BOSTON — 750 guests attended the International Institute of New England’s gala at which Massachusetts Institute of Technology president Rafael Reif as honored.

Reif was given the Golden Door Award, which the IINE has given for more than 40 years. The honoree is a U.S. citizen of foreign birth who has made outstanding contributions to American society. It is an occasion that calls us to stand together in celebration of the achievements of new Americans who have played an integral role in our community, economy, and society. The Award takes its name from Emma Lazarus’s words, which are inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty: “From her beacon hand glows world-wide welcome…I lift my lamp beside the golden door”.

All photos by Bill Brett