Maker of Worlds
Kate Olguin '20 turned a passion for storytelling into a thriving game design career, earning a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 after launching viral indie hit The Call of Karen.
Read StoryLetter from the Editor
The Results Are In
More than 120 people completed the WPI Journal reader survey, and the results are enough to make an editor blush. I’m happy to report that 82% of respondents strongly or somewhat agree that reading the WPI Journal strengthens their personal connection to WPI, and making stronger connections is the ultimate goal of any university magazine. In addition, 94% say the quality of the WPI Journal is excellent, very good, or good. Not too shabby!
When we asked respondents what they liked best about the Journal (a question that allowed multiple answers):
• 53% said it was their main source of information about what’s going on at WPI.
• 50% enjoy reading stories about interesting and accomplished alumni.
• 45% like to learn about faculty research and how it impacts the world.
• 35% like to keep up with their fellow alumni via Class Notes.
• 32% like that it makes them think back to their time at WPI.
The print version is still relevant to the majority of survey respondents. While 47% prefer to read the magazine in print only, another 24% enjoy reading both the print and digital versions. So in total, 71% appreciate the physical touch of the magazine. And 60% say they keep it around the house for a month or more.
Additionally, 55% of digital readers tell us they have shared a link to a story with someone else or posted a story on social media, two actions that are easier with the digital edition. A reminder to print readers that the QR code at the end of each feature will lead you to the digital story, where you can comment on the story or share the link to your networks.
We also received lots of recommendations for topics and notable alumni to pursue in future editions. If you weren’t able to fill out the survey, you can send feedback and suggestions to wpijournal@wpi.edu.
A Call for Corresponding Authors
Another reminder that we have a new feature on the last page of each issue called “Corresponding Authors,” a first-person essay written by a WPI community member. Anyone can submit a 750-word essay for consideration as long as the subject relates to WPI. As editor, I reserve the right to choose the most appropriate essay, and I may edit for style and clarity.
Check out this issue’s essay from science fiction writer Gary Goshgarian ’64, who talks about how his WPI education has helped him create fictional worlds that are based in some sort of scientific reality. Gary has written 10 books under his pen name Gary Braver. If you have an idea for an essay of your own, send a pitch to wpijournal@wpi.edu.
