The entrepreneur, philanthropist, and engineer announces a new climate initiative and says the climate crisis “is unlike any other ever faced by humankind.”

“As you strive to hack the world, please try to heal the world, too,” Reif urges graduates.

Biochemist Squire Booker PhD ’94 urged MIT’s new doctoral graduates to give back to society.

Term members will each serve one or five years on MIT’s board of trustees.

During MIT’s 2019 Commencement exercises, former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg detailed plans for his new initiative aimed at tackling climate change. “This has gone from a scientific challenge to a political problem,” said Bloomberg, “and it’s time for everyone to recognize that climate change is the challenge of our time.”

“We practice,” says Sarah Gallop, co-director of the Office of Government and Community Relations, of how those who read graduates’ names diligently prepare to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly. “There is a magic sweet spot in the pace.”