Inauguration of MIT President L. Rafael Reif on Sept. 21

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — On Friday, Sept. 21, at 2:30 p.m., the MIT community will gather at Killian Court for the inauguration of L. Rafael Reif as the Institute’s 17th president. In his inaugural address, President Reif is expected to discuss current challenges and opportunities in higher education and present his vision for the Institute. Following his speech, the president will participate in a 30-minute press availability to answer questions from reporters.

In addition to the president’s speech, the week will feature three inaugural symposia organized by MIT faculty around the themes of innovation, global engagement and the future of education. The Council for the Arts at MIT has also organized an inaugural celebration concert featuring special guests Caracas Brass. More information about these events is below.

Journalists interested in credentials to these events and/or interviews with the symposia speakers should contact Kimberly Allen in the MIT News Office at allenkc@mit.edu or 617-253-2702.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 19
Symposium: Infinite Innovation
9:00 a.m. – 12 noon at Kresge Auditorium (http://whereis.mit.edu/?go=W16)

This inaugural symposium will highlight the breadth and depth of MIT’s innovation enterprise, with remarks and presentations by faculty, staff, and students across the Institute’s schools. Their work showcases the MIT community working collaboratively to bring new ideas into reality to change the world.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 20
Symposium: A Globally Engaged MIT
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m at Kresge Auditorium

MIT’s mission statement reflects a role not only in the nation, but also in the world. Speakers and panels this morning will highlight the spectrum of global research and education partnerships at MIT. A highlight of this symposium is a panel discussion featuring MIT faculty who serve as presidents of MIT’s partner institutions globally: Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi; Singapore University of Technology and Design; and the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Russia. Presentations will include an update on “Worldwide Collaborations for Clean Water” by Prof. John Lienhard and a talk on “Science Against Poverty” by Prof. Esther Duflo.

Inaugural Celebration Concert in honor of President L. Rafael Reif
8:00 p.m. at Kresge Auditorium

MIT welcomes special guests Caracas Brass in a concert to celebrate the inauguration of President L. Rafael Reif. This concert is sponsored by the Council for the Arts at MIT. The Caracas Brass was recently formed by 10 young members of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, all “El Sistema” students of Gustavo Dudamel, who was awarded the Eugene McDermott Award in the Arts at MIT in 2010.  

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21
Symposium: The Future of Education
9:00 a.m. – 12 noon at Kresge Auditorium
Presented in partnership with the Alumni Leadership Conference

This symposium, chaired by MIT Chancellor Eric Grimson, will include discussion of MITx and edX in “MIT: Education without Borders”; presentations about the on-campus experience in “MIT and On-Campus Education”; and a panel discussion on “Rethinking Learning for the 21st Century.”

Inauguration Ceremony and Inaugural Address of President L. Rafael Reif
2:30 p.m. at Killian Court (http://whereis.mit.edu/?go=G6)

L. Rafael Reif will be formally installed as president of MIT and deliver his inaugural address. The celebration will include remarks by other leaders in academia, including Harvard University President Drew Faust, as well as music composed and performed by MIT musicians. The ceremony will be followed immediately by a reception for the whole community. Reif assumed the presidency on July 2, 2012.

Photo Opportunity
Delegates from the worldwide academic community will join MIT faculty, students, staff, alumni and trustees in a procession of more than 300 individuals from Memorial Drive to Killian Court. Procession will gather around 2:00 p.m. to walk at 2:20 p.m.

Media Availability with President Reif
4:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. in 10-105 (http://whereis.mit.edu/?go=10)
RSVP/media credentials required to participate; email allenkc@mit.edu

Due to the hectic schedule around inauguration and the start of a new school year, the News Office may not be able to accommodate one-on-one interview requests. Reporters with follow-up questions related to the inaugural address or other questions are encouraged to participate in this availability.

Journalists unable to attend in person are encouraged to view the availability by webcast and email questions in advance to questions@mit.edu.

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A full list of events, including Saturday events, is available online at http://web.mit.edu/inauguration/index.html