This year, MIT celebrates the 50th anniversary of New House, a residence hall that has served as a hub of student community, cultural celebration, and traditions since its opening in 1975.
On September 20, members of the MIT community gathered in La Sala de Puerto Rico in the Stratton Student Center to mark the 50th anniversary of New House, a residence hall long recognized for its multicultural living groups and close-knit community. Students, alumni, faculty, and friends gathered for a luncheon and panel discussion that reflected on the house’s legacy and its ongoing role at MIT.
Origins and history
The idea for New House emerged from a 1973 Committee on Student Environment report, which recommended that the housing system provide “the maximum opportunity to find [a student’s] own individual lifestyle best suited to [their] temperament, needs and goals, and to encourage a maximum interaction among diverse students.” In response, MIT administrators envisioned a new housing model in which groups of 30 to 40 students could live in smaller residential communities, similar to the Institute’s independent living groups.
Designed by Sert, Jackson & Associates of Cambridge, architects responded to the Institute’s directive by developing a low-rise building of six distinct towers linked by an internal street at the ground level. Opened in 1975 and dedicated in October 1977, the “New West Campus Houses” accommodated approximately 50 students per distinct tower, housing a total of 300 students.
With a new building layout designed to foster close-knit communities, the existing French-German House in Maseeh Hall (previously known as Ashdown House) moved to New House and split into two distinct communities. Russian House in Burton-Conner was also encouraged to move to the new residence. Created to reinforce coursework and serve as an immersion program for students, these language houses provided students with opportunities to share traditions, meals, and languages. Given the New House’s distinct structure and destination for these groups, other similar communities developed, expanding beyond language to inclusive communities that invited interested students from all backgrounds to celebrate different cultures. This included Chocolate City, established in 1972, and Spanish House, established in 1979. iHouse and Juniper round out today’s existing culture houses, but other communities have developed their own tight-knit groupings, including House 3, House 4, and House 5 (Desmond). All MIT students have the opportunity to live in any of the communities in New House, regardless of their background, to share in the spirit and celebration each group embodies.
After a flood in 2016, the residence underwent a comprehensive renovation that updated the infrastructure and made a number of quality-of-life improvements. One improvement was the horizontal integration of all floors of the residence, allowing residents the opportunity to move between houses without first needing to go to the first-floor arcade. The new design also provided communities with the flexibility to assign rooms differently as house populations varied over time.
Community reflections
The anniversary program, emceed by David Kwabi-Addo ‘25, featured a history presentation by Vivian Hir ’25, who highlighted the residence’s founding principles and its evolution over the past five decades. Alumni in attendance frequently joined in, adding their own recollections in real time and creating a collaborative retelling of New House’s history.
A panel of alumni and current students reflected on the ways the residence shaped their MIT experience. Panelists included Daniel Halbert ’78, an alumnus of the French-German House; Stu Schmill ’86, now MIT’s dean of admissions; Javit Drake ’94; Joaquin Terrones ’99, currently associate head of house for East Campus; Christian Camacho ’27; and Paola Namphy ‘26, current New House president.
Schmill recalled that his years in New House were pivotal to his MIT journey. “I was randomly assigned to New House, and it turned out to be the most formative experience of my life at MIT,” he said. “It wasn’t the buildings or the classes — it was the people. My time there truly made MIT feel like home.”
Other panelists emphasized the residence’s multicultural environment and family-like atmosphere. Alumni spoke about traditions ranging from talent shows and intramural sports to holiday meals, while students described the enduring sense of support and community that they experienced.
After the luncheon in the Student Center, celebrants were invited back to the house for student-led dorm tours and a cake-cutting celebration that reenacted a photo from the residence’s opening celebration.
Vivian Hir leads a discussion on the history of New House.
Panelists prepare for their presentation on New House.
Former New House residents share old photos and eat lunch.
Event participants grab a bite to eat.
Current students recreate a photo of earlier New House residents taken during the building’s dedication (courtesy of Christian Cassamajor-Paul ’27 and the MIT Museum).
New House alums and students take a photo in front of the Stratton Student Center (courtesy of Benson Louie ’85).
A lasting role at MIT
For many, the 50th anniversary underscored how New House has maintained its defining character while adapting to new generations of students. Alumni spoke of lifelong friendships and connections that began in the residence, while current students expressed their commitment to sustaining its culture of inclusivity. “For more than five decades, you have created a spirit, a presence, unlike any other on the MIT campus,” remarked New House Head of House Wesley Harris, noting the hugs and handshakes from current and former residents. “Intellect and compassion are what you joined in a unique manner to generate a residential community whose spirit and substance are lasting. To observe that growth is the greatest reward.”
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Contact Sarah Foote from the Division of Student Life’s Communications Office at dsl-comm@mit.edu
