John has held many titles as an MIT club volunteer, including VP of Events, Board Chair, and even President of the Alumni Association. Learn more about John, including why he’s motivated to give back to MIT here

Why did you decide to volunteer with the MITCNC?

MITCNC Title & Track/Team *

1988-89 – VP Membership

1989-90 – VP Events

1990-92 – President

2006-2014 – Board chair

1990-present  Board member

See  “MIT alumni form the most creative, thoughtful, and proactive network of which I am privileged to be part,” says Chisholm. “Their ideas, plans, and achievements constantly energize and inspire me. Beyond that, alumni events and programs let us extend the intellectual growth and excitement we experienced at MIT throughout our lives.”

Finally, he advises young alumni, in particular, that volunteering can build skills: “Your regional club and class reunions are safe environments for developing leadership skills and discovering your management style. My long experience in alumni activities was key to the success of the companies I founded, for example. Any alum can enjoy these priceless resources and opportunities just by getting involved and volunteering.”

Tell us a bit about your role with the MITCNC. What are your responsibilities in this position?

My fellow board members and I, many of whom are former MITCNC officers, provide oversight and counsel to the MITCNC leadership team.  President Shuja Keen is doing an exemplary job and has assembled an outstanding team.  Delighted by the advances the club has made and continues to make in outreach and providing connections, life-long learning, and other services to our alumni community.

What exciting things can we expect to see from your area of focus in the coming months? (e.g., social events, speakers, etc.)

Especially excited by new initiatives to enable alumni to self-organize and connect with each other in an ad hoc fashion, for example, the program incentivizing alums who live or work in close proximity to each other to meet up for coffee.

Describe one of your most memorable MIT moments.

Serving as MIT Alumni Association president and chair, and getting to know so many accomplished, inspiring, passionate, and caring alumni and volunteers around the world, made FY2016 the best year of my life. Am particularly grateful to the volunteer leaders at two dozen MIT clubs around the world — from Atlanta to Jakarta, from London to Long Island, and from San Francisco to Sao Paolo — who welcomed me to into their clubs and affinity groups that year. Through many conversations, visits, reunions, and other events, you learn much about MIT, the world, and life, far expanding and enriching your perspectives.  It is an opportunity I will be forever grateful and that I wish every alum could experience.  For any MIT alumni volunteer, it is a goal worth aspiring to.