University Reporter: June, 2003
Champion of Service-Learning Garners National Attention
Over the past 23 years, UMass Boston's Dwight Giles has led service-learning activities that--in the spirit of John Dewey--have brought participants well beyond mere community service activities and into service-learning experiences linked to well-tended community partnerships and well-defined academic goals.
Since he arrived in Boston three years ago, after doing groundbreaking work at Cornell and Vanderbilt Universities, Giles has served as faculty cochair of UMass Boston's Service-Learning Advisory Committee (SLAC), has taught in the Graduate College of Education's Leadership in Higher Education program, and has worked with the New England Resource Center for Higher Education on issues relating to civic engagement and service-learning.
Seniors Welcomed as Newest Alumni at Brunch Celebration
By Leigh DuPuy
As
students begin their commencement celebrations, they were welcomed into
the world of UMass Boston alumni on May 13 at the third annual Senior
Brunch, spearheaded by University Advancement.
Students filled the Ryan Lounge to enjoy a fun meal with friends and a program that included their own senior poem, created and read by the English Department's Duncan Nelson, and words of congratulations from members of the university administration.
Patricia Flaherty, president of the Alumni Association and UMass Boston Foundation, opened the program by introducing the seniors to their new role at the university: "Welcome to our ranks! With your UMass Boston degree, you belong to a group of people who are second to none."
Chancellor Gora heartily seconded Flaherty's enthusiasm: "We are delighted to see so many of you here and to welcome you as the newest alumni of the university." After outlining some of the inaugural events scheduled for the university's first senior week and the impressive lineup for commencement, Chancellor Gora asked students to fill out the graduating senior survey. She said, "We need input on what's working here and what's not, so we can better serve future generations. You"re the best source on how to improve UMass Boston."
"Bravo to all of you on what you"ve achieved and accomplished," congratulated Joan Fisher, vice chancellor of University Advancement, predicting that many future leaders and community activists for Boston and the Commonwealth were sitting in the room. Inviting the seniors to come back to campus, especially for the future opening of the new Campus Center, she observed, "UMass Boston is always a part of you."
Image: Students of the Class of 2003 display new t-shirts given to them by University Advancement. (Photo by Harry Brett)
The Latest Issue of UMass Boston Out Now!
In May, the Office of University Communications and Community Relations finished production on the latest issue of UMass Boston, a magazine for alumni and friends of the university. The publication includes profiles on hot comic Steve Sweeney "74 and groundbreaking artist Kathleen Bitetti "92; the explorations of Antarctic marine ecosystems by the Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sciences Department; the man behind leading economic indices and forecasts, Alan Clayton-Matthews; and much more on events and activities on campus. Watch for the special commencement issue of the magazine this summer!
UMass Boston Spring Music Series Rocks the Plaza
Sounds of the Boston College High School Jazz and Rock Ensemble blew
through the plaza at the UMass Boston Spring Music Series kick-off on
April 29. The group, led by Matthew Finnegan, director of Fine and Performing
Arts at BC High, have won gold medals at the International Association
of Jazz Educators state competition twice and have performed throughout
Boston, including at Ryles Jazz Club and the Regatta Bar. In subsequent
weeks, the university community sampled jazz during May 8's Night
Rhythm concert, the reggae, hip hop, and fusion sounds of Soulive on May
15, the New England Winds of the Air Force Quintet on May 21, and the
music and dance of the Andes with Inca Son on May 28. The Blue Suede Boppers,
featuring rock and roll of the "50s and "60s, will finish the
series on June 5. The series was sponsored by the Chancellor's Office
with the cooperation of the Office of University Communications and Community
Relations. (Photo by Harry Brett)
Students Nominate Faculty for Special Recognition
Margaret
Colo McDevitt, professor in the College of Public and Community Service,
Chancellor Gora, and graduating senior Edna Staub smile together at the
Eight Annual Faculty Appreciation Dinner held on May 7 in the Ryan Lounge.
Staub nominated Colo McDevitt for special recognition at the dinner, writing
"[she] has had a great impact on my positive experience here at UMass
Boston... Whether it was in her classroom, her office, the garage,
the ladies room, or passing in the hallways, she was never too busy to
stop, listen, and to give me excellent direction." Staub, a double
major in human services management and gerontology with a certificate
in the Frank J. Manning Gerontology Program, was one of many students
who nominated more than 68 faculty for their continued dedication and
support to enriching the experiences of those who attend UMass Boston.
(Photo by Harry Brett)