2011 Award Winners
Congratulations Award Recipients!
Congratulations to the following MIT alumni, friends and groups who were selected to receive this year's awards.
All awards, with the exception of Honorary Membership, will be presented at a celebratory dinner during this year's Alumni Leadership Conference on Saturday, September 17, 2011. Honorary Membership in the Alumni Association awards were presented at the annual Technology Day Luncheon during Tech Reunions on June 4, 2011.
Learn how this year's award winners made a difference!
- 2011 Bronze Beaver Award recipients
- 2011 Henry B. Kane '24 Award recipients
- 2011 Harold E. Lobdell '17 Distinguished Service Award recipients
- 2011 George B. Morgan '20 Award recipients
- 2011 Great Dome Award recipients
- 2011 Honorary Membership in the Alumni Association
2011 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. Alf K. Berle '27 and Carole (Cac) A. Clarke '21 were the first recipients of this award, which was established in 1955. Since then, 300 individuals have been so honored.
Robert B. Millard '72
Bob’s commitment and service to MIT over the past 25 years have been impressive in both depth and breadth, reflecting his avocations in the arts and sciences. He has served in all facets of the Institute’s leadership, from alumni relations to finance and governance. He has engaged broadly with MIT’s academic core and priorities, including the Council for the Arts, School of Science, MIT Energy Initiative, and the MIT Investment Management Company, for which he recently transitioned into the role of chair following a five-year term as vice chair. Bob has also been a longtime participant in Alumni Association activities, including leadership roles for his 25th, 35th, and 40th reunions as well as involvement with the MIT Club of New York. Joining the Corporation Development Committee in 1999, the Physics Visiting Committee in 2000, the Corporation in 2003, and the Corporation’s Executive Committee in 2004, he has continued to take on successive leadership roles and serve with distinction. As an Executive Committee member, Bob has maintained close contact with the Institute’s leadership and is appreciated as a trusted advisor. Additionally, he has provided valuable guidance and insight as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board for the School of Science and as a member of the Architecture Visiting Committee. The Bronze Beaver Award is a fitting tribute to Bob’s unwavering and devoted service to MIT.
Marjorie M. T. Yang '74
Considered to be among MIT’s most influential alumni in Asia, Margie has become the cornerstone of the emerging MIT Greater China Initiative, and her contributions toward its development have made her one of the most visible champions of global scholarship at the Institute in the last 20 years. Her deep understanding and appreciation for the role of Greater China in driving scientific competitiveness coupled with her extraordinary advocacy has strategically connected MIT with influential members of government, leaders of Chinese industry, Chinese alumni overseas, and key academic partners abroad. As a result of Margie’s efforts, MIT developed relationships that led to three major academic agreements with Greater China and has helped raise more than $11.5 million to support research innovation, executive education, and Chinese language and cultural studies. Margie has also been an active member of the MIT Corporation, a longtime member of the Mathematics Visiting Committee, and chair of the Architecture Visiting Committee. She has previously served in an advisory role to MIT’s partner initiatives in Singapore, as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Sloan School of Management, and as regional chair of the Educational Council in Hong Kong. Margie’s service to MIT is distinguished by her ability to engage and excite others, lead diverse constituents around common goals, and develop lasting connections between institutions and nations.
2011 Henry B. Kane '24 Award Recipients
The Henry B. Kane '24 Award recognizes exceptional fundraising service and accomplishments for the Alumni Association and MIT. To date, a total of 101 individuals have received this award.
John M. Begg '78
After serving as a Parent Connector from 2007 to 2009 and a member of the Parents Fund in 2009, John became chair of the Parents Fund in July 2010. He quickly established himself as the key contact for parents by conducting strategic and personal outreach nationwide, and under his leadership, the Parents Fund has achieved record-breaking success. As a member of the Corporation Development Committee, John lends his expertise from the finance industry, providing valuable insight into venture capital and private equity partners in Metro Boston. He has also been an actively engaged volunteer for the Annual Fund Board since 2006 and in fundraising activities for his class. John was a part of his award-winning 25th reunion gift committee and enthusiastically accepted the role of cochair for the 30th reunion. He is a model fundraising volunteer with an infectious passion and enduring commitment that are an inspiration to fellow alumni, donors, and MIT faculty and staff.
Stanley Martin Jr. '50
Stan has been an active participant in class activities for many years, serving as vice president, president, and as a member or chair of numerous reunion planning and gift committees. His leadership of the 60th reunion gift committee enabled the Class of 1950 to raise over $3 million and achieve 81 percent participation. One focal point, the Class of 1950 Student Aid Fund, supported 90 students this past year with more than $1 million. Stan tirelessly motivated committee members to make their solicitation calls and led by example, even tracking down several first-time donors for gifts. In addition to his class fundraising efforts, Stan also served as committee chair for the 1950 Mid-Course Reunion held in Annapolis in 2007, which was awarded the Presidential Citation (now called the Great Dome Award) for its tremendous success. Stan’s enthusiasm, generosity, and tireless volunteer efforts on behalf of his class, the Alumni Association, and the Institute are greatly appreciated.
William C. L. Shih '60, SM '64, PhD '73
Since 1975, Bill has served in a variety of relational and fundraising positions, showing his support for the Institute through his volunteer work and philanthropy. As the West Coast chair for the Class of 1960 50th reunion gift committee, Bill tirelessly recruited 15 committee members and co-led the large group to successfully complete all solicitations. He led by example, soliciting some of the most challenging prospects in the class and accepting all of his assignments with good humor and determination. He was extremely proactive, always responsive, and frequently contacted staff with new ideas to help improve fundraising results. Because of his leadership efforts, the class exceeded its fundraising goal by over $1 million. Bill’s hard work, determination, and thoughtful leadership left a positive impression on his fellow committee members, classmates, and staff alike.
John R. Velasco '05, SM '06
John’s fundraising efforts and passion for MIT inspired excitement that led the Class of 2005 to an unprecedented level of giving success. He guided his 5th reunion gift campaign to a new dollar record, personally soliciting over 20 classmates and garnering 17 gifts. He also communicated with some 200 classmates to launch the Class of 2005 FirstGen Scholarship Fund. John created brilliant fundraising appeals and headed up a diverse committee to raise funds for the scholarship and increase class participation. He organized events in New York and Palo Alto for over 60 classmates, personally inviting attendees and covering costs. Equally remarkable is the unity and excitement generated throughout the class as a result of his efforts. John achieved this through close collaboration with reunion planning activities and class officers to bridge giving and event efforts, extensive personal contact with classmates, and heartfelt appeals to the class that connected personal appreciation for the MIT experience with giving back to the Institute.
2011 Harold E. Lobdell '17 Distinguished Service Award Recipients
The Harold E. Lobdell '17 Distinguished Service Award recognizes service to the Alumni Association and MIT that is of significant depth over a sustained period. Lobdell's interest and commitment to MIT spanned all areas of alumni relations. To date, a total of 279 individuals have received this award.
Gerald M. Appelstein '80
Jerry has made many significant contributions to the MIT community. Not only does he graciously accept volunteer appointments, he seeks out ways to make a difference, notably impacting prospective students through his longtime participation in the Educational Council and current students as a mentor for the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program. He has also provided thoughtful guidance to alumni, particularly when he served on the Annual Fund Board mentoring incoming members. Jerry has been an active volunteer for the MIT Club of Northern New Jersey, the Corporation Development Committee, and the Visiting Committee for the Libraries. His accomplishments in fundraising for his class, the Alumni Association, and the Institute have been extraordinary as well. Perhaps most impressive was Jerry’s work helping to establish the William Barton Rogers Society and then, as its first chair, growing it to unparalleled success. The depth and breadth of Jerry’s service to the Institute demonstrates his commitment to MIT in a powerful way.
Kathleen E. Brown '93. SM '96
Katy has been an instrumental leader for the MIT Club of Colorado, for which she has served in a variety of volunteer roles, making an impact in each capacity. She has been a member of the Club’s board for the past decade, vice president of collegiate relations, treasurer, and vice president of programs. She has served MIT as a dedicated educational counselor for over 14 years, has been involved with reunion and reunion gift committees for her class, volunteered for her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, and recently completed service on the Ad Hoc Committee on Alumni Involvement in the 150th Anniversary. She additionally represents and promotes MIT through her passion for encouraging young women in her community to pursue careers in science and technology. Whether it is the custom-baked cookies in the shapes of M, I, and T for prospective–student meetings or club-logoed golf balls for the annual miniature golf tournament, Katy is a charismatic and passionate ambassador for the Institute.
Mindy L. Garber '82
Mindy has served in a variety of volunteer roles over the years, including contributing to the Educational Council, the MIT Club of Boston, the Class of 1982, the Association of MIT Alumnae, the Institute Career Assistance Network, and the K-12 STEM Education Network and Working Group. In 2007 she was one of the first volunteers to become engaged with the Alan ’73 and Terri Spoon Community Catalyst Leadership Program, truly helping make it a success. Mindy has coached seven students and helped create a supportive community for all participants. Equally impressive is her work supporting Baker House and its alumni, notably during the 60th Anniversary Weekend, which received the Great Dome Award in 2010. As an active member of the planning committee, she spearheaded a successful dinner for 225 alumni, friends, and family. Mindy brings grace, patience, and good nature to her volunteer assignments and has greatly contributed to all of the initiatives in which she is involved.
Theodore H. Korelitz '56
A cornerstone of the Class of 1956, Ted has rotated through most leadership positions, including his most recent role as senior vice president. His leadership of the 50th reunion in 2006 led to a successful series of events and resulted in one of the largest 50th reunion celebrations ever. As chair of the Cardinal and Gray Society this past year, Ted stressed the importance of this connection to the Institute, increased participation, and contributed to the success of the annual Fall Lecture and Luncheon series. Ted is also an active member of the MIT Club of Boston and the MIT Club of Palm Beach, involved with the K-12 STEM education initiative, and, for the past two years, has volunteered for the Science Trivia Challenge, a new initiative in conjunction with the MIT Museum and the Cambridge Science Festival. The Institute is truly fortunate for Ted’s tireless and exemplary efforts.
Stacey T. Nakamura '80
Stacey has served in various leadership positions within the MIT Club of South Texas for the last 15 years, including stints as president, vice president of communications, and webmaster. As president, Stacey has worked to create a welcoming, collaborative, inclusive environment where volunteers can contribute meaningfully, excel in their roles, and have an enjoyable experience. He achieved this by revising each volunteer position description within the club to include detailed information about the responsibilities, objectives, and expectations of the office. Stacey has also served in class leadership roles, notably as class agent. As such, he helped develop the online class agent toolkit in conjunction with the Annual Fund staff. He has also made significant contributions as a fundraiser for class reunion gift campaigns. Talented, thoughtful, and poised, Stacey is a wonderful MIT volunteer.
Sarah J. Simon '72
Sarah has demonstrated a passionate commitment to strengthening the MIT community of women for the past 30 years. As president of the Association of MIT Alumnae (AMITA) from 2006 to 2010, Sarah focused on identifying, recruiting, and engaging new leadership to ensure the long-term stability of the organization. She worked with the board to start new AMITA chapters in New York, California, and Washington, DC, and to create a volunteer recruitment survey that resulted in six new board members. These new officers have already produced programming that has captured the interest of students and young alumnae, a demographic AMITA has been keen to engage. Under Sarah’s leadership, AMITA started the Alumnae Leadership and the Women in BioTech Series. She has also volunteered with her class reunion planning and gift committees. Sarah’s involvement with four different volunteer initiatives recognized with Presidential Citation Awards (now called Great Dome Awards) distinguishes her exceptional record of service to the MIT community.
Allyn J. Ziegenhagen SM '59
A cornerstone of his local alumni community and wonderful ambassador of the Institute, Allyn has been actively engaged for over 15 years with the MIT Club of Princeton and the MIT Club of Wisconsin, has devoted time to the MIT K-12 STEM Education and the Inspirational Teacher Awards programs, and, in 2004, created an MIT summer jobs program to connect local alumni and students. For the Club of Wisconsin, Allyn has served as vice president of programs, vice president of membership, and treasurer. He is always eager to contribute programming ideas, invite speakers and panelists, and participate in meetings. He is also the founder of the Club of Wisconsin Achievement Awards and the EAA Fly-In, two premier technology events that have transformed the local tech community and its awareness of MIT. His service to alumni, the Alumni Association, and the Institute is invaluable.
2011 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. To date, a total of 200 individuals have received this award.
Eugenia Carroll '78
Eugenia has been a friendly and encouraging member of the Educational Council for many years. Rejoining the Council in 2001 following a break to focus on other endeavors, Eugenia completed 12 interviews when the average was five, and the high quality of her reports made it seem as if she had never left. In 2007 she became regional chair in the Denver area and within several days recruited her first new educational counselor. Eugenia has also actively participated as a host each spring to help the Admissions Office yield newly admitted students. She collaborates with the local MIT club to provide special touches to ensure a memorable evening. Her efforts have also provided newly admitted students with the opportunity to hear notable MIT faculty members speak. Eugenia understands exactly what the Admissions Office is looking for, represents MIT to prospective students in a model fashion, and is a shining star in the Council community.
Ilya Gorodisher '85, SM '86, PhD '90
Ilya has made a positive impact on many students over the years, regularly meeting with admitted students to answer questions, address fears, and encourage them to embrace the opportunity of experiencing MIT. After graduating from the Institute, Ilya moved to Minnesota, where he immediately started interviewing students from a number of schools outside of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. He took the initiative to serve in under-resourced parts of the region, often interfacing with students with far less opportunity than their counterparts in the Twin Cities nearby and representing them well to the Admissions Office by consistently turning in stellar reports. Ilya has made wonderful connections with MIT applicants during his time as an educational counselor, and with 20 years of service, he is clearly deserving of recognition with the Morgan Award.
Rossana C. Lin '87
Rosanna first became an EC in 1999 while living in California. In 2003, after relocating to Beijing, she continued her efforts on behalf of the Council. In her first year she interviewed four students, but that number quickly increased, reaching a high of 23 interviews in 2007, her first year as the regional chair for China. Since then, she has interviewed an average of 15 students annually, receiving almost a perfect record of 5s on her interview reports. One of Rossana’s greatest strengths is connecting with various MIT communities. She is a board member of the MIT Club of Beijing and serves as the liaison between it and the Educational Council. She works closely with the club to coordinate the new admit event each spring and is connected with the MIT parent community in Beijing and includes them in events. She has also engaged as a K-12 STEM network volunteer with Lemelson–MIT InvenTeams program. Given her involvement with virtually all MIT-oriented groups in Beijing, Rossana is a superb volunteer leader.
William J. Lyons Jr. '48
Since 1987, William has served as an educational counselor and expanded his role to that of regional chair for New Haven in 1999. As soon as he joined the Council, William quickly began pitching in, not just interviewing but reaching out to area high schools and attending a number of college fairs each year. He became more active, eventually leading to his regional chair position. In addition to his Council responsibilities, William has utilized resources available through the Admissions Office to track applicants and improve processes for working with prospective students. William’s longtime involvement with prospective students and 24-year tenure with the Educational Council have certainly earned him this honor.
Alberto Ospina SM '58
Alberto is an educational counselor who goes the extra mile, seeking out students who could flourish in the MIT environment. Joining the Council in 1996, he worked as an EC for 11 years before taking on the role of regional chair for Colombia. Alberto is extremely active in leading the educational counselors in his country and is truly committed to helping prospective students realize their dream of attending MIT. Not content to merely ensure that the students apply and are admitted, Alberto continues to work to make sure that these students will receive much-needed financial help to enroll at the Institute. Alberto has made many meaningful contributions to the MIT community over the years, and his tremendous dedication to prospective students, the Educational Council, and the Institute are greatly appreciated.
Vance W. Smith '72
Vance has served the Educational Council since 1994, becoming the regional chair for the Dallas, Texas, area in 2000. Last year he led a group of 34 volunteers, 23 of whom collectively completed 223 interviews. Vance himself completed 14 of those, receiving high ratings from the admissions staff. In more difficult years he has completed up to 30 interviews. Equally impressive is his interest in prospective students. His connection to them often begins with the Admissions Office visit in the fall and continues throughout the yield process. He coordinates the meeting each March to welcome newly admitted students and their parents into the MIT family and helps them make connections with current students, parents, and alumni over spring break. The level of enthusiasm and passion he displays for the important role of an educational counselor is unsurpassed, and it is clear that Vance is truly committed to finding the best candidates for MIT.
2011 Great Dome Award Recipients
The Great Dome Award (formerly known as the Presidential Citation) is the highest honor the Association bestows upon any of its organizations. Like the Bronze Beaver for individuals, this award is given to groups in recognition of distinguished service to the Institute or the Association. Prior to 1968, outstanding organizations were given Bronze Beaver awards.
mIT Association of independent living groups (AILG) Accreditation Review Team
The Association of Independent Living Groups (AILG) has been operating a peer–review process known as the accreditation program to review the finances, governance, membership development, behavior, and facilities of MIT’s fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups (FSILGs). The goal is to ensure standards are met, exchange best practices, and point the way to even better operations. The AILG has been readily able to recruit alumni to participate in the regular peer reviews of each FSILG, and in just five years, the accreditation program has become a vital component in keeping MIT’s FSILGs at the top of their game. The accreditation program produces an annual report that collects all the findings of the visiting groups and distills them into best practices and lessons learned that improve living conditions for a large fraction of the MIT undergraduate population.
MIT Class of 1960 50th Reunion Planning and Gift Committees
These two committees proactively worked together to maximize outreach efforts to classmates and plan a successful reunion. The reunion planning committee began their efforts over four years in advance. They made a special effort to locate missing classmates, surveyed the class to determine preferences for events, and acted on the results. They organized an enjoyable series of events and produced a reunion book containing 253 classmate biographies—100 more than other recent reunion books. Reunion gift committee members were extremely involved in all aspects of the fundraising campaign, with each member making their own gift as well as helping solicit every member of the class. As a result, the class achieved 100 percent participation for the gift campaign and exceeded their fundraising goal by over $1 million. The committees showed remarkable dedication to MIT through their generous donation of time and philanthropic leadership.
MIT Club of Palm Beach
Over the past five years, the MIT Club of Palm Beach has transformed itself into a club that performs strongly and consistently. This achievement springs from the efforts of highly effective volunteers who have worked tirelessly to improve the club’s communications, program planning, and operations. On the communications front, the club redesigned its website and marketing pieces to create a uniform, cohesive look; established an e-newsletter; and implemented a communications plan with more frequent, consistent, and well-received messaging. The club also focused on developing new programs from a strategic perspective in order to engage the different segments of the Palm Beach constituency, in part by producing lectures with MIT faculty and senior administrators. This enabled the club to better connect local alumni back to MIT and raise awareness of MIT locally. In addition, the club streamlined board meetings and collaborated on membership acquisition to effectively improve operations. The Club of Palm Beach is an excellent example of the great success a relatively small group can achieve through the contributions of dedicated volunteers.
2011 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. The first Honorary Memberships were awarded in 1900 to three people who had been MIT presidents. Since then, 161 individuals have been so honored.
On June 4, 2011, at the Technology Day Luncheon, Honorary Membership was awarded to:
- Rosanne Goldstein
Widow of S. James Goldstein '46, '49, SM '48 (parent of Eli Goldstein '77, MArch '80; Raymond E. Goldstein '83; and Roger Neal Goldstein '74, MArch '76 and grandparent of Adam J. Goldstein '10) - Ernest J. Moniz
Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics and Engineering Systems, director of the MIT Energy Initiaitve, and director of the Laboratory for Energy and the Environment at the MIT Department of Physics.
