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2007 Leadership Awards and Citations

	Past Award Recipients
		Awards Home Bronze Beaver Award Kane Award Lobdell Award Morgan Award Presidential Citations Honorary Membership

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			Bronze Beaver Award Recipients
			Harold E. Lobdell '17 Distinguished Service Award Recipients
			Henry B. Kane '24 Award Recipients
			George B. Morgan '20 Award Recipients
			Presidential Citation Award Recipients
			Honorary Membership

Though many of our top alumni volunteers tell us that the service is its own reward, the Alumni Association formally recognizes alumni and friends of MIT who demonstrate outstanding service and accomplishment. Awards are presented annually at the Alumni Leadership Conference held on campus each fall.

This year, during Saturday's 2007 Leadership Awards Dinner, Harbo Jensen PhD '74, the 113th President of the Alumni Association, presented the following 31 individuals and 7 groups with awards recognizing their dedicated service to MIT. Congratulations to all!

Bronze Beaver Award Recipients

Awarded in recognition of distinguished service to the Institute and/or its Association of Alumni and Alumnae, the Bronze Beaver is the highest honor the Association bestows upon any of its members. Alf K. Berle ’27 and Carole (Cac) A. Clarke ’21 were the first recipients of this award which was established in 1955. As of July 1, 2007, a total of 286 individuals have been awarded the Bronze Beaver.

Theodore P. Heuchling ’46 Ted is a kind and gracious man who has given much of his time, talent, and treasure to MIT. His astute leadership in class and Institute fundraising activities earned him the Henry B. Kane ’24 Award in 1996. Ted has held many leadership roles in the Class of 1946 including president and, perhaps even more prestigious, chair of the 50th reunion gift committee. A dedicated class agent for the past 10 years, he recently agreed to serve another five-year term. He is an honorary member of the Corporation Development Committee and former member of the Alumni Fund Board. A former MIT basketball player and coach, Ted is the most senior, and most esteemed, member of MIT's Men's Varsity Basketball Reunion Committee. He has also assisted the Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation in other capacities as well. In addition to his alumni activities, Ted has been a member of the Tech Catholic Community advisory board for many years, providing thoughtful guidance to the board and its finance committee. Ted has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to MIT.

Henry H. Houh ’89 Henry began his volunteer career for MIT in 1988 as a member of the senior class gift committee. He has maintained strong ties to his class ever since, serving on numerous reunion and reunion gift committees and currently serving as class secretary, a role he has filled since 1989. He received the Harold E. Lobdell ’17 Distinguished Service Award in 1999 for his remarkable depth and breadth of service, and he has continued to distinguish himself in new activities and leadership positions. Henry has served two terms on the Association Board of Directors, first as a young alumni director and most recently as a vice president. He has served on six short-term advisory committees which determine important policies for the Association. A past president and current officer of the MIT Club of Boston, he also now serves on the board of the MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge. Henry has become a trusted advisor who serves with great distinction in his many volunteer roles.

Arnold A. Kramer ’52 Arnie has been a cornerstone of the Class of 1952 for decades, having served in most of its leadership positions and having attended every reunion since 1957. More importantly, he has dedicated himself to getting to know as many classmates as possible, often visiting them on his travels. Arnie’s record of participation as a solicitor for the Alumni Fund is almost as long as his class volunteer record. Recognized with the Harold E. Lobdell ’17 Distinguished Service Award in 1979, his activities since then include 20 years as an educational counselor, chair of the Technology Day Committee, member of the National Selection Committee, and director of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. As chair of the Cardinal and Gray Society from 2005–2007, Arnie worked tirelessly to promote activities and make personal contact with all attendees at each event. His leadership undoubtedly raised awareness of the Society and reengaged many alumni. Known for his enthusiastic and cheerful nature, Arnie is truly a model volunteer.

Martin Y. Tang SM ’72 Martin became active in alumni activities shortly after receiving his graduate degree in 1972, first serving as an officer of the MIT Club of Taiwan. In the early 1980’s, he was one of the founding members of the MIT Club of Hong Kong, serving initially as vice president, then as its second president from 1986–1988. He continues to be an active leader and advisor to the club. Martin has served continuously on the Corporation visiting committee for the Sloan School of Management since 1994. He has been a Sloan mentor, member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, member of the Sloan Building Leadership Group, and guest speaker at Sloan events. His tenure as the 112th president of the Alumni Association, from 2006–2007, occurred in the middle of his five-year term on the MIT Corporation, yet he committed to the responsibilities of each role along with the requisite meetings and events that required extensive travel from his home in Hong Kong. Emphasizing participation as part of his president’s agenda, Martin very generously created The Tang Challenge Fund to encourage young alumni participation in the Alumni Fund. In all of his volunteer work for MIT, it is Martin’s calm, forthright, and positive leadership that gets results.

Chiquita V. White ’85 Chiquita began volunteering for MIT in 1986 as a solicitor for the Alumni Fund and she hasn’t stopped since. Starting as associate class agent in 1988, she has continued to be an active class officer Her exemplary work in fundraising as class agent, reunion gift committee member, and member of the Alumni Fund Board earned her the Henry B. Kane ’24 Award in 2001. She served as a district director on the Association Board of Directors from 2001–2003 and, as testament to her distinguished service, just completed a term as vice president from 2004–2006. Chiquita has served on the MIT Industrial Advisory Committee on Minority Education for many years, providing valuable insight and guidance to the Office of the Dean for Undergraduate Education. She has mentored students, advised student organizations, and she has been a corporate recruiting resource to the MIT Career Services Office. Chiquita was honored with MIT’s Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award in 2003 in recognition of her outstanding leadership and support of MIT’s minority community. She currently serves as an alumni nominee to the MIT Corporation and as president of Black Alumni of MIT. Chiquita’s contributions to MIT only continue to grow and excel.

Harold E. Lobdell '17 Distinguished Service Award Recipients

The Lobdell Award, established in 1979, is given in recognition of alumni relations service of special depth over a sustained period. Lobdell’s interest and commitment to MIT spanned all areas of alumni relations. As of July 1, 2007, a total of 247 alumni have received this award.

Paul H. Attridge ’55 Paul has been a devoted class officer for the past 27 years, serving in a variety of positions and helping to plan nearly all his class reunions. His long-term stewardship of the class treasury resulted in a very healthy balance for the 50th reunion planning committee and, consequently, greater freedom in planning their events. In addition to his formal volunteer roles, Paul is one of the guiding forces behind the annual gathering of some 30+ classmates and guests at Tech Night at the Pops each June—a rich tradition for those eager to reconnect every year at this special event.

Lola M. Ball ’91 Lola has been a model volunteer for MIT for the past 16 years, participating in a wide range of activities that include service at the local and national levels. She is a trusted resource for the Association, always ready to lend her organizational expertise to any fellow volunteer, staff member, or event. She has held leadership positions in three different MIT clubs since 1993, in her class since 1995, and she has served on the Educational Council since 1992. Through individual and group trainings, Lola gladly passes on her volunteer knowledge and is committed to helping others succeed.

Martin N. Greenfield ’51 Marty has a long and distinguished volunteer record for the Class of 1951. He has served as class secretary for the past 21 years, never waning in his efforts to reach out to his classmates for positive news and stories and consistently meeting publication deadlines. His ability to keep classmates informed and connected has undoubtedly contributed to class fundraising efforts to support various faculty projects. As a reunion committee member in recent years, Marty has been especially sensitive to helping the committee plan activities that are easy to attend with lots of time for class members to sit, talk, learn, and enjoy.

Robert N. Gurnitz ’60 Bob has been a valued volunteer for MIT in both fundraising and alumni relations activities. Whether soliciting classmates in reunion gift campaigns, hosting alumni gatherings on Martha’s Vineyard, leading a geographically challenged MIT club, nominating alumni for Corporation visiting committees, or mentoring a freshmen class in solving complex problems, he is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in everything he does. As recent president of the MIT Club of Southwest Florida, Bob initiated some great new programs that keep everyone connected and well informed.

Wan Lik Lee ’85 Wan Lik has been an officer of the MIT Club of Hong Kong for the past 12 years, rising to the position of president in 2003. During his tenure as president, he recruited many recent graduate volunteers while preserving ties with the loyal older volunteers. He expanded the club’s reach through improved communications and oversaw implementation of the online services SmarTrans™ and Alumni Site Builder, all while continuing to act as gracious host to the many MIT faculty and administrators who travel to Hong Kong. Wan Lik has also established strong relationships with club leaders throughout Asia, helping to strengthen our alumni network abroad.

Paul F. Levy ’72 Paul has demonstrated distinguished leadership and volunteer commitment to MIT for over 25 years. A long-term contributor to class activities, he has served on numerous reunion and reunion gift committees, both chairing and co-chairing each committee at various times. He has served on the Educational Council, the Technology Day Committee, the Tech Challenge Games Committee, participated in phonathons, and been guest speaker at various MIT programs and events. Paul’s enthusiasm for MIT and his unfailing good nature impress everyone who has the pleasure of working with him. Now serving on the MIT Corporation, he has the opportunity to share his exceptional professional expertise and MIT will surely benefit.

Roy L. Morris SM ’78 Roy’s position as chair emeritus of the Washington, DC-Baltimore chapter of the MIT Enterprise Forum speaks to the leadership and guidance he has brought to this chapter for many years. Either behind the scenes or in lead positions, Roy brings to all his roles a depth of understanding of the intersection of technology, business, and education that is at the heart of the Forum’s mission to serve technology entrepreneurs. Indeed, he has been described as “the heart and soul of this chapter whose influence on entrepreneuring has been felt throughout the region.” As a recent member of the Global MIT Enterprise Forum Board, Roy proved to be an equally committed and exemplary volunteer.

Leona R. Zarsky ’41 Leona has been the go-to volunteer for the Class of 1941 for many years. Class officers have instinctively turned to her to organize class reunions since at least 1966 when she served as coed chairman of the 25th reunion. She has done an excellent job of adapting reunion activities to suit the age and stage of her classmates, the most recent being to replace the traditional Saturday night banquet with an afternoon function for the 65th reunion. This small but important schedule change yielded excellent attendance. Throughout her distinguished career in medicine and raising four children, Leona has always made time for her class and for MIT.

Henry B. Kane '24 Award Recipients

Established in 1987, the Henry B. Kane ’24 Award is given in recognition of exceptional service and accomplishments in the area of fundraising for the Institute. As of July 1, 2007, a total of 86 individuals have received this award.

Gary Brackenridge ’97 Gary has been an exemplary fundraiser for MIT for the past 10 years. He was a member of the senior class gift committee, reunion gift chair for the 5th and 10th reunions, class agent, member of the Young Alumni Campaign Committee, active participant in the MIT10 Power of Participation Challenge, and he is a current member of the Alumni Fund Board. In every volunteer role, Gary pushes himself and others to go above and beyond what is required. He is an excellent relationship builder and a dedicated volunteer.

Thomas G. Burns ’62 Tom has been a skilled and dedicated fundraiser for MIT for over 30 years. He has chaired two reunion gift committees, served on the Alumni Fund Board, and participated in numerous regional personal solicitation programs. As chair of the 45th reunion gift committee, Tom was instrumental in leading the class to set a new dollar record for a 45th reunion gift. A respected leader by word and example, he has generously shared his time and talent for fundraising and MIT has benefited greatly.

Charles W. Johnson BE ’55 As a graduate alumnus living in Wisconsin, Chuck has had limited opportunities to volunteer for MIT, yet he has managed to engage himself fully. He was appointed to the Corporation Development Committee in 1989 and has been one of its most thoughtful and active members, working closely with staff to identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects. His recent participation on the Alumni Fund Board has been equally valuable. A wise and experienced volunteer, Chuck is willing to help with any task or project when asked.

William R. Leitch ’56 Bill’s keen interest in and devotion to student life and learning programs has shaped his fundraising work for MIT. An active member of his 50th reunion gift campaign, Bill worked closely with his classmates and staff to create the Class of 1956 Student Life Fund. His expertise in communications helped to generate excitement about the project and the challenge he made to his classmates ensured its success. Bill is a strong supporter of MIT’s Technology and Culture Forum, serving on both its steering and development committees. He is a dedicated volunteer and a generous supporter of MIT.

Annalisa L. Weigel ’94 During her tenure as a young alumni director on the Association’s Board of Directors from 2001–2003, Annalisa agreed to co-chair the Young Alumni Campaign Committee. Her outstanding contributions and effective leadership led to her appointment to the Alumni Fund Board where she quickly established herself as a valuable contributor with particular expertise in process management and strategic planning. As chair of the goals committee, she defined a clearer and more effective process for goal setting. Annalisa currently chairs the Alumni Fund Board where she continues to offer wise counsel and demonstrate her deep commitment to MIT.

George B. Morgan '20 Award Recipients

The George B. Morgan ’20 Award was established in 1979 to recognize sustained excellence in all aspects of Educational Council activity, including dedication to MIT, an abiding concern for and sensitivity to the interests of prospective students, and exceptional standards of achievement and professionalism in meeting Council responsibilities. As of July 1, 2007, a total of 163 alumni have received this award.

David D. Adams ’50 Dave has given 38 years of impeccable service to the Educational Council. An EC in the Albany/Schenectady region, he has been writing exemplary interview reports for his entire tenure. Clearly, the effort he puts into getting to know each student has never wavered. Driving an admitted student to Campus Preview Weekend—a student who had no other way to attend—exemplifies Dave’s deep commitment to prospective students

Rodolfo Andrade ’52 (Photo Pending) Rodolfo has been the sole educational counselor in Guatemala since 1959. Always looking for ways to promote MIT, his enthusiasm and energy have been a positive force for the admissions office and for MIT’s image. Despite the fact that very few international students are admitted as undergraduates, Rodolfo has been a steadfast presence and a committed volunteer.

Ernest M. Cohen ’64 Ernie has been a strong and steady presence in the Brockton, MA, area for the past 27 years, giving exceptional service to prospective students both one-on-one and at local college fairs. He has been especially helpful in recruiting and encouraging a diverse set of applicants to MIT.

Alan R. Crumley SM ’72 Alan has been an educational counselor in Puerto Rico since 1983 and has served as regional chair since 1989. He often conducts 15–20 interviews per year in addition to attending college fairs, doing outreach, and recruiting new ECs. He and his fellow ECs are incredibly helpful to MIT’s recruiting efforts in Puerto Rico.

Joseph P. Diliberto III ’70 Joe has been an educational counselor since 1978, serving as vice chair of the very large Central New Jersey region from 1993–2003 and as chair since 2003. With a consistently high workload, he regularly conducts more than 10 interviews each season and is a key organizer of the spring admitted student meetings and the fall student/parent information sessions. Always cheerful and helpful, Joe is one of the best ECs.

Theodore V. Ferris ’41 An educational counselor since 1978, Ted served as regional chair for the Springfield, MA, area for the past 20 years. Whether representing MIT at college fairs, holding information sessions, organizing admitted student meetings, or welcoming visiting Admissions Office staff, Ted did it all extremely well. He retired from the Council earlier this year and we salute his dedicated service.

Lauralee Grizzaffi ’91 Lauralee has been an educational counselor since 1994 and regional chair of the St. Petersburg-Tampa, FL, area since 2001. She does an excellent job of coordinating all arrangements for the spring admitted student meetings and the fall student/parent information sessions, in addition to consistently writing interview reports that get the highest rating.

James L. Knoedler ’61 An educational counselor since 1979, Jim has served as vice chair of the very large Houston area since 1999. He consistently handles an exceptionally high interview load in addition to being a well-known representative for MIT to the schools and guidance counselors in his area. Jim has demonstrated an abiding interest in the students he meets and a deep commitment to the Council.

Andrew R.Y. Lee ’80 A Council member since 1997, Andy has been regional chair for the state of Hawaii for the past eight years. With infrequent visits from Admissions Office staff, he has had to organize and conduct information sessions entirely on his own as well as manage some 25 EC’s living on several different islands. Andy has demonstrated great leadership, including recruiting and mentoring his successor.

Walter E. Piazza Tanguis ’47 In 2007 Walter celebrates his 50th year as an educational counselor in Lima, Peru—an incredible accomplishment. Despite the low admit rate for international applicants and no visits from Admissions Office staff, Walter has been an important ambassador for MIT. Working dutifully and diligently, he has maintained an MIT presence and been a beacon for prospective students in his region.

Sharon C. Ross ’65 Sharon has been an educational counselor in the Atlanta region for 35 years. Her strong and steady presence in the area has contributed greatly to this team of EC’s. Sharon truly leads by example, doing whatever needs to be done quietly and efficiently. She has earned admiration and gratitude for her many years of dedicated service to the Council.

Joanna Tan ’74 Joanna joined the Council in 1999, quickly became a model volunteer, and in 2001 was appointed regional chair for Orange County, CA. She does an exceptional job of coordinating her region and is often complimented by her fellow EC’s for being such a terrific team leader.

Abigail Vargus ’97 An educational counselor since 1998, Abigail’s commitment to serving the needs of MIT and prospective students led to her appointment as regional chair for Cambridge, MA, in 2001. Her exemplary leadership provided a model for others to follow and her influence is still being felt though she moved from this area in 2004. Abigail now serves as vice chair for the Acton, MA region.

Presidential Citation Award Recipients

Established in 1968, the Presidential Citation Award is the highest honor the Association bestows upon any of its organizations. Like the Bronze Beaver for individuals, this award is given to groups in recognition of distinguished service to the Institute or the Association. Prior to 1968, outstanding organizations were given Bronze Beaver awards.

Association of Independent Living Groups Board

This board of alumni volunteers has worked hard to address the needs of MIT’s fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups(FSILGs) by focusing on solving problems together, sharing best practices, reinforcing the responsibility of all members, and promoting the health and well-being all members. Working closely with the Office of the Dean for Student Life, the Board initiated two groundbreaking and exemplary programs in recent years. The Safety Licensing & Inspection Program promotes safety of the FSILG physical structures, and the Accreditation Program provides a thorough review process for each FSILG to assess themselves and address issues before they become problems.

Association of MIT Alumnae (AMITA) & Sloan Alumni Club of Boston—Alumnae Leadership Series

Leveraging the excitement generated by the 2005 MIT Women’s Leadership Conference and the Sloan Club’s Symposia on MIT Women in Business and Technology, the two groups that planned these events worked together in 2006 to create a robust series of events focusing on issues unique to women and work. This successful collaboration yielded a number of significant accomplishments, most notably the first Web cast for each group that brought together over 300 alumni from 11 geographical viewing sites and the formation of a new AMITA chapter in northern California. The organizers brought boundless energy and enthusiasm to this new venture and renewed visibility to both AMITA and the Sloan Alumni Club of Boston. Buoyed by their success, they plan to continue the series.

Bisexual, Gay, and Lesbian Alumni (BGALA)—Gay in the Day Event

From conception to implementation, this event was a great success. On April 26, 2006, BGALA brought together lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual alumni, students, and faculty to socialize, share their stories, and celebrate their history. A carefully selected panel of alumni spoke about their experiences at MIT through the decades, highlighting the achievements of a few and showcasing MIT as an historically supportive environment for LGBT students. Opening and closing receptions allowed participants to meet and talk informally. The event was a day to reminisce and celebrate overcoming hardships. It engaged alumni who had not previously participated in alumni activities, fostering for them a new relationship with MIT and an opportunity to collaborate with others on improving the quality of life for this constituency.

MIT Club of Northern California Clean Tech Open 2006

The MIT Club of Northern California’s Clean Technology Program was the catalyst for what eventually grew into the California Clean Tech Open, a state-wide competition that focuses on clean technology and renewable energy. The first event, held in 2006, featured 44 finalists competing for prizes in five categories—energy efficiency, smart power, transportation, water management, and renewable energy. Over $500 thousand worth of prizes were awarded at the final event at San Francisco City Hall. The second Clean Tech Open was launched in May 2007, with the final award event scheduled for late October. These events have generated tremendous publicity and have further positioned MIT as a leading innovator in energy issues in California and beyond. The organizers have done a terrific job.

Class of 1986 20th Reunion Committee

This large and extremely effective committee planned the most successful 20th MIT reunion to date. Through well-managed conference calls and efficient use of a large number of volunteers, the committee made wise decisions about how best to encourage classmates to attend. An online reunion book that allowed for browsing and updating enticed hundreds of class members to submit their biographical information and photographs. Committee members worked hard to reach out to classmates from every living group, knowing that this kind of contact was crucial to good attendance. A record-breaking 337 alumni and guests participated in the reunion activities held in June 2006.

Class of 2006 Senior Gift Committee

An inspiring enthusiasm for student philanthropy coupled with a strong work ethic enabled this committee to exceed the 50 percent participation goal they had set for their class, far beyond the prior record of 39 percent participation in a senior gift campaign. Working in true partnership with the Association staff, the committee followed closely the training and advice given them while taking it upon themselves to aggressively promote the campaign, make solicitations, and assist with marketing materials. Their willingness to set the bar high, achieve 51 percent participation, and increase the average gift motivated the Class of 2007 and many other classes as well to follow their lead.

MIT Club of Colorado 115th Anniversary Event

A uniquely Colorado venue provided the backdrop for this successful and festive celebration held on March 30, 2006. Held at the Cable Center, a new office space/museum that pays tribute to the cable industry’s roots in Colorado, the event attracted over 150 people. President Susan Hockfield was the keynote speaker, giving many alumni their first opportunity to meet her. Securing $8,000 in corporate sponsorship, the club was able to provide free parking, an open bar, live music, event favors, free attendance for admitted students, and a reduced ticket rate for parents and young alumni. Each admitted student was assigned a young alumnus host to ensure that each would feel welcome and comfortable. Tables decorated in cardinal and grey were named after MIT buildings and featured custom-printed place cards and lovely centerpieces assembled by club members. The club did an outstanding job of organizing a truly memorable evening for everyone.

Honorary Membership

The constitution of the Alumni Association, adopted at its annual meeting held on December 30, 1897, provided that anyone who has rendered outstanding service to the Association or the Institute, including any present or former member of the Corporation, or any present or former officer of administration or instruction on the staff of the Institute, as well as their spouses, may be elected an Honorary Member. As of July 1, 2007, a total of 149 individuals have been awarded Honorary Membership.

• Gururaj ‘Desh’ Deshpande
• Barrie Zesiger