Richard Cockburn Maclaurin is best known for his visionary leadership as the President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 1909 to 1920. His most remarkable achievement was overseeing the historic relocation of MIT from Boston to Cambridge in 1916, a move that set the stage for its rise as a world-leading institution. His strategic fundraising efforts secured millions from philanthropists like George Eastman, ensuring MIT’s survival and expansion. During World War I, he further shaped education by serving as the Educational Director of the Student Army Training Corps, strengthening the link between academia and national progress.
Born in Scotland in 1870, Maclaurin moved to New Zealand as a child and quickly excelled in academics. He graduated with top honors in mathematics from Auckland University College before earning scholarships to St John’s College, Cambridge, where he obtained degrees in mathematics and law. In 1899, he returned to New Zealand as the foundation professor of mathematics at Victoria College, Wellington. Later, he became professor of law and the first chairman of the college’s professorial board. His groundbreaking research in physical optics led to his acclaimed book The Theory of Light and a Doctorate of Science from Cambridge in 1908.

We are immensely proud of Maclaurin’s legacy and his contributions to science and education. His journey from New Zealand to the global stage showcases the brilliance and innovation our country fosters. His leadership not only shaped MIT but also reinforced the vital role of technical education in shaping the modern world. His vision continues to inspire future generations of scholars, scientists, and leaders.