Mark Epstein is passionate about the education he received at MIT and remains grateful for the foundation it provided. Mark received his SB in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in 1963 and the next year completed his SM, also at MIT. He then went on to receive his PhD in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University. Given Mark’s talent and achievements in science and engineering, many people are interested to learn that Mark has chosen to focus his support of the Institute at the MIT Museum.
Involved with various arts organizations, including the National Gallery of Art, Shakespeare Theatre and Studio Theatre, all in Washington, D.C., and a member of the Council for the Arts at MIT, Mark was drawn to the MIT Museum because it “represents a vision for MIT accessible to the all of the world.”
Indeed, the mission of the MIT Museum is to make research and innovation accessible to all. The museum collects and preserves artifacts that have been significant in the life of MIT. It also creates exhibitions, programs for youth and adults, all rooted in MIT’s areas of endeavor, and engages MIT faculty, staff, and students with the wider community. On a yearly basis, more than 140,000 people visit the museum and its galleries.
Epstein is a longtime supporter of the MIT Museum and Vice Chair of its advisory board. His involvement began in 1999, and during the last 15 years, he has been a generous donor to the museum’s capital projects and major exhibitions. In 2007 he made the lead gift to enable the museum’s expansion at 265 Massachusetts Avenue and the creation of The Mark R. Epstein Innovation Gallery.
In May 2015, MIT announced the naming of the Mark R. Epstein (Class of 1963) Director of the MIT Museum as the first endowed position in the museum. The directorship is held by John R. Durant, the incumbent, who is also an adjunct professor in the MIT Program in Science, Technology, and Society.
A senior vice president at Qualcomm since 1986, Mark is eager for the museum to take on its next endeavor: a move to Kendall Square, which is the heart of Cambridge’s innovation district. “The new location will better highlight the museum’s importance as part of the gateway to MIT, while increasing visibility within the Cambridge community. The new space will also provide a modern environment for the museum’s holdings, to better represent the Institute to the outside world.”
Mark feels it is an exciting opportunity and a special time in the life of the MIT Museum. “To others considering supporting the MIT Museum, I would say please join us. The MIT Museum advances a very important part of the Institute, supports key relationships with the local innovation community, and serves as a place to celebrate and discuss key achievements in science and technology, while constantly looking to the future.”
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For more information about the Museum and its work, visit mitmuseum.mit.edu