A society created to recognize the generosity of those friends and alumni who make it possible for the Department to recruit and sustain the very best graduate students with a full fellowship.

George Elbaum with the Whiteman Fellows

The Department’s good friend, George Elbaum (AA ’59) has generously offered to match all new gifts dedicated to graduate support, dollar for dollar. Since 1998, George has supported a number of graduate fellowships in the Physics Department. The Whiteman Fellows, named after George’s mother, Pauline Whiteman, are highly prized by the recipients. With this match, George is encouraging others to follow his example.  A pledge of $60,000 or more entitles you to the benefits of membership in the society of Patrons of Physics Fellows, regardless of the type of gift—endowed, expendable or corporate.

On Friday, April 7, 2006, Marc Kastner welcomed more than forty member of our community to the first annual party to celebrate the accomplishments of the fellows and to thank the Department’s patrons.  Because of our patrons, each year we are able to recruit an incredible group of graduate students.  Kathy and Curt Marble met Marble fellow, Ian Leroux. Sylvia and Jim Earl came in from Maryland to meet Rossi Fellow Molly Swanson.  And George Elbaum enjoyed meeting the new Whiteman Fellows in addition to seeing former Whiteman Fellow, Kristin Burgess. Joining in the festivities were new members Tom Frank and Colleen and Howard Messing and Joanne and Mark Mueller. 

The gift of a graduate fellowship is truly a gift to current and future generations at MIT, and in a broader sense, to the world. Membership begins with a pledge of $60,000, payable over five years. View the list of the Patrons of Physics Fellows.

Please consider joining the society of Patrons of Physics Fellows.

For more information, please contact:
Ms. Maryglenn Vincens
Interim Director of Development
MIT Department of Physics
Bldg. 4-304
617-452-2807
Email:  Vincens@mit.edu