From the Nominator

"To recognize, thank, and steward MIT’s top donors to the "Campaign for a Better World" who made gifts of more than $10 million, a number of dinners and informal gatherings were arranged with the president, chancellor for academic advancement, and vice president for resource development in spring 2022. At these intimate meetings and events, donors were presented with an MIT paperweight 3-D printed in bronze with the three letters “M,” “I,” and “T” shaped as an ambigram, an object that is intended or able to be oriented in either of two ways for viewing or reading. This gift was presented in special packaging with an insert describing the inspiration for the ambigram’s design by MIT engineering student Shayna Ahteck ‘23. These thank-you moments created a special opportunity for MIT leadership to convey gratitude to this transformational group of donors who were instrumental in helping MIT surpass its $6 billion campaign goal. The ambigram gift will serve as a memento, reminding our donors of MIT’s appreciation and the impact on students, faculty, and researchers they made through their philanthropic support to make a better MIT and a better world.    

Gift presentation included:  

- Custom-designed bronze 3D printed ambigram paperweight/sculpture.   

- Soft touch black clamshell box with magnetic closure and the MIT logo foil stamped on top, a riser inserted in the box for optimal presentation, and metallic bronze tissue.   

- Tri-fold insert with a quote from Shayna Ahteck describing the inspiration for the ambigram design, as well as images showing the different angles to see it."

From the Judges

Judges were impressed with this clever, memorable, and bespoke gift for high-end donors that met its objectives of serving as a treasured memento and reminder of the donors' connection with the institute as partners in a highly successful campaign. The incorporation of a student's artwork and reflections on how the design relates to their educational experiences and perspectives is a fitting way to further celebrate the extraordinary academic community of the institute. The sustainability factors are also commendable, with the student design iterated until the piece was produced in an innovative way with almost no waste for 3-D printing. This beautiful sculptural piece is truly a work of art and conversation starter that will have lasting significance and shelf life with the donors who received them. The packaging is thoughtful, elegant, and elevated with well-designed inserts and presentation talking points, which, together with the gift, offer a unique way to share an appreciation for the most generous benefactors of a remarkable and transformative campaign.