Farewell to MIT

Dear MIT students,

Last year the Chancellor, Dean for Undergraduate Education, the Dean for Student Life and I started a new tradition of writing a letter to all students each month on a rotating basis. This has given us opportunities to let you know about plans, policies or events in a timely fashion. My turn this semester comes at a very special time for me. As many of you know, I will be leaving MIT after 41 years here to become the Provost at The George Washington University.

As you might guess, leaving MIT after such a long time here has put me in reflective frame of mind. I often think about the special nature of this university, and how much I have learned by being here. While it may be a bit of hubris on my part, I decided to share some of these reflections in my last letter to you.

One of the curious circumstances about being at MIT is that we often don't see its special characteristics. In the same way fish probably don't spend any time thinking about water (assuming they think at all), we sometimes go through the days, semesters and years without thinking about the incredible place we're part of. In my more reflective moments, I have had some time to recognize how the combination of extraordinarily talented people, world class research facilities, and the supporting ethos of valuing excellence combine here to create a unique environment for all of us. So many places around the world have tried to re-create that precise mixture, but few find that odd formula that has evolved organically here.

Another element of MIT I have come to understand better is the value of shared experience. Coming from diverse backgrounds, all our students bring a commitment to excellence and hard work. Their intellectual intensity is reinforced by the rigor that at the heart of every department's programs. At the undergraduate level, the General Institute Requirements and residential life give all students a common intellectual and social framework that binds them together in ways you may only understand later. For graduate students, the environment that fosters research and entrepreneurship provides a shared set of interests and values that will make you the academic and business leaders of the future. While MIT isn't the right place for every student, those who share in its core values and treasure its mission discover kindred spirits among fellow students, staff and faculty.

The last insight I'd like to share is the importance of things you learn here that are outside the classroom or lab. Much of my early academic career grew out of the things I learned as a student, but a large part of my later work drew on social and leadership skills that can't really be learned there. Take advantage of the opportunities here to grow not just as a scholar, but as a person. Learn from experiences outside the academic realm – through activities with your fellow students, through service, and through the myriad of co-curricular activities. Life isn't a problem set or a term paper, and the things that will bring you happiness and fulfillment won't be on your transcript or your degree. Cultivate friendships and your ties to different communities along with your academic skills. Both should serve you well.

I will certainly take everything I have learned here with me as I leave this wonderful institution. I know that MIT will continue to flourish, and that each generation of students will enhance this place's well-deserved reputation. I urge all of you to treasure your time here. When you leave, make sure to retain not only the knowledge from the classroom and lab, but your friendships, the breadth of your shared experiences, and the drive for excellence that makes this place great.

Best wishes,

Steve Lerman
Vice Chancellor and Dean for Graduate Education