Dear Degree Candidates, Families and Guests:
As you know, at this year's Commencement Exercises we are privileged to host two speakers, Dr. David Ho and President Clinton. The President's participation will necessitate extra preparation and substantial changes in the way we usually do things, but we are making every effort to minimize disruptions and maintain smooth operations. Commencement is, after all, a celebration of an exceptional group of 2,500 graduates, who, together with their families and friends, are truly the day's honored guests.
For the many people involved in preparing and supporting this year's Commencement, this is an especially intense period. The logistics are daunting, particularly in light of the strict security measures required for a presidential visit in an open venue. Security arrangements will influence the schedule, access to Killian Court and surrounding areas, parking and so forth. We hope the information below will provide you with the necessary details to properly plan for your participation in this year's exercises.
MIT is accustomed to hosting world leaders, but this is the first time that a sitting President of the United States will address our graduating students. Above all, it is an opportunity of us to insure that all of our graduates and guests remember the 1998 Commencement Exercises as the best ever.
Sincerely yours,
Charles M. Vest
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on May 27, 1998.
