Community Profiles

Mary Grenham

"I love the diversity of the community, the sense of camaraderie, and working toward a shared purpose."

Administrative Officer
Linguistics and Philosophy

"It's unique working in a school of humanities and social sciences amid all the scientists and engineers,” says Mary Grenham, administrative officer in the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy since 1996.

“I often tout our School when I explain, yet again, that MIT does indeed host departments of linguistics, philosophy, political science, music and theater arts.”

Rewards of the Work
Grenham, who has worked at the Institute close to 30 years, describes daily variety, lots of people contact, and a sense of shared purpose as rewards of her job in the School.

“The AOs of the School are Jacks and Jills of all trades. There's never a chance to get bored. The faculty, students, and staff are interesting; they are all focused on our shared purpose; and quite simply, fun to be around,” she says.  

People in the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy “respect one another and the work each of us does, whether it be teaching classes or helping students with administrative nuts and bolts."

Being Part of the Solution
Grenham is known among her colleagues as a generous, hands-on participant in staff committees and department projects.  She says, “I like nothing better than to roll up my sleeves and pitch in. I like being part of the solution.”

Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Outside the School, Grenham contributes to her community as a volunteer and as an involved parent of two sons, Douglas and Aran. She is a member of the board of directors for Woburn Little League and for Woburn Pop Warner Football. She runs the Little League snack bar and is, as she puts it, “well known for my Saturday morning breakfast sandwiches." 

Choosing this School
Grenham received her MBA degree from Simmons College in 1995.
“Many of my fellow students and friends were surprised when I chose MIT’s School of Humanities over a more lucrative position in a for-profit company," she recalls.  "But this job has afforded me just as many challenges. And I love the diversity of the community, the sense of camaraderie, and working toward a shared purpose.”

For more information, visit: 
Linguistics and Philosophy

and Go, Woburn Little League!