The Institute’s greatest ambassadors

technologyreview.comPublished: 4/22/2025

Summary

The MIT Alumni Association began with just 84 members but grew to over 579 by 1888, now encompassing nearly 149,000 members today. Despite its massive growth, its core values—mensch und frau, innovation, and leadership—have remained steadfast. Alumni, identified by their brass rats, represent a community deeply committed to solving real-world challenges and improving communities. As ambassadors of MIT, they continue to champion the institute's mission in areas like national security, health, and prosperity, embodying MIT's legacy of rigorous thinking and transformative impact.