MIT's scholarly luminary and communication champion in the field of writing, Steven Strang, passes away at the age of 77.
Steve Strang, an Iconic Figure at MIT, Passes Away at 77
It's time to bid farewell to Steve Strang, a trailblazing figure in the world of academia and communication, who breathed his last on December 29, 2024, with his loved ones by his side.
With an illustrious career spanning nearly five decades, Steve Strang left an indelible mark on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) community. His vision for the institution's Writing and Communication Center (WCC) was nothing short of game-changing.
After identifying a gap in MIT students' ability to translate their technical prowess into effective communication, particularly during leadership roles, he spearheaded an innovative approach. Strang championed the hiring of instructors with doctorates, subject matter expertise, and teaching experience, to be available to all MIT community members, preparing them for the increasingly complex professional landscape demanding persuasive skills and audience adaptability.
Current WCC Director, Elena Kallestinova, poignantly remarked, "Steve truly made an indelible mark on the MIT community. He was deeply respected as a leader, educator, mentor, and colleague."
Beginning his career as a journalist with the Bangor Daily News, Steve Strang eventually ventured into academia, earning a PhD in English from Brown University. Besides his pedagogical articles on writing and rhetoric, he published an impressive array of fiction, poetry, and criticism. However, it's the WCC that serves as his enduring legacy.
At a retirement party, esteemed MIT lecturer Thalia Rubio referred to the WCC as "Steve's creation," highlighting its profound impact on countless students across the years. Another colleague, Bob Irwin, described Steve's commitment to creating a supportive and intellectually rigorous environment for communication learning, praising him as an exemplary director and reliable mentor.
MIT honored Steve Strang's invaluable contributions with prestigious awards like the Levitan Teaching Award, Infinite Mile Award, and Excellence Award. Myriad testimonials poured in, detailing his relentless dedication and the immense impact his guidance had on students' careers and academic growth.
Beyond his work at the WCC, Steve is fondly remembered for founding the MIT Writers Group. Offered as a creative writing workshop during the Independent Activities Period in 2002, it garnered an incredible response from the MIT community, with about 70 individuals participating in the first year alone.
Steve Strang leaves behind a vibrant extended family, including his wife Ayni and her two children, Elly and Marta. Strang adopted both children as his own. Donations in his memory can be made to The Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Although limited public information about Steve Strang is available, his incredible legacy at MIT continues to inspire and resonate within the academic community.
The article mentions that Steve Strang, a renowned figure at MIT, devoted a significant portion of his career to transforming the Writing and Communication Center (WCC) at the institution. His innovative teaching approach aimed to help students, especially grad Wilson students, improve their communication skills.
Steve Strang's impact on the community was evident in his numerous awards, such as the Levitan Teaching Award, Infinite Mile Award, and Excellence Award, all of which signify his outstanding contributions to education and self-development.
It is also noted that Steve Strang championed personal growth within the MIT community, as demonstrated by his creation of the MIT Writers Group – a forum for students to engage in creative writing and literary discussions.
In remembrance of Steve Strang's unparalleled contributions to education and personal growth, news and articles are likely to emerge, highlighting his dedication to journal, teaching, and society, inspiring future educators and scholars alike.
