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Bob Ferrara '67 Becomes New Director of FSILG Alumni Relations

Dean of Student Life Larry Benedict and Alumni Association Executive Vice President Beth Garvin announced the establishment of a new position focused on alumni-related issues and support of the Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living Groups (FSILGs). Together they have named Robert V. Ferrara '67 (Theta Chi) to the position of Director of FSILG Alumni Relations, reporting to both of their offices. The Director will provide leadership in creating stronger working relationships among the alumni of the FSILGs and MIT, and in implementing the alumni-related recommendations of the Task Force on FSILGs.

"I am really excited about the new position," said Ferrara. "There are a lot of good things we can do. MIT is focusing on the future of FSILG and together with the Dean's Office and the Alumni Assocition, we will build a stronger FSILG system."

The Task Force on FSILGs in the 21st Century was appointed by President Vest last year. Patrick Winston '65, co-chair of the FSILG Task Force, endorsed the creation of this position. "The Task Force will be issuing recommendations soon, and one of our key recommendations is that MIT devote increased senior staff attention to support FSILGs."

Ferrara will now begin to work closely with the Association of Independent Living Groups (AILG), house corporations, alumni boards and volunteers, and the recently established FSILG Cooperative, Inc. The interdepartmental reporting structure is designed to improve and strengthen communications between MIT administrators, alumni volunteers, alumni, and students. As an advocate for FSILG alumni, Ferrara will work with volunteers and staff from both offices to design and implement programs, initiatives, training, financial management and planning processes for alumni to strengthen their oversight and support of their FSILG chapters.

Ferrara will also work on developing and promoting the Independent Residence Development Fund (IRDF) and its Grants Program to FSILG alumni and friends. He will serve upon appropriate related committees, and participate in the long-range planning for FSILG housing, with an emphasis on encouraging and promoting alumni involvement. He will also serve as a liaison to parents on FSILG issues.

Ferrara has a long, deep, and varied involvement in MIT and alumni affairs. Prior to this appointment, he held a senior position in MIT's Information Systems group that followed a twenty year career with Raytheon Company. His alumni leadership has been recognized with the Alumni Association's Lobdell Award for distinguished alumni service, and a Presidential Citation for Theta Chi's 100 th anniversary celebration, which he helped to organize. He has served as Vice President of the Alumni Association, an elected member of the National Selection Committee, President of the Class of 1967, President of the MIT Club of Boston, and is currently on the Theta Chi House Corporation. Ferrara will continue to serve on behalf of MIT as the Treasurer the Northeast Regional Computing Program, an EDUCAUSE-affiliated consortium of 160 institutions focused on improving information technology in education, academic research and educational administration throughout the northeastern United States.