Kenneth Hoffman
Former Department of Mathematics Head Kenneth Hoffman, who spent more than 40 years on MIT’s faculty and made significant contributions to U.S. education and science policy, died Sept. 29 following a heart attack. He was 77.
Finance Students Keep Their Job Prospects Alive
For students who set their sights on Wall Street during the boom years, the end has come just as they are getting ready to join the party.
Dormitory Council Will Not Levy Tax This Term Because of Budget Surplus
To spend down its large budget surplus, the Dormitory Council will not tax the dorms this semester.
Grumet Details Obama’s Plan: $150 Billion in Energy Research
<i>The Tech:</i> In Washington, nothing gets done unless it is put on the agenda. How will Senator Obama make energy a priority for his administration?
New MIT Fundraising Drive Has Already Raised $277 Million
In its second year of operations, the Campaign for Students has already raised $277 million to support student scholarships, research, and student-oriented services. The campaign aims to raise $500 million by MIT’s 150th anniversary in 2011.
McCain Advisor Emphasizes Making Technology Cost-Effective
<i>The Tech:</i> In Washington, nothing gets done unless it is put on the agenda. How will Senator McCain make energy a priority for his administration?
Senior Gets A Second Shot at Jeopardy!
On September 9, 1999, a nine-year-old Anjali Tripathi ’09 appeared on the children’s edition of <i>Jeopardy! </i>She had been featured in a promotion for the show saying, “I studied all my life for this.”
Hockfield Announces Creation of Energy Research Council
President Susan J. Hockfield announced the creation of the Environmental Research Council at the State of the Institute Forum on Monday, Sept. 29. The council will organize current and future Institute research related to the environment and will help establish a schoolwide “Environmental Initiative.”
Biogen Idec Leaving Cambridge; Suburbs Feature Lower Costs
Biogen Idec Inc., one of Massachusetts’ largest biotechnology companies, is considering moving its corporate headquarters from Cambridge to Weston, which would add it to a growing list of Cambridge biotechs that have jumped to the suburbs because of lower rents and more options for office space.
McCain, Obama Policy Advisors Debate Future of U.S. Energy
Representatives from the Obama and McCain campaign faced off in last night’s presidential energy debate, co-sponsored by the MIT Energy Initiative and the MIT Energy Club. Both Jason Grumet, adviser to Obama, and James Woolsey, adviser to McCain, agreed that the US must reduce its oil dependence, but argued over financing a transition away from oil.
Reid Appointed to Role At UNCF, Leaves Position As Director of the OME
Karl W. Reid ’84, Director of the MIT Office of Minority Education since 2005, was recently appointed Senior Vice President of Academic Programs and Strategic Initiatives of the United Negro College Fund in Fairfax, VA. The search for his replacement is currently underway.
Chancellor Clay’s E-Mail to Community Warns About Irresponsible Hacks, Piracy
In an e-mail sent to the student body on Sept. 25, Chancellor Phillip L. Clay PhD ’75 reminded students to hack responsibly and to stop downloading copyrighted works. An almost identical e-mail was sent last October.
MIT Endowment Has 3.2 Percent Yield, Even As U.S. Markets Slide
Despite the faltering economy, MIT’s endowment increased by $88 million, or 3.2 percent, according to figures for fiscal year 2008 released by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Investment Management Company. The endowment now stands at $10.1 billion as of June 30, 2008.
Ig Nobels Reward Quirky Research
Spermicidal cola, archeological armadillos, and lap dancers were the talk of the evening at last night’s Ig Nobels, where a weird ceremony feted the weirdest science of the past year.
Does Your Vote Count? It Depends On Who’s Counting Your Votes
While the debate over who America will vote into the Oval Office is in full swing, so too is the discussion about how the voting will happen. The November elections will feature unprecedented levels and varieties of electronic voting.
Study on Accuracy of SAT Prompts Schools To Accept Other Tests
For the 5,500 college admissions officials and high school guidance counselors who gathered here over the weekend, there were discussions, debates and analyses of things like the ethics of tracking student applicants on Facebook and “Why Good Students Write Bad College Essays — and How to Stop It.”
Many Colleges Wake Up to the Problems of Sleep Deprivation
It’s an age-old predicament: Caffeine-fueled college students cramming for exams and writing papers until the crack of dawn, then skipping or snoozing through classes. Sleep deprivation has long been considered a rite of passage, a point of pride, even.