History on Display at Next House Celebration

Around this time last year, a group of Next House residents decided that their dorm’s 30-year anniversary in 2012 would not go unnoticed. After nearly a year of planning and research, the group, which included Next House President Austin Brinson ’13, Jordan Marks ’14, and Dorian Burks ’14, culminated their work on April 29 with a daylong celebration of the Next House’s past, present, and future.

During the opening brunch, Marks unveiled a comprehensive 30-page Next House history, compiled with the collaboration of Next House residents from the past three decades.

"We saw so many changes in the short time we’ve been here, and wanted to see how it’s changed over 30 years,” Marks says. “I sent an email to alumni and within a week, I had hundreds of emails in my inbox. People sent their old dorm room posters and pictures of old Next House t-shirts. It was so cool to get their side of the history."

The Next House publication included history on the dorm’s name, hacks, and culture, plus alumni anecdotes and stories.

"The overwhelming feeling from alumni was that Next House really became their home. Alumni felt like the community was so close," Marks says. "That’s still part of our culture today. It’s nice to know that community doesn’t end at graduation."

Following Marks presentation, Brinson moderated a panel of alumni from various eras of Next House, whose stories illustrated the Next House’s always changing personality.

Almost 75 former residents attended the ceremony, including all current and former Next Housemasters: Professor Bora Mikic ScD ’67 and his wife, Liba HM, who served for the dorm’s first 25 years; Muriel Medard ’89, ScD ’95 and her husband, John Simmons ’90, MBA ’97, who served from 2006 to 2008; and current housemasters Dean for Student Life Chris Colombo and his wife, Bette.

Next Act, a performance troupe founded by Next House students in early 1980s, highlighted the anniversary celebration. This year’s group performed “Curtains,” a murder mystery set in Boston’s theater district.