Tech Reunions

President Hockfield thanks Don Shobrys for this year's reunion gifts. Photo: Tanit Sakakini.

Technology Day, filled with talks by leading MIT thinkers and a festive luncheon to celebrate class giving, included an enormous amount of good cheer—and great giving results on June 5.

At the luncheon, Don Shobrys ’75, Annual Fund board chair, presented a giant check to Hockfield representing reunion gifts totaling $36,126,812 to date. You can watch the action as gifts and donor numbers are credited on the class giving Web site until the books close June 30.

“We are here today because we share in the belief that MIT makes the world a better place, and these gifts are one way that we can be a part of that process,” Shobrys said. “But even as we celebrate this chapter of reunion giving, a glance at the world around us tells us that there is so much more that can be done. Annual fund participation—not just this year, but every year—is the key.”

At the luncheon, President Susan Hockfield saluted the Class of 2010 for their 72 percent participation—the highest of any senior class.

Honorary memberships in the MIT Alumni Association were awarded to Hockfield and to Sara Bittenbender, co-chair of the Class of 1940 Reunion committee, a pivotal class volunteer both before and after the death of her husband some 35 years ago. Hockfield acknowledged that “It took me a little longer than most of you to become a member of the Alumni Association,” but she said that after five years, MIT feels like home.

Alumni Association President Ken Wang ’71 passed the gavel to incoming president Anne Street ’69. “Her leadership style, enthusiasm for MIT, and wide-ranging volunteer experience will make her an exceptional president of the Alumni Association,” he said.

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