Celebrating the MIT Classes of 2020 and 2021
To the Classes of 2020 and 2021,
I always love Commencement day because it gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our graduates’ achievements as they prepare to head out into the world beyond MIT. While the online ceremonies in spring 2020 and 2021 included the key moment of degree conferral, nothing compares to the pomp and circumstance of a gathering in the leafy embrace of Killian Court.
I am writing now to let you know about our plans to welcome you back to campus in the spring and gauge how many of you are likely to return.
On the morning of Saturday, May 28, 2022, we will honor the MIT Classes of 2020 and 2021 on Killian Court with a special ceremony: procession, reading of names as you walk across the stage in regalia and speeches (not too long, I promise). A luncheon reception for you and your guests will follow.
The ceremony will be a part of MIT Tech Reunions—an opportunity to catch up with old friends and make a few new ones—at events organized by the MIT Alumni Association, the weekend of May 27 to 29.
I know you have questions. We don’t have all the answers, but we will soon. We have posted an FAQ, and the MITAA will write to you in January with many more details. Also, while we are planning (and hoping) for the best in 2022, Covid-19 continues to require vigilance and flexibility. Yesterday, we provided an update on MIT’s response to the Omicron variant. We are carefully monitoring the situation and will, of course, keep you posted.
Please let us know if you plan to return to campus for the May 28 ceremony. Your answers are not binding. We simply hope to get a sense of how many of you are likely to attend.
We’ve missed you! And we can’t wait to welcome you home to MIT. I am already counting the days…
With excitement and anticipation,
L. Rafael Reif