“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” according to Seneca, the ancient Roman philosopher.

For many of us, luck feels more like pure chance—the result of outcomes blindly doled out by the universe. Your coworker scores coveted tickets to the World Series, your friend finds the love of their life on Tinder, or your neighbor’s child gets admission to the best preschool in the area. You shrug and assume they just got lucky. But what if Seneca was right, and luck is more than just chance? What if you learned that there are hidden markets all around us—ones that we play in every day—that dictate who gets what? Is it possible to for us to navigate these hidden markets to sway the odds to be in our favor?

According to Wharton economist and market designer Judd Kessler, we do have the power to make our own luck and tip the scales in our favor. In LUCKY BY DESIGN: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get More of What You Want (Little, Brown Spark; October 14, 2025), Kessler reveals the secrets of how hidden markets work and how to successfully maneuver within them. In familiar markets—such as the stock market or your local farmer’s market—what we get depends on how much we’re willing to pay. Hidden markets don’t rely on prices; instead, they follow a different set of rules, and you can’t simply buy your way into a better position. As Kessler, who has spent a career studying and designing these very markets, explains, “Without understanding the rules of the game, you might assume that your outcomes are determined mostly by luck. People who end up unhappy about what they get conclude that they were unlucky or that the system was rigged against them. After enough of these experiences, they believe that’s just how the world works.”

But the world doesn’t have to work that way. Kessler pulls back the curtain on the hidden markets we routinely find ourselves in, helps us to understand the rules by which those markets operate, and guides us on how to make the right choices to achieve successful outcomes.

About Judd Kessler

Judd B. Kessler is the inaugural Howard Marks Endowed Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. In 2021, Kessler was awarded the prestigious Vernon L. Smith Ascending Scholar Prize for his path breaking scholarship. For his work on the hidden market of organ allocation, Kessler was named one of the “30 under 30” in Law and Policy by Forbes. He is an award-winning teacher whose courses are popular among undergraduates, MBAs, PhD students, and executives, as well as a sought-after speaker. His research and writing have been featured in leading media, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Scientific American, Harvard Business Review, Politico, NPR, Hidden Brain, and Freakonomics, among others. He received a bachelor’s degree, MA, and PhD from Harvard University and an MPhil from the University of Cambridge. At Harvard, Kessler trained with Nobel laureate Alvin E. Roth, one of the founders of market design, the area in which he has been conducting research for the past fifteen years.

Join Brown/Oxford alum Mike Zellinger for an enlightening and possibly terrifying presentation about the potential of artificial intelligence.

Please try to arrive at 6.30 for a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink, ready for the talk to begin at 7.00pm. Following the Talk there will be a no-host, casual dinner at a local hostelry for those who wish to continue the discussion.

Free registration at bepbeeston@gmail.com. Register soon as this is sure to sell out.

Mike explains,
”AI is already smarter than us. It solves olympiad-level mathematics problems, churns out production-ready computer code, and rivals expert physicians at diagnostics. Yet the technology underlying these feats is barely more sophisticated than your phone’s auto-complete. How did we get here? Drawing on prescient writings by computer scientists Claude Shannon and Richard Sutton, we explain how intelligence may arise from simply predicting the next word in a sentence. We relate this form of intelligence to human cognition through Daniel Kahneman’s System 1/System 2 framework, shedding light on what AI can and cannot do. Finally, we explore where AI is headed and imagine the economic and social consequences of a post-AI world.

Speaker Bio: Michael Zellinger is building next-generation reading software that dynamically adapts books to you. He studied mathematical modeling at Oxford (Somerville College) and holds a PhD in artificial intelligence from Caltech, an MSc in statistics from ETH Zurich, and an Sc.B. in mathematics from Brown. Previously, he integrated AI into investment processes at Oaktree Capital Management and helped Novartis adopt causal inference methods for clinical trial analysis.

Enjoy the sunset with us during our 3rd annual bonfire at La jolla Shores. RSVP in order to receive your wristband upon arrival. This wristband entitles you to pizza, cookies, smores, and drinks while enjoying a family friendly atmosphere of tikki torches, and glow in the dark games. Family and friends of all ages are welcome.  Ivy + alumni and their families are encouraged to join us.

Free for kids under 12.

$15 

Date: Friday, October 3, 2025

Time: 6:00 - 10:00 pm

Location: La Jolla Shores. Look for the Harvard flag.

 RSVP and Get Tickets Here

The MIT Club of San Diego is pleased to host the September IVY+ Happy Hour & Networking Event!  

No need to register, just come along and mingle.

Event Details:

DATE: Thursday, September 4, 2025•  Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm •  Location: Hennessey's Tavern (La Jolla)

•  ADDRESS: 7811 Herschel Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037•  

 https://www.hennesseystavern.com/locations-la-jolla

*FYI: Hennessey's happy hour drinks/food runs from 4-7pm. Karaoke begins ~9pm for those who wish to stay!

*This is a self-pay event - drinks and food are available, but not provided by the host club.

Questions? Contact MIT Alum at programs@mitsandiego.org 

The Cornell Club of San Diego is pleased to host the August IVY-Plus Happy Hour & Networking Event!  

No need to register, just come along and mingle.

Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025

Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Location: BALLAST POINT BREWERY (Miramar)

Address: 9045 Carroll Way, San Diego, CA 92121

Website: https://ballastpoint.com/location/miramar

Questions?  Contact Paul at: events@cornellclubsandiego.com

Come join us for a night of beautiful music and engaging conversation with pianist Daniel Beliavsky!

Sit back, relax, and let the soothing melodies transport you to a world of musical bliss. This in-person event promises to be a night to remember, so don't miss out! Bring your friends and family along for a memorable experience.

Sponsored by the Cornell Club of San Diego, this event to all Ivy+ members and friends.

Tickets $34 at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-music-and-conversation-with-daniel-beliavsky-piano-tickets-1288981852419

7:00 - 7:45 PM -Doors open and receptio

7:45 - 9:00 PM - Performance

9:00 - 9:30 PM - Meet and Greet

Princeton Club of San Diego and Ivy+ members, friends, and family

Harland Brewery in One Paseo (3718 Paseo Place, Suite 1300, Del Mar)

Meet us out back, weather permitting

Thursday May 1, 2025 @ 5PM onward

The San Diego Gulls would like to invite Ivy+ alumni, families, and friends for a night out.

Cost: $36 per ticket (does not include additional service fees)

This event is open to Ivy+ alumni, family and friends

This is a popular night with a promotional theme for Mexican Heritage that will feature a free poncho giveaway and a mariachi band walking around the arena performing.

An exciting addition this year: 

There will be an Ivy+ networking event down the stairs from our reserved stadium section in the Stella Artois Lounge (section 3) from 4-5PM. The lounge will open at 5PM to the public, but there still will be a private area (with couches, booths, standing space + dedicated food & drink servers) during the game for our Ivy+ group. A band will play in the Stella Lounge 5-6PM, during the game intermissions, and after the game while you network or enjoy the dance floor. Wristbands will be provided for entry. 

The game starts at 6PM and the Gulls will be facing the Calgary Wranglers. We'll have a post-game photo on the ice for those who want to join. 

Discounted Gulls merchandise ($5 hats and $6 scarves) is available for purchase to be picked up at the arena after doors open on game day when using the link to purchase game tickets here:  https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Sdivy8

Any general questions, please contact: Kristin Gross: kristin3399_@hotmail.com. For questions about purchasing tickets and more details about the game, please contact Steven Somera: ssomera@sandiegogulls.com.

Harvard Club of San Diego is hosting the March Ivy+ Happy Hour at Stone Brewing at Liberty Station.  Join your Ivy+ alumni colleagues for an evening of networking and catching up. No need to RSVP, just turn up and mingle.  Look for the Harvard banner.

Host: MIT Club of San Diego 

Event: Join us for an enlightening and empowering event where we explore the benefits of Tai Chi practice and the essential principles of self-defense.  This free seminar will be taught by the school of Oom Yung Doe - San Diego. No previous experience is necessary

Date & Time: Saturday, March 01 @10am - 11:30am

Cost: Free.  Registration is requested for planning purposes. 

Location: Butterfly Garden, 15940 El Camino Real, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Parking: Free along El Camino Real. $3 if you enter the park and park near to the Butterfly Garden

For more information and registration, click here: https://alumcommunity.mit.edu/topics/23424/events/116271

Join fellow IVY+ alumni for the first in a series of monthly happy hours!

Date: Thursday, February 6th, 2025 

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 

Location: Belching Beaver Brewery 4223 30th Street San Diego, CA 92104

Belching Beaver Tasting Room- North Park - North Park, San Diego, CA

Come reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and enjoy some great company and craft brews. No need to RSVP, just show up and bring a friend or a fellow alum.

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Belching Beaver Brewery, known for its innovative and flavorful beers.

The MIT & Penn Alumni Clubs of San Diego invite the Ivy Plus and Friends to The 13th Annual Holiday Toy Drive Happy Hour benefiting the US Marines' Toys For Tots

Thursday, December 5, 6:00 - 9:00pm PT

New Motion Beverages/Embolden Beer Company and the Pizza Trolley
8655 Production Ave Suite A 
San Diego, CA 92121

This is a 21+ event.

Celebrate the Holiday Season with MIT, Penn and the Ivies for a festive Holiday Toy Drive Happy Hour. Dress your festive best whatever that means for you–ugly sweaters, sparkle and shine, we look forward to seeing you! 

Embolden Beer Company serves a curated selection of craft beers and New Motion hard beverages features vegan, gluten free low sugar hard beverages– including flavored Kombuchas. Please see their website to read more.

Complementing this wonderful variety of hard beverages, guests will also enjoy all-you-can-eat homemade pizza and salad catered by the Pizza Trolley. Our group gathering space is the private outside garden–which features cozy seating spaces with couches, outdoor games and a fire pit.  All are welcome to invite friends, family, as well as pets. This space is outdoor and pet friendly- so we would love to see our Ivy Plus Fur Family attendees as well. Yes, even reindeers are welcome.

Please bring a new unwrapped toy for collection to be distributed by our local Marines. This is our 13th year uniting our Clubs to benefit the local San Diego community. We look forward to celebrating the season with all of you!

The admission cost is $31.50 per person and is nonrefundable. Admission includes all-you-can-eat pizza & salad, plus two drinks.

Please register ASAP so that we can properly manage our catering and space. Registration is here.

Walk-ins will be welcome if space permits. 

Looking forward to celebrating the season with all of our Ivy+ Friends!

For more information, please contact Robby Foss (Penn Club) at robbykfoss@gmail.com or Allison Lee (MIT Club) at programs@mitsandiego.org

IvyPlus Happy Hour & Networking

Thursday, October 3rd, 6.00pm onwards, hosted by your Oxford & Cambridge Society of San Diego, at North Park Fall Brewing Company, 4542 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92116. 

There'll be no need to register, just come along and mingle. 

Key contact: Alex Orona. 

The California Energy Transition: Consumer and Investor Perspectives

Expert Panel, Networking, and Reception

Join us for an evening of discussion and networking at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. Taco bar and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the ticket. Cash bar.

Date: September 25, 2024

Time: 5:45-8:15PM, 5:45PM Pre-event mixer, 6:30 Panel Discussion, 7:30 Post-event networking

Location: Fairbank Ranch Club, 15150 San Dieguito Rd, Rancho Santa Fe, CA

The energy transition: What's in it for you?

For more details and tickets: Columbia Alumni Energy Event at Fairbanks Ranch Club

Join the Harvard Club of San Diego on Saturday, September 21, as the AHA hosts its annual walk/run in Balboa Park. The walk starts at 7:30am and you can choose one of two options, the 1 mile or the 4.1 mile. Follow the link to the AHA website and click on "join this team" (to search for our team, please enter "Harvard Club of San Diego", and the initials "MK" for coach). From there, you can enter your donations. For those unable to participate, your contributions are equally meaningful. Everyone can be an official member of the HCSD team and provide a great service to the community.

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024

Time: Expo opens at 6:30am, Walk begins at 7:30am

Meeting location: 6th Avenue and Laurel Street, San Diego, 92101

Register and Donate Here

MIT10 Happy Hour September 2024

Come enjoy good beer, tasty tacos and meet/connect with fellow alums at the MIT10 Happy Hour at the Belching Beaver Tasting Room (North Park) with Papasotes providing Tacos on Tuesday.

Everyone pays for their own drinks and food. Please register so we know how much space to reserve.

DATE: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
TIME: 7:00 - 9:00 pm PT
LOCATION: Belching Beaver North Park Tasting Room
ADDRESS: 4223 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
WEBSITE: Belching Beaver North Park
CONTACT: Juan Angulo at juangulo731@gmail.com

What: Columbia and IVY+  Hike and Hops

When: September 15, 1PM

Where: Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop and New English Brewery

RSVP: With Kassy directly @ kassy.m.lee@gmail.com or below

Hike and Hops details: COLUMBIA HIKE + HOPS: Torrey Pines and New English Brewing - Columbia Alumni Association of San Diego

Wood Ranch - Mission Valley

7510 Hazard Center Drive

San Diego, CA 92108

Thursday 5 September 2024

18:00 - 20:00ish

Freeway accessible & easy parking

Reservations are under “Ivy+ Group”.

Meet at the back patio area overlooking Mission Valley and the San Diego River.

Harvard Club of San Diego, Ivy+ & Friends x Wave FC

Join us on August 24th as your San Diego Wave FC takes on SoCal rivals Angel City FC!

This match is guaranteed to sell out! The match will determine which team reigns supreme in SoCal, so come out and support your Wave FC! Enjoy discounted tickets through this link and be part of this great Harvard Club of San Diego & Ivy+ and friends outing, so be sure to spread the word.

We will all be sitting together in the same section of the stadium and will host a tailgate in the parking lot for everyone to meet before the game starts. There is even an Ivy alumnus (Princeton) playing during the match!

Tickets: $23 plus $5.87 fees (generous discount to regular tickets)

Purchase: Directly through the link below to sit in the same section and enjoy the group discount 

When: Aug 24, 2024

Tailgate: 11 AM (group pic at 12:30pm)

Kickoff: 1:00 PM
Where: Snapdragon Stadium
2101 Stadium Way, San Diego, CA 92108, US

Other: 

• No glass bottles or containers are allowed on the premises. All drinks shall be placed in plastic or other non-breakable cups or cans. 

• Fans are limited to bringing and preparing food for their family and friends only. 

• Only natural gas or propane grills are allowed. Charcoal grills, wood stoves, oil fryers, open pit fires, and/or other cooking stations will NOT be allowed. 

Click here to get your tickets!!!

The Dartmouth Club of San Diego is hosting the August Ivy+ Happy Hour at Polite Provisions.  Join your Ivy+ alumni colleagues for an evening of networking and catching up. No need to RSVP, just turn up and mingle. 

DATE: Thursday, August 22nd, 2024

TIME: 6-8pm

LOCATION: Polite Provisions

ADDRESS: 4696 30th St San Diego, CA 92116   

WEBSITE: politeprovisions.com

KEY CONTACT: Samuel Black and Stuart Yee; smlblk93@gmail.com, stuartyee@gmail.com

Alumni Discounted Tickets for two upcoming performances at the Old Globe.

Henry VI Part 1:  Flowers and France at The Old Globe - Wednesday, July 24

Henry VI Part 2:   Riot and Reckoning at The Old Globe - Wednesday, August 14

World premiere adaptation
By William Shakespeare
Adapted and directed by Barry Edelstein

A once-in-a-generation event comes to San Diego in 2024: The Old Globe becomes one of only a small handful of theatres in the country’s history to complete Shakespeare’s canon with the two-part Henry 6, the largest Shakespeare production the Globe has ever presented.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Henry VI Part 1:  Flowers and France at The Old Globe at 8:00pm, with a pre-show talk by Victoria Martino at 7:00pm. 

Date: Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Pre-Show Talk:  7:15 PM

Show Time: 8:00 PM

Discounted Tickets:

35% Alumni discount. No other discounts.  To purchaase discounted tickets go here:  https://www.theoldglobe.org/pdp/24-season/henry-6-one/?promo=18111.

Wednesday, August 14, 2024 - Henry VI Part 2:  Riot and Reckoning  at The Old Globe at 8:00pm, with a pre-show talk by Victoria Martino at 7:00pm. 

Date: Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Pre-Show Talk:  7:15 PM

Show Time: 8:00 PM

Discounted Tickets: 35% Alumni discount.  No other discounts.  To purchase the discounted tickets go here:   https://www.theoldglobe.org/pdp/24-season/henry-6-two/?promo=18111.

Startup Education Series:
Reimagining Venture Capital and Funding for Innovation

Wednesday, August 7, 2024  6:00 - 7:30 pm PT
via Zoom

Please join the MITCSD and the Caltech Alumni Association for an engaging discussion with Dr. Abhilash Mishra (Caltech PhD 2017) and Linda Kinning on the critical need to create ecosystems that support innovators worldwide as they tackle societal challenges. Building on our previous conversation with Dr. Mishra, we are excited to have Linda, who leads Equitech Futures Venture Studio, a venture studio dedicated to solving problems with and for the global majority.

About our Speaker: Linda Kinning


Linda has spent the past 10 years bringing ideas, products, and communities to life in domains ranging from theatre, AI research, to startups in the US and Asia. She is the director of the venture studio at Equitech Ventures working hand-in-hand with founders on building AI tools for the global majority. She helps first time founders innovate and build human-centered startups from idea stage to launch. She has worked in AI research at the University of Chicago and in the nonprofit sector in higher education and the arts. She received her MBA from Chicago Booth in behavioral science, strategy, and entrepreneurship and is currently based in Chicago. You can read more about her work and experience here.

About our Speaker: Dr Abhilash Mishra


Dr Abhilash Mishra is the Founder and Chief Science Officer of Equitech Futures, a global fellowship and applied research lab supporting emerging innovators who want to use technology to tackle societal challenges. He also holds an appointment at the University of Chicago, where he is the founding director of the Xu Initiative on Technology and Public Policy. His current research focuses on developing new applications of AI tools to solve challenges in climate, education, and healthcare and understanding associated risks. He has also worked extensively on novel approaches to data education and upskilling in the age of AI.

Abhilash is trained as a physicist and holds a PhD from Caltech and an MPhys from the University of Oxford. He received the Rhodes Scholarship in 2008, the Clinton Global Initiative University Distinguished Alumni Award, the KVPY Fellowship from the Government of India, and the Goldman Sachs Global Leader Award. He has served on the selection committee for the Rhodes Scholarships and as a technical advisor to social impact startups.

The Zoom link will be in your registration confirmation email. 

Send your questions and comments to Megan MacDonald at Equitech Futures, megan@equitechfutures.com.

Registration questions should be sent to MITCSD Programs, programs@mitsandiego.org.

Startup Education Series:
Reimagining Venture Capital and Funding for Innovation

Wednesday, August 7, 2024  6:00 - 7:30 pm PT
via Zoom

Please join the MITCSD and the Caltech Alumni Association for an engaging discussion with Dr. Abhilash Mishra (Caltech PhD 2017) and Linda Kinning on the critical need to create ecosystems that support innovators worldwide as they tackle societal challenges. Building on our previous conversation with Dr. Mishra, we are excited to have Linda, who leads Equitech Futures Venture Studio, a venture studio dedicated to solving problems with and for the global majority.

About our Speaker: Linda Kinning


Linda has spent the past 10 years bringing ideas, products, and communities to life in domains ranging from theatre, AI research, to startups in the US and Asia. She is the director of the venture studio at Equitech Ventures working hand-in-hand with founders on building AI tools for the global majority. She helps first time founders innovate and build human-centered startups from idea stage to launch. She has worked in AI research at the University of Chicago and in the nonprofit sector in higher education and the arts. She received her MBA from Chicago Booth in behavioral science, strategy, and entrepreneurship and is currently based in Chicago. You can read more about her work and experience here.

About our Speaker: Dr Abhilash Mishra


Dr Abhilash Mishra is the Founder and Chief Science Officer of Equitech Futures, a global fellowship and applied research lab supporting emerging innovators who want to use technology to tackle societal challenges. He also holds an appointment at the University of Chicago, where he is the founding director of the Xu Initiative on Technology and Public Policy. His current research focuses on developing new applications of AI tools to solve challenges in climate, education, and healthcare and understanding associated risks. He has also worked extensively on novel approaches to data education and upskilling in the age of AI.

Abhilash is trained as a physicist and holds a PhD from Caltech and an MPhys from the University of Oxford. He received the Rhodes Scholarship in 2008, the Clinton Global Initiative University Distinguished Alumni Award, the KVPY Fellowship from the Government of India, and the Goldman Sachs Global Leader Award. He has served on the selection committee for the Rhodes Scholarships and as a technical advisor to social impact startups.

The Zoom link will be in your registration confirmation email. 

Send your questions and comments to Megan MacDonald at Equitech Futures, megan@equitechfutures.com.

Registration questions should be sent to MITCSD Programs, programs@mitsandiego.org.

AUGUST COASTAL WALK AND BRUNCH

Please join us Sunday, August 4 for a coastal walk through La Jolla. We will meet outside the Cave Store, walk an easy 2 miles to Caroline's Seaside Cafe, and enjoy a casual brunch.  After returning to the original meeting point, if you have not seen the tunnel and sea cave beneath the Cave Store, you may want to end your morning with a quick self guided visit through this historic site. There is a fee but it is fun to do at least once. Street parking is free and unlimited on Sundays.  Additionally, you will find a public parking lot directly across from the Cave Store. Family and friends are all welcome.

Date: Sunday, August 4, 2024

Time: 8:00am

Meeting location: 1325 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, 92037

RSVP Here