MIT student leaders: Q&A with McCormick Hall co-president Sydney Baller
A Colorado native who originally planned to attend college close to home, Sydney Baller decided to come to MIT for the strong academic community.
McCormick Hall opened in 1963 as MIT’s first women’s residence — a move that provided women the first real opportunity to attend the Institute in significant numbers. To support continuity of the McCormick community through its first renovation in its 63-year existence, MIT has established a dedicated McCormick lounge in the Stratton Student Center (Building W20), funded efforts to maintain dorm traditions, and more.
Now a rising senior in mechanical engineering, Baller is a year-round athlete (basketball and outdoor track), crafting enthusiast, and co-president of McCormick’s student government. With construction underway to renovate the residence, Baller is taking time to help support future MIT women so they can have the same powerful residential experience she’s had.
McCormick is scheduled to open again in August 2028 — well after Baller graduates. In this interview, she describes how she is working to maintain a sense of community among the dorm’s residents and incoming first-year students during the transition and while updates are ongoing.
Q: Why did you choose to live in McCormick?
A: I was recruited to play basketball in college, and other schools were pressing me for a decision. MIT was like, “Well, you got in. It’s up to you what you want to do.”