2008 Award Winners
Volunteers Exemplify Service, Accomplishment
2008 Bronze Beaver award recipients
The Bronze Beaver Award is the highest honor the Association can bestow upon any alumni volunteer. It is given to recognize distinguished service to the Alumni Association and the Institute by alumni who have been active in most or all phases of alumni activity and who have been outstanding in at least one phase. As of July 1, 2008, a total of 291 individuals have been awarded the Bronze Beaver.
Thomas C. Davis '84, SM '85
Tom has been involved in Alumni Association activities for more than 20 years, often as an exemplary fundraising volunteer. Recognized in 2001 with a Kane Award for his work as a phonathon volunteer, class agent, and reunion gift committee member and chair, his volunteerism has expanded beyond his class and region to service on national boards and committees for the Alumni Association. Tom chaired the Alumni Fund Goals Committee for two years from 2002 to 2004, then from 2004 to 2006 served as chair of the Alumni Fund Board and a member-at-large on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Tom set a high standard of performance, approaching his roles with strategic perspectives, sharing keen observations, asking appropriate questions, and challenging and motivating both staff and volunteers. Tom has also served as an educational counselor since 1990, and as an Institute Career Assistance Network (ICAN) member since 1997. Tom is highly regarded and respected and brings leadership skills and analytical expertise to his work, while at the same time making the tasks enjoyable for himself and others.
David H. Koch '62, SM '63
David's distinguished service to MIT makes him the most visible champion of cancer research at the Institute. His deep understanding of the role of basic and interdisciplinary science in advancing innovation has made him a dedicated proponent of MIT's work to accelerate the pace of discovery and improve human health. David's early support of cancer research was crucial to enhancing the prominence and effectiveness of MIT's efforts, and was recognized in the 1990s with the naming of the David H. Koch Biology Building. He remains an active member of the MIT Corporation since 1988, and holds an advisory role on the Athletics, Biology, Chemical Engineering, and Economics Visiting Committees. David also served as a member of the Educational Council from 1973-1978. He currently chairs the Director's Council of the Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research and actively participates in his reunion gift committees. Over the years, David's leadership, enthusiasm, tireless advocacy, and remarkable ability to engage others have characterized his numerous and exemplary commitments to the Institute.
A. Neil Pappalardo '64
A dedicated citizen of MIT, Neil is the epitome of "Mind and Hand." Over the decades since his graduation, he has provided wise counsel and guidance at all levels of the Institute organization - from the Corporation, to individual departments, to students. He has also consistently led by doing - through the quality of his volunteer work on both the academic and alumni advancement sides of the organization, and through his philanthropy. Neil serves on three visiting committees, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and the Libraries. He takes this service seriously, and has become a deeply valued advisor, mentor, and friend to these departments. He began his service to MIT as a reunion gift committee member for his twenty-fifth reunion, and has been engaged in reunion giving since. He served on the National Committee for the Campaign for the Future, and for an exceptional eighteen years on the Corporation Development Committee. His transformational leadership has galvanized others, and he has given, with generosity and humility, his time and his talent.
Anne Street '69, SM '72
Anne has held a variety of leadership roles during the thirty-three years she has volunteered for MIT. First active in South Texas, she was a member of the Educational Council and the vice president and president of the alumni club. She went on to hold a number of posts in the MIT Club of Washington DC, and she served as president of that club in 2006-07. During her tenure as club president, she sought to increase connections between club presidents in other cities, developing common solutions to shared challenges. She has also been active in her class, as a reunion gift committee member and as a vice president; she has served on two visiting committees, and she recently chaired the Committee for Nominations to Corporation Visiting Committees. She is active in the arts, serving on the MIT Museum Advisory Board and on the Council for the Arts. She possesses wonderful networking skills, and an interest in including all stakeholders, as demonstrated when she spearheaded a reunion of women who lived in McCormick Hall in its early years. She enjoys conceptualizing what has not been done before and following through to make concepts a reality.
Albert O. Wilson Jr. '38
Al's devotion and dedication to MIT spans fifty years of volunteerism and enthusiastic involvement. Recognized with the Kane Award in 1999, Al has been an active fundraiser for MIT, in roles as class agent, and often chair of his reunion gift committee. He was a chairperson during the Second Century Fund and a vice chair in the MIT Leadership Campaign. He is president of his class, and served on the Alumni Fund Board and Corporation Development Committee. He is an active supporter of his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, and he still gathers annually with the members of his pledge class. In raising funds for the Institute, Al is a model citizen, inspiring others to ask, and encouraging many to give. He chaired his class' 70th reunion, carefully thinking of the interests and needs of his classmates in planning successful events. In all of his work, his strong values and personal attention to others have distinguished his leadership.
2008 Harold E. Lobdell '17 Distinguished Service Award recipients
The Lobdell Award, established in 1979, recognizes alumni relations service of special depth over a sustained period. As of July 1, 2008, a total of 256 alumni have received this award
Haim H. Alcalay '61, SM '62, PhD '66
Haim is a key leader behind the alumni activities in Israel, having played significant leadership roles in the MIT alumni club, the MIT Enterprise Forum, and in the Educational Council. He has served as president of the MIT Club of Israel since 1988, and invests time in recruiting young alumni to positions on the board and ensuring that visitors to Israel from MIT are supported and connected. He has been an educational counselor since 1993, and the regional chair for Israel since 2000. He successfully connects admitted students and alumni by organizing annual events. He stays connected to MIT, coordinating collaborative activities with MISTI and MEET, an innovative educational initiative aimed at creating a common professional language between Israeli and Palestinian young leaders.
Joost P. Bonsen '90, SM '06
Joost has devoted much of his life's work and personal intensity to MIT, both through his contributions as an Alumni Association volunteer and avid participant in many campus programs. Joost often provides a natural conduit from one contact to the next, introducing current students, alumni and faculty to one another, quickly identifying shared interests and potential collaborations. He led the Technology Day Committee in 2000, and given his involvement with entrepreneurship, he was named to the MIT Enterprise Forum Global Board in 2005, contributing regularly to the content and the strategy committees. He works tirelessly at the chapter level with the Enterprise Forum of Cambridge and has been a long-term volunteer with the Chairman's Salon. He is an alumni volunteer for the 100K Contest, and has long taught IAP subjects in entrepreneurship and capital. He has been an active volunteer at the MIT Museum in programs for youth. Joost's impact is the connection he fosters between individuals and the Institute, and helps to enhance those connections every day.
Dedric A. Carter '98, MNG '99
Dedric demonstrates a special depth and breadth of service in leadership at the Institute, both as an Alumni Association and Corporation volunteer. He began his service "at the top" being named in 2000 as a recent graduate representative to the Corporation. During his five year term on the corporation, he was selected for roles on the Audit Committee, two visiting committees, and the Presidential Search committee, as well in a traditional role on the Corporation Screening committee. He also served as Marshall for the Corporation at the inauguration of President Hockfield. He was named to the Association Board of Directors as a young alumni director in 2005, and also served on the finance committee. He is an active leader of the Black Alumni of MIT (BAMIT), and previously served as a member of the Educational Council. He is a skilled fundraiser, supporting the MIT10 Power of Participation Campaign and serving on his 10th Class Reunion Gift Committee. All of his service is enhanced by his serious and thoughtful commitment, balanced with an engaging and warm style that makes everyone feel valued and connected.
Mark R. Epstein '63, SM '64
Mark has a long record of active participation in alumni activities at both the local and Institute levels, measured by his tremendous drive to innovate, provide new ideas and effectively work to better MIT. He first became active in 1976 as a chair of alumni fund regional solicitation program in Maryland. He went on to be a regular member of the reunion gift committees for his Class, have a more than twenty-year tenure as an educational counselor, serve as an alumni nominee to the MIT Corporation, and as member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, member of the MIT Council for the Arts, and member of the Advisory Board of the MIT Museum. He has served on three corporation visiting committees. He also served in a plethora of roles in the MIT Club of Washington, D.C., including a term as club president in 2002-03, during which he instituted innovative membership solicitation concepts, a revised newsletter focused on increasing alumni participation, while achieving a record number of events and a surplus budget. His enthusiastic advocacy of his alma mater has inspired others to participate.
Tamra L. Johnson '01
Tamra is one of the most effective and influential MIT10 volunteers, demonstrating outstanding leadership in a variety of roles. She has been volunteering for MIT since she graduated MIT in 2001. She helped organize her class' Pi Reunion and she is currently serving as President of her class. She was instrumental in helping the class of 2001 become engaged in the MIT10 Power of Participation fundraising challenge and she was very active in her fifth reunion in 2006 as well. Perhaps Tamra's most significant impact has been in the Southern California Region as both a Club Officer and an Educational Counselor. She has served in a variety of roles, and completed a term as Club President in 2005-06, demonstrating her leadership by recruiting new volunteers, planning innovative events, building up the Club's bank account, and managing efficient board meetings. She has also been instrumental in helping the Alumni Association launch programming for the MIT10 population and is dedicated, thoughtful, and passionate about MIT and its initiatives.
Lucinda Linde '82, SM '83
Lucinda's involvement began at her fifth reunion, and since then she has been an active leader of her class, in roles as treasurer, vice president and president. She was co-chair of 1982's 25th reunion, and her leadership led to a record-setting event. She was a district director on the Alumni Association Board, and she was a member of the Finance Committee, where her sensible advice, tough questions, and innovative ideas led to new models for association financial reporting. She is always willing to be called upon as a speaker for alumni events, and participates in a plethora of activities. She has a knack for being able to see the intricate details as well as the big picture, and her reflective guidance has benefited her class, the association and the Institute.
Marissa C. Martinez '82, SM '02
Marissa has devoted her volunteer time to many groups, including the Association of MIT Alumnae (AMITA) the Sloan Club of Boston, the Latino Alumni of MIT (LAMIT), the Technology Day Committee, and the house corporation of the Women's Independent Living Group (WILG). Her boundless energy, thorough planning, and detailed follow through make her a tremendous asset to these groups, and her high expectations stimulate fellow volunteers to increased achievement. She has taken on key leadership roles, as vice president of AMITA and president of LAMIT, but also is called upon to speak at events, such as the Bisexual, Gay, and Lesbian Alumni's "Gay in the Day" event, where she offered her perspectives on an alumni panel. Her tireless efforts have helped to build many bridges and the collaboration between the groups that she serves is enhanced by her enthusiasm.
William W. Reenstra '72
Bill has been a long time contributor to club, class and educational council activities. He began involvement in 1997, when he became an educational counselor and a director of the MIT Club of the Delaware Valley. He took on many leadership roles in the club, and eventually served as president 2003-05, while serving on the Association's Ad Hoc Committee for Clubs during that period as well. He has been an active member of his reunion committee, and became class agent in 2007. When he relocated to Northern California, he became immediately active as the Vice President of East Bay Events, creating a new geographic touchstone for alumni. In addition to his club activities, Bill also conceived and planned the MIT Inspirational Teacher Award Program, a national program to recognize teachers who are instrumental in inspiring students to pursue their education at MIT.
Ramon I. San Pedro '86, SM '88
Ramon has been involved with the Club of South Texas since 1996 and has held a variety of roles, including serving two separate terms as president. His leadership has been key in establishing the club as a premiere role model for other major markets. He has a special ability to build relationships and galvanize different groups around a single cause. After organizing a Puerto Rican alumni reunion in 2005, Ramon was instrumental in starting activity of the Latino/a Alumni of MIT (LAMIT). He also served as a member of the National Selection Committee, where his preparation, perspectives, and input were highly valued by other members of the committee. He has served as an educational counselor since 1999, and his broad experiences have made him a special ambassador for MIT.
2008 Henry B. Kane '24 Award recipients
The Henry B. Kane '24 Award recognizes exceptional fundraising service and accomplishments for the Alumni Association and MIT. As of July 1, 2007, a total of 90 individuals have received this award.
Jack H. Frailey '44, SM '47, AE '54
As a long time active volunteer in the MIT Crew Alumni Association, Jack has served the rowing community at MIT with distinction for many years. Most recently, he has led efforts to raise significant funds for the crew program, and has achieved incredible success, with roots in the cultivation and relationship-building he facilitates. Whether he is writing for the quarterly crew newsletter or personally staying connected with key crew alumni, Jack has effectively communicated and helped to develop a community around this sport.. He has traveled across the country to personally solicit and thank key donors. Alumni are touched by the personal nature of his outreach and always appreciate the chance to reminisce about crew. Jack's passion has created an indefatigable force and a legacy that will continue for years to come.
Dong Joo Karen Ha '85, SM '87
After co-chairing her 20th class reunion gift committee in 2004, Karen was named to the Alumni Fund Board in 2005. She immediately stood out as a strong new member, actively participating in discussions and sharing her experiences from other non-profits. She was named to the Goals Committee of the Fund Board in 2006, and was instrumental in helping to guide the long term strategic direction for annual giving at MIT. A deeply committed fundraiser and donor alike, Karen's leadership, wisdom, devotion and energy have motivated both staff and fellow alumni.
Edward L. Hoyt '57, SM '58
Ed's long-term involvement in MIT fundraising began at the time of his 40th reunion and continues today. He served as a member of the Campaign Network Committee, the Corporation Development Committee, and has been the 1957 class agent since 2002. He was co-chair of his 50th reunion gift committee, and his strong leadership resulted in the outstanding achievement of 72% participation in the reunion gift. He is a successful solicitor and he actively stewards the donors in his class, taking time to send them each a personal note of appreciation.
Kenneth A. Marshall '47
Over the past 40 years Ken has taken several different roles as an MIT fund-raiser - first with the Second Century Fund of the early 1960s. Along the way he has served as chairman of the Special Funds Committee in the mid-1970s and solicited MIT support during the Leadership Campaign. Most important has been Ken's work with his class, vigorously soliciting as part of the Class of 1947's 40th and 50th reunion gifts, and now serving in his 15th consecutive year as class agent, an important volunteer role in keeping classmates engaged in the support of MIT.
2008 George B. Morgan '20 Award recipients
The George B. Morgan '20 Award recognizes ongoing excellence in all aspects of Educational Council activity. This includes dedication to MIT, an abiding concern for the interests of prospective students, and exceptional standards of achievement and professionalism in meeting Council responsibilities. As of July 1, 2008, a total of 176 alumni have received this award.
Curt B. Beck '45, SM '52
Curt has served as an educational counselor in the Amarillo, Texas region for a remarkable 47 years. In that time he has been very active, constantly communicating with the educational council office, receiving positive comments and high ratings on his reports, and strongly supporting the students he interviews. As the sole educational counselor in his community, he has in recent years completed as many as ten interviews annually. One of our longest serving volunteers, his steadfast commitment to the integrity of MIT admissions demonstrates his devotion to the Institute.
Nicolas Elie Chammas SM '87
Nicolas has been a member of the Educational Council for only seven years, but in that time he successfully reorganized the counselors in the vast area of the Middle East and North Africa. As regional chair for Arab countries, his leadership has developed a very strong program, with forty-three educational counselors across the region, including four vice chairs who manage sub-regions, nearly quadrupling the number of active volunteers. He devotes significant time and travel focused on recruiting new educational counselors and personally communicating with prospective students, helping to extensively increase the qualified applicant pool.
Thomas J. Garrity '70
Tom has served as regional chair in Phoenix, Arizona since 2000 and has been an educational counselor for twelve years. Tom is a role model among regional chairs, being very proactive in organizing and managing both educational counselors and schools in his region, and sending regular, thorough and thoughtful communications to all. Every year he organizes the admitted students meeting for the Phoenix area, as well as the fall student and parent information session. He does an outstanding job of motivating others, making his volunteers feel valued, and keeping them engaged in the work of the admissions office.
Lester A. Gimpelson '57, SM '59, EE '61
Lester has been an educational counselor in Belgium since 1997, and regional chair there since 2004. He coordinates the interviews for all the applicants, and organizes admitted student meetings for all Belgian candidates, both undergraduate and graduate students. After students were admitted and enrolled, he is constantly in touch with them, and periodically takes them all out to dinner when in Cambridge. Recently he began spending more time at his Massachusetts residence, and also has begun interviewing here, attending college fairs, and visiting schools.
Thomas C. Gooch '77
Thomas has been an educational counselor since 1981. Since becoming regional chair in Fort Worth, Texas in 1997, he has conducted an average of 16 interviews per season, completing an extraordinary 32 in 2007 and 21 in 2008. He consistently writes very thoughtful and thorough reports for the admissions office, receiving high ratings for all of them. On top of meeting with so many students, Tom finds the time to coordinate the educational counselors in his region, host admitted student meetings at his home, and attend many college fairs in his area, making him a valued, high-performing Regional Chair.
Ellen R. Greenberg '68
Ellen has served as an educational counselor since 1978. She started her service while living in Massachusetts, continued her role while in New York City interviewing at Stuyvesant High School, and now resides and interviews in Bulgaria, where for many years she was the only educational counselor. She has consistently completed a high volume of interviews on a yearly basis, receiving high ratings from staff readers for her excellent reports.
Julian Guerra-De La Torre '93
Julian has been an educational counselor in the Rio Grande Valley area for nine years, and he has served as regional chair there since 2005. Julian organizes the admissions information session each fall, and has been an extraordinary host to admissions staff traveling to his area. Julian has also organized an admitted student meeting every year since becoming the regional chair. He demonstrates his enthusiasm for and commitment to MIT each time he engages in admissions activities.
Andre R. Jaglom '74
Andre has served the Educational Council for twenty years in the Westchester County, New York region. He has consistently been a reliable source of excellent interview reports and for several years has received all fives, again gaining recognition in the "All 5's Club" in 2008. Admissions officers have sent him personal notes thanking him for the quality of his work, recognizing the value of a specific report written on behalf of an applicant. Willing to carry a high interview load, the quality of his reports has never wavered, and he continually advocates for his assigned students.
Tina T. Lee '91
Tina has served as educational counselor since 1992, in Boston, New York, New Jersey, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, where she currently serves as regional chair. The hallmarks of her success have been her deep understanding of the Taiwanese educational system, and her extra support and encouragement to applicants who will likely not travel to MIT before their application and enrollment. She works in concert with the local alumni club and parents of current students to coordinate both admitted student meetings and summer send off events. She is an excellent collaborator and ambassador for MIT admissions.
Vincent E. Lysaght Jr. '62, SM '64
Vincent has been active in the Educational Council for 29 years. He became regional chair for the Toledo, Ohio region in 2005, is very proactive in organizing and recruiting volunteers, and consistently makes contact with the admissions office, other alumni, and applicants. He has attended countless college nights and always insures that qualified students received invitations to central meetings. He stays in touch with applicants from before decisions are made to after they begin classes at MIT, even providing support to students as they pursue graduate school admission.
C. Christopher S. Moss '80
Chris has served as educational counselor since 1982. He served in the Pittsburgh area first, and then in Atlanta where he has been regional chair for 17 years, heading a team of nineteen educational counselors. Chris is a wonderful representative of MIT, effectively managing applicants and recruitment activities within a large region. Chris' load of interviews every year is sizeable, and he is a consistent member of the "All 5's Club." He has demonstrated keen commitment and dedication to admissions, while also providing tremendous support to applicants and their parents.
Cordelia M. Price '78, SM '82
Cordelia has been an educational counselor for 25 years. She began her career as an volunteer in Philadelphia and now serves in Houston, Texas. She has actively attended college fairs representing MIT and the admissions office, and is always a caring and compassionate partner to assigned applicants during the applications process. She has often been called upon to take on added assignments, and she graciously accepts. Her positive approach to her assigned applicants and willingness to advocate on their behalf demonstrate her dedication to admitting the finest MIT students. MA, region.
Jose Prieto Jr. '81
Jose had been an EC since 2000, when he accepted the role of regional chair for the El Paso area. He has been diligent in supporting the efforts of admissions officers in recruiting underrepresented minorities in El Paso. He organizes the annual fall recruitment trip and helps admissions staff with their travel and the information sessions. He has a very high interview load, and his input is extremely important for students who often lack the strong support of guidance counselors and teachers. His insights offer excellent and valuable context for the admissions committee to make the best admissions decisions possible.
2008 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 recognizes distinguished service to the Institute or the Association.
Class of 1950 Mid-Course Reunion Committee
After a successful 55th Reunion, the class of 1950 just couldn't wait to do it all over again and developed the concept for the Mid-Course Reunion, celebrated at fifty-seven and a half years after their graduation in September of 2007 in Annapolis, Maryland. These dedicated alumni and their equally dedicated spouses met monthly to create a three-day program filled with activities that leveraged the beauty of Annapolis with the bounty of MIT. From their choice of hotel and tours to their collaboration with fellow alumni and Institute staff, the committee utilized all of the knowledge and resources available to them to ensure the event's success and the enjoyment of over eighty attendees. The program was such a huge success that other classes are using the model to develop their own mid-course activities.
Class of 1967 40th Reunion Committee
The class of 1967 set a model for 40th reunions at their 2007 gathering of alumni achieving an attendance record with 279 attendees. Exceptionally strong class officer leadership, early and vigorous planning, strong collaboration and coordination with the Alumni Association, and extensive recruitment of alumni committee members were the hallmarks of success. They recruited more than fifty alumni to serve as participation leaders for geographic regions or for various dorms, fraternities and independent living groups. Their planning committee consisted of a substantial number of dedicated and enthusiastic alumni and the regular meetings helped keep the planning on-track.
Class of 2006 Power of Participation Committee
This committee had an inspiring enthusiasm for philanthropy and a strong work ethic that enabled them to be successful fundraisers as young alumni, continuing the strength that they had demonstrated as seniors in their senior gift campaign. The committee members displayed strong initiative in making personal solicitations and building momentum with their classmates, with results that grew dramatically in a matter of months. While they had set a participation goal of 30%, they achieved 36% participation among their classmates, a very high standard for a first-year out class.
MIT Chairman's Salon
The MIT Chairman's Salon began in 2002 and the organizing committee has continued to produce regular events each year, aimed at engaging young entrepreneurs and introducing them to MIT's entrepreneurial ecosystem and to one another. The Corporation Chairman, first Alex d'Arbeloff '49 and then Dana Mead PhD '67 have been supporters and hosts of the activity, which typically draws over one hundred local MIT alumni entrepreneurs to the MIT Museum or other campus locations. Serial entrepreneurs and innovative faculty serve as featured guests, and attendees meet potential mentors, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs. The dedication of the organizing team and their desire to support the alumni entrepreneurial community has enhanced connections for many alumni.
MIT Club of Hong Kong
The Club of Hong Kong is a model club for all other MIT clubs around the world. Their board combines dedicated volunteers who have been engaged for many years with many new members who contribute fresh ideas, innovation and energy. They boast a robust and well-balanced calendar of events, offering educational, social, sporting, cultural and MIT10 focused activities. In 2006, they began aggressively raising funds for the MIT Club of Hong Kong Scholarship fund, and by June of 2008 more than $150,000 had been contributed. They maintain a strong dues-paying membership, have a solid communications and outreach plan, and are a cooperative partner to the Alumni Association and faculty and staff who travel to Hong Kong.
MIT Club of Northeast Ohio 100th Anniversary Event
In April or 2007 the Club of Northeast Ohio celebrated the 100th Anniversary of their founding with an event featuring special guests President Susan Hockfield and Professor Robert Desimone. The event was attended by over 100 alumni and their guests was used as an opportunity for the Club to establish and raise money for a scholarship fund for the MIT Science and Engineering Program for Teachers (SEPT). A memorable and special part of the evening was a photography display featuring an array of historic images of the Institute created in collaboration with the MIT Libraries.
2008 Honorary Memberships in the Alumni Association
The constitution of the Alumni Association states, "anyone who has rendered outstanding service to the Association or the Institute" may be elected to Honorary Membership. This includes any present or former member of the Corporation, any present or former officer of administration or instructor on the staff of the Institute, as well as their spouses.As of July 1, 2008, a total of 153 individuals have been awarded Honorary Membership.
- Yvonne Gittens
- Sonya Hulswit
- Philip S. Khoury
- Susan E. Whitehead
(Please note: These awards were presented at the Technoloday Day luncheon, June 7, 2008)
