News Briefs
Former President Vest Will Be Commencement Speaker
The commencement speaker for the Class of 2007 will be former MIT president Charles M. Vest, according to Kirk D. Kolenbrander, vice president for institute affairs and secretary of the Corporation.
Vest served as MIT’s president from 1990 to 2004 and is now a professor in the Mechanical Engineering department. He has also been nominated as president of the National Academy of Engineering and if elected, will start in that position on July 1, 2007, according to a press release supplied by Michael Baenen, special assistant to the President.
President Susan Hockfield said that “As he [Vest] anticipates the next chapter of his career in Washington, it is the perfect moment for him to share with our graduates his reflections on the role of MIT in the world,” according to the press release.
Professor William E. Grimson, who chaired the Commencement Committee, said in the press release that “… Chuck Vest has much to say to our graduates, while the deep affection and respect that so many in this community have for him will make his appearance as our speaker all the more meaningful.”
MIT’s 141st commencement will be held in Killian Court on Friday, June 8, 2007.
—Marie Y. Thibault