Student Wins Free Tuition at Fest-of-Us

By Ed Hayward

UMass Boston student Gloucimone DeJesus, of Weymouth, was the lucky winner of a semester's tuition payment awarded during a raffle held as part of the celebration known as Fest-of-Us, a day filled with activities to welcome students to campus for the '04 academic year.

In addition to DeJesus, who won the top prize of $847 in tuition coverage, Hiwot Gebrimichael, of Boston, received a parking pass valued at $300, and Ishwar Mahadeo, of Quincy, won a $100 gift certificate from the campus bookstore. Thirty-one other prizes were awarded to students who had to complete assignments in a "passport" designed to familiarize them with campus activities, clubs, and services. The day's events were planned by students, for students to invite participation in a range of student activities.

"it'ss not every day a student leaves campus knowing they won't have to worry about next semester's tuition or some parking costs," said J. Keith Motley, vice chancellor for student affairs. "UMass Boston students deserve these kinds of rewards. They not only place great importance on their academic achievements, but they work jobs, play sports, and engage in both our campus community and the neighborhoods where they live. "

The passport challenge was just one part of Fest-of-Us, a student-centered celebration of the new academic year that combined scholarship, reflection and fun. Four student bands provided entertainment, and events planned by seven student clubs added to the program, which welcomed returning students and 1,900 new arrivals on campus from noon to 6:00 p.m. The concert was headlined by Blue, the Phoenix/WFNX Best Local Male Vocalist for 2003.

University administrators and staff also served a barbecue lunch to students on the campus plaza as bands and performers entertained.

Image: Scenes from Fest-of-us: (center) Alley Side, a student band, rocks the plaza. (bottom) Students help pot more than 200 ivy plants, as part of a program sponsored by the Office of Service Learning and the Biology Department's Greenhouse to deliver plants to the Harbor Point Community for distribution to senior citizens, the day care, youth and health centers, and other common areas. (Photos by Harry Brett)

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