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At MIT, momentum is a phenomenon we understand. It also defines us as a community. Earlier in the year, when I announced that I would be stepping down as president, a crucial responsibility was particularly clear to me: maintaining the Institute’s momentum through transition to the next president.
Fortunately, a group of over 200 MIT students, staff, and faculty gave us a plan to do just that. Early in the pandemic, Task Force 2021 began setting us an agenda – a plan of action that we could implement as soon as the pandemic loosened its grip on our lives.
As we move forward, the task force has outlined the key progress needed to ensure all members of our community have the MIT they need. Recommendations included expanding professional development and mentoring for graduate students. Reassessment of science, mathematics and engineering requirements. Creating opportunities for social equality programs. To improve online learning and empowerment. All of this—and a little more—should give MIT’s 18th president a good running start.
Even as our community is dispersed around the world, we have been able to advance urgent global priorities like ourselves. Climate Major Challenges. CGC’s flagship projects are well on their way to making a profound contribution by accelerating the response to the existential challenge of climate change.
And we found a way to turn the pandemic restrictions to our advantage: We quickly realized that having fewer people at MIT would make it much easier to revitalize our physical campus with minimal disruption. We’ve transformed Kendall Square with open spaces and a brand new Welcome Center. With New Vassar and a new home for the theatrical arts, we have begun to revitalize the west campus. And we laid the foundation for a new music building that will further enliven the heart of the campus with fresh energy and creativity.
We’ve also developed a less tangible, but equally vital, central priority: making MIT a more humane, welcoming community in which each of us can thrive. thoughtful, devoted Declaration of Values Committee has drafted a statement that celebrates our long-standing values and inspires us to set our sights higher. Meanwhile, Institute Professor Penny Chisholm and former chancellor Phil Clay, PhD ’75, are guiding a working group towards building shared understanding. Freedom of expression at MIT.
All these studies are extremely important. However, I have to admit that with great anticipation we are pushing ahead with a specific plan: getting everyone together this spring to bid farewell to our recent graduates and celebrate their reunion. In addition to this year’s prom and fusion classes, we’ll be getting to know the last two 25th and 50th fusion classes. and 2020 and 2021 classes.
I can’t wait to see you all at MIT in person.
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