Founding Chair of Mathematics and Computer Sciences Department Dies
Prof. Taffee Tanimoto, founder of the Mathematics and Computer Sciences Department, died Dec. 11. Prof. Tanimoto was born in Kobe, Japan in 1917, came to the United States in 1920, and grew up on the West Coast. Interned along with most of the Japanese American population during World War II, he helped construct a school at the internment camp and taught mathematics there.
He received his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1950, and worked in the fledgling computer industry before coming to UMass Boston in 1965. He served UMass Boston for 25 years; 12 as chair of the Mathematics and Computer Sciences department, which he established. He is remembered by his colleagues for his patient and passionate teaching, his desire to help students learn, and his grace and vision as an administrator. Upon his retirement in 1990, the department established the Taffee Tanimoto Award for Service, which is presented each year to a graduating senior who has served the community.
WUMB Broadcasts Examination of Science and Ethics in The Genetics Files
On Jan. 10, WUMB 91.9 FM began broadcast of The Genetics File, a nine-week, nine-hour documentary exploring how the genetics revolution has affected our health, our food, our families and our future. People whose lives have been changed by the genetics revolution will tell their stories, and experts and public watchdogs will explore the ethical issues. The one-hour programs air on nine consecutive Sundays: January 10, 17, 24, and 31; February 7, 14, 21, and 28; and March 7, at 8 p.m. The series is hosted by journalist John Hockenberry.
John Ciccarelli on Board for Economic Development
John F. Ciccarelli joined the University as assistant to the chancellor for economic development on Nov. 1. From his office in the College of Management, Ciccarelli is already working on a variety of projects, from cataloguing the university's work in economic development locally and internationally, to finding new opportunities consistent with the University's mission of teaching, research and service.
Prior to coming to UMass Boston, Ciccarelli was state director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network, part of a national network funded by federal and state government at UMass Amherst. He served in various capacities for the national network, including as president, vice president and as a member of its accreditation board. Ciccarelli received his undergraduate degree from Holy Cross College, and his Masters of Public Administration from Northeastern University.
New Assistant Deans Welcomed to Office of Dean of
Students
Two new assistant deans, Chris Hogan and Adrian Haugabrook, have joined the Office of Dean of Students. Hogan, who assumed his new duties on Dec. 28, is former director of UMass Boston's Urban Scholars Program. His responsibilities will include serving as liaison to Health Services, Student Legal Services, and the Childcare Center, and advising Dean Stephanie Janey on budgetary and technology issues. Haugabrook, who assumes his new responsibilities on Feb 1, was most recently Assistant Dean of Student Services at Framingham State College. His areas of responsibility will include overseeing the student judicial system and code of student conduct issues, and serving as liaison to the Office of Student Life, student governance, and organizations.
Joe Peters Joins University Communications Division
Joe Peters joined the University Communications Division as the Web/ Communications Specialist on December 22. As the newest member of the Web Development Team, Joe works with Ellen Evans and Alejandro Eluchans in developing web sites for the administrative offices of the University, along with maintaining the University Communications web site. Joe also works with the Public Information Office, writing for the University Reporter and other University publications. Joe received his bachelor's degree from Boston College. Prior to joining the UMass Boston community he was a freelance web designer for Microline Golf.
NERCHE's Lynton Awards go to Kiang, Withorn at AAHE
Conference
Prof. Peter Kiang of the Graduate College of Education and American Studies Program received a 1999 Ernest A. Lynton Award for Faculty Service and Professional Outreach at the 7th American Association of Higher Education Conference on Faculty Roles and Rewards, held Jan. 22 in San Diego. Kiang was recognized as a founder of the Institute for Asian American Studies, and the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Community Leadership and Empowerment (CIRCLE). He was also cited for his work analyzing racial conflict in schools, developing Asian American youth leadership, and supporting technology access for minorities. Prof. Ann Withorn of the College of Public and Community Service was awarded an Honorable Mention for her work in the area of social justice and welfare rights. The Lynton Awards honor the contributions of Ernest A. Lynton, a founding member of The New England Resource Center for Higher Education (NERCHE).
New Five-Year Program in Applied Sociology Combines B.A. and M.A. Degrees
Students can now opt to apply for a five-year program in Applied Sociology which will grant a combined BA and MA degree in less time than it would take to earn the degrees separately. Students will be accepted into the program in their junior year, take graduate courses in their senior year, and complete requirements in the fifth year. If a student does not complete the program, or meet the GPA requirements for the M.A. degree, they can apply earned credits towards a B.A. degree. For further information, contact Graduate Program Director Prof. Siamak Movahedi by email at movahedi @umbsky. cc.umb.edu, or at 287-6267.
Applications for James Bradford Ames Fellowships
Invited by Africana Studies
Applications are being accepted for the 1999 James Bradford Ames Fellowship Program, which was established to stimulate and support research into Black life and history on Nantucket Island. The Ames fund may also sponsor scholarly lectures, especially in connection to presentation of funded research. Grants will range from $500 to $2,500. Deadline for applications is March 30. For more information, including preferred research topics, contact Prof. Robert Johnson, Jr., Africana Studies. Send email to: johnson_r @ umbsky.cc.edu, or call 287-6794 or 6790.
Applications for McCormack Institute Summer Faculty
Grants Due
Mar. 15
The McCormack Institute's annual program to support faculty research on applied public policy issues is accepting proposals for Summer, 1999, and will award up to five $4,000 grants to proposals that fit with the interests of the Institute and its five Centers. Research proposals are due by March 15. Applicants are encouraged to contact center directors to discuss the appropriateness of their projects. For more information on project criteria and preferred subject areas, contact Sandra Blanchette at the McCormack Institute at 287-5550.
February Forum for 21st Century Examines "Getting
Ready for the Millennium."
On Thursday, Feb. 18, a panel of experts will examine "Getting Ready for the Millennium: How Are We Doing in Boston?" This civic forum will focus not just on year 2000 celebrations or the Y2K problem, but on the millennium as a marker of where we in Boston are, and how to move ahead. Panelists include Geri Guarino, executive director of First Night; Michael Taylor, president of Boston 2000 Inc.; Hillel Schwartz, consultant to Millennium Projects in Europe; David Davies, director, Information Technology Division of Local Services, Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Moderator will be Paul Guzzi, president and ceo of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, and John Drew, president, World Trade Center, Boston, and chairman of Boston 2000, Inc., will be commentator. The forum will be held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, 600 Atlantic Avenue, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and is free of charge.