University Reporter: September, 2003
UMass Boston Addresses Budget Cut Challenges
A combination of budget cuts that touched all corners of the university and a vote by the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees to raise student fees brought a turbulent budget season to a close this summer.
A process of examining university revenues and expenditures during the spring and summer resulted in reductions from academic and administrative areas, as well as campus-wide savings proposals such as a one-week furlough for all employees, which will require further negotiation, and an early retirement program that is expected to cut $1.5 million in salaries.
About $7.5 million was trimmed from the campus budget to overcome a cut in state funds, the result of reductions by the legislature to the UMass system's allocation. The economic downturn's clamp on state revenues has brought about a 30 percent reduction in state support to UMass Boston during the last three years. read more: Budget
Dorchester Kids Learn About Horticulture at UMass Boston's Greenhouse
On
June 19, Jim Allen, manager of the UMass Boston greenhouse, led a tour
for children from the Elm Hill/Blue Hill Housing Developments in Dorchester
through the verdant greenhouse located on the fourth floor of the Science
Center, full of tropical plants, cockatiels, and frogs. The tour was part
of a field trip for the landscaping design/gardening apprenticeship program,
led by Jennifer Ashkar, for residents ages ten to fourteen. (Photo by
Harry Brett)
Photography Exhibit "Alcohol: Fun and Games?" Debuts at Healey Library
UMass Boston alumnus Albert Brodksy has created a compelling collection of black-and-white photographs that examine alcohol use and abuse, displayed in an exhibit at the Walter Grossman Memorial Gallery, 8th floor of the library, from September 1 through 30. An opening reception with the artist will be held at the gallery on September 7 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Free and open to public. Contact: 7-5660.
The English Department Presents Distinguished Lecture: Poetry Reading by Adrienne Rich
September 24
2:30 -- 4:00 p.m.
University Club
Healey Library, 5th Fl.
6th Annual Boston Folk Festival: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday September 19 Ð 21, 2003
More than 30 acts, including: Emmylou Harris, Koko Taylor & Her Blues Machine, Tom Rush, Greg Brown, Richard Shindell, Mercy Brothers with Barrence Whitfield, Michael Dinallo, Catie Curtis, Joel Mabus, Tony Trischka Band, Kevin So, Texas Song Theatre with Eric Taylor, Denice Franke and Steve Fromholz, Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson, Paul Brady, Carol Noonan, Kate Campbell, Danu, Les Sampou, Tom Prasada-Rao, Scott Alarik, Hot Soup, Amy Carol Webb, T.J. Wheeler, Richard Berman, Anni Clark, Daisy Nell & Cap't Stan, Don White, Fiesta Del Norte, Drumming-for-you with Bob Bloom, Swing and Contra Dancing with Margaret Musmon, Chantey boat cruises with Lynn Noel & friends.
UMass Boston Team to Walk for the Komen Race for the Cure
What better way to spend a morning having fun and making a difference than to volunteer for the Komen Race for the Cure in Boston on Sunday, September 7? UMass Boston's Barbara Graceffa, assistant director for the Ph.D. Program in Public Policy, and Beacon Fitness Center Director Chris Fitzgerald invite all from the university community to join the UMass Boston walking team. All proceeds from the race, held at Daly Field in Brighton, help fund vital breast cancer and local initiatives.
"The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer," explains Graceffa, who serves on the board of directors of the Susan G. Komen Foundation Boston affiliate. "Up to 75 percent of the net income from the Boston race stays in the community to fund local breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment projects."
Graceffa has volunteered for the race since its inception. Breast cancer has affected members of her family and two friends at UMass Boston. She says, "This event celebrates survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease."
Interested in joining the team? Please contact Chris Fitzgerald at 7-7688 for more information about participating.