School of Engineering Infinite Mile Awards

Congratulations to the 2006 recipients.

WELCOME BY DEAN THOMAS L. MAGNANTI:

This is by far my favorite time of year – for there is no joy like the joy of celebrating excellence.

I’m Tom Magnanti, Dean of Engineering, and once again it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the School’s Annual Infinite Mile Awards Ceremony. It doesn’t seem possible, but this is our sixth! Each year seems like the first due to the unique contributions of new recipients. It’s wonderful to see all of you here.

I ask all of you who have received School of Engineering Infinite Mile Awards in previous years to stand up. (Let’s give them a round of applause, too.)

Thank you. I’m so pleased that you have been able to join us today as we honor more of your colleagues for their contributions of excellence.” ” My next pleasure is to recognize and thank the Dean’s Team, all of whom helped organize today’s event: Catherine Avril, Lauren Clark, Mary Anne Gowen, Donna Harding, Lisa Magnano Bleheen, Brian Tavares, and Sandy Tenorio. As you may know, Lauren Clark is an award recipient this year and due to her unique talents produced her own certificate! We take special pride and joy in Lauren’s contributions to the Dean’s Office, the School, and the Institute.

A very special note of thanks is to those of you who took the time to nominate your coworkers and colleagues. It is your thoughtful contributionss that make this IMA celebration possible.

Finally, we would like to thank all of you for taking the time today to share in this joyful and inspirational event.

Today we especially recognize the contributions of 10 individuals and 3 teams (including 10 team members), bringing to 98 the fellowship of School of Engineering Infinite Mile Award winners, with a total of 1,383 years of service. I like to say that MIT’s School of Engineering is the best school of engineering in the galaxy, and I do not doubt for a moment that we have the best staff in the galaxy as well!

Our Infinite Mile Awards Ceremony has two intertwined themes: Excellence and Joy, for as Pearl S. Buck said,”The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excellence.” They are indeed a powerful combination. Our Infinite Mile award winners embody joy in excellence, and we are here to celebrate their work.