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This fall, noted United Nations expert and Political Science Professor Robert Weiner celebrates his 35th year of service to UMass Boston and to Boston State College before that. He will be recognized for his dedication and contributions later this month at the Years of Service Program.
Aside from teaching courses in international relations, international organizations, and the politics of Eastern Europe, Weiner has published books and articles on Eastern Europe, Romania, and the United Nations. His most recent work is the chapter "Postcommunist Romanian Foreign Policy at the U.N." in Romania: Nationalism and Culture, edited by Paul Quinlan. His most recent book, published in 1994, is titled Change in Eastern Europe. He is also an associate at Harvard University's Davis Center for Russian Studies.
When Weiner arrived in Boston back in 1964, he was in the process of completing his dissertation in U.N. studies for his PhD from New York University. He remembers, " I needed a job, and Boston State had something available." The following year, the reorganization of higher education made him eligible for tenure, so he stayed on at Boston State and came to UMass Boston after the merger of 1982.
Explaining the difference between Boston State and UMass Boston, Weiner says that Boston State College had a strong identity as a teacher training institution, and a strong local base from which it drew most of its students. "UMass Boston was different, with a greater number of international students, which for me was very enjoyable." In the classes he teaches on international relations, international organizations, the politics of Eastern Europe, and European political development, Weiner finds that international students bring worthwhile perspectives. "I get jolted out of my parochialism very quickly by these students. It is wonderful to have the different perspectives represented in the classroom," Weiner said.
Aside from the merger of 1982, Weiner noted another significant change in the history of UMass Boston. "The growth of the University is a major factor. I have watched the development of graduate programs over the years. Even in Political Science, we have developed a major in international relations. There is also the possibility of a master's program. International Relations is turning out to be a very popular major, and a number of my students go on to pursue graduate degrees."
He continued, "I think UMass Boston students are wonderful. They are mature and hardworking. They make great sacrifices. Many are first generation college students. The more I get to know individual students, the more impressed I am."
Chancellor Sherry H. Penney said, "All of us here at UMass Boston are grateful to Professor Weiner for his longstanding commitment to the University and its students. I congratulate Professor Weiner on his 35th year of service." She continued, "International relations is an important and growing field, and Professor Weiner has helped us as we expand our commitment to global education and research."
Although his service has been the longest, Professor Weiner will not be the only one recognized at the Years of Service Program. One hundred and seventy one other employees will be honored. A total of 149 employees have been with the University for between 5 and 25 years, and 22 have been here 30 years. The November 22 program will take place in the Wheatley Hall Cafeteria from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.