Massachusetts Leaders and Shakers Gather at State House Reception for UMass Boston Alumni

By Leigh DuPuy

As the temperature sank to single digits on the dark streets of Boston, a welcoming glow was spreading through the Office of the Senate President in the State House. Alumni of UMass Boston and Boston State College who currently serve in the Massachusetts legislative and executive branches gathered on January 7 for a special reception hosted by Senate President Robert E. Travaglini '74 and UMass Boston Chancellor Jo Ann Gora.

"We wanted to hold this reception to thank alumni in the legislature and the executive branch who have supported public higher education in good times and were as good as you could be to us in challenging times," said Chancellor Gora, in a speaking program that included the viewing of the UMass Boston video and a presentation of a UMass Boston diploma to the senate president. "Take pride in this university as we take pride in each of you and your accomplishments."

Senate President Travaglini echoed the warm sentiments: "We are all part of the same family, and this office is readily available to you. We share the same mission of promoting higher education in the Commonwealth, and I take it very seriously. Public higher education is a significant component of success--and we are committed to that."

"It's a great institution," said Frederick Laskey, executive director of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority, of UMass Boston. "I always tell people that." Laskey was one of the many alumni who filled the storied Office of the Senate President to share thoughts on the university and the importance of public higher education.

Attendees included state representatives Daniel E. Bosley, Christine E. Canavan, Paul J. Donato, Lida E. Harkins, Marie J. Parente, Anne M. Paulsen, and Jeffrey Sanchez; state senators Therese Murray, Jo Ann Sprague, and Steven A. Tolman; and members of the executive offices of the Commonwealth such as Maureen Chew, chief information officer for the Department of Education; Fred Habib, deputy director of the Department of Housing and Community Development; Deirdre K. Manning, commissioner of the Department of Telecommunications and Energy; and Robert J. Prezioso, deputy director of the Division of Occupational Safety.

The reception was also attended by UMass interim president Jack Wilson and UMass Boston luminaries Ed Beard, Alan Clayton-Matthews, Carol Hardy-Fanta, Paul Fonteyn, Lou DiNatale, and others.

Image: With diploma in hand, Senate President Robert Travaglini '74 (center) is surrounded by Jack Wilson, interim president of the University of Massachusetts, Chancellor Jo Ann Gora, and Lida Harkins, state representative and assistant majority floor leader. (Photo by Harry Brett)

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