Retired Faculty Assist Scholars through Career Development Award
Retired faculty enjoyed camaraderie at UMass Boston's annual reunion luncheon on Sept. 2.
by Nanette L. Cormier
Provost Winston Langley welcomed 80 retired faculty and their guests to the Twelfth Annual Retired Faculty Reunion Luncheon on Friday, October 2. The program included the awarding of the Faculty Career Development Award, which is primarily funded by donations from retired faculty members and is given annually to a pre-tenured faculty member. Retired faculty member Jack Looney was master of ceremonies and Vice Chancellor Ellen O'Connor presented news of the university's master plan.
Last year's recipient, Professor Erin O'Brien, shared with the group that she used the award to support a research project on the politics of race, gender, and deservedness as it relates to bankruptcy policy. She believes this issue has particular relevance given our urban mission and these economic times.
"The Faculty Development Award has assisted me in producing sound research that can inform these key policy questions."
Erin O'Brien, assistant professor of political science
"The retired faculty could choose to spend their money in any number of ways, and the fact that they choose to direct it towards junior faculty does not go unnoticed or unappreciated," O'Brien said. Over $4,700 was raised this year, and this amount was matched by $3,000 through the Chancellor's and Provost's offices.
Langley presented this year's Faculty Career Development Award to two scholars: Performing Arts faculty member David B. Pruett and College of Nursing and Health Sciences faculty member, Eileen M. Stuart-Shor. Pruett will use his money to expand his knowledge of Middle Eastern music to broaden his students' cultural understanding through active musical performance. Stuart-Shor will use the funds to continue her project, Kenya Heart and Sole: the Afya Njema Project which engages students in direct assistance with health care screenings in developing communities.
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