An all-MIT dance party celebrates the community as President Reif prepares to step down.
MIT News Office
On Saturday night, MIT came out to party.
An all-Institute dance party, organized by L. Rafael Reif as a thank you to the community as he approaches the conclusion of his tenure as MIT’s 17th president, was attended by thousands of students, staff, faculty, and their guests.
The festivities opened with a community café dinner, with refreshments available to party-goers all night long. Multiple locations across campus hosted dancing and music — from 60s, 70s, and 80s tunes at the Boardwalk Arcade in Rockwell Cage to an a cappella showcase by MIT student groups at the Johnson Ice Rink to live bands at Kresge Oval and the ice rink, playing jazz, reggae, salsa, R&B, and more. Meanwhile, Killian Court was transformed into a night club lounge and mega DJ show.
“Saturday evening on Killian Court, it was not clear how to squeeze even one more person on the dance floor,” Reif wrote to the community on Monday. “Chris and I went everywhere — the arcade, the spectacular a cappella showcase, the wonderful dancing tents. I’m grateful to all of you who were able to come and add your own joyful energy. And to every member of the enormous team that made this dream party come true for our community: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I could not have asked for a more delightful memory of the people of MIT.”
