1

In League... A century of community service

Dear MIT Women,

As the MIT Women’s League enters its 101st year, I welcome you as the new academic year and a year of Women’s League events begins! September promises an array of activity at MIT — to welcome our students, faculty, and the community as a whole.

A Time of Reflection ~ MIT Women’s League 100th Celebration ~ With Gratitude Events of the past year were enormously successful due to the dedication of our many volunteers — including current/ past board members and chairs — who gathered to brainstorm and plan the gala events. The end results were remarkable. Not surprising, as MWL members are dedicated and have a strong commitment to the League. I personally interacted with some incredible women who contributed their positive energy to talk about the League’s past, present and now its future.

Meet and Greet showcased the League ~ Its members and activities We were honored to have the participa-tion of MIT First Lady Christine Reif at our January 30, 2013 “Meet and Greet” event along with that of former First Lady Priscilla Gray whose dedication to the League is second to none. They lent their hands to the ceremonious cutting our birthday cake!

100th Anniversary Tea ~ Festivities culminated where it all beganIn 1913 First Lady Alice Maclaurin formalized what is now the League. One hundred years later, the League celebrated by hosting a tea at Gray House with Christine Reif. The elegant April 10 tea was attended by an amazing group of MIT Women who rekindled friendships, shared laughter, and enjoyed spirited conversations. Positive energy flowed through the rooms!

Newsworthy Anniversary Celebrations • MIT Women’s Chorale celebrated

80 years• MIT Student Furniture Exchange (FX)

celebrated 55 years • English Conversation Classes celebrated

50 years

Our Mission We will continue striving to connect MIT women through interest groups, service projects, and social events designed to bring women together in our community. How unique are we!

In addition, to the social events planned each year, opportunities for community service are offered. Not only are they interesting, they’re just plain fun! Your time/energy/donations in support of the on-going service projects established by the League are welcomed and valued:

• English conversation/language classes for international wives and partners and for MIT service employees

• Clothing Program for students• MIT Furniture Exchange (FX) for

the community and the League’s scholarship fund

• Transition House partnership for women and their children

The redesign of the League’s website and its new Facebook presence were launched; credited to many dedicated and talented people. The website captures the essence of the League while the timeline, stories, and photos continue to exhibit who we are. Please use it and the newsletter to research contact information about our activities and services.

The MIT Women’s League is located in Building 10-342. To learn more about our offerings, I encourage you to contact the office at 617.253.3656 or wleague@mit.edu to receive our communications. Membership is free!

We sincerely hope you will join us often during the year. I look forward to meeting you at a League event.

Warm regards,

Ellen Stordy, Chair

A quarterly newsletterSeptember– October 2013

2

Conversational English Class Registration

Tuesday, September 10 • 9 to 11 amStratton Student Center, Room 491

Conversational English classes sponsored by the Women’s League are a perfect home away-from-home for international women arriving at MIT whose first language is not English. Students meet women from around the globe and come together to practice and learn English with the guidance of dedicated Women’s League teachers.

These classes provide a warm venue for practicing “survival” English, increasing vocabulary, and engaging in conversa-tions about a variety of subjects with classmates. In addition to learning about American culture, the women also share their own cultures and interests. Teachers, as well as fellow students, provide information about MIT and Boston and offer helpful suggestions to accomplish everyday tasks. As stories and experiences are shared, speaking and listening competence improve.

The classes offer women of all cultures and countries the chance to learn or improve their English skills, to make new friends, and to gain confidence while living their new life in the United States.

Classes are held from September to December on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:15 am to 11:00 am. (A second semester is offered in the spring.) Three levels of classes (Basic to Advanced) are offered and after a brief interview with one of our teachers, each student is placed in an appropriate level class. Babysitting is provided for children, age 6 months to 4 years at a cost is $150 a semester per child. Textbooks are provided and included in the class fee of $80 per semester. All questions will be answered by calling Jan Kirtley, coordinator of the English Classes, at 617.277.2628.

Celebrating our fourth year in helping the MIT Service Employees improve their English communication skills, this Women’s League sponsored program seeks to help these employees be more productive in their jobs and to build their confidence and morale.

As President Reif, in his inaugural speech mentioned, his experience as an English as a second language learner inspired many of our program participants and teachers.

Program participants receive a combina-tion of one-hour of teaching or one-on-one tutoring, twice a week during the day, evening or night (providing classes during all three work shifts). Sixty volunteers from the MIT Community and beyond are participating in the program.

With the Spring and Summer 2013 sessions, the program continues to grow. The approaches to the teaching and tutoring have evolved: significant effort went into more accurately assessing students’ current levels (using a standard ESL assessment tool) as well as identify-ing materials that would be appropriate for each level. We also held ESL training and informational workshops for our teachers and tutors during IAP.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Program for MIT Service Employees

The rewards of this volunteer-based program benefit both teachers and participating service employees and are reflected in various educational opportunities. In addition to improving speaking, reading and writing skills, classes have also helped prepare employees for licensing exams related to their jobs, the U.S. Citizenship test, and GED/ADP preparation.

We are so very proud of the achieve-ments of all the service employees involved. The continued success of the program can only be achieved by the dedicated coordinators and volunteers and more importantly the commitment of service staff employees. To these people we give our greatest thanks.

If you are interested in volunteering please email esl-admins@mit.edu.

3

Tuesday, September 17th • 12:30 pmLobby 10

Curious about all those sculptures and installations around the MIT campus? Let’s find out more about them! On Tuesday, September 17, at 12:30, we will have a one-hour walking tour of the exterior artwork on the grounds between Massachusetts Avenue and Ames Street. Assistant Curator of the List Visual Arts Center Alise Upitis will be our guide as we make our way across campus, encountering the works that enhance MIT’s visual environment. Alise will explain the symbolism and history of many pieces that you probably walk by every day.

Rain or shine, we will meet in the lobby of Bldg. 10, (under the Dome) on the ground floor. Children are welcome; there is no charge.

Please contact the League office at 617.253.3656 or wleague@mit.edu to register for the tour.

Campus Art Tour

MIT Women’s Chorale: First Rehearsal for the Fall Season

Wednesday, September 11 • 7:15 pm Emma Rogers Room, 10-340

Experience the joy of singing in a group of welcoming women! Led by our talented and congenial music director, Kevin Galiè, the Chorale is open to all women of the MIT community. New members may join through the September 25th rehearsal, and no audition is required. Our December 7th holiday concert will include the Magnificat of Nicola Porpora, music of Elgar and Glinka, seasonal music from Chile and Italy, and a traditional Hanukkah piece.

For further information see our website:web.mit.edu/womensleague/womenschorale/

To be placed on our email list: de_fazio@alum.mit.edu.

League Interest Groups and Classes

L E A R N M O R E

Book DiscussionBarbara Donnelly781.646.4617Nancy Hollomonnancyredsox@gmail.com

ChoraleSally De Faziode_fazio@alum.mit.eduweb.mit.edu/womensleague/womenschorale

Looking TogetherAnn Allen617.527.7292annallen@rle.mit.edu

E X P A N D Y O U R W O R L D

Japanese Tea CeremonyKyoko Wadachado@mit.eduweb.mit.edu/chado/www/index.html

Middle Eastern DanceLoni Butera617.491.5657, loni@mit.edu

W O R K W I T H Y O U R H A N D S

Informal NeedleworkBeth Harling781.749.4055 oharling@mit.edu

MIT Gardeners’ GroupLeague Office617.253.3656wleague@mit.eduweb.mit.edu/womensleague/gardeners

Women’s League Community Craft FairsBrenda Blaisbmblais@mit.edu

M A K E N E W F R I E N D S A N D C O N T A C T S

CitySide DiningLeague Officewleague@mit.edu

MIT Japanese Wives GroupKimie Shirasaki781.721.2517jmitjwg@yahoo.co.jp

Groups meet weekly, bi-monthly or monthly. Contact the above women to learn more about their groups.

Notable9/25Book Discussion:Clara and Mr. Tiffanyby Susan Vreeland

10/23Book Discussion:The Virgin Blueby Tracy Chevalier

4

Breakfast Series with Catherine DrennanWednesday, October 9 • 8 am Emma Rogers Room (10-340) The League is once again planning its Fall Breakfast Series program for women in the MIT community. These popular, twice-yearly “breakfast talks” are informal, early morning get-togethers that explore the role of women in the academy. Guest speakers are drawn from the academic and administrative sides of the Institute to share personal accounts of their professional accomplishments.

Our Fall guest speaker, Catherine Drennan, is a professor of chemistry and biology and a professor and investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dedicated to both research and teaching, Professor Drennan’s educational initiatives include creating free resources for educators that help students recognize the underlying chemical principles in biology and medicine, and that train graduate student teaching assistants and mentors to be effective teacher-scholars. Once a high school science and drama teacher, she currently teaches Freshman Chemistry and Biophysical Techniques.

ConnectionsSeptember 12 and October 10

Meets from 4 to 6 pm on the second Thursday of each month during the Academic Year.

Connections is a monthly informal open house with conversation and light refreshments. The first two of the 2014 Academic Year will take place on Thursday, September 12, and Thursday, October 10, in the Emma Rogers Room (10-340).

These occasions offer opportunities for the League to meet newcomers and to stay in touch with its members. Don’t hesitate to bring a newcomer or colleague with you for conversation and camaraderie.

Join us. You meet the nicest people! Come when you can and stay for as long as you wish.

Reception for New MIT WomenMonday, September 30 4:30 pm to 6 pmBush Room, Room 10-105

Every fall the Women’s League welcomes new women at MIT to the Institute community and introduces them to the League’s various programs and activities. Having arrived from across the country and around the world — as new faculty, staff, and graduate students, and as spouses and significant others — these newcomers are looking for ways to meet others and participate in all things MIT.

During the reception, Christine Reif, wife of MIT President Rafael Reif, former Women’s League Chair Kim Watson, and Vice Chair Srirupa Mitra will welcome guests and an informative short program will be presented by representatives from Human Resources, MIT spouses&partners, the MIT Work-Life Center and MIT Police. There will be ample opportunity to talk with these representatives as well as to League interest group members and service project organizers. Other helpful offices at the Institute will be present as well. All will be happy to explain and answer questions about their activities.

League members are encouraged to attend and renew their membership and to welcome these newcomers. A warm greeting, informal conversation, and helpful information make such a difference to someone who knows very little about MIT, Cambridge, or the United States.

We hope that you can be part of this congenial annual event. The Women’s League welcomes all women of the MIT community to join us.

Dr. Drennan’s research interests lie at the interface of chemistry and biology. Her laboratory seeks to understand how Nature harnesses and re-directs the reactivity of enzyme metallocenters in order to perform challenging reactions. By combining X-ray crystallography with other biophysical methods, her goal is to “visualize” molecular processes by obtaining snapshots of enzymes in action.

She received an A.B. in chemistry from Vassar College and a Ph.D. in biological chemistry from the University of Michigan. She was also a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology. In 1999, she joined the faculty at MIT where she is now a full Professor.

Breakfast seating is limited. Tickets are available on a “first-come, first-served, basis” at a cost of $12.00 and can be purchased from Sis de Bordenave in the League office, 10-342.

Breakfast is served promptly at 8:00 am.

5

 

18th Annual Fall Fashion Free For All

Lunch with Long’s Jewelers

Friday, October 18 Emma Rogers Room (10-340)

The MIT Women’s Leagues hosts its 18th annual ‘Fall Fashion Free For All’!

Since 1996 the Clothing Service Program of the MIT Women’s League has held the event to supply free clothing to interna-tional undergraduate students who arrive unaware of the rigors of our local winters and unprepared to enter the local business communities. Members of the MIT community continue to support the event through generous clothing donations from year to year.

Join us to help the students stock up with just the right thing for those cold winter days, business interviews and formal holiday occasions!

If you would like to participate:

Donate – We accept new and clean, gently used clothing, especially:

• Winter Clothes for women and men: Coats, Jackets, Hats, Gloves, Mittens, Scarves, (like new) Snow Boots

• Men’s Clothing – Small sizes! Slacks: 30–32” waist, 28–29” length Suits: 38–40” regular Shirts: 15/15 ½/16 collar, 32–33” sleeve

• Interview Clothes (Women: suits and dresses, Men: suits, dress shirts, neckties)

• Clean clothing may be left at the League office, Room 10-342, during business hours or you may mail them to us. Your donation is tax deductible and we supply a receipt for income tax purposes. Please call League office beforehand (617.253.3656).

Monday, October 21 • 12:30 pmEmma Rogers Room (10-340) Thomas Long, a native of Massachusetts, opened his Boston-based jewelry business in 1878. That was the beginning of New England’s love affair with Long’s Jewelers. Since then, Long’s has become the foundation of Boston’s luxury jewelry and timepiece market.

Have you ever wondered about the procedures for selling jewelry, silver, or other items? This is the occasion to have your curiosity satisfied. Craig Rottenberg, President of Long’s Jewelers (and an MIT Sloan School graduate), along with a member of their estate department will be on hand to tell us all about them.

The Pre-Owned and Estate Jewelry Expert will briefly speak about the procedures for pre-owned jewelry buying and jewelry appraisals. Following the formal talk there will be time for questions and answers. Afterwards, you are invited to bring one item for an approximate value estimate by one of Long’s trained estate professionals and have a private discussion about your personal jewelry collection if you wish.

To reserve your seat at this lunchtime presentation, contact the League office at 617.253.3656 or wleague@mit.edu. Feel free to bring a bag lunch — beverages and dessert will be provided.

Volunteer

• Help the Display Team unpack, sort and display the clothing before the event (anytime from 1 pm to 5 pm on Thursday, the 17th, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Friday, the 18th.

• Be a ‘Fashion Consultant’ at our annual ‘Fall Fashion Free For All’ (Friday, October 18, 5 pm to 7 pm

• Join the Prep Team once a quarter to prepare donations for the annual event. Refreshments are served!

Ready to join the fun?

• Call the League office, 617.253.3656 or email wleague@mit.edu if you have questions about donations or if you would like to volunteer.

Email update

If you have become an email user and would like to receive our notes and reminders or if your email address has changed, please advise the League office at wleague@mit.edu.

6

General Information

The MIT Women’s League newsletter is published four times during the academic year. The deadline for the November– December 2013–January 2014 issue is October 1. All items should be sent to the Women’s League office.

Please call the League office for a hard copy of the newsletter and for answers to questions you may have. The office can also arrange for your membership.

Staff AssociateSis de BordenaveLeague ChairEllen StordyHonorary Chair Christine ReifDesignTim Blackburn Design

MIT Women’s LeagueMassachusetts Institute of Technology77 Massachusetts AvenueRoom 10-342Cambridge, MA 02139-4307web.mit.edu/womensleague

ContactSis de Bordenave617.253.3656wleague@mit.edu

FX Pop-up Truck

Priscilla Gray Honored

For three days in May, the MIT Student Furniture Exchange (FX) set up a Pop-up Truck outside of the Stratton Student Center. Inspired by an idea from Randi Mail, head of the Cambridge Recycling Department, and the pop-up restaurants that are now springing up around the country, we set up a living room in the back of an MIT Recycling truck and drove it down to the Student Center.

The goal was to inform students and staff who had never heard of the MIT Student Furniture Exchange, established in 1958 by the MIT Women’s League, of it’s existence and of the beautiful furniture available to them at discount prices. We also wanted to let the students know that at the end of the year there were resources available to them to donate their furniture rather than junking it.

Jarrod Jones, head of MIT Recycling and stager extraordinaire, helped pick out the furniture and made sure the truck was at the Student Center at 10am everyday. We also got a visit from some local Cantabrigian dignitaries: MIT First Lady Christine Reif and Mayor Henrietta Davis (above) — with the mayor even buying a few items.

The pop-up truck was great fun and a success judged by the fact that an MIT cook who has worked for MIT for 20 years but had never heard of the FX, saw the truck and came down to the FX that day to visit — and ended up purchasing some items. It also was a fun and fruitful collaboration between the FX, the City of Cambridge, and MIT Recycles. Look for the next pit stop of the FX pop-up truck near you!

At the Women’s League’s Centennial Tea at Gray House last spring, League Chair Kim Watson announced that by a unanimous vote of its board the Women’s League 100th Anniversary fund would be renamed in honor of Priscilla King Gray. A most appropriate name, since the interest generated by the funds from this endowment will support the League’s Public Service Center (PSC) fellowships and other community service activities the League may wish to undertake in the future.

Co–founded by Priscilla in 1988, the PSC* exists to motivate, facilitate, and celebrate the ethic and activities of public service at MIT, thereby enriching the education and life experiences of students and MIT community members. The League’s PSC fellowships honor two MIT First Ladies:

• The Rebecca M. Vest Fellowship enables an MIT undergraduate or graduate woman to propose and implement a service project to benefit women and their families.

• The Elizabeth W. Johnson Fellowship enables an MIT student to propose and implement a service project that pursues their interest in environmental issues.

Donations to the new Women’s League– Priscilla King Gray Fund (3655405) may be made via the ‘Donate’ page of the Women’s League website or via the GIVE TO MIT button on the MIT homepage.

*To learn more about the PSC, visit its website at web.mit.edu/mitpsc.

Christine Reif and Kim Watson (l. to r. standing) congratulate Priscilla Gray (seated) at the League’s Centennial Tea.

Phot

os: H

adle

y Co

ffee

Lang

osy

Phot

o: K

risty

n U

land

ay