Dear OVC colleagues,
It’s been an interesting summer, from the SCOTUS ruling on the use of race in admissions, to heat waves, to the ubiquity of generative AI, and more.
MIT has never been immune to what’s happening outside of our campus. In many cases, the Institute is a proactive participant in driving innovation and solving problems. This leads to a certain amount of pressure: as in, what are we going to do about [x]?
Our community members are inevitably a few steps ahead, thinking through the ethics of AI, fighting climate change on every front, and doubling down on diversity. Our students, in particular, arrive wanting to apply their whole selves to challenges great and small.
That’s where we can step in, helping them connect their passions to opportunities (like experiential learning through PKG, D-Lab, and many other programs); envision new pathways for themselves (via the new Undergraduate Advising Center, for example); and prioritize work-life balance (such as through the new Wellbeing Lab). This work is important, valuable, and appreciated … not just when the Infinite Mile Awards come around, but each and every day.
Sincerely,
Ian
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Evolution Through Example and Action
In June, 41 women were honored as 2023 MIT Graduate Women of Excellence at a reception hosted by OGE. Nominated by faculty, staff, and peers, the recipients were recognized for their leadership and dedication to MIT, and as catalysts for change.
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PKG Center Grants Over $60,000 to Student-led Teams
The IDEAS program empowers student teams to partner with communities to tackle a range of social challenges. This year's eight winning teams developed innovations such as an app to manage plastic waste and recycling in Ghana and an anatomy attachment for CPR mannequins.
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MIT D-Lab Tackles Food Insecurity in Arid Regions
One of the vexing problems faced by small farmers is that wilting dry heat can quickly degrade freshly harvested produce. D-Lab has developed an open-source, inexpensive, evaporative cooling chamber that offers accessible cold storage for smallholder farmers.
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Driven to Driverless
Cindy Alejandra Heredia’s journey from Laredo, Texas, took her to leading the MIT autonomous vehicle team and to an MBA from MIT Sloan.
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Moving Days for MIT’s History
The MIT Museum is preparing to transfer its enormous collection — and making a few surprising discoveries along the way.
Understanding Viral Justice
Author and African American studies scholar Ruha Benjamin urges MIT Libraries staff to “re-imagine the default settings” of technology for a more just future.
Thirty-Four Community Members Receive 2023 MIT Excellence Awards, Collier Medal, and Staff Award for Distinction in Service
Prestigious awards recognize community support of MIT’s goals, values, and mission.
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Winston Churchill once said, “I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.” At least one member of the OVC staff has discovered the joys of having pigs (micropigs, to be precise) as pets. Find out more in this photo album featuring some of our colleagues' canine, feline, feathered, and other friends. (Hint: the proud pig papa works in OGE...!)
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FROM OVC HQ: NEWS YOU CAN USE
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2023 OVC Infinite Mile Awards
This year's OVC Infinite Mile Awards offered two celebratory events to recognize the 2023 winners: a ceremony on June 5 and a luncheon in Walker Memorial on June 7. Congratulations to all and thank you for your service to OVC and MIT!
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Volunteer for MIT's ESOL Program for Service Employees
The English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) Program for MIT Service Employees on campus helps employees who are not native English speakers improve their English communication skills and advance their careers. MIT's ESOL program is seeking volunteers to tutor once a week. No experience is required.
New Employees
A warm welcome to the staff who have recently joined OVC!
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