About Us
Awards and Recreation Advisory Committee
Zesiger Member of the Month
Louise Elving
Our member of the month for the Zesiger Center is: Louise Elving. To learn more about this fitness superstar we asked her a few questions.
Fit: Where are you from originally?
Louise: I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan (another university town) but have lived in Cambridge since the early 1970s, so this is truly home. I came here to attend graduate school in MIT’s Department of Urban Studies & Planning.
Fit: How long have you two been working out?
Louise: I began working out about 8 years ago, and started working with a personal trainer at the Z Center about two years ago.
Fit: What, or who, is your inspiration for your dedication to health and fitness?
Louise: The Himalaya Mountains in India and Bhutan are my great inspiration. My husband and I have been going there annually to trek since 2004, and we hope to be able to keep returning. Their magnificent landscapes, traditional villages reachable only by hiking for 1 or 2 or 3 days, and the varied Hindu and Buddhist cultures in different Himalayan regions are all great attractions. The physical challenges are many: crossing glaciers, balancing on stepping stones or logs to cross icy mountain rivers without bridges, steep trails up to 15,000’ or 16,000’. But the rewards are endless.
Another inspiration is, importantly, keeping healthy and fit as I age. Learning how to do more kinds of strength training and exercise is also its own inspiration.
Alumni / Wang Member of the Month
Nina Davis-Millis
Where are you from originally?
Croton-on-Hudson, NY (a small town about an hour’s drive north of Manhattan)
How long have you been working out?
I was definitely a confirmed couch potato in my youth. Ironically, my husband has been a serious weight lifter for many years. One evening (and this was in the spring of 1987, since you asked!) he came home from the gym and said “Hey Nina, they started doing aerobics classes at the gym. I think you’d like it; it looks really dumb!” Despite that resounding recommendation, I did give it a try – and he was at least half right. I DID like it (but it’s NOT dumb!)
What, or who, is your inspiration(s)?
When it comes to fitness, I’ll have to say that my husband and our son are my inspirations. Both of them really care about staying in good shape and keeping a healthy lifestyle. I’m in so much better shape now than I was in my 20s, and their good example is a big part of that.
What are your fitness goals for the next 6 months? Year?
My goals are pretty modest. I work out at least twice a week; three times is even better. My goal is to keep to that schedule, 52 weeks a year, and to increase if I possibly can.
Lifetime Fitness Award
The DAPER Lifetime Fitness Award is an award which recognizes MIT members for their contributions, hard work and dedication to athletics, physical education and recreation. The criteria for this award include 20 years of involvement in personal fitness as a DAPER member and regular user and other various contributions to DAPER such as committees, teaching, assisting with teams, etc. MIT community makes nominations. To nominate an individual, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The award is given out at the Alumni and Zesiger Anniversary celebration.
Recipients:
2011- Bette Davis and Phil Alexander
Annual Awards
Aquatic Member of the Year
In recognition of dedication to the Aquatics program and contribution to the MIT Recreation. Presented annually, voted on by employees awarded at the Zesiger/Alumni Anniversary celebration.
2011 Recipient-Gordon MacFarland
Fitness Member of the Year
In recognition of contribution to MIT Recreation and dedication to health and wellness. Presented annually, voted on by employees and awarded at the Zesiger/Alumni Anniversary celebration.
2011 Recipient- Ronald Stoute
Eager Beaver of the Term
Points awarded for positive performance throughout the term. Employees vote for their preference which is added to their accumulated points for the term. The person to hold the most points is awarded.
Fitness
Brucen Mendelsohn
Congratulations Bruce Mendelsohn on earning the Eager Beaver for the Fall of 2011 term! Bruce’s energy and enthusiasm is contagious. He has earned a reputation at both fitness centers as a positive and motivational instructor. While Bruce may only be on staff as a cycling instructor, he has stepped up and helped with desk work, bike maintenance and even taught yoga on the spot! Bruce is an excellent representation of DAPER’s core values!
Member Services
Eric Jones
Congratulations, Eric Jones! Eric has been recognized by his peers and supervisors as the Fall semester Eager Beaver Award winner. He is known for creating a welcoming environment within the DAPER facilities for all patrons and co-workers who utilize the spaces and services. He is a fun loving, humble, results oriented team player who leads by example. Eric comes from a tradition of family members who have worked at MIT; both Eric’s mother and grandmother work for the University which demonstrate his commitment to MIT. Eric has recently transitioned to a Member Services cashier position and he has excelled in this position. In his free time he enjoys watching and playing basketball and working on cars. Congratulations, Eric and Thank You for your dedication to MIT Recreational Sports!
Recreation Advisory Committee
Members
| Tom Allen, Faculty James (JC) Cheng, Alumnus Rebecca (Becca) Hung, Alumnus Justin Kaderka, Grad Student |
Emily E. Brown, UG Student Steve Lyons, Friends of MIT Member Nikhil Savale, Grad student Todd Billings, Staff |
To contact the committee for information or questions email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Purpose/Charge
The purpose of the Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC) is to provide input and/or advice to DAPER Administration concerning facility operations, programs, and activities as they relate to Recreational Sports programs, informal recreation and DAPER membership services.
Facility Hours
Zesiger Center
Mon - Fri: 6:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sat: 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sun: 9:00 am - 11:00pm
Alumni/Wang Center
Mon - Fri: 11:45 am - 9:00 pm
Sat - Sun: Closed
View Changes in Operational Hours
Quick Schedule Links:
