The Alumni Magazine for Worcester Polytechnic Institute. (WPI)
Issue link: http://wpialumnimag.epubxp.com/i/456562
Winter 2015 53 news from HIGGINS HOUSE DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, I hope this letter fnds you rested, relaxed, and ready to engage with your alma mater in 2015. This will be another year of celebration for WPI as the clock ticks closer to the university's 150th birthday. For real-time news, historical details, and other information, follow the offcial WPI Sesquicentennial Twitter handle @WPI150 and visit 150.wpi.edu. Be on the lookout for commemorative 150th celebration beanies— presale details (with proceeds to support WPI Alumni Association sponsored scholarships) should be out shortly, and I anticipate excite- ment equivalent to an iPhone rollout! Engaging with WPI during events like the Sesquicentennial doesn't just give you the chance to have fun with fellow alumni, stu- dents, and staff, it also opens up a broader set of fulfllment opportunities in volunteerism. Impact as an alum was a goal defned and exemplifed by Ted Coghlin '56, who recently passed away. Ted's tireless commitment to the broader Worcester community and WPI spe- cifcally—chairing every one of his Reunions, and being the volunteer of volunteers for the university—are examples of how a single per- son can have impact through engagement. The creation of the Foisie Innovation Stu- dio remains a top priority for WPI and for our worldwide alumni community. The cause has recently been emboldened by the Alden Trust Challenge—and it will be a chal- lenge! The Trust will contribute $3 million toward the project, but frst the alumni and the Institute will need to raise $9 million. We will have our frst big chance to show our support for the Foisie Innovation Studio and the Alden Trust Challenge on March 19: 24 hours of giving to see how much we can raise and how many people can give. Keep your eye on social media, email, and your mailbox for more about March 19. The Foisie Innovation Studio will make a lasting impact on generations of students. Recognizing a need in enhancing the student experience at WPI was the frst step. President Leshin's vision of impact as a "third tower" was the second step. Executing against the need and the vision is what lies ahead, and I have every confdence that we will be there to support WPI just as alumni were there 100 years ago to enhance the campus with Alumni Gym. Looking ahead to summer (and nicer weather), be sure to block out Alumni Week- end 2015 on May 28–31. Classes ending in 0 and 5 will have reunion activities, and we will honor 10 alumni for their professional achievements and service to WPI: Philip Ryan '65, Joseph Adams '75, Laurence Jones '75, Robert Martin '75, Michael Aghajanian '80, Jason Anderson '95, James Giza '95, Joseph Santos '95, William Herbert '05, and Michael Ferro '10. But Alumni Weekend isn't just about get- ting alumni back for reunion years. The Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Alumni Relations staff are hard at work to broaden the offerings with the addition of a "reunion college" to help upcoming reunion planning committees better plan their activi- ties, as well as a volunteer expo where alumni can learn frsthand about the opportunities to give back to their alma mater. More details on both of these programs will be out shortly, but more important, the room blocks are ready! With best wishes, Myles Walton '97 the view from the hill From the Alumni Association President housing with the construction in 1958 of Morgan Hall, the school's second dormi- tory, complete with cafeteria and private dining halls. From campus to classroom impact, Paul S. Morgan rallied family members in 2010 to endow the Morgan Center for Teaching and Learning, which supports new teach- ing innovations and enhances teaching effectiveness at all levels of a WPI educa- tion. Modeled after Harvard's Derek Bok Center, the Morgan Center is helping WPI professors meet the challenge of prepar- ing the next generation of engineers, scientists, and industry leaders. It's a cause Charles Hill Morgan would have champi- oned in his own day. As the ffth generation of Morgan trust- ees, Philip Morgan has extended his term as trustee beyond traditional limits. He has remained involved, he said, both out of respect for his family's legacy and with excitement about the university's future prospects. "This place is doing tremen- dous work," he said. "We're in the sweet spot for what the United States needs. It's rewarding to be a part of it." When Philip's term ends this spring, his younger brother, Daniel, will pick up where he left off as a WPI trustee. And in the future? "I would love it if there were six generations of Morgans to serve and contribute to WPI," said Philip. As Peter said, with a smile, "You really can't separate the family from WPI." — Allison Chisolm