The Katharine Dexter McCormick (1904) Society (KDMS) appreciation brunch, held annually each fall, is a way for the MIT Office of Gift Planning to thank planned giving donors who ensure that the Institute can continue its world-changing work. Anyone who informs MIT about a bequest intention or makes a life income gift is invited to join KDMS.

MIT connections. 

As brunch host Melissa Nobles, MIT chancellor and the Class of 1922 Professor of Political Science, pointed out in her opening remarks, KDMS members are following in the footsteps of Katharine Dexter McCormick herself, whose bequest transformed the Institute. “KDMS members celebrate and extend her legacy,” Nobles said. “Their commitment of funding helps to support discoveries and innovative collaborations, strengthens our education and research enterprise, and amplifies all that MIT does in service to the world.”

Rick ’68, SM ’74 and Karla ’68, SM ’70, PhD ’83 Karash (pictured above) have attended several KDMS events over the years. “We always have a good time. It is a great pleasure to see MIT people we know from our class and neighboring classes,” Rick says, noting that a highlight was seeing his former mentor, MIT professor emeritus and former dean of the MIT Sloan School of Management Glen Urban.

The majority—but not all—of KDMS members are MIT alumni. For first-time attendee Kevin Wang ’03, SM ’04, the wide range of class years represented was a standout element of the event. “It was a unique opportunity to be all together,” Wang says. “KDMS reminded me of MIT’s amazing people in all stages of life, from the current student ambassadors to the alumni who’ve earned their red jackets. It’s a really exceptional community.”

MIT today. 

“Our KDMS events have become windows into what’s going on at MIT,” said KDMS co-chair Bob Johnson ’63 in his remarks. Current students were in attendance at each table and in a much-lauded performance by MIT’s coed a capella group, the Chorallaries. Dennis Whyte, the Hitachi America Professor of Engineering and former director of the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC), delivered the feature presentation on fusion energy and how MIT is leading the way to a future that does not depend upon fossil fuels.

“I’m confident that the resources that we give back to MIT…will effect change in the world.”
–Kevin Wang

 

“We have to come up with a holistic solution to climate change, but massive amounts of carbon-free energy generation must be at the core of it, almost certainly from new technologies,” Whyte said in his presentation. He noted that the way MIT does research matters. “What I really admire about MIT and PSFC is the complete integration of education into a world-leading research endeavor,” Whyte remarked. “My students continuously challenge me in my own class about what we are doing in terms of fusion. My motto for MIT is that we do research through education and education through research.”

“Professor Whyte’s presentation on fusion was very hopeful and exciting,” says Karla Karash. “Not only the research going on and the possibilities, but a practical way of implementing it. It was also a thrill to hear the Chorallaries—it gives you a sense of the breadth of MIT. These young people are not only smart, they can really sing!”

Celebrating impact.  

In her closing remarks, KDMS co-chair Heather Cogdell ’89 summarized how planned gifts make a difference at MIT: “Your support makes it possible for MIT to ensure that there are initiatives that target long-term issues like climate change, and that they can endure and be flexible to the dynamic needs of the moment.” That sentiment echoes what many KDMS members feel in their giving to MIT. “I’m confident that the resources that we give back to MIT will be used in a way that will drive progress forward and will effect change in the world,” says Wang.

“Many attendees have seen the positive impact of philanthropy in their own lives and appreciated the chance to celebrate together. “Ever since my sophomore year, I have felt the importance of giving back to help others who have followed me to successfully matriculate through the Institute,” says Jim Banks ’76. “I had already included MIT when I began my estate planning, but had not notified MIT. Working with the Office of Gift Planning has helped me to better focus that contribution. This was my first KDMS brunch, and I’ll definitely want to attend again in the future.”