Special Announcement to the School of Engineering and School of Science Communities

Please join President Hockfield, Dean Suresh and Dean Kastner on April 28th when A. Neil Pappalardo (SB EE ’64) will visit the Institute to deliver a colloquium entitled “Reflections on an MIT Education.” During his talk he will share some of the many life experiences that have been strongly influenced by his MIT education. In his own words:

“My purpose here is not simply to talk about myself, but to relate the story of my journey, one which I believe should resonate with most members of the MIT community. Like most stories, it only makes sense in hindsight, when one can finally reflect on everything that has come before. Although my story is nearly complete, I have no doubt it will be similar to the one many of you will author.”

The event will take place in lecture hall 6-120, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

President Hockfield will give the opening remarks and Mr. Pappalardo’s talk will be followed by a Q&A session with Deans Suresh (School of Engineering) and Kastner (School of Science).

A reception for students and faculty will follow in the Green Center Atrium, 6C -100CA, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

All members of the MIT community are welcome to attend.

BACKGROUND

A. Neil Pappalardo received his S.B. in Electrical Engineering from MIT in 1964. Soon after, he crossed the Charles River to work at Massachusetts General Hospital where he pursued his interest in clinical computing and computer programming languages. 1968 he founded Medical Information Technology (Meditech), one of the earliest software companies. As Founder, Chairman and CEO, he has guided Meditech to become a leading supplier of information system software for hospitals in the US, Canada and the UK. Meditech employs over 2,600 people, all in Massachusetts.

Mr. Pappalardo’s involvement at MIT continues - he is a Life Member of the Corporation and serves on the Executive committee, the Audit committee and three visiting committees. For the Mechanical Engineering department he has funded a full professorship, the construction of a major undergraduate teaching laboratory, a book series and the construction of a nano-technology manufacturing laboratory. For the Physics department he has helped fund the construction of the world-class Magellan optical telescope observatory in Chile, provided the funds to initiate and sustain a program for Physics fellows and helped fund the renovation of the department's existing space.