In keeping with the mission of the department, throughout the year, the Campus Activities Complex (CAC) provided event planning, support, and supervision for over 11,000 events with a combined attendance of approximately 200,000 people. Major Institute events supported by the department included the dedication of the Tang Center, the Media Lab's 10th Anniversary, the National Coalition of Educational Activists, the Society for Environmental Journalists, the City Year National Conference, and the 1996 Commencement and Technology Day ceremonies.
This year, significant attention was devoted to improving the quality of CAC-managed facilities. Barrier removal and access improvements were completed during the year in Walker Memorial (Building 50). These included a new exterior lift, a renovated elevator, new and renovated restrooms, and a new ramp into the gymnasium. A Program Planning document was created for proposed renovations to Kresge Auditorium, the MIT Chapel, and the surrounding landscapes. This project is designed to address accessibility and other operating issues in these designated areas. With the completion of the Tang Center for Management, CAC worked with the Sloan School to bring the Wong Auditorium into operation through coordination of scheduling and event planning functions.
The CAC sponsored and supported a number of programs during the year, including the MIT Commuter Fair, Spring Weekend, and IAP classes. The MIT Hobby Shop offered an IAP class in furniture making and held an open house for alumni of the Hobby Shop. In an effort to broaden program diversity and offerings in the complex, the department has created a student program board. It will assist the department in providing social and educational activities while also supporting community building objectives. In response to safety issues, CAC worked with Campus Police, Residence and Campus Activities, and Undergraduate Education and Student Affairs to implement metal detectors and new party regulations at large student social events.
The real estate portfolio of the Stratton Student Center maintained full occupancy throughout the year and lease options were renewed with eligible tenants. The first floor program of the Stratton Student Center continued to support the department through the Vendor Program and through service fees collected at The Source. In its second year of operation, The Source, the gift of the 1994 Senior Class, serving as an information center and ticket outlet for campus activities and events, expanded the number of organizations that utilize this facility for their ticket selling needs. To meet this increased demand, a point of sale accounting program was installed to provide instant access to sales performance and full service accounting.
The Office of Special Community Services (OSCS) continued to support a variety of important community activities. The MIT Activities Committee (MITAC) organized over 55 events for the MIT and Lincoln Laboratory communities which were attended by close to 4,000 participants. The MIT Quarter Century Club, which inducted 73 new members this year, held several events, including the Summer Picnic, the Silver Club High Tea for Ladies, and the Holiday Gathering. The United Way campaign of 1995 reached close to 90 per cent of a $320,000 goal. A new, year-round United Way steering committee has been developed to oversee the 1996 campaign. The annual Retirement Dinner, hosted by President and Mrs. Vest and the Quarter Century Club Board, was postponed from its usual June date to September because of special arrangements needed for the more than 650 retirees to be honored this year. The Association of MIT Retirees is continuing to arrange or sponsor activities of interest to retirees. Plans are underway to produce a 1996 picture yearbook of current retirees as well as gathering historical information and impressions of MIT that will help capture and preserve the valuable institutional memory of many long-term faculty and staff members.
Phillip J. Walsh