The following email was sent this morning to the MIT community by President L. Rafael Reif.
To the members of the MIT community,
Next Friday marks the first anniversary of the death of MIT Police Officer Sean Collier, who was killed while protecting our community. His loss came on a mild spring night as we struggled in shock over the bombing of the Boston Marathon.
Officer Collier was a young man with a wonderful spirit of kindness, service, curiosity and play, and an extraordinary ability to touch the hearts of everyone around him. Through the example of his life, and through our shared experience after his death, he taught us the power of community in ways that no one present at the time will ever forget.
As spring returns to our campus, it is fitting that we honor his sacrifice, celebrate his life and allow his spirit to lift our hearts and connect us with one another.
Friday, April 18, will include two events on MIT’s North Court, open to the entire MIT community:
- Ceremony of remembrance
9:30-10:30 AM
In the spirit of “One MIT,” this formal ceremony will provide an opportunity to honor Officer Collier, to express our respect and gratitude for the MIT Police and all of our first responders, and to preview renderings of the permanent memorial for Officer Collier designed by Professor Meejin Yoon. -
Community picnic & rally for the “MIT Strong” marathon team
1:00-2:30 PM
The picnic will serve as a rally for the MIT Strong team, a group of students, faculty, staff and alumni who are running this year’s Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21 to honor Officer Collier and generate support for the Collier Fund at MIT. (If you plan to cheer the team on in person at the Marathon, you may pick up a free “MIT Strong” sign from CopyTech, Building 11-004.)
Officer Collier not only had a job at MIT, he had a life here. He went out of his way to build friendships beyond the circle of his daily routine, and he set a standard of service that now, I am certain, we all aspire to meet in his honor.
In doing so, let us keep his spirit bright in the life of MIT.
Sincerely,
L. Rafael Reif
