MIT Volunteer View

Dear Volunteers

Over the past few months, I've been meeting with alumni all over the world—from Ireland to Saudi Arabia to India. And every encounter has shown me the generosity and enthusiasm of MIT alumni who are eager to learn about MIT research and involve themselves in Institute initiatives. I appreciate the warm welcomes I've received and look forward to more travels in the coming year. We truly do create MIT wherever and whenever alumni get together.

As volunteers, we need to lead by example and our most recent grads and current students have provided good models for us all to follow. Currently, 50 MIT10 volunteers are working together to fulfill the 3,500 donor goal for year two of Martin Tang's SM '72 Power of Participation challenge. If they succeed, Martin will donate another $100,000 to enhance student life.

The second year of the pilot underclassmen giving campaign, which raises funds for student public service work abroad, is proving to be very successful. To date, 21 percent of undergraduates have donated. And the Class of 2008 has already kicked off its Senior Gift campaign and is at 21 percent participation—quite a head start.

As the holidays approach and thoughts turn to giving, I hope these successes will inspire all of you, new and seasoned volunteers alike, to give back and encourage others to do the same. And remember to make your gift before the end of the year to receive 2007 tax deductions. Happy holidays and thank you for the fine work you do for MIT.

Sincerely,

Harbo Jensen PhD '74
President, MIT Alumni Association

Spotlight Story

Test Your MIT IQ

Back by popular demand, a quiz to help you assess how much you know about MIT research, Alumni Association offerings, and volunteer tools. Photo: ©iStockphoto.com/Brian Wilke

1) A breast cancer treatment currently in clinical trials is derived from an MIT-developed technology originally made for what purpose?

A. Global positioning systems
B. Amplifiers
C. Batteries
D. Missile detection

2) Recipients of the Alumni Association's national awards are chosen by

A. Alumni Association Board of Directors
B. A committee of Bronze Beaver winners
C. Alumni Association staff
D. Fellow alumni in a popular vote

3) Which MIT breakthrough in brain research is currently being tested as a treatment in Alzheimer's patients?

A. Using the protein septin to help neurons sprout the branch-like protrusions used to communicate with other neurons
B. Correcting the loss of brain synapses with compounds including omega-3 fatty acid
C. Activating a sirtuin (enzyme)-producing gene to promote neuronal survival and reduce neurodegeneration
D. Manipulating the brain scaffolding protein called postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) with enzymes to boost cognitive function.

4) You've just published a book. Which of following services cannot be used to promote your good news?

A. Posting a message on the Discussion Network
B. Sending a note to your class secretary for inclusion in Class Notes
C. Sending an email to everyone in the club of which you're an officer
D. Emailing Technology Review for possible inclusion in the magazine

5) With which country did MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) recently launch an exchange program?

A. Israel
B. India
C. Norway
D. Brazil

Answers at bottom of page.

Featured Volunteer

John Gavenonis '98

John has proven to be a skilled and enthusiastic volunteer in his numerous roles for MIT. He's helped organize Toast to IAP and other events as VP of programs for the Club of Delaware Valley, is an Educational Counselor and a member of his reunion gift committee, and is currently serving a second year as a member of the Power of Participation challenge committee for which he helps solicit funds from classmates to improve student life initiatives. His outgoing, dynamic personality and leadership versatility make him an important contributor to the well-being of MIT. He has stayed in touch with some of his MIT professors and returns to campus frequently, further proof of his commitment to the Institute. John has previously served as VP of communications and VP of young alumni for his club and as a host for the Young Alumni Seminar Series.

Top 5

This season presents a wonderful opportunity to thank fellow volunteers for their hard work. Here are five ways to do just that.

1. Send them a simple card or personal note. Emails work too, but mass emails lack the personal touch
2. Spotlight and thank volunteers in your group's newsletter, e-newsletter, and/or Web site.
3. Plan an end-of-the-year activity to acknowledge the contributions of your volunteers.
4. Distribute MIT-branded merchandise (even just small tokens) as gifts.
5. Create a simple slide show of photos capturing your group's events and post online.

One final thought: consider nominating exceptional volunteers for the Volunteer Honor Roll of Service.