s Committee on Race and Diversity, and his leadership on the alumni travel program.
Langdale was saluted for his advocacy for need-blind admissions and his support for underrepresented minorities during 31 years serving MIT in roles including associate director of admissions.
Pappalardo, as vice president of the Council for the Arts, helped envision MIT150 arts events. She also serves as chair of the Corporation Visiting Committee for Music and Theatre Art.
Participating alumni, who represented 14 classes and graduate-only degree holders, hailed from 45 states and 24 countries, including Hong Kong, India, Jamaica and Russia.
