January 2001 University Reporter

by Anne-Marie Kent

Nearly 300 people gathered at the JFK library on November 30 for “Milestones, Memories, and Mirth,” the University Advancement (IA) event celebrating the successful early completion of the $50 million UMass Boston First campaign and honoring outgoing UMass Boston Chancellor, Sherry H. Penney.

University of Massachusetts President William M. Bulger commended Penney for leading the campus during difficult economic times, then serving as interim University of Massachusetts president, and, more recently, overseeing UMass Boston as it co-hosted the U.S. presidential debate.

Others recounting memories of Penney’s tenure included Grace K. Fey, chair of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees; Paul G. Kirk, Jr., chairman of the Board of the JFK Library Foundation; Chukwuka Okafor, UMass alumnus and 1999 JFK award recipient; and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, who praised Penney’s ability to make UMass Boston “integrally part of what is going on in the city,” through community relations and outreach.

Chancellor Penney thanked everyone present, underscored her commitment to education, and said, “I am very proud of the institution I was honored to lead.”
Celebrating the $50 million fundraising milestone, the event also included a new IA video presentation and brief talks by Gordon Abbott, Jr. ‘90, a member of the UMass Boston First Campaign Cabinet, and Patricia C. Flaherty ‘81, chair of the UMass Foundation at Boston Board of Directors.

Although UMass Boston poet laureate Duncan Nelson and famed comedian Jimmy Tingle provided their shares of the mirth, Clara Estow, chair of the Faculty Council, stole the show with her “Top Ten” list of “Ways Chancellor Penney’s life is about to get much better in January.”

Dubbed “Cabaret UMass Boston” by Michael Luck, vice chancellor for institutional advancement, the evening ended with dancing to Broadway tunes performed by noted cabaret performer Bobby Wetherbee.

University Advancement's Christina Dunn and Cynthia Williams.

John Burlingame and his wife Genevieve, a member of the UMass Foundation Board at Boston, with Chancellor Penney and her husband Dr. James Livingston.

UMass Boston's poet laureate Duncan Nelson performs.

David Mackenzie, vice chancellor for adminstration and finance, and Grace K. Key, chair of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees.

Milestones, Memories, and Mirth at the JFK Library

by Anne-Marie Kent