The MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing recently marked a major milestone because it celebrated the completion and inauguration of its recent constructing on Vassar Street with a dedication ceremony.
Attended by members of the MIT community, distinguished guests, and supporters, the ceremony provided a chance to reflect on the transformative gift that initiated the largest change to MIT’s institutional structure in over 70 years. The gift, made by Stephen A. Schwarzman, the chair, CEO, and co-founder of Blackstone, certainly one of the world’s largest alternative investment firms, was the inspiration for establishing the school.
MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing Constructing Dedication
MIT President Sally Kornbluth told the audience that the “success of the MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing is a testament to Steve’s vision.” She identified that the brand new constructing — with capability for 50 computing research groups — will foster a remarkable confluence of data and cross-pollination of ideas. “The faculty will help MIT direct this expertise towards the largest challenges humanity now faces,” she added, “from the health of our species and our planet to the social, economic, and ethical implications of latest technologies.”
Expressing gratitude for the prospect to interact with MIT, Schwarzman remarked, “You don’t get many opportunities in life to take part in some minor technique to change the course of certainly one of the good technologies that’s going to affect people.”
Schwarzman said that his motivation for supporting the school stemmed partly from trips he had taken to China, where he witnessed increased investment in artificial intelligence. He became concerned that he didn’t see the identical level of development in the US and desired to be sure that the country could be at the forefront of AI. He also spoke in regards to the importance of advancing AI while prioritizing ethical considerations to mitigate potential risks.
He described his involvement with the school as “probably the most marvelous adventure” and shared how much he has enjoyed “meeting the fascinating people at MIT and learning about what you do here and the best way you’re thinking that.” He added: “You’re really making enormous changes for the advantage of society.”
Reflecting on the thought process during his tenure that culminated within the conceptualization of the school, MIT President Emeritus L. Rafael Reif recounted the conversations he had in regards to the idea with Schwarzman, whom he called a “perfect partner.” He detailed their collaborative efforts to remodel the vision into tangible reality and emphasized how Schwarzman has “an incredible ability to have a look at what appears to be a hopelessly complex situation and distill it to its essence quickly.”
After almost a 12 months of engaging in discussions with Schwarzman in addition to with members of MIT’s leadership and school, the Institute announced the formation of the MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing in October 2018.
To honor Schwarzman’s pivotal role in envisioning the school, Reif presented him with two gifts: A sketch of the early constructing concept by the architects and a photograph of the constructing lobby captured shortly after it opened in late January. “Thanks, Steve, for making all of this possible,” Reif said.
Appointed the inaugural dean of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing in 2019, Dan Huttenlocher, who can also be the Henry Ellis Warren Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, opened the festivities and spoke in regards to the constructing as a physical manifestation of the school’s three-fold mission: to advance the forefront of computing with fields across MIT; fortify core computer science and artificial intelligence leadership; and advance social, ethical, and policy dimensions of computing.
He also conveyed his appreciation to all those that spent countless hours on the planning, design, and construction of Constructing 45, including key partners in MIT Campus Construction and Campus Planning; Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; and Suffolk Construction.
“It fills me with immense satisfaction and pride to see the colourful activity of the MIT students, researchers, faculty, and staff who spend time on this constructing,” said Huttenlocher. “It’s really amazing to see this constructing come to life and turn out to be a resource for therefore many across the MIT campus and beyond.”
As well as, Huttenlocher thanked Anantha Chandrakasan, MIT chief innovation and strategy officer, dean of the School of Engineering, and the Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, for his early involvement with the school, and Asu Ozdaglar, deputy dean of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, for her leadership throughout the school’s development.
