University Reporter: March, 2004
Biology Professor Sees Energy Consumption at Ecological Crossroads
Jeff
Dukes's profession allows him to explore the natural world to his heart's
content. But he never imagined how much it would force him to consider
nature of another sort--human nature. Now, faced with mounting evidence
of environmental damage caused by reckless consumption of fossil fuels
over many years, he is appealing to humanity's nobler instincts in an
effort to return our planet to ecological health. read
more: Biology
Mystic River Author Lehane to speak at Commencement '04
Dennis Lehane, the author of the best-seller Mystic River and six other novels, will speak at UMass Boston's 36th commencement, held at the Bayside Exposition Center on Friday, June 4.
Mystic River won both the Anthony and Barry awards for best novel, as well as the Massachusetts Book Award in Fiction bestowed by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. Mystic River received even more attention when the story was made into a feature film directed by Clint Eastwood, a production that was nominated for six Academy Awards.
Lehane is a two-time winner of the Dilys Award, presented by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association. Lehane also received the Shamus Award for Best First Novel in 1995 and was a finalist for the Winship/PEN Award.
Lehane's other books include A Drink Before the War, Darkness, Take My Hand, Sacred, Gone Baby Bone, Prayers for Rain, and Shutter Island.
Lehane was born and raised in Dorchester and lives in the Boston area.
Chancellor Named One of the Family
Who do you think of when you visualize the movers and shakers of Boston? UMass Boston Chancellor Jo Ann Gora has made the ranks of the area's leaders and personalities in a new book, All One Family, which features the photography of Bill Brett and highlights people who have made significant contributions to Boston. She was recently photographed for the coffee-table book, due out in stores this summer, in familiar spots around campus, including the catwalk and the new Campus Center. Others profiled in the book include college presidents, the last three mayors, directors of museums, and others who help to make Boston what it is today.
Staff Scoops for Social
The
numbers speak for themselves, as the old saying goes. Approximately 200
to 300 UMass Boston employees took a break from their day to enjoy the
6th Annual Ice Cream Social, held on February 5 in the Clark Athletic
Center. Served by their colleagues, employees finished off 30 gallons
of ice cream, 30 cans of whipped cream, and toppings that ran the gamut
from cherries to nuts, Oreos, M&Ms, hot fudge and caramel. On hand
to scoop the Hood ice cream were Chancellor Jo Ann Gora; Clare Porier,
director of personnel services; Carol DeSouza, ADA compliance officer;
Keith Motley, vice chancellor for student affairs; and Mark Preble, interim
director of human resources. (Photo by Harry Brett)
Seen Around Campus...
Michelle Fourníer, handmade clothing designer from abandonshipindustries,
Bill Francisco, architect from the firm Strekalovsky Hoit and Raymond,
and Rhonda Hergert, professional photographer, celebrate the opening of
their exhibit "honey, you can't keep the props," which highlights
their handiwork and is now showing at the Harbor Art Gallery.
On February 5, Peter Tork (right), former member of the Monkees, visited
WUMB Radio to play a live guitar session with James Lee Stanley and interview
with radio announcer Marilyn Rea Byers (center). Earlier, famed folk artist
Richie Havens came to the studios to perform. "They know it's a great
way to reach folk fans," said Brian Quinn, program director, of the
many musicians who want to play at the station. "More than 80,000 listeners
tune in to 91.9 FM via the radio and the Internet per week."
Photos by Harry Brett
Winter Wonderland
A student walks across campus during a February snowfall, a rare occurrence
by this winter's standard of frigid, dry weather. (Photo by Harry Brett)