Fall 2001

Getting a fix on complexity

Behavioral economist Sendhil Mullainathan adds psychological quirks and foibles to rational economic models

Biting the hand that feeds it

Spotlight on the Center for International Studies

Beyond the dramatic norm

World theater takes center stage at the MIT Theater Arts Program

A cut above

Kudos to exemplary SHASS staff

The democratizing quotient

The Shakespeare Project leads the humanities into the digital universe

Soundings is published by the Dean's Office of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at MIT

Comments and questions to shass-www@mit.edu

A cut above

Exceptional contributions to the School or the Institute come in all stripes and persuasions. To honor staff who consistently exhibit over-and-above professional performance, SHASS instituted the "Infinite Mile Awards" as part of the newly created Rewards & Recognition Program. Last May, a celebratory lunch took place to publicly honor the individuals and teams whose workplace efforts are exemplary.
Photos: Graham G. Ramsay.

Unsung Hero Award

The Unsung Hero consistently takes initiative without being prompted, is reliable, persevering, results-oriented, and does whatever it takes to get the job done. The Unsung Hero also exercises tact, good judgment, and diplomacy under fire.

Pamela Clements
Pamela Clements
administrative secretary, Political Science

Shannon McCord
Shannon McCord
administrative assistant

Lili Këpuska
Lili Këpuska
administrative assistant

Pamela Grimes
Pamela Grimes
administrative assistant

Ellen Salvi
Ellen Salvi
administrative assistant, Foreign Languages & Literatures Headquarters Team

Dean's Community Builder Award

The Community Builder—an effective teacher, mentor, and coach—builds morale and motivates others, promotes diversity by creating cross cultural sensitivity and a better sense of community, and communicates collaboratively within and across departments and programs of the MIT community.

Nancy Lowe
Nancy Lowe
administrative officer, Foreign Languages & Literatures

Michele Oshima
Michele Oshima
program coordinator, Women's Studies

"Go-to-Person" Award

The "Go-to Person" is a high achiever who consistently takes charge and follows through, displays leadership by example, and can be counted on to make things happen—the person you go to when a difficult job must get done.

Mary Grenham
Mary Grenham
administrative officer, Linguistics & Philosophy

Debbie Meinbresse
Debbie Meinbresse
administrative assistant, Science, Technology, and Society

Innovator Award

The Innovator—known for creativity and innovation—takes initiative and risks when appropriate, adapts to change, and endeavors to improve workflow, efficiency, and cost-saving measures.

Alex Chisholm
Alex Chisholm
director of communications and external relations, Comparative Media Studies

MIT wants to write you a check

Are you interested in diversifying your investment portfolio? Would you like to increase your income and tax deductions? Consider MIT Life Income Funds—unique gift vehicles that allow you to make a gift to MIT while receiving numerous benefits:

Income for life—for you, your spouse or another individual

Federal income tax deduction

Elimination of capital gains tax

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Ability to endow a chair or scholarship in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Satisfaction of supporting MIT.

If you are over 55 years old and would like more information about Life Income Funds contact Judith V. Sager, MIT Director of Gift Planning at (617) 253-6463 or jsager@mit.edu.

Fall 2001