Coming to MIT was a “defining moment” for James Reynolds, who earned his SM from the Institute’s Engineering Systems Division and is now a managing director in the Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division in London. James and his wife, Gemma, recently endowed a scholarship that will support minority women in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS).

How MIT shaped his life. “My years at MIT fostered an intellectual curiosity and drive for lifelong learning which has been invaluable,” says James. He was also introduced to what he calls the “powerful concept” of giving back, and he was inspired by the success and generosity of others who served as role models for younger generations. 

Choosing to give an endowed scholarship. “While MIT is at the forefront of gender and minority diversity in engineering, there is still more that can be done,” says James. “This endowed scholarship is a tiny step to help promote diversity and inclusiveness in EECS, and to continue to attract as many viewpoints and backgrounds as possible in order to make it a more fertile and open-minded environment.”

How they see their gift’s impact. As the parents of three young children, including two girls, Gemma and James believe all kids should be given the same opportunities to succeed. “We look forward to seeing how these women go on to address some of the key challenges our society is facing, and also how they will inspire new generations of girls,” says James.

For more information, contact David Woodruff: 
617.253.3990; [email protected].
Or visit giving.mit.edu.