MIT alumni gathered in Houston on February 27–28 for a special weekend honoring the legacy of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, SM ’76, the late astronaut and MIT physicist whose life continues to inspire generations. The Ron McNair Dream Foundation hosted its annual gala at NASA Space Center Houston, with the MIT Alumni Association, Black Alumni of MIT (BAMIT), and the MIT Club of South Texas joining in the celebration.
The weekend opened with a Friday evening dinner organized jointly by the Alumni Association and the South Texas MIT Club—now celebrating its remarkable 100th anniversary. Alumni and friends met at a local Houston restaurant, where Patrick Gerdes ‘84 and his wife Lori Green, Al Tervalon ‘65 and his wife Sharon, and several MIT representatives gathered for an evening of connection, conversation, and Texas-sized hospitality. “It was a good attendance, really good food, and a great chance to meet the Southern Texas MIT Club members,” Gerdes shared.
Among the attendees was Professor Dan Hastings, former head of MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a longtime Institute leader. Hastings later presented a special Alumni Association award to Dr. McNair’s widow and the Dream Foundation, recognizing their continued work to uplift young people through STEM education and mentorship.
A Night Among Astronauts
Saturday’s gala at NASA Space Center Houston proved to be the centerpiece of the weekend. For many, it was their first time visiting the iconic facility. “The Visitor Center is an amazing place—quite impressive,” Gerdes said. “A great place to check out if you get a chance.”
The evening program stretched from 7 to 11 p.m., filled with tributes, reflections, and—true to gala tradition—plenty of speeches. Gerdes and his wife were seated with Professor Hastings and two recent MIT graduates from the Class of 2024, including Nicole Harris, whom Gerdes had first met at the Black Graduate Celebration two years earlier.
One of the most memorable aspects of the night was the presence of several Black astronauts. Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space, attended the event, along with former NASA Administrator Commander Charles Bolden and another astronaut whose mission had recently been rescheduled. “It was very exciting—we all got to hear from and see some of the current or recent Black astronauts,” Gerdes said.
In a small-world moment, Gerdes later learned that Dr. Jemison had attended Cornell Medical College just a year or two before his brother. His wife jokingly scolded him for not getting in line for a selfie—“the order of the day,” as he put it.
Texas Hospitality, MIT Connections
The weekend also offered lighter moments. In true Texas fashion, the gala dinner featured steak for nearly every attendee. “There was enough cow for everybody,” Gerdes laughed. As a non–meat eater, he was relieved to find that the vegetarian option was “very good.”
The gathering also provided opportunities for alumni across generations to connect. In addition to the Class of 2024 graduates, Gerdes spent time with Al Tervalon and his wife Sharon, as well as other members of the Houston-area MIT community. “It was cool—we got to meet each other's spouses and spend time together,” he said.
Photos from the weekend are expected to be shared soon, including those taken by Alumni Association staff members Kevin Wesley and Elise Perkins-Noel. Despite the long hours and the miles added to the drive, Gerdes summed up the experience simply: “It was an amazing event—but yeah, it was exhausting too. All good!
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