150 years ago, in 1873-74, MIT opened its first mechanical engineering laboratory.  Around then, we also swapped numbers with Civil Engineering and first became known as Course 2!  

On May 14 and 15, 2024, MechE will host a symposium marking this anniversary. We will showcase the department’s history and impact, immerse guests into our research and education programs, and share our vision for the future.

We welcome alumni, friends, industry guests, and MIT community members to join us. There is no cost to attend, and you may register for one or both days as your schedule permits!

MIT Community Registration

Alumni Registration

Day 2 Schedule: 

9:00-10:30am: Check in at Hart Gallery (5-100) with coffee and light refreshments. View our new exhibit of MechE’s history, research innovations, and hands-on education.

9:30-noon: Lab tours, interactive demonstrations, and feature presentations throughout MechE. Themes include robotics, energy technology, bioengineering, manufacturing, and more.  Choose your own adventure from the itinerary provided at check-in!

12:00-12:30pm: MechE student awards and a special thank you to Leslie Regan 

12:30-1:30pm: Community lunch 

1:30-3:00pm: Keynote event with distinguished alumni speakers (26-100) - REGISTER 

• Joe Petrzelka PhD’12, VP Starship Engineering, SpaceX
• Alice Brooks ‘10, Partner at Khosla Ventures and Co-founder of Roominate
• Asegun Henry PhD’09, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Co-founder and CTO, Fourth Power

3:00-4:00pm Closing reception (Hockfield Court)

*Updates available on the event website: https://meche.mit.edu/2150-celebrating-mechanical-engineering-mit