Two years came to an end like a bug stopped by a windshield. Does that analogy work? While the commencement ceremony itself went quick, the week of celebrations was long!
It started with the MBA convocation. Basically a ceremony only for the MBA's. This was followed by a fantastic reception at the Top of the Hub, the restaurant at the top of the tallest building in Boston. We had a beautiful night with a clear view of the MIT campus from above!
Then came the graduation ceremony. Graduates assembled at 8am for a ceremony that starts around 10-11am and finished around 2:30. The majority of the time was taken up by reciting every persons name. Even though the ceremony took a long time, it went by very quickly as I reflected on the two years while everyone else's names were read. It all culminated with a quick stroll, and hand shake, and the transfer of two degrees into my possession.
Entering Killian Court for Commencement
The view from my seat
After the ceremony, there was another MBA reception, followed by an LGO reception where we spent our last time together as a class. It was fun to meet the family that everyone has been talking about the past two years. It was also fun to discuss the extravagant travels plans both post commencement and later to go see each other in the far off places of the world (Thailand, South Korea, Puerto Rico to name a few).
The next night I stumbled upon the can't miss event of the 150 years. It was the 150th day of celebration of the 150 years of MIT. There was a casual invitation sent to the entire MIT community mentioning dessert, champagne, and fireworks. Upon arrival it was much more. This traditional view was lit up like I had never seen!What had been a beautiful setting for commencement had transformed into an upscale party with lights, live music, ice sculptures snacks, and open bars (typical MIT style)!
We enjoyed the atmosphere for a while, then set our spot for the fireworks!
Across the river, the Prudential Building (where the Top of the Hub restaurant hosted our previous MBA reception) had MIT 150 lit up in the windows, creating a perfect background for the impressive fireworks display.
A VERY surprising evening full of fun! There was so much going on, we somehow missed the 1000 lbs cake in the shape of MIT's campus. I think it would have put us over the edge anyways!
