MIT CLASS OF 1950

MIT CLASS OF 1950

CLASS OFFICERS

Joe D'Annunzio, Secretary

Mel Gardner, President

Bob Garvin, Class Agent

Mal Green, Treasurer

John Kocher, Web Master

Bob Michel, Assistant Web Master

April 15, 2006 Dear Classmates:

"Thank you for your generous contribution," I write hundreds of times on the acknowledgment cards I send to members of the Class of 1950. But the letters we have received from the Scholars of 1950 whom we have supported with money from our Financial Assistance Fund make it clear that this is anything but routine. We're enabling a group of remarkable young people to receive an education that will enable them to remake the world. They are talented, energetic, motivated, and despite everything MIT can do to them, they seem to be having fun as well. We're doing good with our money, and can be proud of the results.

Thank you for your generous contribution!

Sincerely,

2006 Scholarship Recipient Letters

APRIL HAYNIE, CLASS 0F 2009, PILOT HILL, CA, MOTHER ’78 SB & SM, FATHER ’79, GRANDFATHER ‘51

April Haynie

410 Memorial Drive Cambridge, MA 02139

18 January 2006

Mr. Melvin J. Gardner '50 Class President 10 Woods Way

Larchmont, NY 10538-2615

Dear Mr. Melvin J. Gardner,

It is a pleasure to receive the Class of 1950 Scholarship Award. I am thankful for your generosity in helping me achieve my dreams of graduating MIT. I would like to share with you my background, my experiences at MIT and my plans for the future.

My parents met at MIT and moved to California where I was born. When I was growing up I was told fantastic stories about East Campus, memorable lectures, and about the opportunities my parents had to realize their aspirations. When I was young, my dad and I worked together in construction around our property. We built sheds, doghouses, and a stilt fort. I enjoyed learning about structures and got involved in a high school construction team designed for non-college bound students. As foreman of our team I designed buildings and developed a curiosity of civil engineering. However, that was not the only reason I chose MIT.

I have an autistic brother. Autism is a mental disability that disables a person from interacting with the real world as other people do. My family learned sign language in order to teach him how to speak simple phrases. My interest in the way my brother was different than the rest of us grew. My curiosity led me becoming a counselor for a special-needs camp, and attending a Relationship Development Intervention conference to learn techniques with helping my brother cope with life. I plan on furthering my knowledge of the brain and specifically autism at MIT, and perhaps making it my profession.

I am now a freshman at MIT and starting my spring term. During my first semester, I adjusted to life away from home. I took 18.01, and 8.01L. I am taking 5.111, 18.02, and 8.02 this spring term. I have been involved with the skydiving club and the LDSSA, Latter-Day-Saint Single Adult, group that helps with community service. Now, having adjusted to the initial changes of college life, I look forward to further involving myself in more organizations around MIT.

Thank you, April Haynie

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BO ZHU, CLASS OF 2007, LEXINGTON, MA, FATHER ’92 PhD

Dear Mr. Gardner,

Thank you very much for you and your class’ generous scholarship! I am really blessed to be able to attend MIT with your help.

MIT has been a great experience for me. I am currently a junior in course 6 (EE major). This IAP, I am doing a UROP working on ultrasonic detection hardware and signal processing. In the past, I have worked at the MIT Media Lab, Cisco Systems, and the MIT Brain and Cognitive Sciences department.

I have also started up a company with a few other MIT students called Emporium Technologies, and our main product is www.campusbeacon.com, which serves the MIT community with free services such as book trading and restaurant guides. We are about to debut a service called ePosters which will help eliminate the inefficiencies of traditional corkboard postering, and allow student groups and other interested parties to post events/signs/anything else online to an organized system.

LARA HERSHCOVITCH, CLASS OF 2007, MOUNT SINAI, NY, FATHER ’75 SM, ’77 ScD

Dear Mr. Gardner,

I am writing to thank you for the renewal of the Class of 1950 Scholarship. Your support has helped me maintain my rigorous schedule. I am currently a Course 9 pre-medical student. I am involved in a UROP through Brain and Cognitive Sciences, volunteering on the MIT ambulance, and taking Organic Chemistry through ESG.

I am committed to the Varsity Women's Gymnastics team and plan to continue with these activities until graduation. This past fall semester, I studied abroad in Ontario upon receiving the Killam Fellowship Award, which is aimed to promote better mutual understanding between the United States and Canada. My first semester at MIT seemed like an impossible challenge, but I am proud to say I have found my niche and I'm taking advantage of all the opportunities MIT has to offer.

Thank you again for your support and encouragement. Sincerely,

Lara Hershcovitch

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Dear Mr. Melvin J. Gardner and Class of 1950,

My Name is Catherine Mancuso, and I am one of the 72 students supported by our class’ donated scholarship fund. It is because of the generosity of your class that I am here today at MIT. It was always a dream of mine that I could follow in my father’s foot steps by studying at MIT, and by the help of you and your fellow classmates I am proud to say that I am doing just that. I really wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you are doing for me, for my fellow classmates, and for this institution. Thank you so much for your generosity.

I come from a town on long island called Bellmore, and when I originally came to MIT I had decided that I would study biology. I have since extended my interests and have decided to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering and Biology. Since I have come to MIT I have probably learned more in one semester then I had in my entire high school career. Being here has given me the drive to work harder then I ever thought I could, and I have all of you to thank for giving me that opportunity. I have made great friends since the second I stepped foot on campus, and I can really call this place home.

In the future I am not certain as to what I would like to do with my degree but I am determined to learn as much as I can, and enjoy myself as much as possible along the way. I would like to work an administrative position if possible, but I know that the skills that MIT will provide me with will help me with any job that I pursue in the future. I would just like to thank you one last time for your support and generosity. Without the help of men and women like you this institution would not be what it is today. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Catherine Mancuso ‘09

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GINA FRIDLEY, CLASS OF 2009, SEATTLE WA, GRANDFATHER ’58 SB & SM

03/06/06

Dear Mr. Gardner,

I heard recently that I was a Class of 1950 Scholar for this academic year. I am so excited to be at MIT. At first I was nervous about it being the right place for me, but now, after a semester here, I know it is perfect.

When I was growing up, I always heard my grandpa reminiscing about all the fun he had here. I think he was even more excited than I was when I heard I was accepted.

I’m planning on going to medical school and getting and MD/PhD so I can do medical research or practicing medicine. I’m so excited about MIT’s new biology engineering major, because I know I will be studying something I’m fascinated with, and I will be incredibly prepared for my future.

I’m interested in other things besides academics though. I sail dinghy races in Seattle, and I am on the sailing team here. Art is also important in my life – I draw and paint as often as I can. And I find that it is the best way for me to relieve stress after a long day.

Thank you for honoring me with this scholarship. It means so much to me. I love it here at MIT, and I’m glad I can be here.

Sincerely,

Gina Fridley

MIT Class of 2009

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GREG WILLIAMS, CLASS OF 2006, CLANCY, MT, GRANDMOTHER ‘48

Dear Mr. Gardner,

I was notified that I am again a class of 1950 scholar this year. I'd like to thank you and the rest of the class of 1950 for your generosity.

I am a senior in Aeronautics/Astronautics and will be graduating this June (I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!). I have very much enjoyed my time here at MIT, and part of me will be sad to leave. I play shortstop on the varsity baseball team which I've been a part of all 4 years I was here. I've also been doing research in the Center for Sports Innovation for the past 2 years and have chosen to pursue sports engineering as a career.

All this was made possible in part by your generous class, so again, thank you very much.

Sincerely, Greg Williams

__________________

Mr. Melvin J. Gardner '50

Class President

10 Woods Way

Larchmont, NY 10538-2615

Mr. Gardner:

I am writing because I was selected as one of the recipients of the Class of 1950 Scholarship for a second time this year. I would like to thank your class for your continued support. Thanks to the fund your class has established I am able to attend such a fine school as MIT.

It means a lot to me to receive this gift from the class of 1950 because my grandfather graduated from MIT in 1949. Sadly, he passed away before he was able to see me attend his alma mater. I know he would be glad that my family is able to receive financial help from this grant.

Here at MIT I am studying chemical engineering, with plans to work in either environmental operations or the pharmaceutical industry. I’m also a two-year varsity letter winner on the lightweight women’s crew team, and a member of Sigma Kappa sorority where I serve as Assistant Panhellenic Delegate. MIT is still an extremely challenging school academically but I wouldn’t trade the experiences I’ve had here for anything.

Thank you very much for giving students like myself the opportunity to attend MIT. I hope that someday I will be in a position to help future MIT students like your class has done.

Sincerely,

Katherine L. Madden

MIT Class of 2008

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KENNETH ROSCHE, CLASS OF 2008, SINGAPORE, FATHER ‘80

Class of 1950,

Thank you very much for supporting me and giving me an opportunity to be able to afford the great education that I am getting here at MIT. I can not express enough how much I appreciate the fact that I will be graduating with minimal loans, and that fact that I am even able to afford this education. I give you my word with full confidence that I will make the most of this opportunity.

Now, a little bit about myself. I am a sophomore now and although I was born in Tennessee, I lived most of my life in Singapore, and came to the United States for college. Now I am studying to major in either course 2(Mech E), or 2A with 14(economics).

Here at MIT I also participate in several activities outside of school. Last year I was on the Varsity Track team and broke the freshman 400 record. This year I have decided to play Varsity Volleyball instead of indoor track and to run outdoor track only. I am also part of and one of the original members of ThinkBIG, a business/investment oriented club. I manage their virtual stock funds and have given many presentations.

Another thing I really like to do is work on small business ideas. Last year I worked with 2 students on laptop security idea for university libraries (which is currently on hold) and now I am working with 5 other students on another business idea. I enjoy working with teams and hope to eventually start a company or go into business after graduating from MIT.

I hope this gives you a better image of who I am. I appreciate your scholarship, and thank you for this opportunity.

Thanks,

Kenny Rosche

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MARIAM SHAIKH, CLASS OF 2008, LITTLE ROCK, AK, GRANDFATHER ’49 SM

Dear Mr. Gardner,

Thank you very much for renewing my Class of 1950 scholarship. I will begin the second semester of my sophomore year starting this February and will be taking more interesting classes in my major, Brain and Cognitive Sciences. I hope to double major in Biology and intern at a pharmaceutical company later this year.

I have spent almost a year as a UROP student in the Graybiel lab, which is well known for its work on the striatum, a brain structure involved in the control of voluntary movement. In addition, I am a graphic designer for the Women's Studies department and enjoy designing creative posters for classes and events. My friend and I also hope to start a campus-wide book club this semester.

I am enjoying my time at MIT and am very appreciative of the Class of 1950's generosity.

MICHAEL LEE, CLASS OF 2009, DeWITT, NY, FATHER ’85 SM & PhD

January 19, 2006

Dear Mr. Gardner,

I have been named a Class of 1950 Scholar this year and would like to thank you and the rest of the Class of 1950 for creating this scholarship fund for MIT undergraduates. I am currently a freshman, and would like to pursue the new Biological Engineering major. I play on some intramural sports teams for my dorm and am a member of the Logarthythms, which, as you may or may not remember, is the all-male a cappella group that was founded in 1949. Between the Logs and my new group of friends in my dorm, I^¹ve been having a great time here despite MIT^¹s demanding classes. I am looking forward to the next few years as I am told they^¹ll be the best ones of my life.

Again, thank you very much for your generosity. Sincerely,

Michael Lee

410 Memorial Drive #311B Cambridge, MA 02139 melee@mit.edu

P.S. Attached is a photo of my family and me. From left to right: my father, Jay (1985 PhD); my brother, Andrew; my sister, Jean Ah (2001 SB); my mother, Young; and me, Michael

_____________________

NOEL DAVIS, CLASS OF 2006, SYCAMORE, IL, FATHER ’76, GRANDFATHER ‘49

Mr. Melvin J. Gardner '50,

My name is Noel Davis and I am writing to you to thank you for the generosity of your class at MIT. A significant portion of my financial aid at MIT is being graciously donated by your class' fund, and I want to thank you sincerely. Without your help, my education at MIT might not be possible.

I am just beginning my final term at MIT. As a second semester senior I am feeling the pressures of the real world as I decide between continuing my education in graduate school and heading out into the job market. I am an Architecture major, and hope to return to my home in Chicago to continue my studies or work.

I have enjoyed my time very much here at MIT and I consider it an opportunity that I will never forget, and will help me greatly in my future. Again I appreciate the generosity of your class, and thank you again for your help. It is good to know that next year, someone new to MIT will have the chance to benefit from this scholarship as I have.

Sincerely,

Noel Davis

Mr. Gardner,

I have attached a photograph for your report. Unfortunately I was unable to find a recent photograph of only myself, so the picture I provided is of me (on the left) with my new fiancee, Leah Persson. I proposed to her over Winter Break, and we will be married next summer. I hope this photo is okay.

Thank you again, Noel

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PRASHANT DILWALI, CLASS OF 2008, LEXINGTON, MA, MOTHER ‘81

Dear Mr. Gardner,

My name is Prashant Dilwali, a local Bostonian and a current sophomore here at MIT. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for your generous support of my education here at MIT via the Class of 1950 Scholarship. Currently, I am a Course 14 Pre-Med student. I am involved in many activities here at MIT, including MIT-EMS (a new student run ambulatory service), affiliated at Chi Phi and the Captain of our competitive Bhangra Team(Indian Folk Dance). I recently received the email from the financial aid office that my education was being supported by you and I wanted to take a minute and say ThankYou. My mother was class of 1981, and we share many stories about the toughness of classes, dorms, and how the times have not really changed. If you do stop by MIT, I would love to meet with you in person. Please feel free to contact me if you are in the area and we can set a place to meet.

Again, thank you for your generous support, With Warm Regards,

Prashant K. Dilwali Class of 2008

P.S. I have attached a picture of myself here for your viewing. Enjoy!

Prashant K. Dilwali cell: 781-367-1906

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60 Ronny Circle, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706

Mr. Melvin J. Gardner

Class President

10 Woods Way

Larchmont, NY 10538-2615

Dear Mr. Gardner,

I'd like to say thank you to you and the MIT Class of 1950 for renewing me as a Class of 1950 Scholar. I'm a junior here in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences department, and things are going well. I'm enjoying my classes greatly and am trying to become acclimated to all the intensity around me as we begin another spring semester. During IAP I participated in an externship in New York City with an alumnus and learned quite a bit. I'm glad we have such an externship program. Back at MIT, I'm tutoring students at a school in Boston and am still volunteering at a homeless shelter. On weekends, my friends and I like to try new restaurants and explore Cambridge and Boston. There's always so much to do around here!

Thank you for your generous support. My time here at MIT is surely flying by! I hope you and the other members of the Class of 1950 are well.

Sincerely,

Sarah Chu

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SUSANNAH BROWN, CLASS OF 2009, TUCSON, AZ, GRANDFATHER '59 SB & SM

Dear Mr. Gardner,

I recently received an email informing me that I have received the Class of 1950 scholarship. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the other members of the Class of 1950 for your generosity. With an older sister also at MIT, my family certainly would have been pressed to afford the tuition and living expenses without the ample financial aid we were given - thank you for helping make my MIT education possible!

Here is a little background information about me: I have been interested in science since elementary school. I enjoyed finding out how things work - like what was really going on when the baking soda and vinegar were mixed together and turned into foam. I became more keenly aware of the exciting opportunities science and engineering offer when, in eighth grade, I got the chance to work with a professor at the University of Arizona on a science fair project and later in high school when I got to take more in-depth classes and again got to see more of what research is like on the college level through an internship.

Currently, I am a freshman here at MIT, about to plunge into my second semester and taking my last few general institute requirements before I have to pick a major (I think I want to go into physics). I am participating in the Terrascope program which comprises an advising program as well as two classes - one called "Solving Complex Problems" in the fall that, this year, involved addressing and ultimately giving a presentation on the dealing with tsunamis in developing countries in the Pacific, and another in the spring in which we will design and build a museum exhibit that explains some aspect of the information we gathered in the fall semester. I also play the clarinet in the MIT Wind Ensemble and am a member of the newly formed Bad Movie Club which views and ultimately seeks to create entertaining films of questionable quality.

As for my plans for the future, at this point, though I have some ideas, I don't know exactly what I want to do when I graduate. Whatever it is, though, I want it to be something that can positively affect the world and I am confident that I will have to knowledge and skills to do that.

Thank you again for helping to open up for me the opportunities available at MIT, where students can not only dream about helping to save the world, but also begin to act on those dreams.

Sincerely, Susannah Brown

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I would like to thank you for helping me finance my MIT education. My three years at MIT have been an incredible experience, and I continue to enjoy all my courses.

In addition to my Mechanical Engineering coursework, I have had the opportunity to explore other aspects of MIT. I recently joined the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor society and am currently the Chapter Service Chair. Similarly, in my free time I continue to play plenty of basketball, and I am even trying to teach myself the guitar.

Lastly, this summer I plan to stay at MIT and do research at the Mechatronics Laboratory. I feel this is just another example of the great educational experiences MIT has offered me.

I truly appreciate the support of the Class of 1950. I feel I have grown as both a student and a human being at MIT, and I am grateful to the Class of 1950 for helping give me this unique opportunity.