Letter from Joan Rubin, Executive Director, SDM
A huge thank you to the alumni who joined us here at MIT for Pat Hale’s retirement celebration in February. The outpouring of well-wishes was overwhelming, and it was inspirational to see so many alumni gathered together and catching up. For those who were not able to attend the event, Pat would still love to hear from you. We have created an electronic memory book for him and welcome any additional thoughts, comments, and stories.
January was also a busy month as we kicked off the Independent Activities Period (IAP) with a business trip week on campus for all of our first-year master's and certificate students. Under the updated core class structure launched a couple of years ago, all students spend an intensive week on campus to kick off their spring projects. These core projects have proved an excellent way for students to integrate new SDM knowledge and address real-world problems. The projects also help companies see how SDM teachings can impact their organizations. Projects will continue through the term with final presentations in mid-May. If you have ideas for future projects, please let me know. We’d love to increase the diversity and range of options for students.
Finally, SDM is making an effort to foster more formal and informal alumni gatherings. During an MIT-sponsored Innovation Trek to Japan in January, we held a networking event for SDM alumni in Tokyo. This month we will hold a couple events in the San Francisco Bay Area during the spring SDM Tech Trek, and we are actively looking for more event ideas. Please keep an eye out for alumni events in your area. We’d love to see you.
Warm regards,
Joan Rubin
