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Thursday, November 4, 4–6 pmWong Auditorium, Tang Center 70 Memorial Drive
Free and Open to the Public
What is corruption? It runs a gamut of possibilities, from small acts of self- deception to lying, cheating, stealing, graft, bribery, professional malpractice, corporate malfeasance, political “influ-ence,” and systems failure. Is corruption by some other name—call it tradition, pragmatism, mercy—necessary, acceptable, inevitable?
We know corruption is pervasive, but most of us also believe that we individu-ally rise above it, and that only other people, other organizations, other countries are really corrupt. The news media carry stories to prove it every day.
The panelists for this year’s Stratton Lecture have spent much of their profes-sional lives addressing personal, organiza-tional, ideological, and other aspects of corruption. Together, they will explore the issue on many levels. There will be time for questions from the audience.
ModeratorLeigh Hafrey is Senior Lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management, where he teaches courses in commu- nication and ethics for the MBA and other programs. He is also a senior moderator at The Aspen Institute, where he teaches seminars in values-based leadership. He is the author of The Story of Success: Five Steps to Mastering Ethics in Business (2005).
Panelists Nancy Gertner is United States District Court judge for the District of Massachu-setts. Before joining the U.S. District Court in 1994, Judge Gertner served as a criminal defense and civil rights lawyer. She has taught law at Harvard, Northeastern, BC, and BU, and presently teaches at Yale Law School. She is the author of a forthcoming memoir, In Defense of Women: Memoirs of an Unrepentant Advocate (2011).
Simon Johnson is Ronald A. Kurtz (1954) Professor of Entrepreneurship at the MIT Sloan School of Management, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washing-ton, D.C., and a member of the Congressional Budget Office’s Panel of Economic Advisers. In 2007–2008, he was chief economist at the International Monetary Fund. He is the co-author, with James Kwak, of 13 Bankers: The Wall Street Takeover and the Next Financial Meltdown (2010).
“On Corruption” Catherine N. Stratton Critical Issues Lecture
In League...A quarterly newsletter November 2010 – January 2011
Steven Pinker is Harvard College Professor and the Johnstone Family Professor in the Department of Psychol-ogy, Harvard University. Previously a professor in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT, Pinker focuses in his research on language, cognitive science, and evolutionary psychology. His books, among them The Blank Slate: the Modern Denial of Human Nature (2002), and The Stuff of Thought: Lan-guage as a Window into Human Nature (2007), have won numerous awards.
“On Corruption” continues the Catherine N. Stratton Lectures on Critical Issues, which the MIT Women’s League sponsors annually to honor Kay Stratton, a woman whose energy, grace, and intelligence have enriched the MIT community for more than sixty years. Kay is an active participant in the planning and execution of all of the Lectures.
From left:Leigh Hafrey,Nancy Gertner, Simon Johnson, Steven Pinker
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ConnectionsConnections can make your day end on a positive note! You never know who will attend. More often than not, our monthly Thursday afternoon gatherings introduce you to people you might otherwise never meet.
Our next Thursday get-togethers are November 18, December 9, and January 13 from 4 pm to 6 pm in the Emma Rogers Room, 10-340. These once-a-month informal events with coffee, tea, and sweets continue to offer a way for the League to welcome newcomers and stay in touch with friends during the academic year.
Don’t hesitate to bring a newcomer or colleague with you for conversation and camaraderie. Come when you can and stay for as long as you wish.
We look forward to seeing you.
MIT Wright Bros. Wind Tunnel TourWednesday, November 17 • 12:30 pm
Evidence suggests that wind tunnels have been in existence at MIT for research since about 1896 but approval for the Wright Brothers Memorial Wind Tunnel, which we will tour on Wednesday, November 17, occurred in 1937. The first dozen years of operation included extremely heavy demands from industry for design development testing during the Second World War.
In recent years faculty research interests have tested helicopter antenna pods, in-flight trailing cables, and new concepts for roofing attachments. Among the principles tested were gear for Olympic skiers, astronauts’ space suits for tare evaluations related to underwater simulations of weightless space activity, racing bicycles, subway station entrances, and Olympic rowing shells.
Our tour, which will take place inside the Tunnel and lasting about an hour, will focus on its history and use today. The Tunnel will not be in operation during our tour and is easily accessed and safe. We will meet in the Lobby 13 at 12:15 pm. League friends invited, limited to 20. To register: [email protected] or 617.253.3656
Wednesday, December 1 • 9 – 11 amMezzanine Lounge, W20-307
Wreath makers, new and experienced, are needed to help with the greenery design and assembly on Wednesday, December 1, from 9 am to11 am in the Mezzanine Lounge on the 3rd floor in the Stratton Student Center (W20-307). Come and help for as long as your time permits.
Experienced crafter Brenda Blais guides our group of volunteers through the process of making these wreaths on their wooden frames. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn if you have never done something like this before and the balsam fragrance in the air makes this a delightful way to begin the holiday season.
During the years when Carl Taylor Compton and his wife Margaret lived at the President’s House (1930–1949), the League began the tradition of making the three evergreen wreaths to hang above the doors at the 77 Massachusetts Avenue entrance to the Institute during the holiday season. Today, the League also decorates the artificial wreaths that hang in Kresge Auditorium.
Please contact Brenda Blais at 617.253.6852 or email [email protected] to volunteer and learn more.
December Wreath Making“Let that Stress Go!” Lunchtime Relaxation for Women
Two Mondays, 12–1 pm 11/22 and 12/20 Emma Rogers Room (10-340)
Join us for two relaxation sessions and enjoy a gentle approach to relaxation through easy-to-do breath techniques, a guided imagery journey, and some comfortable seated movement stretches to soothe mind and body led by presenter, Lynn Roberson.
You will take home relaxation tools, and most importantly, you will receive an hour of giving yourself much deserved TLC (tender loving care). Beginners and experienced relaxation enthusiasts are welcome. No prior experience necessary. Come to one session or come to both! Contact the League office at 617.253.3656 or [email protected] to make your reservation. Free.
About the Presenter: Lynn Roberson has supported women’s well-being at the Institute for over 20 years and has offered various forms of relaxation programs to the MIT community. Through the Women’s League, Roberson is very pleased to offer this lunchtime program again.
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League Interest Groups and Classes
L E A R N I N G M O R EBook DiscussionBarbara Donnelly781.646.4617Judith [email protected]
ChoraleElizabeth [email protected]/womensleague/womenschorale
Looking TogetherAnn [email protected]
I N T E R N A T I O N A LJapanese Tea CeremonyKyoko [email protected]/chado/www/index.html
Middle Eastern DanceLoni Butera617.491.5657, [email protected]
W O R K I N G W I T H Y O U R H A N D SInformal NeedleworkBeth [email protected]
Nancy [email protected]
MIT Gardeners’ GroupLeague [email protected]/womensleague/gardeners
Tech Community CraftersBrenda [email protected]
N E W F R I E N D S A N D C O N T A C T SCitySide DiningLeague [email protected]
MIT Japanese Wives GroupKimie [email protected]
Groups meet weekly, bi-monthly or monthly. Contact the above women to learn more about their groups.
Jane Austen Holiday Tea and Tour
Chorale Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 4 • 1:00 pmGore Place, 52 Gore StreetWaltham, MA
Mark your Calendar!Make it a special holiday gift to yourself! And a friend!
Enjoy a traditional English tea of scones, tea sandwiches and assorted sweets served in the Great Hall and Withdrawing Room of the beautiful 1806 Governor Gore Mansion located just off Main Street, mid-way between Watertown and Waltham Centers. (See www.goreplace.org for history and directions.)
Following the Victorian tea, you may join a guide in period dress for a Jane Austen-themed tour of this beautiful mansion, the summer home of Governor Christopher Gore, state senator and state representative, US Senator, and the seventh governor of Massachusetts.
Tickets for the HOLIDAY TEA & TOUR are $40 per person. Seating is limited— advance payment required with reservation. Send your check, payable to the MIT Women’s League, to the League office at 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 10-342, Cambridge, MA 02139.
Sunday, December 12 • 4 pmThe Dante Alighieri Society Kendall Square 41 Hampshire Street, Cambridge
Free • Reception following the concert
The MIT Women’s Chorale will perform its annual holiday concert under the enthusiastic direction of Kevin Galiè and accompanied by its pianist, Sue Swalley, and chamber orchestra. Their featured work will be the beautiful Magnificat of Antonio Vivaldi, which was written for young women at a Venetian hospice for abandoned children. In addition to songs of the season, the Chorale will also perform music of Bach, Victoria, Tchaikovsky, and Randall Thompson, and will be singing in a variety of languages, including Chinese. Parking suggestions will be posted on the Chorale website,http://web.mit.edu/womensleague/womenschorale/.
Notable12/7 Book Discussion:Maisie Dobbsby Jacqueline WinspearandThe Number 1 Ladies’ Detective Agencyby Alexander McCall Smith
1/26Book Discussion:Hot, Flat and Crowdedby Thomas L. Friedman
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Holiday Craft Fair
Thursday & Friday, December 16 & 17
Handcrafted wooden ornaments, puzzles and cutting boards, jewelry of all types, handknit hats, scarves and mittens, handmade pocketbooks and scarves, specialty gifts and more will be for sale at the Holiday Craft Fair. Sponsored by the Technology Community Crafters, this annual event will take place in Lobby 10 from 9 am to 5 pm. Come to browse. Come to shop. You may find just the perfect gifts for family and friends!
If you are a crafter and would like to display your creations at the fair, email craft fair coordinator Brenda Blais at [email protected]. She will be happy to send you an electronic application and provide you with the particulars.
What You Can DoVolunteers are needed now for this MIT service effort! Growing busier with each passing year, volunteers unpack and price incoming goods, arrange these goods in an attractive and tempting manner, help customers with their decorating choices, and assist with the sales process.
While doing so, they meet the most interesting people—from area university communities and from around the world. International volunteers find working here a wonderful way to improve their English language skills in an informal setting!
Who We HelpWith a realization that university students needed to furnish their living spaces on a minimal budget, the MIT Student Furniture Exchange (the FX) began in 1958 to address this basic necessity.
Located at 350 Brookline Street (WW15) in Cambridge, the FX sells used furniture and housewares at bargain prices and is open to the communities of MIT, Harvard University, Boston University, and Suffolk University.
All proceeds benefit the MIT Women’s League Scholarship Fund, a growing endowment that provides annual financial support to undergraduate women at MIT.
Ready to Join the Fun?Contact the Furniture Exchange at 617.253.4293, email [email protected], see the website at http://web.mit.edu/womensleague/fx/ , or visit the FX on a Tuesday or Thursday anytime between 10 am and 4 pm to learn more about this amazing organization.
Furniture ExchangeVolunteer Opportunities
Transition House
Transition House is our neighbor and our partner.
Woman and children fleeing domestic violence find emergency shelter there. While under its protective umbrella, the women receive counseling and get training to prepare them to “transition” into permanent housing. They work hard to rebuild their lives and regain their independence. Many have risked everything to find safety for themselves and their children.
To help as these women make this enormous change in their lives, the Women’s League collects donations from the MIT community each month to assist Transition House. Since women passing through this program arrive with only what they can carry with them, the needs are on-going for specific items. The following items are requested for the next few months:
• November: warm blankets/comforters (full and twin).
• December: sheets (full and twin) and towels. Gift cards to Rite Aid, Shaw’s, and Target help these women thrive and provide the bonus of allowing them to make purchases of their own choosing — an empowering and important part of the healing process.
• January: sheets (full and twin) and towels.
• T passes with added value are always welcome, as are disposable diapers in all sizes.
Your donation can be left at the Women’sLeague Office, Building 10-342.
On October 29, 2010 the MIT Women’s League held its 15th 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. Generous clothing donations by members of the MIT community throughout the years continued to ensure this event’s success.
Joining the students was an enthusiastic group of fashion consultants ready to help each student stock up with just the right thing for those cold winter days, business interviews and formal holiday occasions. The room was filled with happy chatter and students left with bags full and smiles aplenty.
We thank everyone who helped make this event such a success!!
15th Fall Fashion Free For All!
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Daffodil Days 2011 Volunteer Opportunities
Could you help bring this project to the MIT Community?
Since 1998, the Women’s League has organized the Daffodil Days campaign at MIT for the American Cancer Society. This past year MIT raised $32,000 for cancer research, treatment, and educa-tion. Each year the project has expanded to reach more departments, labs, offices, and individuals on campus.
Volunteers are needed to help:At the end of January: • to prepare packages of posters and
sign-up sheets for delivery
At the end of February: • to pick up the order forms and checks
In Mid-March, when Daffodil Days arrives:• to assemble orders• to deliver orders• to sell daffodil bouquets in Lobby 10
If you would like to join this wonderful effort, please contact the League at 617.253.3656 or [email protected].
Inventional Wisdom... is a blend of imagination and knowledge inspired by Mens et Manus, the motto of MIT.
Planning for MIT’s 150th anniversary began several years ago. Now, a commit-tee of faculty, students, and staff with related expertise or responsibilities, is building a program to engage all facets of the MIT community and to provide public access to the people and innova-tions that make the Institute unique.
150 days of celebration will get underway in 2011, opening with the MIT150 Exhibition at the MIT Museum on January 7 and closing with Tech Day on June 5. Intervening events include the convoca-tion on Charter Day: April 11, six MIT150 Symposia, the Festival of Arts, Science and Technology, the Global Challenge, the Infinite History project, a timeline of MIT history, two building dedications, a design competition and a celebration of alumni. To learn more, please visit the website: http://mit150.mit.edu/about.
Celebrate MIT150!
MIT Museum Guided TourWednesday, January 19 • 12:15 pm
Join us for a visit to the MIT Museum to view the “MIT150 Exhibition.” The Museum will have just commenced its major celebration of the Institute’s 150th anniversary with the opening of this major exhibition in the newly renovated Thomas Peterson, ‘57 gallery. The MIT Women’s League will be among the first to see this new exhibit and space. Other highlights include “Sampling MIT” and a newly refurbished robotics gallery. Stay as long as you’d like!
Visit the MIT Museum website at web.mit.edu/museum/ for more details about the museum. The museum is located at 265 Mass. Ave. (Building N52). Register for this Museum visit by calling the League office at 617.253.3656, or email [email protected].
General Information
The MIT Women’s League newsletter is published four times during the academic year. The deadline for the Feb/Mar issue is January 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 ChairSandra BoyntonHonorary ChairPriscilla GrayPhotographyRichard JanusDesignTim Blackburn Design
MIT Women’s LeagueMassachusetts Institute of Technology77 Massachusetts AvenueRoom 10-342Cambridge, MA 02139-4307web.mit.edu/womensleague
ContactSis de [email protected]
