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Tech Connection - A monthly e-newsletter for MIT Alumni

May 2005

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Hockfield's Inaugural Vision Points to Real World Leadership

President Susan Hockfield's vision of MIT's future as an open, dynamic university addressing key world issues is embodied in her inaugural speech. Virtually visit the festivities captured in video highlights and the Alumni Association President's breakfast including a Hockfield hack.

Campus News

And the 2.007 Winner of Tic-Tech-Toe is...
Sophomore Mark Cote's squeezer-grabber-thingy-bopper ruled in the legendary robot competition for mechanical engineering students. See the top five winners who will compete in the international contest in Japan.

Baker Piano Drop Returns
A historic MIT tradition returned after a seven-year hiatus when Baker House hosted its infamous Piano Drop on April 21. After painting the 700-lb dilapidated upright piano, Bakerites and friends watched the seven-story fall and enjoyed BBQ. Relive the gravitational occurrence in photos in the April 22 issue of The Tech (PDF), page 13.

Can Angel Investing Work for You? Find Out June 1

Angel investors will share insights on how budding technology entrepreneurs can get early stage funding at the MIT Enterprise Forum Global Broadcast entitled Angel Groups in Action: Funding Early Stage Innovation. Check the MIT Enterprise Forum Web site for information on the live Kresge Auditorium event on June 1, 7 p.m. EDT, or check on remote viewing sites in more than 45 locations.

OpenDOOR: Page by Page: the Class of 2005 Online

The annual list of artful and inventive student Web sites this year includes both undergraduates and graduates earning degrees in 2005.

What Matters: Do FSILGs Create Stronger Alumni?

The benefits of fraternities, sororities, and other independent living groups extend far beyond campus, argues Drew Jaglom '74, P '05. FSILGs provide crucial leadership and social skills and boast more active alumni, he says. Do you agree? Read Jaglom's column.

Szuminski Injury Sidelines the Alumni Pitcher

Jason Szuminski '01, MIT's first graduate to make it to the Big Show of major league baseball, knows no show is without the occasional intermission. A shoulder injury has knocked him out of spring Triple A play, but he hopes to be back on the mound soon.

Giving to MIT Just Got Easier

Want to know MIT's priorities for the future and help make them happen? Visit the new Giving to MIT Web site to learn about the Institute's core priorities and to investigate the many ways to give. As you browse, you can check off your interests in a particular priority, such as student financial aid or supporting the larger vision through unrestricted giving, to support now or in the future.

Women's Leadership Conference Focuses on Drive and Balance

Career strategies, role models, personal life balance, and the value of female friendships were key themes discussed by some 200 alumnae at the April 30 Women's Leadership Conference, sponsored by the MIT Alumni Association. Alumnae across generations also celebrated MIT women as leaders and innovators in reunions, campus tours, and networking. Visit the photo essay and article for a recap.

Prepare for Reunion with a Bioengineering Knowledge Update

More than 2700 alumni and guests have registered for Tech Reunions 2005. Although many events are sold out, space may be available in some class events and Tech Day. To register, stop by the on-site registration areas in Stratton and McCormick Hall beginning on June 2. Visit the Reunion Web site for more on Tech Day's bioengineering focus and a link to a bioengineering Knowledge Update, an exclusive alumni preview of MIT's new educational briefing series.

Coop Offers Online Discount to Celebrate Reunions

Buy MIT-logo gear and gifts at the Coop online during June and receive a 10 percent discount off clothing and merchandise and 15 percent off on chairs, Chelsea clocks, and custom jewelry, (excluding Tiffany products). To receive the discount, enter this code as the order form membership ID number: #063005.

Travel to China: Highlights of the Middle Kingdom

Join fellow MIT alumni on an Alumni Travel Program tour to China in October 2005. During the journey, you will discover the incredible diversity of China's regional cultures, from the metropolitan and modern, to the rural and historic. The itinerary includes Beijing, Dunhuang, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai, and a cruise on the Yangtze River.

Alumni Fund Hits 90 Percent - and Counting

As the fiscal year comes to a close, the MIT Alumni Fund has achieved 86 percent of the donor goal and 90 percent of the dollar goal. To date, $28.4 million has been raised thanks to the generosity of 27,797 alumni and 2,916 parents and friends. Please help us reach 100 percent! There is still time to make your gift before June 30.

About Tech Connection

Tech Connection, a monthly e-newsletter for alumni and friends of MIT, is available in HTML and text-only formats. To receive the text-only format, please email alumnirecords@mit.edu.

Please email comments to techconnection@mit.edu.

Cheers!
Nancy DuVergne Smith, editor
May 25, 2005