Artificial Intimacy: Who Do We Become When We Talk to Machines?
MIT Alumni Association
MIT Alumni Association
Club of Washington D.C.
Wednesday, April 30, 7:00pm - 8:00pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
MIT Alumni Association offers career services to all alumni regardless of your where you are in your journey. Let MIT help you find your next opportunity.
During this session, Megan Strosnider, Assistant Director of MIT Alumni Career Programs will guide you through the many career resources that they have available for all MIT alumni.
Resources include, but are not limited to:
Our webinar recordings:
Contact
Learn MoreMIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Thursday, May 1, 5:00pm - 8:00pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Joint School Alumni Spring Happy Hour
Come join us, the partnered alumni groups at San Francisco Bay Area, to celebrate the Spring time together!
Event Details
Let's reconnect and celebrate the spring together! The partnered groups of top U.S. University's alumni groups jointly host the happy hour for alumni to network and cheer for the beautiful weather of the Bay Area!
*Cash Bar: each participant pays for the drinks and food they order.*
Cost: No Charge to attend
Where
Blackbird Bar
2124 Market Street
San Francisco, California
Jointly-hosting schools (alphabetical order):
Berkeley Haas Silicon Valley Chapter
Chicago Booth: Bay Area Alumni Community
Columbia Club of Northern California
MIT Club of Northern California
Kellogg Alumni Club of San Francisco and Silicon Valley
Northwestern Club of San Francisco
NYU Alumni Club in the Bay Area
University of Chicago Alumni Club of the Bay Area
Wharton Club of Northern California
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MIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Saturday, May 3, 6:30am - Sunday, May 4, 9:30pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Yosemite Trip - Peak to Peak Challenge
Embark on an unforgettable weekend adventure, hiking the stunning waterfalls of Yosemite Valley! Immerse yourself in one of nature’s greatest masterpieces—Yosemite National Park—where towering waterfalls, ancient sequoias, and iconic cliffs like Half Dome and El Capitan await. In May, the park comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and lush greenery. It’s the perfect time to experience Yosemite in all its glory. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking beauty that surrounds you at every step!
We'll depart from the Bay Area early Saturday morning, May 3rd, for a scenic 4-hour drive to the park. Upon arrival, we'll hike the beautiful Vernal and Nevada Falls in the afternoon, then settle in for the night at Curry Village in cozy canvas tent cabins. On Sunday, May 4th, we'll tackle the Upper Yosemite Falls trail before heading back to the Bay Area in the evening.
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🚌 Transportation
Yosemite National Park is approximately 190 miles (about 4 hours) from the Bay Area. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. To help facilitate carpooling, we’ll connect interested participants through WhatsApp or email. We highly encourage coordinating rides to make the journey more fun and eco-friendly.
🪪 Yosemite Entrance Fee: $35 per private vehicle. 🔗 View Yosemite Fees & Passes
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🥾 Hikes Overview
Day 1: Vernal & Nevada Falls
💪 Difficulty: Hard
📏 Distance: 6.4 miles
📈 Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft
⏱️ Duration: ~4 hours
🌊 Highlights: Mist Trail, footbridge views, waterfalls up close
Day 2: Upper Yosemite Fall
💪 Difficulty: Hard
📏 Distance: 6.6 miles
📈 Elevation Gain: 3,254 ft
⏱️ Duration: ~5.5 hours
🏞️ Highlights: Panoramic valley views, top of Yosemite’s tallest waterfall
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🍽️ Food & Beverages
All participants are responsible for covering the cost of their own food and drinks during the trip. Refer to the Detailed Itinerary below for planned dining locations and menus along the way.
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🏕️ Accommodation
We’ve reserved 19 unheated canvas tent cabins at Curry Village, a scenic spot right in the heart of the Yosemite Valley — near the base of Half Dome. While the lodging offers a campground vibe, Curry Village also provides: Public shower houses, Restrooms, Several on-site dining options
📍 More details about Curry Village. 🖼️ Take a VR tour of the tent cabins
Tent Assignment Breakdown (price included in ticket): 10 tents (Double Occupancy, $120 per person), 6 tents (Triple Occupancy, $80 per person), 3 tents (Quad Occupancy, $65 per person)
During registration, please list the names of those you'd like to share a tent with. Solo travelers? No worries — we’ll help match you with others and handle the coordination.
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🗓️ Detailed Itinerary
Saturday, May 3, 2025
6:00–10:30 AM – Drive from Bay Area to Yosemite (191 mi, ~4 hrs). ☕ Grab breakfast en route.
11:00–12:00 PM – Lunch Packaged Sandwiches, or (if time permits) @ Taqueria at Meadow Grill 🌮
12:30–5:00 PM – Hike Vernal & Nevada Falls (6.4 mi, 2,200 ft gain) 🥾
5:30–7:00 PM – Dinner @ Stevens Tent 🍽️
7:30–8:00 PM – Check-in @ Curry Village Canvas Tents (unheated) ⛺
9:00 PM – Drinks @ 1899 Bar 🍻
Sunday, May 4, 2025
8:00–9:00 AM – Breakfast TBD + pack lunch 🥪
9:00–10:00 AM – Check out of Curry Village 🧳
10:00–4:00 PM – Hike Upper Yosemite Fall (6.6 mi, 3,254 ft gain) 🏞️
4:30–6:00 PM – Scenic stops (if time permits): El Capitan, Tunnel View 📸
6:00–10:30 PM – Drive back to Bay Area (~4 hrs). 🍔 Dinner on the road
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🎒 What to Bring
Here’s an initial checklist of must-haves to help you stay comfortable and prepared:
🔦 Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
🛏️ Sleeping bag (Linen and light blanket provided, but a sleeping bag is still essential)
🧥 Layers: Warm jacket, rain jacket (needed for mist trail even on a clear day)
💧 Refillable water bottle (1L minimum)
👟 Hiking gear: Shoes with ankle support, hiking poles, sunhat, sunglasses
🧳 Duffle bag for 2 days + a daypack for hikes
🩴 Shower shoes (for public facilities)
😴 Earplugs (Quiet hours: 10 PM – 6 AM)
🧺 Sealable plastic containers to store food, snacks, and scented toiletries in bear-proof lockers
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🎒 Other Notes
Fitness: Both hikes of this trip are classified as hard and require participants to be in good physical condition. Please reach out to us if you want to go on the trip, but may not be interested in / doubtful about completing the hikes.
Travelling with Children: A limited number of tickets are available for children (6-10 years) and infants/toddlers (under 6 years). The two planned hikes are hard and may not be suitable for the small children. We will share recommendations for other activities suitable for children - the Yosemite Valley has plenty to offer for people of all ages.
Safety: Please visit Yosemite Safety page to familiarize with various hiking safety, environmental hazards, and wild animals.
Cellphone: Cellular network is only available in very few spots in and around Yosemite National Park. Ensure to download google maps ahead of time to navigate inside the park.
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About Peak to Peak Challenge
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with the Peak to Peak Challenge! Calling all thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts to join us on a journey through the breathtaking Bay Area landscape. Gather your friends and immerse yourselves in the beauty of the great outdoors as you conquer five awe-inspiring peaks together. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a unique way to connect with friends, this challenge promises unforgettable vistas and shared triumphs. Revel in the camaraderie, challenge your limits, and create lasting memories as you scale the heights of nature's grandeur. Don't miss out on the opportunity to forge stronger bonds while exploring the stunning peaks of the Bay Area. Lace up your boots, embrace the adventure, and join us for the Peak to Peak Challenge!
Contact
Learn MoreClub of Washington D.C.
Sunday, May 4, 11:00am - 2:00pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
Celebrate Star Wars Day at the MIT Club of DC Annual Meeting & Picnic! At this event, MITDC members and their guests can relax with fellow alumni, enjoy good food, play lawn games, and vote for next year's MITDC board while enjoying the beautiful view of the Potomac River. Attendees will also have an opportunity to win fun raffle prizes. As it is Star Wars Day, the grand prize will be a Lego Millennium Falcon Set!
Lunch is included in this event. The menu includes: Pesto Baked Salmon, Pulled Chicken BBQ + buns, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Baked Beans, Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad, Fresh Fruit, Cookies, Lemonade and Iced Tea. Acoholic drinks may be purchased at the Island Time Bar and are the responsibility of the attendee.
This event is for dues paying members. Not a member? No worries! We have bundled tickets + discounted membership tickets at checkout. Discounts for MIT10 are also available. Partners may attend for free.
See you there, and May the Fourth be with you!
Contact
Learn MoreClub of Washington D.C.
Thursday, May 8, 7:00pm - 9:00pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
This is a pay-as-you-go event for food and beverage.
Contact
Learn MoreClub of Washington D.C.
Wednesday, May 14, 7:00pm - 8:30pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
Join your fellow MIT alumni for an evening of entrepreneurship and device innovation in the DMV region! Alum Dr. Gil Blankenship, '67, SM '69, PhD '71, will share some stories about what he has learned while starting companies that make hardware. There will be networking time and a chance for you to pitch your company.
Hosted in collaboration by the MDC Studio, a startup studio dedicated to building medical technology companies from the ground up, and Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), attendees will get a chance to learn about the new HJF Innovation Ecosystem, empowering the development and commercialization of military medical innovations.
Come and discover local resources and support for device innovations, pitch your ideas (no experience needed!), and mingle with innovators, experts, and future collaborators while enjoying light refreshments and drinks!
Dr. Gil Blankenship is the Founder and Chairman of the MDC Studio, and a former Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. Over his career, he has built multiple technology companies, including Techno-Sciences, TRX Systems, and Strom Motors, which have taken numerous products to national and international markets, and three of which have been acquired. Dr. Blankenship completed his BS, MS, and PhD in Electrical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a life fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
The meeting will be held in the Henry M Jackson Foundation's San Antonio A/B conference room in building 6720A, which just on the right after you enter the building.
This event is best accessed by car. It is possible to take the metro to the Grosvenor-Strathmore red line stop and take a bus (or Uber/Lyft/cab) for the last three miles.
Parking Garage
6720C Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20817
Parking Directions
When you arrive at the parking garage, enter through the daily lane and take a ticket. Park and bring your ticket with you, as you can receive a validation sticker to exit the garage.
Contact
Learn MoreMIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Thursday, May 15, 5:00pm - 8:00pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Join us and other Sloanies in SF at the popular Spark Social SF for happy hour on Thursday, May 15 from 5-8pm PT!
We will cover light apps. Excited to see everyone in good weather conditions!
Contact
Learn MoreClub of Hong Kong
Friday, May 16, 12:30pm - 2:00pm (Asia/Hong_Kong)
Event Details
🌟 Reinventing Retirement: AI, Longevity, & New Ventures with Dr. Ronjon Nag – May 16 LunchMIT Club of Hong Kong is excited to invite you to the next Sloan Futures Series – an exclusive lunch talk with a true pioneer at the intersection of AI, longevity, and entrepreneurship: Dr. Ronjon Nag.Join us on May 16, 2025, at 12:30 PM at The Square, Exchange Square, Central, Hong KongThis thought-provoking session, Reinventing Retirement: AI, Longevity, and Entrepreneurial Opportunities, will explore how artificial intelligence and advances in genetics are redefining what it means to retire and creating new opportunities for founders and investors in a world of 100-year lives.🗓️ Event Details
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MIT Sloan Club of Northern California
Sunday, May 18, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Event Details
Explore the World of Textured Art and bring home your masterpiece!
Are you curious about textured art? Unleash your creativity and join us for an inspiring workshop where you’ll create your own unique masterpiece!
Includes:
- A canvas to bring your vision to life
- High-quality texture paste for dynamic effects
- All necessary painting tools
- Refreshing drinks to keep you energized
- A selection of light snacks to enjoy
Don’t miss this opportunity to experiment with textures and express yourself artistically in a fun and supportive environment!
Registration:
- Fee: $30 per participant, Limit 8
About your Event Leader:
Janice Lam (MBA' 23)
I'm thrilled to be your host for this exciting themed party series. With a passion for creativity and a love for hosting seasonal events, I'm here to ensure we have fun while being creative. Join me to make each season a special celebration of our Sloan community!
About the Themed Parties:
Join us at our Seasonal Themed Party Series, where every season brings a new reason to connect, create, and celebrate! Immerse yourself in vibrant themes, hands-on DIY projects, and delicious seasonal treats that will inspire your creativity and warm your heart.
Let's make each season a special celebration of our Sloan community! Whether you're a crafty enthusiast or just love a good party, these gatherings are the perfect opportunity to reconnect with fellow Sloanies, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. Come together to design stunning decorations and share laughter-filled moments.
October 20 - Spooktacular Halloween Party with Pumpkin Carving
November 3 - Fall Party with Pumpkin Pie & Leafy Creations
December 8 - Christmas Party with Wreath Making
January 12 - Lunar New Year Party with Dumpling Making
February 9 - Love in Bloom: Valentine's Day Party with Flower Arrangement
May 18 - Spring into Textured Art
Learn MoreClub of Washington D.C.
Sunday, May 18, 4:30pm - 4:30pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
Join us at The Liberty Tavern for great food and great conversation in the heart of Arlington.
Metro: Located 2 blocks from the Clarendon Metro Station (Orange, Silver)
This is pay-as-you-go event.
Contact
Learn MoreClub of Washington D.C.
Tuesday, May 20, 9:00am - 7:00pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
The MIT CIO Symposium is the premier global event for CIOs and digital business leaders, bringing together cutting-edge research, industry insights, and real-world strategies to drive innovation and business transformation.
We’re excited to offer special discounts our MIT Club of Washington DC members!
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with top CIOs, industry leaders, and tech innovators at a fraction of the cost!
Sign up now to secure your spot!
Not a member? Get your membership here
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Learn MoreClub of Washington D.C.
Tuesday, May 20, 7:30pm - 8:30pm (America/New_York)
Event Details
Join the fourth Laugh & Learn session of the Professional Development Series!
Educators and engineers Marie-Louise Murville and Malcolm Knapp have teamed up to teach essential professional skills often overlooked in traditional education, such as conflict resolution and handling difficult people. Unlike conventional training programs, Laugh & Learn blends best-practice methodologies with humor, making skill development both engaging and enjoyable.
Participants will not only learn practical strategies for real-world challenges but also engage in role-playing exercises in private breakout sessions. You’ll even watch live demonstrations of “right way/wrong way” scenarios to reinforce key concepts.
Our fourth session is titled “Conflict Resolutions Skills – Development Path Disagreements.” (You do not need to have attended any of the earlier sessions to join the fourth!)
In this session, we explore the unique dynamics of project decision-making conflicts and why they demand approaches distinct from previous conflict types covered in our series. You'll learn techniques for crafting compelling arguments that foster resolution rather than resistance. Expect interactive role-playing, including responding to disagreements such as: 'Your idea is obviously wrong. In my 20 years of experience, I have never seen it done that way.'
How would you navigate this conversation productively? Join us to practice and refine these skills!
Presenters
Marie-Louise Murville, MIT ’82, ’84, LBS ‘94, Engineer, Educator, Entrepreneur, CEO, GoalsHabitsSkills, LLC, Adjunct Faculty, American University’s Kogod School of Business, https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-louisemurville/
Marie-Louise Murville has over 25 years of executive and Board level experience in business, consulting, and venture capital. Marie-Louise Murville is the founder and President of GoalsHabitsSkills, LLC and an Adjunct Professor at American University’s Kogod School of Business where she teaches management information systems, technology strategy, and data analytics in the MBA program. She is a visionary with a track record of turning ideas into reality. In 2010, she created Delight Me, Inc. to empower people to achieve their personal and professional goals. Previously, she founded and built medical device/biotech company Noxilizer Corporation, was a venture capitalist with Charles River Ventures and Lazard Technology Partners, and a consultant with Arthur D. Little, Inc. She earned both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as a Masters in Management from the London Business School.
Malcom Knapp, Columbia ’05, ‘06, Engineer, Consultant, Mentor, MFHK Consulting, https://www.linkedin.com/in/malcolmknapp/
Malcolm Knapp has over 15 years of experience as a product manager, engineer, and instructor. He is the founder of the Engineer Accelerator, a mentoring program designed to help engineers successfully transition into professional careers. Previously, he has developed and taught courses for UC Berkeley, Lam Research, and various corporate clients. As a consultant, Malcolm has worked with startups across diverse sectors, including consumer, industrial, medical, and manufacturing industries. His expertise spans customer discovery, product innovation, and efficient product delivery. He is also the creator of Orbis Analysis, a cutting-edge design sprint methodology that accelerates product prototyping by identifying unknowns, resolving conflicts, and eliminating ambiguities at the earliest stages of development. Malcolm holds a combined B.A./B.S. in Science, Technology & Society, and Electrical Engineering from Pitzer College and Columbia University and a Master of Science from Columbia University.
Special guests and breakout room facilitators:
Session Format:
Duration: 60 minutes
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