This Special Place: A Celebration to Honor Paul and Priscilla Gray

[MUSIC PLAYING]

VEST: It is my great pleasure and privilege to welcome all of the friends who have come this evening to this special place to salute Paul and Priscilla Gray. Several people will be speaking at different points throughout the evening. I will not take time to introduce each and every one. Their names are in your programs.

However, there are a few very special guests that I would like to introduce to you now. You're joined this evening by three of Paul and Priscilla's four children-- Virginia Army, Andrew Gray, and Amy Sluyter and their families. Daughter Louise and family are missing this evening, but we think they have a quite good reason. Louise just delivered Paul and Priscilla's 12th grandchild, a little girl, last Monday.

I also want to note the presence of Priscilla's sisters and their husbands, Martha and Richard Martin, and Cynthia and Lois [? Schuler. ?] Their good friends Jim and Gladys Taylor have traveled from Texas to be with us this evening. And all the way from Japan, we are joined this evening by our dear friend Michiko [? Mitri, ?] and also, her daughter [? Yumiko ?] who currently is a student in the Sloan School. Welcome to all of you.

Tonight, we are gathered to think about the unthinkable, Paul Gray leaving the formal administration of MIT. In the rich history of this institution, no one has so graced or so personified this institution as Paul and Priscilla. Their images abound in the MIT museum, photographed as graduate students in the 1950s, gathered around Doc Edgerton's piano, singing with their fellow students, in the oft-published photograph of Paul, seated on the bench in Killian Court, jut-jawed, determined; in their formal portrait which hangs in the president's house, in person, spied from behind, strolling hand in hand in the morning toward McDermott Court along the walkway, which now has officially been designated Gray Way.

Is Paul the image of MIT, or is MIT the image of Paul? Both, I suppose. Indeed, he personifies our institution-- integrity, loyalty, tenacity, and, of course, his championing of our meritocracy. How fortunate we all are for Paul and Priscilla's many years of dedicated service to MIT.

We have heard this afternoon, and we'll hear further this evening, how many have interacted with Paul and Priscilla as students, faculty, staff, friends, trustees, and administrative colleagues. I speak from yet another vantage point, that of his successor president. I count no privilege of this office of which I am honored to serve higher than that of having Paul as a counselor, guide, and friend. His values bolster me, his dedication to service inspires me, his perspective enlightens me, his optimism sustains me, his understanding calms me. His gallows humor tells me he understands.

Consider the time not too long ago during a memorial service for a valued colleague when, undoubtedly, with images of financial pressures, public mistrust, and sundry problems of present-day federal university interactions in his mind, Paul leaned over, tapped me on the shoulder and said, wouldn't it have been great to be president of MIT in 1956? I knew what he meant.

Groucho Marx once said that he wouldn't want to join any club that would have him as a member. Well, Paul and Priscilla, Becky and I are humbled and privileged to be part of a very special club for which you have set the tone and into which you have so graciously initiated us. Thank you.

PRESENTER: I'm never quite tall enough. The Lord be with you. Let us pray.

Gracious and loving God, you hold all our times and all our souls in your gentle hands. You number our days and the hairs on our heads. Be present with us this evening Lord, God, as we gather to remember, celebrate, and give thanks for all that Paul and Priscilla are and all that they have achieved in their many years of selfless service and faithful devotion to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

We remember with gratitude tonight all the gifts of skill, time, energy, talent, and commitment which my parents have shared with this special and unique community. We celebrate and honor tonight what Paul and Priscilla have been moved to give of themselves, their very substance, the blessing that they are to so many people of such diverse interests and backgrounds.

Most of all, Lord, God, I give thanks for the deep generosity, profound integrity, and thorough decency of my remarkable parents. I am thankful for their countless small acts of kindness, their unwavering insight and understanding, and for their faithful love and loyalty in raising their four children, in accepting and unfolding their children's spouses, and their shepherding of their 12 grandchildren, and in their nurturing of so many persons encountered through this extraordinary school.

Paul and Priscilla have touched the lives and the souls of countless people and have been motivated by an abiding sense of responsibility, hospitality, compassion, and faith. They have been colleagues, companions, friends, and mentors to so many. And so ministering, Lord, God, Paul and Priscilla have served your own holy purposes and healing vision of what it means to be a neighbor, and what it means to live in fellowship with you and with all those whom we meet along the way.

And so Lord, God, tonight, we join with Paul and Priscilla in welcoming whatever lies ahead, even as we affirm all that has brought them to this special time and place. Be with my parents as they face the inevitable changes and chances of this mortal life, as they discover new ways of being, and of serving, and enjoying MIT and their family and friends.

Because we know Lord, God, that nothing good is ever accomplished in this life without struggle and sacrifice, we commend to your care and keeping tonight all the disappointments that come from being a person, all the hindrances, all the forgotten things, all the moments of sadness and frustration. We commit to your care and keeping all the joy and beauty your grace confers, the love, the delights, the achievements, the accomplishments, the hopes, and the gladness. We commit into your care and keeping all that Paul and Priscilla have done for us and all that we have done for them. We commit my parents, Lord, God, to your shepherding, to your healing and renewing, to your calling and making, to your generous and unfailing love.

Bless this food, and this company, and this celebration to our use and us to your faithful service. May, you, Lord, God of all, be near us to defend us, within us to refresh us, around us to preserve us, before us to guide us, behind us to justify us, and above us to bless us, for you create, redeem, and sustain us all. And God's people said, Amen.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

MUELLER: My name is Carl Mueller, and I am an emeritus member of the corporation. A few years short of 20 years ago, two decades ago, I had the great honor and privilege to get in touch with Paul Gray on behalf of a presidential search committee of the corporation. And it really was a great honor and privilege for me. And my job was to see if he would accept the proposition that we wanted to nominate him as president of MIT. And as the saying goes, after that, it's all history.

Tonight, we are met on the eve of their departure from the main stage for retirement. The occasion is all the sweeter because their performance over these many years has been nothing short of superb. And that superb performance, as many of us have long observed, was engineered by a heartwarming, close-knit partnership of two people.

I used to watch that partnership in action, first in the presidency, and then in the chairmanship. And I must confess to you that I had one of my more surreal thoughts as I watch them in action. I used to think that the Gray wedding ceremony must have had a couple of extra vowels put in there in which MIT received very prominent and positive mention.

Paul and Priscilla, the extraordinary high quality and integrity of the leadership which you have brought to this special place has earned you the admiration, the appreciation, and the abiding affection of all of us. As you sail into the tranquil waters of retirement, you have our best wishes. Godspeed. Thank you.

STRATTON: I'm just so delighted to have a chance to wish a toast and give a toast to Paul and Priscilla, who have been lifelong friends. To Paul, for his years of brilliant leadership and dedication to MIT, but especially for his foresight and good taste in marrying Priscilla King.

And to you Priscilla, everyone would like to have the qualities of being a president's wife, which you need. But you're especially endowed. You've been a diplomatic sounding board for your spouse, while not taking positions, and yet, being firm. You've been smiling and gracious as you said goodbye to those 9,099 guests that you entertain every year, and yet dying to kick off your shoes.

You have remained calm and totally poise when, during a formal dinner at the president's house, a rat ran through the open window. I couldn't believe it when I heard it. And now, as president's wife, you have priorities to make every day-- what to do. Family first, Emergencies first? Students first? But you've always managed to make the right choice.

Well, Priscilla, you do have all of these qualities, plus the fact that you have an absolutely superb sense of humor and a proven devotion to MIT in all of its parts, and all through this, a strong sense of yourself. I have felt always that your purpose in life was always to be there when you were needed. And by, God, for you, always were.

But I have to tell you something. I have to tell you that Priscilla has real grit and is a very quick thinker. One day, she was walking down the street and was accosted by a student with a knife who demanded her purse. She gave it to him right across the head. And then he said, lady, what do you have in that purse?

A bus stopped, which was going by and-- rather, saw the situation and stopped. And Priscilla climbed in without a glance, without another word. And I just think that shows something about Priscilla. So I give you two equally great people, but one who's just a tiny bit more equal.

MARTINEZ: Boy, is she a tough act to follow. My name is Lissa Martinez, and I'd like to introduce you to my husband, Brian Hughes, which is why we're up here together.

Well, as with everybody in this room, we were students for four years. But we're alumni forever. And you become a part of the MIT community.

Somewhere along the line, that community sense grows until you feel like you're part of an extended family. And one of the things that holds a family together is a sense of duty, a willingness to take up a task that brings only its own satisfactions as a reward. And at MIT, when duty calls, it's usually Paul and the other end of the phone.

In 1992, Paul called and asked me if I would testify on behalf of the Institute in the Overlap trial. In case you forget, it was MIT that stood alone against the Justice Department's claims that the awarding of financial aid was a commercial activity subject to antitrust regulation. Well, I was proud to say "yes" when Paul requested that assistance. Thanks, Paul. I appreciate the opportunity.

HUGHES: I'm going to speak about another call, and a more personal call that really wasn't on behalf of the Institute, but it's something that made a real difference as part of the family. Last summer, we moved to San Antonio. 10 days after the move, I fell headfirst onto a brick patio. As you can see, all the King's horses and all the King's men did a wonderful job of putting me back together again. There is now enough titanium in me to open up a small aerospace part shop. And no, before you ask, I do not set off the metal detectors in airports.

10 days after the fall, I returned home to begin the slow process of recovery. There was fear mixed with hope and joy on returning home. As you can imagine, I was focused inward, focused on regaining my health, focused on regaining my strength.

Well, one afternoon, Paul and Priscilla called. We talked. Priscilla told me about Paul's annual chimney cleaning at their home in Rhode Island. I suggested they hire a professional.

That call, their simple kindness, broke through my inward focus and started the process of reconnecting me to the rest of the world and reconnecting me to the Institute's family. Priscilla, Paul, your kindness did more for me than you know. Thank you.

So I would like to salute these two kind and special people who bring such grace to this special place. Thank you.

MANN: I'm Bob Mann, ME class of 1950. As we all do, or should know, beside every good man stands a good woman. For Paul, that's Priscilla.

My assignment was to compliment the tributes paid to Paul by focusing my toast on Priscilla, the other half of this special couple. The task, of course, is made easy by the ubiquitous presence of Priscilla in this special place for, now, over four decades, and the warm enduring memories she has etched on all our minds as she participated with her husband and family in so many aspects of the life of the Institute.

We all have special remembrances. I recall several of mine. During Paul's presidency, the way Priscilla remade 111 Memorial Drive, that we all just came from, into a real family home and invited the MIT family into it-- student receptions, Christmas parties, women's leagues' events, and the gracious dinner party that Priscilla put on for all the graduating seniors, part of the process of introducing them to their imminent status as alumni and alumni themselves.

I got the opportunity to serve directly with Priscilla when she and Dean of Students Affairs, Shirley, McBay invade me into becoming inaugural co-chair with Priscilla of the steering committee of the new MIT Public Service Center in 1988. PSC has come the recognized umbrella-service organization incorporating existing groups and providing a focal point for volunteerism at MIT.

Monthly at our meetings and in-between, under Priscilla's thoughtful guidance, the otherwise all-student steering committee reported on their own group's accomplishments and brainstormed new ways of engaging more MIT students in the self-rewarding efforts that accrue from helping others as they devised novel ways to outreach to Cambridge and Boston youth, and other community-service organizations, develop new IAP-- for those of you who are not code sensitive, that's the independent activities period in January offerings-- and engaged in the never-ending task of finding financial support.

This made possible IAP and summer fellowships for public-service work undertaken by students and sanctioned by local charities, which makes this a good time to note that the need for financial support for PSC persists. Raising an endowment through the PSC fund in appreciation of Priscilla nicely complements the ongoing UROP fund to recognize Paul.

In a real way, while UROP inaugurates the MIT student into early involvement in research, PSC introduces the MIT student into what we all hope will be a lifelong commitment to those others in need. So probably the best way to salute Paul is also to salute honorary alumna Priscilla King Gray '77. Here. Here. I don't know where the glasses. You have them.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

D'ARBELOFF: Good evening. Paul and I came here tonight after long journeys along very different routes. Paul decided to pursue an academic career, while I chose the business world. So back in the early '60s, when I was trying to learn all about testing transistors, Paul was writing textbooks on transistors and working as a consultant to a New England-based semiconductor company. Paul's decision and his subsequent career was wonderful for students, but less wonderful for the semiconductor industry, which lost out on his considerable talents and energy.

Think of what might have happened had Paul chosen a business career. We could have had a powerful semiconductor company in our own backyard. Let's say, an Intel East. Silicon Valley might have grown up around Boston, and all that semiconductor money that now flows into Stanford and Berkeley could be flowing into Cambridge. My company, Teradyne, would have had a major customer next door. I could have been home more.

Paul, let's face it. We missed out. But hold on. Maybe I'm getting carried away.

Where MIT have found a leader for the '80s. Paul and MIT were made for each other. Where would I find a mentor and a supporter for the job that I'm going to tackle? Alex, be grateful for the way things turned out.

Paul, I consider it an honor to follow in your footsteps as chairman. I wish you and Priscilla a long and happy next chapter in your already illustrious life. Thank you.

D'ARBELOFF: When I said I'd talk, I didn't realize they were going to blow me up like that. I have a confession. I hated MIT when I went here. I missed my engineering buddies, the easy access to the professors, the constant exchange of information, the California sun.

Of course, to be fair to MIT, at Stanford, I was an undergraduate living on campus pre-Sputnik. And at MIT, I darted over to take classes in the midst of what was essentially a building site. I was in no mood to be fair.

Once I finished my degree, I avoided MIT, even though we lived right across the river. When Alex joined the corporation, I thought, whatever. Just don't get me involved. It was Priscilla who pulled me in.

I kept getting invitations from her to hear members of the MIT community while Alex met with the corporation. Well, I thought, the first time, she hooked me. Just this once.

The wind from the Charles was as unpleasant as it had been 30 years before. Welcoming me to her home, she placed a cup of hot cider into my frozen hand, and as I warmed, introduced me to a number of interesting women-- wives of MIT professors, administrators, and corporation members. We then heard a marvelous presentation by someone connected with MIT.

That first time, it may have been Phillip [? Coorey ?] or [? Alan ?] [? Leichtman. ?] I kept coming back. Every visit opened another fascinating aspect of life at MIT. Most had been added since I left, but some had always been there. I had been too shell-shocked to notice.

I began to realize that although MIT is greater than the sum of its parts, its parts are individually spectacular. By the time Alex was offered the chairmanship, I was enthusiastic. I still have a lot to learn. Priscilla makes it look so easy, but I suspect it isn't. I'm going to need advice, and I know where to find you.

Thank you, Priscilla. You can run, but you can't hide.

JOHNSON: I'm Betty Johnson, and I would like to salute Priscilla Gray as one who excels in many things-- being a copartner to Paul, as a mother, a fabulous grandmother, and also, an artist and a teacher in the field of needlework. You are really a tough act to proceed.

And I know where of I speak because I have known and worked with Margaret Compton, [? Luce ?] [? Killian, ?] Kay Stratton, and Laya Wiesner, whom we wish could be here this evening, and all of whom have done so much for this Institute. So we all wish you many years of happiness, good health, and good grandmothering to your gang.

JOHNSON: It's a distinct privilege for Betty and me to join in this farewell salute to Paul and Priscilla. As they move to a new chapter in their lives at MIT, this is not the first time that we have said farewell and toasted Paul's departure from a post at MIT. We savor the long goodbyes at MIT. We like the time-consuming farewells. We never let anyone go.

I remind myself that it all started with Paul in the administration some-- almost, not quite-- almost 30 years ago, when I asked for his help in the administration at a critical time. And he began on his magnificent career of leadership in the administration. Those were the halcyon days of 1969 and 1970. Some of you are old enough to remember those days.

The administration was shorthanded in those times. President Vest, I have to tell you we were very lean in those days in the administration. We had too many fronts and not enough backs. And we talked it over about some major help, talked it over with my closest colleagues, Jerry Wiesner, and Walter Rosenblith Ken [? Wadley, ?] [? Constine ?] [? Simididis. ?]

We thought we had to have somebody strong and resolute to support the provost. We found a wonderful candidate. Unfortunately, she couldn't accept. Thank you.

We did find Paul. We did consider others. We thought about some other rising stars in the faculty-- Bob Solow, John Deutch, David Baltimore-- and isn't it grand that David had steady work once again-- and we're hoping that John can link up someplace here-- and others. But we finally asked Paul. And fortunately, God bless him, he said yes. And he embarked on a career that has been one of the most illustrious at this institution.

As I've said, we've had other farewells for Paul and Priscilla from time to time. When he completed his service as associate provost, I think we had a tea in the late afternoon. And then he did a great job and as dean of engineering. We had a kind of-- as I remember it, Priscilla, we had a kind of a potluck supper, didn't we?

And then he did a magnificent job i8n the idea that Karl worked up of a chancellor. Only one other it held that spot. Jay had held it earlier. But Paul held that position very distinguished. And we had a great farewell there. I think it was a-- we must have had dinner for 15 or 20 people then.

And then, of course, the presidency, here in this very room. And you remember that. There was Paul in that back panel, that little boy. And he progressed up here.

The problem with this, Paul, is that all that time, you and I were getting older. So we are ready to say goodbye once again, but not quite. It won't end.

Paul, there is a certain wonderful, bittersweet quality that you will find about going from, who's who to who's he? I think it was Bob-- a number of people here-- there are a number of people here who have gone through that same process in their own lives, I think.

It was Bob Bishop, who may be he's still here tonight, but he tends to go to bed earlier these days, who told me about Sarah Bernhartdt's farewell on the American stage-- the great actress. And as I understand it, she started out to give one farewell tour, but it was so successful that there are many. And they ads would say, "one last time." And it went on and on. And I think Bishop probably was witness to all that.

But we say here tonight, each of us in our own way, as you've already heard, bless you, Paul and Priscilla. Your immense contributions to this Institute, both of you together and separately, your constancy your commitment to this place to our students and our faculty, your sure and solid quality under pressure, your buoyancy in the face of dismay, you filled all the assignments superbly and now we say goodbye to you as chairman.

We wish you well. We know you will have a great time as you move forward to a somewhat different but still MIT-centered world. And we look forward to other luminous and shimmering farewells.

ARENSON: I'm Karen Aronson. I was a student here during the halcyon days that Howard just was referring to. This is the second weekend in a row that I've had the good fortune to visit with some of my MIT friends. Last weekend was the bar mitzvah of my daughter, and a number of our MIT friends joined us in New York for that.

And there we were sitting in a ballroom a little bit like this one, sitting and telling Paul and Priscilla Gray stories. It was very relaxing. And I can't resist sharing one of those stories with you tonight that I think captures the spirit.

Two of our classmates, both of them in Course 6, and both former students of Paul's, have a daughter, Rebecca, who's a senior in high school now. She had never shown a whole lot of interest in MIT, but last fall, she began to consider it. So they sent off a note to Paul asking if Rebecca might stop by when she came to tour the campus. The reply came back, of course. Have her call my office.

Not only did Paul take the time to chat with Rebecca when she came up here, but he spent the whole morning taking her around to classes, sitting with her, introducing to people, and showing her around the Institute. She went home floating. And, of course, she'll be here in September, one more member of the extended Gray family.

Membership in that family is something I'm reminded of every time I come back to the Institute. I can expect a big, warm hug from Paul and a big, warm hug from Priscilla. And we compare notes about family, and about life, and careers.

So tonight, I'd like to salute two of the most caring people who've nurtured many people and the values on this campus and for so many years have set the tone and the direction for MIT, making it the special place that it is. Paul and Priscilla, much happiness to both of you in the years ahead. And may your family never stop growing.

WEEDON: Good evening. I'm Reid Weedon of the class of '41. And it's a real privilege to be here tonight, and I have a special message for Paul. In case he thinks that the book of retirement has a chapter in it that says, you've ceased fundraising, he's wrong.

I know that each of you can cite many instances of the contributions that Paul and Priscilla have made to this special place. They will both the remembered for all of these. When MIT, specifically, my classmate Karl Mueller and his committee, were looking for a successor for Jerry Wiesner, Paul came to my home one evening and said, that's a job I really want. We talked about the kinds of demands that the job would make not just on him, but also, on Priscilla because as we all know, it's a joint undertaking. But he said, they understood this and still wanted the job.

Barbara and I have had the privilege of knowing Paul's family-- Paul and Priscilla's family. And I just want to salute both of them tonight for the excellent job that they have done in bringing up a fine and happy family in the face of all the challenges at MIT.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

DREYFOOS: I'm Alex Dreyfoos. During the campaign for the future, we heard much about what a great class the class of '41 was. I think it's time to acknowledge that the class of '54 hasn't done too badly either. We might even note that some of the good guys actually lived in fraternity houses. Yes, Paul and I were in the same class, but we really only got to know each other during Jerry's presidency, and it's been a wonderful two decades of friendship.

Unfortunately, I was in China during your inauguration, Paul. And I'm honored to be with you and Priscilla tonight.

The previous speakers have talked of Paul's many attributes to all of which I say, hear, hear. But there's another side of the coin that is perhaps even more important. I believe that over the years, Paul and Priscilla have defined the meeting of the phrase "the MIT family." One of the best ways to see that definition in action is to walk the length of the infinite Carter with Paul. When the hall is crowded with changing classes, countless faculty, staff, and students are greeted by name, knowledgeably asked about the health of a spouse or a child, or asked how a vacation was enjoyed, and Paul will know where they vacationed.

To this day, I haven't figured out how he stays so informed. But believe me. He does. If later in the day, you have the good fortune to have a quiet dinner with Priscilla and Paul, Paul will tell Priscilla of each of these chance meetings, and plans will be made to call, stop by, and see, or provide some assistance to those in need.

I feel certain that this genuine caring that Priscilla and Paul have heaped on MIT these many decades have played a major role in giving this very diverse institution its feeling of family. Priscilla and Paul, may you both have the good health to continue such wonderful ministering. Thank you.

SLUYTER: I'd like to say that these two people are very special grandparents. And every year, they invite all the grandchildren that are over 9 to come to the MIT Day Camp. And at least once or twice after dinner, we have watermelon for dessert. And we have watermelon seed bites. And Papa is the one that can throw a seed the most accurate, the fastest.

The ones he throws usually ends up on people's faces, stuck on their cheeks or noses. And at camp, we have a lot of fun.

And Priscilla, last year, was at camp with me. She's my cousin. And my sister Stephanie would have gone to camp this year with me, but we're going to the British Isles. So we're not going to be there this year. It'll just be Priscilla.

BOVIN: I've just violated the first rule of public speaking-- never follow the grandchildren. Good evening. I'm Dennis Bovin. And here we are in this special place at this special time. And here I am, one of the last speakers just before dessert, having to follow Carolyn, and Priscilla, and Stephanie, and be sandwiched between the towering figures of Alex Dreyfoos. An outstanding entrepreneur and philanthropist, and the distinguished John Deutch, Institute Professor, former Deputy Secretary of Defense, former director of Central Intelligence. I now personally understand Howard's admonition of, who's he?

There is nothing gray about Paul and Priscilla Gray. They are individuals of luminescent colors, bright beacons of wisdom, accomplishment, friendship, and humanity. MIT is a world-class organism with great pride, great achievements, and a formidable institutional memory. No one person or even one extraordinary couple can ever change it alone. But there should be no doubt, MIT is a better place today, it has been irrevocably improved because Paul and Priscilla have been here.

In many ways, the analogy of MIT to a raft in a fast-flowing river has always appealed to me. Once here, you quickly realize that you are surrounded by currents much larger than yourself, and you learn to paddle together with others. But every raft needs a guide, someone who keeps the paddlers together and looks ahead to find opportunities and risks in the river. That's leadership. And that is what Paul, assisted by Priscilla, did and does so well.

I first met Paul when he was my professor in a key electrical-engineering course. And as an aside, a story that I'm sure Paul doesn't know, I knew Paul was a great teacher because I asked one of my fraternity brothers about him, and he enthusiastically, if inaccurately, informed me that, Professor Gray is terrific. Every one of his lectures is better than the next. He became a doctor.

I met Priscilla at about that time, but I came to more fully appreciate and respect her many years later, when I came to know of her dedicated and largely unsung work as a volunteer at Boston Children's Hospital. Since those early meetings, we have shared many good and some difficult times together. But to most of us, Paul and Priscilla are, and were, and will continue to be MIT.

Paul, your inclusive style, your powerful intellect, your acuity, your ability, and your empathy all contributed to put a human face on MIT. We look at today's celebration not as an end, but as a new beginning. And we look forward to having you and Priscilla as leading lights of MIT for many years to come. Thank you.

Priscilla, Priscilla, I have a secret I want to tell you. I think our friends here have missed an important quality about Paul Gray. He's just a hell of a good-looking guy.

Chuck Vest said something about the jutting jaw, which I think misses that unbelievable quality that he has as a man, kind of a combination of Gary Cooper and Albert Einstein, so much more attractive than some of those who have preceded him. What's the name of that guy who was talking about me earlier? Howard Johnson.

DEUTCH: When did I first know and recognize that Paul Gray was a serious person? I remember the moment precisely. We were on the squash court, and I served the ball up. And as I usually do, I went right to the center the so-called T of the squash court, darted there, as I normally do. Boom! I found myself sitting on my fanny on the ground. Paul had gotten there first. That was the moment I knew I was dealing with a very serious person.

I studied his game, and I realized that he had one weakness. And that has to do with the calling of lets. That is contested shots when an individual can say, you were in my way, you you're not supposed to be, let's take the shot over again. Paul was scrupulously fair about calling lets. Needless to say, I didn't suffer from that weakness. And we formed a very strong, and I might say "physical" game on that squash court.

Well, I worked for Paul for many years, first as dean of science and then as provost. And I cannot tell you how much good fortune it is to me having, actually, twice in my life, been deputies to two men who I respect and regard more than anything else the world. One is Paul Gray, the others Bill Perry, more recently in the Department of Defense. But I can only try and summarize the closeness that we formed becoming as president and provost with one brief story.

There was a tenure case that came up some time three or four years into the time that we served together. And we spoke about it late one evening. And Paul and I were on different sides of this tenure case, whether it should go forward or not. I've actually forgotten which side we were each on. Or in fact, I've even forgotten the case.

But what I remember with startling clarity is the next morning, walking into his office and saying, Paul, I've thought about the character of your arguments, and I've changed your mind. You're right.

And Paul, replied, well, John, I've thought about the character of your arguments, and I've changed my mind. You're right. We were on the opposite sides once again.

So I thank you both. I thank you both for, not only the contribution to this great institution, I thank you both for your friendship and your closeness to me and what you've given me.

There is really a benefit to having Paul step down from his formal duties. And that's the one thought, Priscilla and Paul, that I want to leave with you. It will leave more time for both of you to have time with your friends, like Pat and myself, and we look forward to spending time with you from now on even more. Thank you very much.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[MUSIC PLAYING]

(SINGING) Oh, here's to Dr. Gray, and let us state right off the bat that he is much admired by all as is his furry hat, because he is well respected both by seniors and by [INAUDIBLE]. But please watch out if you decide to take him on his bus. Hoo-rah for the Grays [INAUDIBLE], the mighty delighty Grays.

Oh, come [INAUDIBLE] jolly good fellows know, we're really not ready to go. And cheers for Mrs. Gray whose warmth is legend in this place. To those in need, she reaches out with thoughtfulness and grace.

So don't pretend you're freezing lest you wind up steeped in guilt. For on the spot, she just might make for you a patchwork quilt. La, la, la, la, la, la, la. La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.

So here's to two whose presence gives to us a unique right. A Gray day here means, look outside. The sun is shining bright. Their contributions simply are too numerous to count. So we'll just say perhaps it's best if we forget them not.

VEST: It is my distinct pleasure and great honor to present the final toast of the evening to Paul and Priscilla.

GRAY: Thank you.

VEST: In doing so, I would like to ask all of Paul and Priscilla's friends to stand, to raise a glass. Priscilla and Paul, for your love of and dedication to the students, faculty, staff, alumni, alumnae, and friends of MIT, for your mentorship of all of us, and for your many years of loyal service to this very special place, we salute you and thank you.

CROWD: Cheers.

VEST: We have a gift for you this evening. You all may be seated. I'm sorry. I may enjoy standing actually. This is a gift from your extended MIT family, faculty, staff, alumni, alumnae, and other friends, this silk box-- and I won't take it apart because it's rather heavy-- houses two books. One is a book of greetings from many of your friends, some who are here tonight, and many others who could not be here with us this evening. The other book is called a do-si-do book, a book of two sides, one for each of you.

On one side, there is a tribute to you, Priscilla. It outlines the magnificent contributions that you have made to the Public Service Center and lists the friends and admirers who have contributed to the Priscilla King Gray endowment fund since it was established in your name in 1992.

Your abiding interest and caring support is an inspiration to all, and you are an extraordinary role model for the many, many hundreds of student volunteers who serve the Cambridge and MIT communities through the center. Again, we say thank you.

VEST: The other side of the book, as you might guess, is a tribute to Paul in honor of his vision and championing the establishment of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program at MIT nearly 30 years ago. Today, UROP is considered one of the cornerstones of an MIT-undergraduate education. And it is now a model for similar programs at other universities around the country.

This past winter, we established the Paul E. Gray Endowed fund for UROP. Paul, this fund seemed to us a perfect way to Mark and celebrate your extraordinary service to MIT over these many years. It permanently associates your name with the undergraduate education in general and with this wonderful program in particular.

You should know that we ask everyone at this party, as well as many other friends, to help build this new foundation for UROP. With the extraordinary help and leadership of Alex Dreyfoos and Brian Hughes in particular, we have made a great beginning.

The book lists over 1,000 faculty, staff, organizations, alumni and alumnae, from all generations who have made gifts totaling to date over $2.3 million for the Paul E. Gray Endowed fund.

Now, however, Alex and Brian have reminded me that the collections department is still open for business. Therefore, I should note that the books that are actually in the box are first editions. We are in the process of producing the second and final edition sometime after June 30. At that time, we will be able to list all of the gifts that have come in to both of your funds through this fiscal year. And we will include additional letters and messages which are still arriving from your friends all around the world.

This really is an extraordinary outpouring of affection and respect for both of you and for what you have given MIT. Now Paul and Priscilla, it's your turn to speak for yourselves. Please.

GRAY: It's with a very full heart that we say thank you. I've never seen Walker look more beautiful. And it's just wonderful to have you all here-- family, all of you family. I hope you look at the flowers down front. It's a little bit our beloved [INAUDIBLE] in Rhode Island brought to life at Walker Memorial.

This has been one of those evenings we never, never, never will forget. You must only believe a tiny bit of what you've heard.

I have to tell you a little story that I told the community on April 8, when we were all here together for another farewell celebration. Many years ago-- I won't tell you how many years ago-- I was a very green newcomer. I've spent all my adult life in this community, but I was new, and I was green. And I sat out there in the audience in this very wonderful hall at a party very much like this for Jim and Liz Killian. And I heard Liz Killian thank people for being the canvas of her sail. And I have to tell you that I thought that was a strange thing to say. But as I've grown older and a little bit wiser, I know exactly what she meant. You all are the canvas of our sails. Thank you.

GRAY: What to say-- our cups run over, and words fail. This has been an extraordinary evening. I must admit there were moments, as we sat out there, when we wondered, who in the world were they talking about?

It has been an extraordinary occasion, and we're grateful to each of you here tonight And with you, all those others whose names are recorded in that book who made gifts in support in the creation of this endowed fund which will support the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. That program, as most here know, was the result of the single-handed creativity, and tenacity, and perspective of an extraordinary woman who spent, more or less, 20 years of her adult life at MIT cut short by cancer. I speak, of course, of Margaret MacVicar.

It was she who created UROP-- no one else. Some folks may have supported her, but it was Margaret's initiative, and it was her vision, and that was her tenacity that made UROP an integral part of MIT. And the thought that you and others have joined together to create this marvelous endowment, the income from which will support in perpetuity generations of MIT women and men who want to engage in research activities under the supervision of a faculty member, for many, the most important part of their careers in which they learn how to cope with intellectual novelty, what to do when they find themselves at a point where no one else has been before and the intellectual landscape, that is an extraordinary, extraordinary creation, both UROP and this fund. And we're much indebted to all of you.

This afternoon, Priscilla and I were in the audience for a seminar, a symposium, led by Ros Williams, the Dean of Undergraduate Education, with eight-- including Ros-- eight participants, some students, and some faculty. And the question they were addressing was, what is it that makes MIT education special?

I found myself over the years referring almost unconsciously to MIT as a special place because it has, for me, indeed, been a special case, a special place, a kid who came here 47 years ago from suburban New Jersey to be provided here with the opportunity to do so much, and to be related to so many special people. I'm not sure when that thought of saying "MIT, this special place" occurred to me, but somewhere along the way, it did. And it began to be noticed, and I find it has become, in a way, the thought which motivates this evening and the seminar this afternoon.

And I must tell you tonight that, for me, there is little or no doubt, no doubt, about what it is that makes MIT a special place. It is the people who care about this institution and the people who spend their lives here, who study and work here and make MIT what it is. MIT is, in the end, only people. Facilities, equipment, history, ambition, resources-- all of those things simply support people. And it is people who make MIT what it is and who will carry MIT into the 21st century as an institution, an exemplar institution, of liberal education focused on science and technology.

And I want tonight to raise my glass and ask Priscilla to raise her glass to those people here tonight as representatives of all those tens of thousands of MIT men and women who are accountable for this special place. Hear, hear.

GRAY: Hear, hear.

GRAY: Can I go sit down?

[APPLAUSE]

GRAY: I think there ought to be a little PS. I think that, probably, you, the members of this MIT family, understand for us how blessed we were when Chuck and Becky Vest joined us in 1990. And I'd like to raise our glasses again to Chuck and Becky.

VEST: Now to end the evening, I would like to invite the Chorallaries back to lead all of us in singing, Arise all ye of MIT. The words, fortunately, are in your program.

[MUSIC - CHOIR, "ARISE ALL YE OF MIT]

(SINGING) Arise, all ye of MIT in loyal fellowship. The future beckons unto thee, and life is full and rich. Arise, and raise your glass on high. Tonight shall ever be a memory that will never die for ye of MIT.

Thy sons and daughters MIT return from far and wide and gather here once more to be renourished by thy side. And as we raise our glasses high to pledge our love for thee, we join all those of days gone by in praise of MIT.

VEST: Thank you all, and good night.