A tarnished bronze plaque outside Room 6-120 commemorates George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak Company. In 1912, he made a $2.5 million donation to fund the construction of the main academic complex as MIT planned its move from Boston to Cambridge—on the condition that his identity be kept secret.

“Mr. Smith,” as he had become known, was even the subject of national speculation. The Tech once reported that two New York millionaires met one night for dinner, each trying to get the other to admit that he was “Mr. Smith.” It wasn’t until 1920 that Eastman gave President Maclaurin permission to reveal his true identity.

The shine on Eastman’s nose is produced by students who rub it for good luck.