Hockfield Calls for Optimism, Praises MIT Graduates’ Practicality and Vision
Graduates of MIT: This day is for you. Here, in the stately embrace of Killian Court, we gather to celebrate your success. You have distinguished yourselves in courses of study that stand among the most demanding in the world. For all that you have accomplished, you have our deepest respect.
Ekstrom: Our Spirit Is What Sets Us Apart
<i>Below is the text of outgoing Graduate Student Council President Leeland B. Ekstrom’s speech at this year’s Commencement ceremony held June 6.</i>
New Task Force Formed to Increase Input for Students
The Task Force on Student Engagement was established to increase student involvement on Institute decisions, announced administrators and student government leaders in the March/April issue of the <i>MIT Faculty Newsletter</i>.
Small Lab Explosion Injures Graduate Student; Cause Is Under Investigation
An MIT graduate student was injured Wednesday in a small lab explosion in Building 16.
Nobel Laureate Yunus Tells Grads To Make the World a Better Place
Pouring rain gave way to calmer skies as MIT’s 142nd Commencement began last Friday. Over 2,000 students received degrees in front of approximately 10,000 guests, including members of the 50-year reunion Class of 1958.
Yunus Speaks About Capitalism, Poverty, and the Future of ‘Social Business’
<i>Below is the text of Muhammad Yunus’ Commencement address delivered on June 6, 2008. Yunus was the recipient of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize.</i>
Prof. Robert Langer Wins Largest Award for Technology Innovation
Robert S. Langer ScD ’74, an MIT Institute professor and a leader in the development of controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering, has won the world’s largest award for technology innovation.
Star Simpson Receives Pretrial Probation
Star A. Simpson ’10 was sentenced Monday to one year of supervised pretrial probation on a charge of disorderly conduct. The charge stems from a Sept. 2007 incident when she was arrested at gunpoint at Logan International after airport personnel mistook a circuit board on her sweatshirt for a bomb. The incident — and MIT’s public relations — incited national and local controversy.
Biodiesel Team Considers NW14 Location
The mission may not be over after all for the Biodiesel@MIT team, which three weeks ago was prepared to abandon its two-year project in the face of insurmountably high costs.
Despite a Weak Economy, Job Situation Is OK for Graduates
Given that the economy is flagging, this would seem an inauspicious time to be graduating from college and looking for full-time employment.
Counterpoint Will Become Wellesley-Only Publication
<i>Counterpoint</i>, the monthly magazine which aimed to chronicle campus life at MIT and Wellesley College, will resume publication in September as a Wellesley-only publication, the publication’s co-editor announced in May’s issue.
Yunus to Give 2008 Commencement Address
Ten thousand people are expected to attend this morning’s Commencement exercises, at which a Nobel laureate will speak and about 2,300 students will receive almost 2,600 degrees.
New OLPC Laptop Will Open Like a Book, Have Two Screens
One Laptop Per Child unveiled the next generation of its XO laptop last month. The new machine is smaller, cheaper, and will open like a book to reveal two touch-sensitive displays.
In Between Class, Students Blow Glass
On a Sunday afternoon in April, Brendon Edwards plunges a blow pipe into a furnace hot enough to burn flesh from bone. Edwards, an advanced glassblower and instructor, is trying to make a glass bulb at the end of his pipe by rolling the pipe through the pool of clear molten glass.
Police Log
<i>The following incidents were reported to the MIT Police between April 4, 2008 and June 3, 2008. This summary does not include incidents such as false alarms, general service calls, or medical shuttles.</i>
Next House’s Housemaster Search Will Continue in September
The search for a new Next House housemaster will continue into the fall because this spring’s search yielded only one candidate, Professor Robert C. Berwick PhD ’82. Berwick will continue to be a candidate in the fall.
Thirty Years Later, Nightline Is Still Here to Listen at x3-8800
MIT’s peer listening service, Nightline, will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year.
Student Resources
The Student Health Advisory Committee prepared a list of health care resources for students that is available online at <i>http://web.mit.edu/medical/student/resources/</i>. An excerpted list is shown below.