MAKE AN IMPACT

E-Mentor Advocate Partnership Program (EMAP)

Interested in helping MIT students upgrade their professional growth?

Apply to be a Mentor!

EMAP seeks to enhance the professional and personal growth of MIT sophomores, juniors, and seniors by engaging with active professionals in a 1-year career-oriented e-mentorship.

OME’s EMAP mentoring program is now accepting mentor applications for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Please consider submitting an online Mentor application: by June 6th, 2025, here: https://ome.mit.edu/emap-mentor-application

New Mentor Requirements:

• Commit to a one-year (August-May) mentorship
• Meet at least once a month with protégé
• Submit an online application by June 6th, 2025! https://ome.mit.edu/emap-mentor-application

Once your application is complete, a member of the EMAP team will be in touch by June 6th about the status of your admission.

Once admitted into the program, you will be directed to a registration form on our external mentoring platform, MentorEase. This form will assist us in matching you with your protege. Any questions can be sent to: [email protected]

We also would greatly appreciate you sharing the message below to any colleagues in your organization that might be interested in applying. Any questions can be directed to [email protected].

Are you Energized to Make a Difference?

As BAMIT continues to make strides in creating a lasting impact, we are reaching out with an exciting opportunity for you to play a pivotal role in our mission. We invite you to step forward and join us as a solicitor for our upcoming Fundraising Campaign, taking place from May 11th to May 24th. Your individual support makes all the difference - personal outreach is the most impactful way to secure donations.

Your Commitment:

We value your time and have structured this effort to ensure it’s effective and manageable:

• A minimum of 3 hours at your convenience, which includes
• 30 minutes for training and selecting donors to connect with. (We’ll provide you with scripts, contact details, and everything you need to feel confident),
• 2 hours of reaching out to potential donors via calls and emails,
• 30 minutes to report your results and celebrate your contributions.

Why Your Support Matters:

At BAMIT, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant, supportive community that uplifts Black students at MIT—academically, socially, and professionally. With your help, we can fund the programs, events, and resources that empower students to thrive and excel. Together, we have the opportunity to continue building a legacy of excellence, collaboration, and empowerment.

Join Us as a Leader:

Seize this opportunity to champion our mission, forge meaningful connections, and strengthen BAMIT's impact on Black students and alumni. Reconnect with fellow alums—whether they’re familiar faces or ones you’ve lost touch with—while making a lasting difference.

If you care about advancing BAMIT’s mission, we urge you to take this step forward. Together, we can achieve extraordinary outcomes for our members and the broader community.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to BAMIT’s vision. Your support fuels our impact and drives us toward a brighter future.

Please respond to [email protected] with your availability between May 11th and May 24th.

Let’s make this campaign a resounding success!

BAMIT Fundraising Committee

Join BAMIT Committees - Opportunities to Engage

As we look to build on BAMIT's successes and further our mission, we are calling on our talented and dedicated members to step forward and consider taking on a role within our organization.

Currently, we have an urgent need for Committee members for the following key areas:

1. External Nominations Committee
2. Communications Committee
3. Fundraising Committee

Serving on a committee is an incredible opportunity to shape BAMIT's initiatives, lead impactful programs, and contribute meaningfully to our collective goals. We welcome members from all classes and experiences to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to these critical roles. If you are passionate about advancing BAMIT’s mission, we encourage you to step forward.

In addition to these urgent needs, we invite all members to actively engage in the work of our other committees. Here are the standing monthly meeting times for our committees, where your involvement can make a real difference:

• External Nominations Committee: Ad Hoc
• Governance Committee: 4th Thursday of the Month 7 PM ET
• K-12 STEM Committee: 3rd Monday of the Month 8pm ET
• Membership Committee: 1st Tuesday of the Month 6 PM ET
• Outreach & Engagement Committee: Last Monday of the Month 8pm ET
• Programming Committee: 1st Thursday of the Month 7pm ET
• Travel Committee: 1st Tuesday of the Month 7pm ET

These meetings are a great way to connect with fellow members, contribute to ongoing projects, and share your insights and expertise. There is a place for you within BAMIT. If you are interested in joining a committee or attending committee meetings, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] with your availability, interest, or any questions you may have. We’d be delighted to discuss how you can play a pivotal role in advancing BAMIT’s mission.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to BAMIT.

Together, we can achieve great things for our members and the broader community.

Warm regards.

Patrick F. Gerdes, '84

BAMIT Chair

EVENTS

Class of 1975 50th Reunion Dinner

Thursday May 29, 2025 6:00PM - 9:00PM

La Fabrica, Cambridge

REGISTER by May 14th

All are welcome to join us for an evening of celebration marking 50 years since our graduation. Let's come together to reminisce about our time at MIT and enjoy delicious food and great fellowship.

Debra Carlton [email protected]

Rosita Parker [email protected]

From Black History Project: BAMIT Redcoats at the Black Graduate Reception during Tech Reunions, Black Students' Union Lounge, 8 June 2018. Left to right: Jennifer Rudd '68; Alan Gilkes '68, SM '74; Shirley Jackson '68, PhD '73; and Ernest Cohen '64.

MIT Tech Reunions

Friday May 30 - Sunday June 1, 2025

REGISTER

Reconnect at Tech Reunions. Reserve a hotel room now at a discounted rate or dorm rooms when you register.

Be sure to join us for a vibrant celebration of diversity at Multicultural Fest, featuring live music from The MastaDonis Project, Garba interactive dance workshop, and much more! This Tech Reunion event is a chance for alumni who found community on campus through cultural groups to gather, renew, and strengthen connections with each other.

We can’t wait to see you and your classmates on campus!

BAMIT Reception

Friday May 30, 2025 4PM - 5:30PM

Samberg Conference Center

If you are on campus for Tech Reunions this year, join us for a toast to the newest MIT alumni graduates, reconnect with fellow alumni, celebrate some great accomplishments, and reminisce about life at MIT! Free of charge. If you have not registered as part of Tech Reunions, please let us know if you are coming.

REGISTER

MITES 50th Anniversary Celebration

Friday, July 25: Summer Symposium

Saturday, July 26: 50th Anniversary Celebration Activities

REGISTER

Celebrating our first half-century—engineering a world of inspiration, innovation, and impact.

Dream. Believe. Achieve.

Our golden celebration is a momentous occasion; we celebrate 50 years of transformative education and remarkable achievements! In honor of our golden anniversary, we welcome you to join us as we expand our reach and continue empowering the next generation of diverse STEM leaders.

We look forward to sharing more events throughout the year as we continue to honor a legacy of nurturing young minds in STEM!

We are also looking for MITES Alumni Ambassadors to serve in a variety of roles during the gala. Whether you’re greeting guests, sharing your MITES experience, or helping behind the scenes, there’s a place for everyone. If you’re interested in being an ambassador, contact [email protected] for more details.

There’s much more to come, so stay connected and be a part of this historic year for MITES!

Hotel accommodations: A limited number of rooms, at a discounted rate, have been arranged at the Boston Marriott Cambridge hotel. These rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may sell out before the deadline. Early reservations are strongly encouraged. Reservations, changes, and/or cancellations should be made directly with the hotel.

Boston Marriott Cambridge (50 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142)

Rate: $299 per night, plus applicable taxes (currently 15.95%)

Deadline: June 25, 2025

Book Online: Click here

Phone: 617-494-6600 (Mention the MITES 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala Dinner room block)

More details, including how to register, will be coming soon.

Warm regards,

Eboney Hearn ’01

Executive Director

MIT Alumni Leadership Conference

BAMIT Annual Meeting

Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28

Every September, the MIT Alumni Association holds the annual Alumni Leadership Conference (ALC), a weekend packed with volunteer training and engagement opportunities. Our staff works with alumni volunteers to make each of these training sessions unique, relevant and engaging.

During this weekend, BAMIT holds its annual meeting where we review the successes of the previous year and discuss plans for the next year.

Chocolate City 50th Reunion

September 26 - 28, 2025

The reunion committee is diligently working to organize an unforgettable event for everyone. To streamline the process, we’ve recently established subcommittees composed of alumni and undergraduate brothers. These teams are tackling the extensive logistical tasks necessary for a successful reunion:

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26th

50th Reunion Welcome Reception - 7:30PM-10:00PM

Come and meet your fellow alumni and current students to reminisce about old times and the future to come. Drinks and food will be included.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27th

BarbeCCue and House Tour - New House BBQ Pits - 1:30PM-4:30PM

Make a trip down memory lane at New House (albeit with a makeover) and enjoy some good food along with it.

Chocolate City 50th Reunion Gala - Media Lab - 7:00PM-10:00PM

Make sure to get dressed up and show out at our Gala to commemorate 50 years of excellence and service to the greater MIT and global community. There will be amazing food, drinks, and good vibes with your fellow Chocolate City brothers.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28th

State of the House Brunch - 11:00AM-2:00PM

Now that we’ve made it 50 years, we want to lay down the foundations for the next 50 years and beyond. Join us for brunch where we’ll discuss how to push the brotherhood forward through focused discussion and workshopping.

CC Hoops - 2:30PM-4:30PM

We’ll honor the age old tradition of old school vs. new school on the basketball court. If you’re directly playing or spectating, it will be a good time to see everyone put on a show. Make sure to bring your athletic gear (water and refreshments will be provided).

Please let us know if you will be able to attend. There will be more communications going forward with specific details.

RSVP

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

MIT Gospel Music Workshop: A Night of Music, History, and Community

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the 2025 MIT Gospel Choir Workshop, held at Killian Hall on February 27, 2025!

Sponsored by BAMIT, the MIT Music Department, and the MIT Alumni Association, this event brought together 21 MIT students, alumni, faculty, and community members for an enriching evening filled with food, fellowship, and the joy of music. The night began with a warm gathering, allowing participants to connect over light refreshments before diving into an inspiring sing-along.

Led by the esteemed Donnell L. Patterson, chair of the Gospel Music department at the New England Conservatory’s School of Preparatory and Continuing Education, attendees learned iconic Gospel songs in a vibrant choir-style setting. Donnell’s passion for music was contagious, making it a welcoming environment for both newcomers and seasoned choir members alike.

Participants delved into the rich history and cultural significance of Gospel music, fostering a deeper appreciation for this powerful genre. The workshop was not just about singing; it was a celebration of culture, community, and the profound connections that music can create.

This interactive event was a true celebration of the joy and power of Gospel music, uniting students, alumni, and staff for an unforgettable evening. To get a glimpse of this incredible moment, click here for highlights from the workshop.

Excitingly, several workshop participants have taken the initiative to revive the MIT Gospel Choir on campus! This newly formed choir made its debut at the Ebony Affair and performed at the Easter Service at Life Church Boston, pastored by MIT alums Rocklyn Clarke '80 and Eva Clarke '81 If you are interested in joining the MIT Gospel Choir (including alums, faculty and staff), please contact Ayomide Togun at [email protected].

CELEBRATING OUR BAMIT COMMUNITY

MIT ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

Kerry Bowie ‘94, MBA ’06 was awarded the Bronze Beaver Award in recognition of distinguished service to the Institute and/or its Association of Alumni and Alumnae by alumni who have been active in most or all phases of alumni activity and who have been outstanding in at least one phase. This award is the highest honor the Alumni Association can bestow upon any of its members.

Eboney Smith Hearn ’01 was awarded the Harold E. Lobdell ’17 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of alumni relations service to the Alumni Association and MIT that is of special depth over a sustained period.

Cordelia Price ʼ78, SM ʼ82 was awarded the Great Dome Award in recognition of distinguished service to the Alumni Association and MIT by alumni organizations for her participation in MIT Club of South Texas Community Service Program.

Cordelia Price Awarded MLK Leadership Award

Cordelia Price ʼ78, SM ʼ82 graduated from MIT Course 10, Chemical Engineering, was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Alumni Leadership Award.

Since 2021, Cordelia has been serving as the Community Service Chair for the MIT Club of South Texas, and in this capacity, she launched the Club’s Community Service Matching Donation Program, an initiative that exemplifies her dedication to service and community engagement. The program matches volunteer hours with donations to local organizations, encouraging MIT alumni to contribute toward meaningful causes, from an urban farming program for refugees to medical care for the uninsured.

Cordelia has an unwavering commitment to service and a creative and inspiring leadership style, with an eye towards supporting the most marginalized in her own community. Click here to read about the awards.

Sloan School - Celebrating Our Black Alumni

Read here about how Black MIT Sloan alumni who are making a difference in the world, have to say about their experiences at Sloan.

• Awa Koné, MBA ’17
• Nicole Obi, MCP ’95 , SM ’95
• Brooke Wages, MBA ’22
• Ron Williams, SF ’84
• Kerry James, SB ’95, MBA ’01
• Marcus Wilson, MBA '04
• Monica Lee, EMBA ’19
• Khalid David, MBA ’19
• Mohamed Abdalla, MBA ’24

Kelvin Frazier Gets Great Reaction as R&B Artist

Desmond Edwards Fell in Love with Research

Desmond Edwards ’22 is interested in translating medicine for a wider audience. Currently a PhD candidate in microbiology and immunology at Stanford, Desmond discusses how he became interested in microbiology research including work on genetic tools to combat pathogenic bacteria. Desmond aspires to advance infectious disease research, influence policy, and improve public health education, aiming for a career that bridges science and community impact. Read the Spectrum article here.

IN MEMORIAM

Edward L Sanders Jr. '83

Edward's legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and innovation. Survived by his loving wife, daughters, siblings, and extended family, his life will be honored on May 17, 2025, at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, Cleveland, Ohio.

Click here for the full obituary and memorial service information.