SPRING 2017

UMLUMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE THE LEADERSHIP ISSUE FIRST LOOK FIRST LOOK

DIVING DEEP “This is so far out of my comfort zone,” says junior Maddie Scott of her spring semester study-abroad trip to Perth, Australia. In addition to scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, she has traveled around both Australia and New Zealand by herself. “This trip has changed me as a person,” says Scott, an England native who now calls Vineyard Haven, Mass., home. “I am exactly on the opposite side of the planet from my family and friends, I'm taking classes that I have no prior knowledge of and I’ve forced myself to try new things even when I’ve been really scared. It makes you realize that the world isn't actually as big and unattainable as it seems.”

SPRING 2017 1 The UMass Lowell Alumni Magazine is published by: A message from SPRING 2017 VOLUME 19 NUMBER 2 Office of University Relations Chancellor Jacqueline F. Moloney ’75, ’92 University of Massachusetts Lowell One University Avenue You may have noticed some changes when you picked up this issue of Lowell, MA 01854 978-934-3224 the magazine. For starters, it has a new name—a nod to the wonderful [email protected] sense of community “UML” conveys (and if you’ve ever heard the chanting at one of our a hockey games, you know what I’m talking Chancellor about!). We’ve also freshened up the look and feel of the magazine Jacqueline Moloney ’75, ’92 with a more environmentally friendly paper stock and a cleaner, In This Issue more modern design. Vice Chancellor of University Relations We believe it’s important to innovate even when (especially when!) Patricia McCafferty readers tell us they are satisfied. Complacency is not what leaders do, and that is especially true today. Consumers and citizens are Vice Chancellor for demanding more from their leaders—including transparency, social University Advancement responsibility and a greater commitment to ethics—but feel they Features > John Feudo are getting less.

Executive Director of Marketing UMass Lowell is hard at work to create the next generation of Bryce Hoffman leaders. After all, the university has a legacy of preparing its students 30 Cover Story to lead. Our alumni have established themselves as leaders in all fields What the World Needs Now: Publisher Emeritus and they embody the values of this university: integrity, innovation How UMass Lowell is turning students Mary Lou Hubbell ’85 and inclusion. into leaders in an age of distrust. Our university is helping students build the leadership skills they Executive Director of Alumni and Donor Relations need to do the same—whether in startups or corporations, in their Heather Makrez ’06, ’08 communities or in the public sector. They are acquiring the knowledge, 38 skills and discipline to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing Broadway on Demand: Bonnie Comley ’81 Communications Manager our world, from the high cost of health care to providing clean water brings the Great White Way to the masses. Nichole Moreau in developing countries. Throughout this issue you will see examples of the many ways in Editor 30 Sarah McAdams Corbett which the members of our community—alumni, students, faculty, 41 staff and partners—are taking charge in a changing world. The Company We Keep: One bank’s Designer Welcome to our leadership issue. mission to serve those who’ve served. Paul Shilale Sincerely, Staff Writers Edwin Aguirre 42 Karen Angelo Face of Philanthropy: Lawrence Lin ’90 Ed Brennen Beth Brosnan turned a family-run machine shop into Geoffrey Douglas Jacquie Moloney ’75, ’92 a world-class supplier. Christine Dunlap Sheila Eppolito Jill Gambon Dave Perry 44 Katharine Webster Rise and Shine: An insider’s look at what

Contributing Photographers: it takes to become a Division I university. Edwin Aguirre, Ed Brennen, 38 41 Tory Germann, Jim Higgins, Joson Images, Meghan Moore, Departments > Emily Antonelli Ray 05 Our World uml.edu/alumni facebook.com/umlowell 5 Trending@UML @UMassLowell 14 5 Questions for … instagram.com/umasslowell 17 By the Numbers Please submit address changes to: www.uml.edu/updateyourinfo 52 Class Notes University of Massachusetts Lowell 61 In Memoriam Office of University Advancement Charles J. Hoff Alumni Scholarship 62 Alumni Events Center, 1 Perkins St. 67 Then & Now Lowell, MA 01854-2882 [email protected] 42 44 978-934-2223

UMass Lowell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, Title IX, H/V, ADA 1990 Employer. EDITOR’S NOTE: Please send comments to Editor Sarah McAdams Corbett at [email protected]. The UMass Lowell Magazine for Alumni and Friends has been honored with multiple Hermes Creative Awards, a Silver Bell Ringer, a CASE District I Submit class notes at www.uml.edu/advancement/classnotes. Silver Excellence Award, an APEX Award of Excellence, a Higher Ed Marketing Award and honorable mentions in the PR Daily Awards and the PR Daily Nonprofit PR Awards.

LOWELL TEXTILE SCHOOL • MASSACHUSETTS STATE NORMAL SCHOOL • STATE TEACHERS COLLEGE AT LOWELL • LOWELL TEXTILE INSTITUTE LOWELL TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE • MASSACHUSETTS STATE COLLEGE AT LOWELL • LOWELL STATE COLLEGE • UNIVERSITY OF LOWELL

2 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 3 CAMPUS Life OUR WORLD

Inside... TRENDING UML 05 TRENDING @ UML 14 5 QUESTIONS FOR … 17 UML BY THE NUMBERS @ 18 RESEARCH 20 CAMPAIGN UPDATE

ONE OF THESE GUYS HANGS OUT ON CAMPUs That would be human-rights leader John Prendergast, left, who works with actor George Clooney and other 5 (MILLION) BUCK CHUCK celebrities to expose crimes and war Governor Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Life Science profiteering around the world. He was Center gave $5 million to UMass Lowell in February so it can UMass Lowell's 2012 Greeley Scholar build new research and teaching labs in biomedical engineer- for Peace, an honor that annually ing. The university’s goal? Help make Massachusetts THIS LEGEND brings humanitarians and activists to the nation’s leader in medical devices. the university to promote conflict res- The Hobey Baker Memorial Award olution locally, nationally and globally. Foundation in St. Paul, Minn., named And in February, the New York Times former UMass Lowell hockey head best-selling author returned to campus coach Bill Riley Jr. its 2017 Legend of to talk about the power of social College Hockey recipient. The award activism. is given annually to “one of the all- time great contributors to the game of college hockey.” Riley took over a fledgling program in 1969, built it into an NCAA Division II national champi- on and ultimately moved Lowell into Division I hockey as a charter member of Hockey East in 1984.

MIC DROP buffett: ‘invest in yourself’ Mark Donahue ’07 continues to engineer the sort of hard- ware display that would make a lot of folks jealous. The SRT A group of 18 Manning School of grad and mastering engineer with Soundmirror Inc. in Boston Business students met with billionaire brought home his ninth and 10th Grammy Awards Feb. 12. investor Warren Buffett in Omaha, Neb., He won in the Best Engineered Album, Classical category on Feb. 17, for a Q&A session and (“pretty much the highest award in our field,” according to lunch. The Berkshire Hathaway CEO Alex Case of the Music Department) and the same recording shared why he’s so optimistic about the won for Best Opera Recording. ”I’m very lucky to have the future. “Thanks to innovations in med- opportunity to make records with artists of the caliber to win icine and technology, your generation Grammy Awards,” Donahue says. “What I do is attempt to has a higher quality of life today than simply convey their performance.” Uh huh. And he does it so the Rockefellers. As a net positive, each well that he’s won more of those statues than The Beatles (9), generation lives a better life.” And what Metallica (8) and Simon & Garfunkel (7). about his best investment advice? “The most important investment you can make is in yourself.”

CHECK OUT MORE TRENDING  UMass Lowell news at uml.edu/news.

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So you want to be a CEO... ’91

Scores of CEOs from all walks of industry got their start at UMass Lowell. We asked several to share a book (or two) that every future CEO should read, and how they see the role of CEO evolving in the next 20 years.

Deb Busser ’87, ’95 (Business/FAHSS) Rob Manning ’84, ’11 (H) (Business) Carly Burson ’05 (FAHSS) President & CEO, Executive Chairman, Founder and CEO, Tribe Alive Energy Spring Leadership MFS Investment Management BOOK: “Thrive: The Third Metric to BOOK: “Leadership Agility: Five Levels BOOK: “The Difference: How the Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Mastery for Anticipating and Initiating Change” Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder” by William B. Joiner and Stephen A. Josephs Firms, Schools, and Societies” by Arianna Huffington by Scott E. Page All in the Family PREDICTIONS: “I expect to see movement from PREDICTIONS: “Women continue to fill more PREDICTIONS: “CEOs need to understand executive roles and are no longer accepting the ‘management principles’ to ‘leadership values.’ Louis ’91 and Sheri Prosperi ’91 (in photo technology and computer science, as all notion that they need to choose between career Employees are savvy, they know when an above, he’s fourth from the left in bottom businesses are likely to be disrupted by and family. We need to approach high-level organization’s walk doesn’t fit the talk, and they All The Right Notes row and she’s third from the left in the are becoming less willing to follow managers advancements around automation and careers with wellness and balance being as top row) met while in the UMass Lowell who are less self-aware.” artificial intelligence.” much of a priority as financial success.” marching band. He was a quad player hey marshal precision and master the sounds of everything from Souza to Sabbath. Basketball and (the multidrum marching battery); she a hockey games wouldn’t be the same without them. They celebrate new beginnings and provide a trumpet player. Today, their son, Nathan sense of pomp, circumstance and solemnity at campus events. (below, front), is carrying on the tradition. T Behind the blare of brass and the thunder of drums, the UMass Lowell Marching Band and its The freshman English major and trumpet subsidiary pep bands are powerhouses of hard work, academic diversity, campus camaraderie and student player says the band made all the teamwork. They are also a powerful recruitment tool—a differentiator for students who want band difference when choosing a college. membership as part of their college experience. Founded in 1979, the marching band has grown to 120 strong, the largest it has ever been. The players ’20 come from all colleges and represent 35 different academic majors, with as many mechanical engineering students (27) as there are music education majors. “I don’t know of any campus activity that is so intellectually and aesthetically challenging and reward- Jack Clancy ’80 (Business) Peg Palmer ’73, ’77 (Sciences) Jerry Colella ’78 (Education) ing that has a place for everyone, regardless of skill level,” says Daniel Lutz, director of university bands. CEO, Enterprise Bank President & CEO, Surface CEO and President, Marching band membership is a commitment on par with athletics, he says; “It can be grueling.” Solutions Laboratories MKS Instruments “We’re not necessarily athletes, but you do have to be athletic,” says Kevin Goddu ’16, now a graduate BOOK: “Endurance: Shackleton's student in music education who played saxophone and served as the marching band’s field conductor. Incredible Journey” by Alfred Lansing BOOK: “How to Win Friends and BOOKS: “On Becoming a Leader” “It takes a lot of training to make it through our 20-minute show.” PREDICTIONS: “A CEO's role will continue Influence People” by Dale Carnegie by Warren Bennis and “Lincoln on Throughout the fall, the marching band performs at exhibitions and in parades around New England. to change, further valuing ‘soft skills’ over PREDICTIONS: “Perhaps the millennial shift Leadership: Executive Strategies for Students practice three evenings a week in a campus parking lot. There’s even a “preseason”—a manda- ‘hard skills.’ Soft skills include a high value is going to be a big part of this, but having Tough Times” by Donald T. Phillips tory band camp that brings students to campus two weeks before the semester begins. During weekends in on integrity and strong values, listening, a meaningful job that keeps you engaged in PREDICTIONS: “Technology will dominate ev- October when exhibitions are in high gear, student musicians can’t plan on anything but band obligations. teamwork, authenticity and putting others something worthwhile to the world is likely ery aspect of how we manage, communicate One vacant spot on the field throws off the whole formation. before yourself. It's about inspiring team going to be as big as engineering competence and conduct business, but personal relation- Students earn two credits for participating, but that’s not the draw for most of them. Freshman political members by operating from a sense of was in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s and account- ships and human contact will science major Sachi Taniguchi chose UMass Lowell over the University of California Berkeley because ATTENTION, BAND ALUMNI! purpose and mission.” ing and business number-crunching has still be very necessary.” of the opportunity to be part of a marching band. Email [email protected] to get been in the more recent decades.” “Having a marching band was a deal-breaker for me,” says Taniguchi, a sax player from Monterey, on the mailing list for the fall 2018 marching band alumni reunion. Calif. “And I’m so glad I made this choice. I can’t imagine a better school for me.”—DP

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ICE KINGS For the third time in five years, the UMass Lowell hockey team was crowned the Hockey East Tournament champion after a 4-3 victory over Boston College on March 18 at the TD Garden in Boston. At press time, the team was set to pursue its first Division I hockey national championship, one of only five schools to earn a spot in the NCAA tournament in at least five of the last six years. This is the River Hawks’ 13th trip to the national tourney, and their fifth under the direction of Head Coach Norm Bazin—who was named Hockey East Coach of the Year for the third time in six years.

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Students’ Website Aims to Thwart UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES $3.5M Terrorist Recruitment EFFORT TO SUPPORT WOMEN FACULTY IN STEM

The Islamic State (also known as ISIS, ISIL or DAESH) uses social media to Pamela Conrad, a NASA scientist who re- find, befriend, convert and isolate young people, then recruit them as mem- searches extreme environments on Earth to bers. A group of UMass Lowell students is trying to counteract that. better understand the surface of Mars, loves Five criminal justice and art students created a website that educates to explore—whether at the North and South students, parents and teachers about terrorist recruitment methods. Called poles, in Death Valley or inside a submers- Operation 250 (operation250.org), the site is named for the more than 250 ible vehicle on the ocean floor. Americans known to have been recruited by ISIS. But sometimes her biggest concern isn’t Advised by lecturer Neil Shortland, program manager for the university’s the danger of a hostile environment. It’s Center for Terrorism and Security Studies, the team used a $2,000 seed grant how to go to the bathroom while clothed from the Department of Homeland Security and Facebook to develop the site, in protective gear designed for men. which they entered in an anternational contest sponsored by those organiza- “Let me tell you what it feels like to be in tions. won an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in January after a ball six-and-a-half feet wide on the very advancing to the final round of an international contest. bottom of the Pacific Ocean. It is scary— After advancing to the final round of the Peer to Peer: Challenging and you think a lot about whether or not Extremism (P2P) competition, the students were flown to Washington, D.C., you’re going to have to pee,” she said, to a on all-expenses-paid trip. While in D.C., the group met the other teams of fi- wave of laughter from faculty, administrators nalists, toured the capital, attended a Senate session, met with U.S. Rep. Niki and students. “So I dehydrated myself.” Tsongas of Massachusetts, went to a reception hosted by Sen. Cory Booker Conrad, an astrobiologist and mineral- of New Jersey and rehearsed their presentation obsessively. They finished by ogist who works on the Mars rover team, presenting their project to a panel of judges from the Department of Home- spoke at a launch event for Making WAVES TOUCHING land Security, the National Counterterrorism Center and Facebook. (Women Academics Valued and Engaged in BASE (IN CUBA) Their third-place finish netted them a $1,000 award—and a couple of STEM), a campuswide initiative to research angel investors, including former National Security Council member and and address barriers confronting women counterterrorism expert Roger Cressey ’87, so they can continue developing While on a study abroad trip in Cuba and minority faculty in science, technology, Operation 250 and help it reach a broad audience. Now they’re on a mission. in January, a group of Honors College engineering and mathematics (STEM). “The five of us are incredibly driven not only to see a problem, but to students traveled to Cojimar to see a youth Making WAVES is supported by a five- act on it,” says senior Tyler Cote, an honors student from Clarksburg in baseball game. During the bus ride, their year, $3.5 million grant from the National Berkshire County, who is double-majoring in criminal justice and political Cuban translator and tour guide, Ana, Science Foundation, awarded to the science. “We’re only getting started. Now we’re excited that we can take told a story about how Ernest Hemingway university’s Center for Women and Work. our time and put together an even better project.”—KW helped create the first children’s baseball The campaign will raise awareness about team in Cuba in 1938. “Hemingway bought microaggressions, promote equity and the property his house sits on and allowed alternative paths to mentoring, reform the neighborhood kids to play baseball institutional practices and hold departments there,” says student Michael Souza. Today, and colleges accountable for becoming another group of kids plays on that more inclusive. same field. Psychology Prof. Meg Bond, director “They don’t have any funding, but it’s of the Center for Women and Work, says free to play,” he says. “The only catch is SEA LEGS microaggressions, taken one by one, seem that kids have to have good grades to stay The Outdoor Adventure Program’s not worth making a fuss about. But their in the program. That day in January, UMass annual sea kayaking trip to Florida over cumulative effect is to discourage wom- Lowell students took the field against the winter intersession is for people of all en and underrepresented minorities from 5- to 10-year-old Cuban players. “Baseball skill levels and abilities. Pallav Ratra, a pursuing academic careers. Nationwide, is such a great sport, and it’s a common first-year master’s student in engineer- women comprise nearly half of all university language between Cuba and the U.S.,” ing management who joined the Florida students majoring in STEM fields, but only Souza says. “I have no doubt that I will trip, had never been camping in his life, one quarter of faculty. remember this moment the most out of let alone spent five days showerless, “It’s death by a thousand paper cuts,” all of the things that we did in the two paddling from island to island in a sea she says.—KW kayak. “It was amazing. I loved it,” says weeks in Cuba.” Ratra, an international student from India. “My father suggested I go to New York City over winter break, but I’ve done the touristy thing in so many places. I wanted to do some outdoorsy stuff.”—EB

10 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 11 OUR WORLD OUR WORLD Avian Artistry Masterpieces created by hundreds of children from area schools who submitted artwork for the university’s second annual NEW MPA DEGREE Rowdy’s Art Day spruced up the Tsongas Center in February. Engineering Student OFFERS UNIQUE TRACK Plumbs Career Options Danielle Moriarty ’11 works at a nonprofit community arts center Kevin Hines is earning a degree in plastics engineering, and when he enters the in Concord, helping to organize job market, he’ll have professional experience in a discipline that few of his peers classes and school workshops can claim: plumbing. on everything from ceramics to Bollywood dancing. Hines is a licensed plumber’s apprentice, a trade he studied at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School in Billerica. After graduating second in his class, he She says UMass Lowell’s decided to pursue engineering at UMass Lowell. new Master of Public Adminis- tration degree, with its unique “My father and my aunts attended UMass Lowell, and my grandfather and my track in public humanities and cousin got their degrees here,” says Hines, a senior. “They all had good things the arts, is preparing her to to say.” work at a broad range of While maintaining a 3.8 GPA, Hines has continued working for the same arts organizations. plumbing and heating business he’s been with since high school. He works “I had been looking at weekends, averaging about 10 hours a week. museum studies programs, His plumbing knowledge informs his approach to engineering, and vice versa. but was worried that would “Out on the job, I have cursed many engineers when I see way too many be too narrow a niche,” says parts,” he says. Moriarty. “This degree is more of A love of math and science attracted him to both fields. There’s also a lot of an umbrella, bringing together teamwork and problem-solving in both, two things he likes. management of cultural organi- Prospective employers are receptive to his unique background. “When they zations with expertise in see my résumé, they are intrigued,” he says. running nonprofits.” Hines hopes to put his engineering skills to work designing materials for the A handful of private colleges plumbing and heating industry. But first, he’s planning to get an advanced degree. in New England offer master’s He’s already been accepted into the Francis College of Engineering master’s degrees in arts administration, program and plans to return to campus in the fall. museum studies or public A recipient of a Barry W. Perry Plastics Engineering Endowment scholarship, humanities. But UMass Lowell’s Hines says he likes being able to apply the concepts he’s learned to solve new M.P.A. in public humanities problems and fix things. and the arts combines fun- “I don’t like the idea of not knowing things. I like learning and taking on new damentals of all three with an things. It keeps things interesting,” he says.—JG internationally recognized degree that will open more UMASS LOWELL HOSTS TEACHERS doors, says Michael Millner, FROM 20 COUNTRIES associate professor of English and coordinator of the arts The School of Education recently hosted 21 high school and humanities track. teachers from around the world for an intensive, six-week The M.P.A. program, which Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program. The admitted its first cohort of stu- curriculum gave international teachers opportunities to dents last fall in a soft launch, develop expertise in their subject areas, enhance their also includes two other concen- teaching skills and increase knowledge about the trations: justice administration United States. and human services manage- Education professor A.J. Angulo received a $205,508 ment.—KW grant from the U.S. State Department to fund the pro- gram. While the benefits to the university and local school community are immediate, during the six-week program, Angulo’s long-term goal is to build lasting, meaningful relationships around the world—one teacher at a time. “The global challenges before us recognize no borders and require international solutions. Whether it is a crisis in public health like Ebola, in the environment or in inter- national politics, isolation is not an option,” says Angulo. “Education is one of our best hopes for organizing the world community to effectively respond to these kinds of challenges.”

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Love Story 5 QUESTIONS BY KATHARINE WEBSTER for the Zamboni Driver arol Hay and John Kaag are philosophy’s young power couple. As operations manager at the Tsongas Center, The New York Times named Kaag’s book, Paul McGovern is responsible for conditioning C“American Philosophy: A Love Story,” an editor’s the ice for hockey games and practices, ensuring choice for 2016. Hay, an associate professor and director of a hard, glass-like surface for the River Hawks. the Gender Studies Program, is the youngest-ever winner McGovern, who grew up in Tyngsboro playing of the American Philosophical Association’s prestigious pond hockey, has been behind the wheel of Kavka Prize in political philosophy. the Zamboni machine for 16 years. He says Hired on the same day for the same job—the search he can’t imagine a better job. committee couldn’t decide between them, so the provost created a second position—Hay and Kaag started out on Q: WHAT’S MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT opposite sides of a bitter academic divide. She’s an DRIVING THE 15,500-POUND ZAMBONI analytical philosopher by training, a feminist concerned MACHINE? with moral arguments about social justice. A: Learning to drive in front of a large crowd He belongs to the continental school, which is might be the hardest part of the job. It takes preoccupied with broad existential questions like “Is life getting used to. worth living?” and “What is a meaningful life?” Q: THERE’S A LOT OF TALK ABOUT FAST That didn’t portend a great relationship, at least not “When we were getting to know each other ... ICE AND SLOW ICE IN HOCKEY. HAVE THE at first. TECHNIQUES FOR MAINTAINING THE ICE “When we were getting to know each other, we would I would yell at her that she was just worried CHANGED OVER THE YEARS? just yell at each other about straw-man versions of the about the minutiae of argument—the trees A: The teams seem to like a harder surface on other person’s tradition,” Hay says. the ice nowadays because hockey has evolved “I would yell at her that she was just worried about the and not the forest. And she would say into a finesse game. minutiae of argument—the trees and not the forest. And she would say I was navel-gazing,” Kaag adds. I was navel-gazing.” Q: WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT Over time, they found areas of connection. They became DRIVING THE ZAMBONI? best friends and true colleagues. And while trying to save A: The best part of the job is seeing everyone a nearly forgotten philosopher’s library in rural New Hampshire, they fell Center last January. Many students thought he should be banned from enjoying themselves and having a good time. in love. campus. Hay and Kaag argued he should be allowed to speak—and students I love it. It’s really the best job. In Kaag’s book, which is half memoir and half history, he describes his should be allowed to protest.“We presented arguments about freedom of profound depression, the loss of his father and the disintegration of his speech as a way of saying, ‘Hey, maybe this will help you think through Q: DOES IT EVER GET STRESSFUL? first marriage, then shows how philosophy and Hay helped mend his life. everything that’s buzzing through your head right now,’” Hay says. A: A few years ago, the machine broke down The book also traces the history of American philosophy and its influences “Philosophy gives you tools for thinking critically about our social world, during a game. There was a crowd of 5,500 through Kaag’s discoveries in Ernest Hocking’s library. (Hocking’s family and I think our students are hungry for that.” people. And I had to get towed off the ice by donated more than 200 of the rarest, annotated books to the university Hay teaches multiple sections of Introduction to Ethics. Her students the other Zamboni machine we have. libraries, and Kaag has embarked on a crowdfunding campaign to debate euthanasia, abortion and animal rights, but they also consider the digitize them.) nature of oppression. Hay won the Kavka Prize for her argument that Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CALL IN SICK? “Philosophy, at its best, should help us in the worst of times,” says Kaag. victims of oppression have a moral duty to themselves to resist that A: I’m never sick. I’m here for every game. “The book is proof that philosophy can actually change a life.” oppression. Hay also teaches a popular upper-level course, the Philosophy Hay and Kaag, now married, spend nearly all their time together, of Sex and Love. at work and at home. They are each other’s best sounding boards and Kaag, recently promoted to full professor, teaches multiple sections of editors—and their dialogue has made each one a better philosopher Introduction to Philosophy. He provides his students a safe space to consid- and teacher. er what makes for a meaningful life, at a time when most are feeling intense “We’ve both become a lot more open-minded,” Hay says. external and internal pressure to train for a marketable career. He calls it “I’m much more interested in immediate social and political issues, and spring training for the rest of their lives. I make very clear arguments now. And you are interested in existential “Philosophy at its best gives us a way of asking that question in a meaning,” Kaag says, turning to Hay. “It’s been nice to grow together.” meaningful way and starting to give justifiable answers,” he says. Both have also become public philosophers, writing op-eds together “It moves us away from thinking about simply instrumental ends, like and separately, including one for The Boston Globe on free speech and money or power or fame or beauty, to thinking about intrinsic goods that hate speech after Donald Trump scheduled a campaign rally at the Tsongas make life worth living, like justice and freedom and goodness.” UML

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Asperger’s RAP APP UML BY THE Are They uong Nguyen hacked her way into a co-op with a leading cloud networking company. And it all NUMBERS began with an argument over rap music. BY KATHARINE WEBSTER H Nguyen, a native of Vietnam, hated it when fellow computer science major Cullin Lam played rap in the car as they commuted together to jobs at Profitect, a data analytics company, in Waltham last ver since he can remember, New Michael summer. “I said, ‘Don’t play rap. I don’t understand anything.’ And he said, ‘You can go online and look Ingemi—his father is “old” Michael—has up the lyrics.’ The conversation ended there,” says the honors student. E tried to make people laugh. Now he does it But the idea percolated. When Nguyen, Cullin, and two friends—sophomore Kody Thach and Son professionally as part of the four-man comedy Nguyen ’16 (no relation)—teamed up to enter the Shark Hack at Simmons College last fall, Cullin said, troupe Asperger’s Are Us. “‘Let’s make a music player that can look up the lyrics for you,’” says Huong Nguyen, a junior. “I realized early on that I got positive feedback So at the 24-hour hackathon, the UML team created a rap app connecting Spotify, a music streaming and a positive response from people when I made service, with Genius, which displays lyrics, and Urban Dictionary, so listeners can look up slang in real them laugh through something I did on purpose,” time. The app, Hadu, won an award for best user interface and user experience. says Ingemi ’18, a chemical engineering major Hackathons are a popular way for students to try out new programming tools, get creative and apply and math minor from Beverly. classroom learning to real-life challenges; Son Nguyen and Lam also took part in the first “Hawkathon” Enrollments in online Asperger’s Are Us is the first comedy team at the university last spring. courses in 2016: 25,000 completely composed of people on the autism Hackathons also often allow students to network with professionals who spectrum. In fact, they met at a North Shore volunteer as mentors. The UML team struck it lucky: Their mentor was Number of visitors who have taken summer camp that used drama to teach social a senior data engineer from Spotify, Madhavi Nadig. the Virtual Tour of campus: skills to high-functioning autistic kids. Ingemi, Nadig invited the team to visit Spotify’s Somerville offices for lunch, Ethan Finlan and Jack Hanke were 12-year-old face time with other engineers and a tour of the offices, including a campers; Noah Britton was a counselor. Over the lounge that turns into a pop-up music club. She also encouraged 62,000 next few summers, they became best friends and Lam to apply for a job when he graduated in December. comedic soulmates, and when the younger boys Lam didn’t end up at Spotify, but the Shark Hack award helped were seniors in high school, the four decided to him get a job at Jacobs Technology, a Fortune 500 aerospace form a troupe. and electronics company. “During my interview, I explained Now they’re riding a wave of success, thanks what Hadu was, how we built it and what I would have done to a documentary by filmmaker Alex Lehmann. differently,” he says. “The experience helped bolster my re- “Asperger’s Are Us” premiered at South by sume and land me the job.” Southwest in Austin, Texas, last March and Likewise, Huong Nguyen says the hackathon helped her generated headlines when Netflix snapped up get a six-month co-op at Arista Networks in Nashua, N.H. “It Amount of Gatorade the women’s the distribution rights. The troupe, which had absolutely put me ahead and got me the interview,” she says. basketball team consumes in a season: previously booked about four shows a year, “And I talked about it when asked about my experiences with toured cross-country last summer, including teamwork and how quickly I adapt to new knowledge.”—KW a performance at the Kennedy Center in “When you have Asperger’s, you can do things 240 GALLONS Washington, D.C. When Netflix released the film on streaming that are really, really great—not in spite of services, in theaters and on DVD in late 2016, it drew positive reviews in The New York Times having autism, but through it.” STUDENTS GIVE BACK and other major outlets. Now Asperger’s Are Us is booking so many theater dates that Ingemi isn’t a sunny Saturday morning this winter, sure whether comedy or college will take prece- the other members of Asperger’s Are Us. recently performed a skit at UnchARTed, a Lowell grad students donned work gloves and On spent two hours giving back to the City dence over the next couple of years. “Comedy is The troupe hopes to attract audiences that art gallery. During an escalating (fake) argument, of Lowell. As part of the university’s first-ever my fallback if engineering doesn’t work out,” share their sense of humor, but sometimes people Ingemi defaced a nearby painting with a mark- Graduate Volunteer Day, they picked up debris he jokes. come to see them for the wrong reasons: out of er, then ripped it off the wall and broke it over along the Merrimack River, organized goods for Bananas served monthly Ingemi writes and co-writes many of the pity, or to show support for people with disabili- his knee. The audience recoiled in horror until those in need at the Wish Project and cleaned by University Dining: troupe’s sketches, which involve wordplay, dark ties, Ingemi says. “The worst thing we fear is being Ingemi returned to take a bow—and revealed and served food at the Lowell Transitional Living humor and absurd situations. His influences pigeonholed. We want to be seen as comedians that the painting, which he’d rescued from the Center. “When you’re pursuing an advanced are “Kids in the Hall” and “Mad TV,” which he who happen to have Asperger’s, not people with garbage, was a plant. degree, you’re not just doing it for the degree. 22,000 watched with his dad, and “South Park,” which Asperger’s who happen to be comedians.” “That was the coolest thing I did all year, the I think you’re doing it for the betterment of he watched with his mom starting when he On campus, Ingemi focuses almost entirely on thing I’m proudest of,” he says. “When you have mankind,” says biochemistry Ph.D. student Fang was in kindergarten. “I inherited from my mom his studies. “At university I’m quite stoic, I’m very Asperger’s, you can do things that are really, Zhang, who helped launch a Graduate Ambas- sadors program this semester. “So this is a very a very naughty sense of humor—it was subversive serious. It’s very binary with me,” he says. really great—not in spite of having autism, but direct action for us to show our gratefulness for or dark,” he says. He discovered “Monty Python,“ But he finds time for an occasional escapade. through it.” UML the local community.”—EB another huge influence, around the time he met He and a friend, artist Alexandra Derderian ’14,

16 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 17 OUR WORLD OUR WORLD

How Our Research Leads the Way From our earliest days as a source of brainpower for the Industrial Revolution unfolding in Lowell’s textile mills to the founding of the first plastics engineering department in the country, UMass Lowell has spent 123 years at the edge of what is possible. Here’s just a smattering of what we’re working on these days. EcoSonic Playgrounds What’s made out of empty water-cooler bottles and coffee cans, discarded bicycle Greener Cleaners detecting Cancers earlier wheels and PVC pipes—and inspires music? Students and faculty are testing andcreating Professors in science and engineering are tackling Answer: an EcoSonic Playground made out greener cleaners, solvents and surfactants, some of the deadliest forms of ovarian and breast of mostly recycled materials. Working with with support from the Massachusetts Toxics cancer. Noureddine Melikechi, the new dean of the senior music education major Tyler MacMil- Use Reduction Institute on campus. Under a Kennedy College of Sciences, has helped develop an lan, Asst. Prof. Elissa Johnson-Green and new TURI grant, Assoc. Prof. Nancy Goodyear inexpensive, accurate and noninvasive test for epithelial visiting lecturer Christopher Lee have built of biomedical and nutritional sciences is testing ovarian cancer. The test uses laser pulses to break bad dye job two demonstration EcoSonic Playgrounds greener cleaning products for cleaning supplies down a tiny blood sample so a spectrometer can is anybody out there? Thanks to a $490,000 grant from in Durgin Hall. They’re also creating a lesson distributor M.D. Stetson in Randolph to see detect biomarkers of the disease. “If we can detect Project Blue, a consortium of private, nonprofit research the Walmart Foundation, Chemis- plan they are piloting this spring at Lincoln which ones might also disinfect floors and the biomarkers early enough, before the cancer has a institutes and universities, plans to search for “blue” try Prof. Yuyu Sun is developing a Elementary School in Lowell, where students other surfaces. chance to spread beyond the ovaries, then the patient planets with water or an Earth-like atmosphere around cleaner process for dyeing textiles. will design and build their own musical And under a pair of separate grants, Plastics survival rate could increase [from 45 percent] to 90 to the stars nearest to Earth by designing and launching The goal is to reduce the costs playground structures while learning about Engineering Prof. Ram Nagarajan has developed 95 percent,” says Melikechi, whose research is sup- a compact space telescope. Physics Prof. Supriya of textile manufacturing and bring STEM concepts such as design, acoustics new surfactants, which reduce surface ported by NASA and the National Science Foundation. Chakrabarti, director of the Lowell Center for Space jobs back to the United States from and sustainable materials. tension in liquids, derived from sugar Meanwhile, Prakash Rai, an assistant professor of Science and Technology, is providing technical exper- countries with weaker environ- and pectin for Siemens Corp.’s immu- chemical engineering, has a $725,000 National Cancer tise in the telescope’s design and fabrication. mental laws. Traditionally, fabric is noassay lab products, while Assoc. Institute grant to develop nanoparticles that can better immersed in a solution containing Prof. of Biology Peter Gains is testing diagnose and treat malignant cells in two of the most dye. While some of the dye bonds them to see whether they are toxic intractable breast cancers, HER2+ and Triple-Negative with the fabric, a lot remains in to cells. Breast Cancer. The nanoparticles target drugs to the the solution and later rinses. That cancerous cells—and also include an imaging compo- Early Alzheimer’s Detection makes it difficult to remove from the Two abnormal proteins—beta-amyloid plaques and nent, so doctors can see where the cancer is located. wastewater stream. Sun is using tau tangles—build up in the brain years before symp- nanotechnology to create dyes that toms of Alzheimer’s show up. Joyita Dutta, assistant respond to magnetic fields. Man- Better Business Apps professor of electrical and computer engineering, is ufacturers can then use magnets Business students are learning how to build personal finance apps in their Business developing new tools to detect them. Dutta, director of to pull the modified dyes into the Application Development class, including interest-rate and tax calculators, a stock the university’s Biomedical Imaging and Data Sciences fabrics more efficiently—and remove visualizer and “The Gold Standard,” which shows real-time pricing of precious metals. Lab, is using computational methods that combine most of the remaining dye from Junior business administration major Roma Aurora teamed up with Josie Nou and Ronald information from PET and MRI scans to generate the wastewater. Ramirez on “Go Fund Yourself,” a budget planner that helps users visualize their savings high-resolution images of tau tangles and see how goals. “Developing an application is the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” says Aurora, who they’re distributed and connected. She hopes to mea- is now considering adding MIS to her marketing and finance concentrations. “The project sure tau tangle accumulation in small brain structures really opened my eyes to how much business is related to technology. That’s where the for earlier diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Her future is.” The class is taught by Assoc. Prof. Harry Zhu, in collaboration with Computer research is supported by a five-year, $603,000 grant Science Prof. Fred Martin. from the National Institute on Aging. She is collaborat- IN DEFENSE OF LENTILS ing with Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is Do you have to eat meat to get ripped? Not according to researchers at an assistant in physics, and Harvard Medical School, UMass Lowell. A new study of nearly 3,000 adults led by Kelsey Mangano, where she teaches radiology, on the project. assistant professor of nutritional sciences, found that it doesn’t matter what type of protein you eat as long as you eat a lot of it. Published A Strong Heartbeat in the American Journal of Artificial heart valves need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, and the surgery Clinical Nutrition in February, is costly and dangerous. Scott Stapleton, an assistant professor of mechanical the study found that plant- engineering who does research at the university’s Advanced Composite Materials based proteins are as effective and Textile Research Laboratory, is hoping to change that. He's helping develop an as meat in boosting muscle artificial heart valve that combines tissue grown from the patient’s own cells with a mass and strength. scaffolding of polyester fibers for added strength. Existing tissue valves last longer, can grow along with young patients and work well for the heart chambers that receive depleted blood from the veins, but aren’t strong enough for the chambers that pump freshly oxygenated blood throughout the body. The valve Stapleton is helping develop, along with researchers at North Carolina State and RWTH Aachen University in Germany, combines the best features of both types and can be insert- ed through a catheter, reducing the risks of surgery.

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OUR LEGACY, OUR PLACE

Our Legacy, Our Place Changing the World

Our Stories by Caring for It BY BETH BROSNAN Thanks to YOU, the numbers continue to add up for Our Legacy, Our Place, UMass Lowell’s first-ever School of Nursing to Be Named for Susan and Alan Solomont comprehensive fundraising and alumni engagement campaign.

hen Alan Solomont ’77, ’94 (H) graduated from Tufts University in 1970 with a degree in political science and urban studies, he $ wanted “to do something to change the world.” 96.7 M 475 Considering that he went on to become a senior leader in the Alumni, faculty and staff, family members, Endowed funds for scholarships, national Democratic Party, the U.S. ambassador to Spain from faculty research, campus W2009 to 2013 and the current dean of Tufts’ Tisch College of Civic Life, parents, corporate and community partners have already donated improvements and our Solomont has surely done his part. almost $100 million. Division I athletics program. What’s surprising is the path he took to get there. After working for sev- eral years as a community organizer in Lowell, Solomont swerved from poli- tics to health care and enrolled at the University of Lowell Nursing Program. The perspective he gained there continues to color his life and work today. “I had a profoundly important experience at UMass Lowell,” says Solo- $ mont. First as a student, and then as a trustee (as chairman of the board, 3/4 393K+ he helped guide the university in its 1991 merger with the UMass system), Less than one year after the campaign’s Small gifts have a BIG impact. Solomont says he learned firsthand “the role that public higher education public launch, we're more than three- Donations of $100 or less added can play in a life, and the responsibility one might feel to make sure the uni- quarters of the way toward our goal of up to $393,189 last year. versity can do the same in other lives.” raising $125 million by 2020. It’s a responsibility that Solomont and his wife, Susan, take seriously. Tufts Medical Center. He also built a simultaneous, separate career as a They have made UMass Lowell one of their most important philanthropic Democratic fundraiser, working on the presidential campaigns of Michael priorities, including a major new gift to endow scholarships for full-time un- Dukakis, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, John Kerry and Barack Obama, and served dergraduate students pursuing nursing degrees—a commitment that will as the DNC’s national finance chair for two years. In 2008, President Obama Our graduates have been making a difference for change the lives of young men and women just as that educational experi- appointed Solomont his first ambassador to Spain. more than a century. On the next page, we share one ence did for Alan. Solomont jokes that he’s held “a succession of jobs for which I was to- In recognition of their generosity, UMass Lowell will officially dedicate the tally unprepared.” You could also say that each of his jobs have enabled him such story. Go to www.uml.edu/ourlegacy-ourplace to Susan and Alan Solomont School of Nursing later this year. “I’ve known Alan to change the world, at least a little, by caring for people. find more, and to learn how you can make a since we were both students,” says Chancellor Jacquie Moloney ’75, ’92, “We’re deeply honored that the School of Nursing will carry the name of lasting difference at UMass Lowell. “and he has always looked for ways to make a difference in people’s lives. someone known for his leadership in health care, public service and higher His and Susan’s tremendous support for our School of Nursing is just the education,” says Interim Dean Karen Devereaux Melillo ’78. “More than 30 latest example of that.” years ago, the Solomonts endowed a family scholarship that has already Lowell is where Solomont’s roots are. His grandfather, a Lithuanian Jew, benefitted scores of nursing students. Their most recent gift will do the immigrated here in the early 1900s and found work as a fishmonger. His same and more for a new generation of nursing students.” mother was a nurse at Boston City Hospital, and his father later opened That new generation keeps growing. Enrollment at the School of Nursing three nursing homes. So when Solomont needed extra cash to support his has more than tripled since Solomont was a student, with 437 students community organizing work, he took a job as an orderly at the D’Youville enrolled in the B.S. program, 70 in the M.S. program preparing to be prima- Manor nursing home—and that choice changed his life. ry-care nurse practitioners (both adult-geronotological and family) and 47 “I discovered I really liked caring for people,” says Solomont, who can doctoral students. The Bring Diversity to Nursing program helps ensure that still name and describe the six elderly men then in his charge. Within a more of those students come from diverse backgrounds and provides them year, he had enrolled in the ULowell Nursing Program and plunged into his with the range of support they need to graduate and go on to work in their studies, mentored by professors like Eleanor Shalhoup, Janice Stecchi, May communities to reduce disparities in care and improve outcomes. Futrell and Marilyn Rawnsley, an expert on death and dying whom Solomont What hasn’t changed is the School of Nursing’s commitment to ex- calls “one of the great teachers of my life.” cellence in teaching, research and community engagement—in short, to After graduating at the top of his class in 1977, he went into business changing the world by caring for it. with his father, managing a nursing home in North Andover. By the following “There’s nothing that means more to me than having our names on the decade, he and a partner had built a highly successful and highly regard- nursing school,” Solomont says. “This gift is about where I came from, what ed network of eldercare facilities, many in partnership with hospitals like shaped my life and how I got to where I am today.” UML

SPRING 2017 21

OUR WORLD

During Hurricane Matthew and its aftermath, marvels Belanger, “Dayana and Ralph didn’t miss With the Haiti Center, Prof. Robert Giles has a single class or homework assignment, and they THE LITTLE ENGINE still pulled off A’s.” created a powerful academic engine that’s “If the center did nothing else but support these wonderful young people, it would be justified,” adds changing lives from Lowell to Haiti. Lori Weeden, a senior lecturer in the Department of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. THAT COULD Last fall, civil engineer Maureen Kelly ’15, ’16 was thing breaks, it’s inexpensive to repair or replace. Together with Biology student Laura Magee ’17, wrapping up her master’s degree and getting ready to That’s not the case in Haiti. So part of the solution Weeden taught geology workshops at a Les Cayes BY BETH BROSNAN enter the job market. Then, on Oct. 4, news broke is working with the available resources, both physi- elementary school. “Dayana, Ralph and Sattoya that a devastating hurricane, Matthew, had hit the cal and human.” Pierre-Louis [an HDSC student intern] set up our island nation of Haiti, claiming the lives of more That’s why HDSC is working hard to make bio- materials, interpreted and helped maintain order. than 1,000 Haitians and displacing hundreds of fuels easier to use. Stockwell and another mechan- There is absolutely no way we could have done thousands more. ical engineering student, Sean Hays, have designed this without them.” Kelly—who had traveled to Haiti for a junior a hand-cranked biomass shredder for use with The way Giles sees it, “We’re trying to create an capstone project in 2015—immediately wanted to vetiver, a common grass crop in Haiti. In January, academic engine. It’s small, but powerful enough do something. “I didn’t want to finish school and a local Haitian trade school committed to building that it works in both directions.” HDSC’s work has go straight to work,” says Kelly, who had just been the dual-shaft shredder, based on a binder full of begun to attract some notable supporters, including hired as a civil project engineer by TFMoran, a New 2-D designs that Stockwell had prepared. “That felt philanthropist Kristen Williams-Haseotes, who met Hampshire engineering firm. “I wanted to finish amazing,” he says. “That’s really one of the reasons Giles on a plane flight and, after hearing about his school and go straight to Haiti.” I wanted to become an engineer—to build things work, wrote him a check on the spot. Global health This January, with her new employer’s blessing, that make life better for people.” activist Donato Tramuto ’15 (H), founder of Physi- she spent a week with six other students and faculty That’s also the goal for BASH (short for Bio- cians Interactive and the chairman and founder of members working at the university’s Haiti Develop- digester Aided Solutions in Haiti), a sewage-man- Health eVillages, recently donated $20,000. And ment Study Center, conducting research to identify agement system that converts human or animal Giles himself, who has already given so much to the affordable, sustainable solutions to the kinds of waste into fertilizer and methane gas, a good source center, has found a way to give even more. Back in life-threatening problems that Haitians face on a of energy for cooking and refrigeration. Developed his student days, he invested some unexpected extra daily basis. by a team of UML engineering and public health cash in a stock, at the urging of his grandfather. “The center is a place where research is a path to students, BASH earned an honorable mention Today that stock is worth more than $70,000, and critical change,” says HDSC’s founder, Prof. Robert in the 2016 DifferenceMaker Idea Challenge. Giles is using it to fund an endowment for HDSC. Giles. The chair of the UMass Lowell Physics and BASH’s lead engineer, Nicole Belanger, and For the students who visit HDSC, it’s hard to Applied Physics Department, Giles first visited the Maureen Kelly met with the director of a local put a price on the experience. “I’d imagined Haiti southern port city of Les Cayes in 2003 on what agricultural orphanage, and came away with plans to would be kind of grim, because we’ve all heard about was supposed to be a one-time service trip. But the build a biodigester to collect the farm’s pig waste, as the hardships the country faces,” says Laura Magee. people he met and the conditions he observed kept well as an assignment to design a low-maintenance “And it turned out to be one of the most beautiful drawing him back. septic system. places I’ve ever been—not just the landscape, but “I learned I could use my skills to have an impact They also came away with profound respect for the culture and the people. When you talk with on a country I care about and that faces so many HDSC’s on-site staff, including the two Haitian them about the experiences they’ve had, living challenges,” says Giles. In 2013, he leased a two-sto- student research interns, Dayana Alabre and through the earthquake and the hurricane, you ry facility in Les Cayes, hired a small local staff and Ralph Douyon, who serve as tech assistants and realize just how strong they are.” launched HDSC to harness the talents of his UMass interpreters for the visiting teams. Since 2015, Adds Maureen Kelly: “My interest in Haiti is Lowell students and colleagues—and to move Alabre and Douyon have also been enrolled not all tree-hugging, social justice and rainbows. beyond a crisis-management response to chronic in UMass Lowell’s online education program; It is also a self-serving desire to see stability in my health and environmental issues. earlier this year, Alabre won the Jack M. Wilson corner of the world, because stability is just as “As a researcher, I know you need sustained, Presidential Scholarship. good for the U.S. as it is for Haiti.” UML hands-on knowledge of your subject to be effective,” Giles says. “You can’t just show up in Haiti and assume that you know the answers. You have Students and faculty from UMass to have a presence in the community, and you have Lowell’s Haiti Development Study to listen to understand what its needs are.” Center are developing plans for a Mechanical engineer Mike Stockwell ’16 low-maintenance septic system has learned this firsthand during his two trips to and a biodigester. Shown here HDSC. “Because their main concern is survival, (from left) are Cecil Joseph, Ralph Haitians don’t always have the luxury to contem- Douyon, Mike Stockwell, Maureen plate environmental impact,” he says. For example, Kelly, Nicole Belanger and Prof. Civil engineer Maureen Kelly and many residents must rely on wood charcoal as their Bob Giles. two Haitian staffers test out a primary domestic fuel, even though it contributes hand-cranked biomass shredder to widespread deforestation and erosion. “We can designed by UMass Lowell say we have an alternative fuel, biomass briquettes, students Mike Stockwell and that will burn hotter and faster than wood charcoal,” Sean Hays, which can be used to make biomass briquettes. Stockwell says, “but that won’t matter if that fuel isn’t easy and inexpensive to produce.” Adds research scientist Cecil Joseph ’10, now on his third trip to Les Cayes: “In the U.S., if some-

 For more information about how you can support the Haiti Development Study Center, visit: www.uml.edu/hdsc.

SPRING 2017 23 OUR WORLD OUR WORLD HOW

RAJIA ABDELAZIZ ’16 Rajia Abdelaziz, who double-majored in electrical engineer- ing and computer science, believes that leadership is about inspiring others to make an impact. As president of the Society of Women Engineers chapter at UMass Lowell, she mobilized WE FANG ZHANG ’15 JAMES CHRISTOPHER members to paint a mural at Lowell General Hospital’s Pediatric Fang Zhang, a Ph.D. student in biochemistry, a student alumni ambassador and Student Government Association president James Christopher says that spurring others Center, build gingerbread houses for Habitat for Humanity, president of the Graduate Student Association, says leadership comes down to two to action is one of the most important things a leader does. “I used to think leadership collaborate with Girls, Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club and pro- fundamental steps: caring for others and putting that care into action. “This university was a result of individual actions and hard work. But I've realized simply doing your moted STEM awareness in schoolchildren. “It’s about keeping is a very special place for that to happen,” he says. “There is a spirit of caring here from part isn’t enough,” says the political science and philosophy double major. “You have to your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to the top down. The faculty, staff and administrators really care about the students, and inspire others to have that shared vision. Achievement comes through collective efforts.” achieve it,” says Abdelaziz, who also co-founded a company that’s what gives them the passion for their work. And then the students have the op- Christopher—a senior who will attend law school in the fall—believes that the most suc- called invisWear, which makes “smart jewelry” that at the touch portunity to excel because there are people out there who wish them to be successful. cessful leaders dial into their team member’s passions. “On the Student Life Committee, of a button sends your location to the police. “A good leader It gives students, such as myself, who want to be a leader the opportunity to rise.” I would identify a project each team member was passionate about,” he says. “They got paves the way for others and lets them shine in the success.” LEAD more involved that way rather than something being randomly assigned to them.”

e run nonprofit agencies and student newspapers. We oversee Division I athletic teams and W Fortune 500 corporations. We’re guiding efforts to find new planets and new ways to ensure success among public school students. Whether we're in the corner office or on the playing field, in the Club Hub on campus or at the State House in Boston—we, the people of UMass Lowell, are leaders.

SARAVON KHUN-LENG ’99 KADEEM DAVIS SHANNON HLEBICHUK ’98 Saravon Khun Leng ’99 a Cambodian refugee who rose through the ranks at the Lowell Kadeem Davis, a finance major from Boston and first-generation After leading the field hockey team to a pair of NCAA Division II national champion- Police Department over 14 years to become director of community relations, says lead- college student, started the Black Student Union to bring together ships, head coach Shannon Hlebichuk ’98 guided the River Hawks to a 2016 America ership is all about building relationships and trust. “In the beginning, being female and groups that were divided by ethnic origin. “I never started an or- East tournament berth in their second year of Division I eligibility. While her leadership a minority, it was tough. I was an outsider,” she says, adding that she’s earned respect ganization before; I was really more of a behind-the-scenes guy,” style evolves each year depending on the makeup of the team, one thing that hasn’t by working closely with her colleagues, respecting their expertise and avoiding drama. he says. But he believes that good leadership means stepping changed over her 15-year career is her passion. “Being passionate about the university “People know they can rely on me to get things done. I’m easy to work with, I don’t outside your comfort zone when you see a need: “I started the and having passion for empowering young women to compete at the highest level, judge anybody and I always try to think about our mission: what’s good for the Black Student Union to try to unite the black community and give both in the classroom and on the field, are the most important attributes as a leader department and the community as well.” them a voice.” He’s discovered that the group’s members have for building a culture of excellence,” she says. different goals, and that one of the most important things he does is “make sure everyone gets heard.”

24 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 25 OUR WORLD OUR WORLD

THALIA PETSIS Thalia Petsis, a junior business administration major and midfielder on the women’s soccer team, was chosen to represent the America East Conference at the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum in Baltimore in November. The Toronto native believes leading by exam- ple, both on and off the field, has helped her earn the respect of those around her. “Coming into any new situation, no one knows you and what you’re capable of as a leader, so you’re always trying to prove yourself and gain re- spect,” she says. “That’s something I’ve done here, and something I hope to take into my career in the business world.”

LIZ SWEENEY ’91 Since becoming Executive Director at Family Services of Merrimack Valley in 2011, Liz Sweeney ’91 has helped the nonprofit more than double its budget to almost $5 million. Sweeney, who’s been with the agency for 24 years, believes in building a team-oriented, family-friendly culture for her 90 employees. “We’re all in this together and everybody helps each other. Nobody’s above shoveling the walkway if you’re the first one here. I also give people a lot of autonomy—I want them to run their programs—because they’re going to do their best work if they feel responsible.”

ABIMALEC MARTINEZ JOHN-MORGAN BUSH Abimalec Martinez, an English literature major and co-president of the Latin American Student Association, believes in leading John-Morgan Bush, executive director of the as an equal and making sure everyone is heard. “I used to think FRANCISCO UREÑA ’10 UMass Lowell String Project and Youth Orches- leadership was being that one person everyone’s going to look Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans’ Services Francisco A. Ureña ’10 learned tra, is an award-winning performer. As founder of up to, and you’re the one leading everyone to success. But now I about leadership first as a Boy Scout, then in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he Tuxedo Revolt, an arts consultancy and think tank, think it’s being that relatable, humble person who is knowledgeable served as a tank commander and received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained he works with performers to develop new ways LISA DANA ’92, ’01 about certain things, yes, but is also willing to learn more alongside in combat. Not long after returning from Iraq, he began volunteering while a to connect with audiences. He brings that spirit As Superintendent Lisa Dana heads into her 14th year leading the Danvers public schools, those you’re helping to lead.” student at UMass Lowell, eventually working at the Veterans’ Services Office of innovation to his role as a mentor with the Differ- her length of service at the helm of one district is among the longest in the state. She over- in Lawrence, where he became director. From there, he took over Boston’s enceMaker program. Bush says that experiences sees a district with more than 3,600 students and 270 teachers across seven schools. “I’ve office, and now he coordinates services to the state’s 385,000 veterans with are the building block of leadership. “Great leaders found that the most important way to improve our schools is to truly listen to people’s ideas city and state officials. “What makes a good leader is passion about the role— never stop learning and always seek out new and concerns,” she says. “In the end, not everyone may be happy with a decision, but the in my case, the passion to help other people and see veterans successfully knowledge in their field," he says. “That’s what the town, the school committee and teachers know that it was an inclusive process.” transition into the community,” he says. 21st century demands of us—that we can pivot, redirect and stay relevant.”

26 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 27 OUR WORLD FEATURES

Inside... 30 COVER STORY JONATHAN ZLOTNICK ’12 38 BROADWAY ON DEMAND Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik ’12 launched his campaign for state representative 41 THE COMPANY WE KEEP from his South Campus dorm room and was elected to the Massachusetts 42 FACE OF PHILANTHROPY SUPRIYA CHAKRABARTI legislature six months after graduating with a degree in history. With his 44 DI: RISE AND SHINE upset victory, the young Democrat unseated a first-term incumbent, Supriya Chakrabarti, director of the university’s Lowell Center for Space Science becoming the youngest lawmaker on Beacon Hill. His Worcester County and Technology and associate dean of the Kennedy College of Sciences, district includes his hometown of Gardner as well as Ashburnham, West- believes that a leader’s most important trait is the ability to communicate openly, minster and Winchendon. Durng his time in office, he says he’s learned honestly and frequently. “Every day at work, I try to walk the halls and meet that “the most important quality of a leader is an ability to clarify. Usually with everyone in my team individually,” he says. “I have a strong commitment leadership arises from some kind of issue or conflict. A leader rises from to fostering teamwork and I happily give credit to the team members. Being his or her ability to see things clearly, to clarify, to distill a problem and curious, open-minded to criticism and willing to take chances has helped me come up with a solution.” find innovative solutions to diverse fields, from terrestrial ecology to astrophysics and exoplanet research.” KICKING IT UP A LEVEL

Wuilito Fernandes, a senior forward on the men’s soccer team, became the first player in program history to be drafted when he was JERRY COLELLA ’78 selected by FC Dallas in the third round (62nd overall) of the Major Jerry Colella ’78 started out League Soccer SuperDraft in January. at MKS Instruments 35 years A native of Praia, Cape Verde, Fernandes capped his remarkable ago as a purchasing manager. UML career by netting a career-high 11 goals, five assists and 27 points. Today, as CEO and president of The senior business major, who helped lead the River Hawks to the $1.4 billion Andover-based their first-ever Division I America East regular season title, was named company, he says he owes a National Soccer Coaches Association of America First-Team All much of his success to “being American and a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist (awarded to the humble.” It’s also vital, he top college player in the nation). says, for leaders to “get work He says it was tough not being eligible for NCAA tournament experience first, as it gives you play during the transition, but he’s glad he stuck it out. a far deeper appreciation for “I can't tell you how many times I thought about transferring just the material and you can relate because people were saying, ‘You won't be looked at by professional to it easier and see where it teams if you play DI at a school that can't compete beyond the regular applies.” And if you plan to go all the way to the top? “Classes TERRIE ENIS ’90, ’07 season,’” he says. “I thought, ‘If I deserve to go play professionally, in public speaking are also important, as you will be the face Terrie Enis ’90, ’07 rose through the ranks of the physical therapy field—as a physical I will.’ I’m extremely glad I stayed at UMass Lowell. The entire four-year of the company to the outside world, and people watch every therapist in 1998 at Emerson Hospital to her current leadership role as director of move and word of the CEO.” journey was worth it, and winning the regular season title was a rehabilitation services and The Dr. Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center in the hospital. dream come true.” –EB She says good leadership boils down to a couple things: “Allow creativity, allow risk and allow failure, but don’t accept failure as the end point. Leaders look to fix things before they are broken. When revenue is positive, staff are engaged and the institution or departments are running on all cylinders, that is the time to look to reinvent, refresh and start new programs, processes and develop new ideas. In any industry, especially health care, when you do things for the right reason, everyone wins.”

28 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE COVER STORY

THE LEADERSHIP ISSUE WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW TURNING STUDENTS INTO LEADERS IN AN AGE OF DISTRUST > BY GEOFFREY DOUGLAS

SPRING 2017 31 30 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE COVER STORY

LINDY REED embodies a truth about her generation. She has cultivated all the traditional skills and attitudes of a future leader by participating in the Honors College, Student Government Association and Pre-Law Society. She even won election as UML’s student trustee on the UMass board. She should believe wholeheartedly in the system that she has worked so hard to win a place in. Yet when Reed, a history and English double major, looks at the world—she nurses doubt. “People are cynical,” she says. “When I was running for the Board of Trustees, other students Sophomore Lindy Reed is would come up to me and say, ‘You’re not running just to help yourself, are you?’ I got that the university’s student trustee on question a lot. the UMass Board of Trustees. “It’s gotten to the point where politics, the whole nature of it, is basically a turnoff to me.” When the U.S. presidential campaign ended in November, Lindy Reed’s belief in the system, on a scale of one to 10, had sunk to “about a two.” Her whole generation is right there with her. Millennial distrust is rewriting the way UMass Lowell thinks about leaders, leadership and the skills students will need to thrive in the future. “This generation, when you think about it, had it pretty good for a while—no Vietnam, no Watergate, no civil rights struggles,” says Ralph Jordan, a lecturer who teaches undergraduate courses on leadership and team management. “The average millennial was only 9 years old when 9/11 happened,” he says. “Then every- thing kind of came at them at once—economic downturn, climate change, energy, business corruption, threats to public education. Then this election. It’s been a steady pattern. So now they’re seeing, at every level, that their future is being mortgaged. You don’t go to school for 16, 18 years having certain values reinforced, then see them under threat, and not feel betrayed. And they do. And they get it. And they’re mad.”

HOW BAD IS IT? “SO NOW THEY’RE Millennials harbor skepticism of almost everyone and everything, according to a national poll of U.S. millennials SEEING, AT EVERY (ages 18-35) co-sponsored by UMass Lowell and social-media LEVEL, THAT THEIR platform Odyssey. Nearly 60 percent told pollsters they believed “You can’t FUTURE IS BEING be too careful in dealing with others,” while 70 percent thought most people would take advantage of them if given MORTGAGED.” the chance. Of the 25 groups and government institutions respondents were asked about in the poll, only five—teachers, universities, the military and police and fire departments—were trusted by more than half. The only nongovernment institution that received the majority’s nod was Google. Other research confirms the gloomy story. The 2017 Edelman Trust Barometer, released in January, shows faith in CEOs at an all-time low, with 63 percent of survey respondents believing CEOs are “somewhat” or “not at all” credible. Religious leaders and the news media aren’t faring better, with a December Pew study reveal- ing trust levels of only 53 and 38 percent, respectively. Millennials reserved their harshest judgment for politicians. Nearly a quarter of respondents in UMass Lowell’s fall poll said they’d rather see a giant meteor strike the Earth than either major party candidate win the White House. Millennials—the nation’s largest demographic—don't trust the system, yet they will inherit it. For educators, at UMass Lowell, it has become a puzzle to solve and a challenge in need of response.

WHAT HAPPENED? History Professor Bob Forrant, honored as this year’s University Professor, has been around long enough to see generations of young people come and go, each responding to the historical moment differently. He sees millennials beset by a deluge of competing, sometimes contradictory, information. Continued on P. 34

32 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 33 COVER STORY

In Humberd’s view, the issue at the core of all this—and still about making a profit—you’re just trying to find maybe the key to beginning the process of restoring trust— that sweet spot, between human connection and the “WHAT STUDENTS ARE REALLY is the difficulty of finding, at least in the business world, bottom line.” the single quality social media purports to achieve. LOOKING FOR, IN THE END, IS A “What students are really looking for, in the end, is a A RECIPE FOR RESTORED FAITH SENSE OF PERSONAL CONNECTION.” sense of personal connection,” she says. “A lot of them will The challenge is to provide millennials with an avenue to tell you that what’s most important to them in searching stay involved, says Steve Tello, associate vice chancellor for The university is supportive institutionally of youth for a job is work that’s ‘meaningful.’ Some of the students entrepreneurship. voices, he says, and “at the end of the day, if we don’t find I talk to tell me they’d even be willing to take less mon- “The majority of students, I think, genuinely want to meaningful ways for students to feel engaged and valued on ey, or give up some benefits, in exchange for that kind of make a difference,” he says. “They see the injustice in the campus, we run the risk of failing to prepare future leaders connection.” world—they’ve grown up in the recession, some of them to go out and take on bigger issues.” Humberd is in her 30s, not so far removed in age from have watched their parents lose their homes or retirement Foster knows all about taking on bigger issues. After some of the millennials she sees in her classroom. She can accounts. So they care. At the same time, most of them are graduating with a B.A. in English in 2009, he did two years still recall, she says, in her early working days, experiencing juggling a lot of things in their lives—jobs, classes, family— of national service through AmeriCorps. Today, at UTEC, he works to empower youth to create lasting change UMass Lowell’s “Forty or 50 years ago, if you wanted to know what was some of the same ambivalence. and they can tend to feel not included in what’s going on As director of organizing DifferenceMaker program happening in the world, you had three TV channels to “My first employer was a medical-device company out-side of that. So their initial reaction is just to drop through policymaking. and policymaking at helps students make choose from. Three—ABC, NBC, CBS. That was it,” he outside Boston,” she says. “And I remember that, for a lot out. We need to keep finding ways to make sure they “My perspective on leadership has broadened since I left UTEC in Lowell, Geoff Foster ’09 (shown below, an impact on the world— says. “Now you’ve got Rush Limbaugh, Fox, CNN, PBS, of us there, a big part of the appeal was that we were doing stay connected.” UMass Lowell, but my experiences have only continued to providing support and in center) has overseen Slate, fake news, a hundred others. But how do you figure meaningful work, that we were ‘saving lives.’ But then UMass Lowell is good at that, says Geoff Foster ’09, who reinforce what I learned as a student: that young people are youth-led campaigns funding to student experts on social and political issues that directly impact organizations like eNABLE out what’s fake and what’s real?” you’d go into a meeting and they’d be talking about raising was an active student organizer while on campus, fighting to lower Lowell’s voting Lowell. The student-run The same goes for the institutions Americans were the stock price. And that was an eye-opener for me.” student fee increases after the state reduced funding to them,” he says. “There is nothing more compelling to a age to 17 for municipal nonprofit designs and the university. policymaker, than a young person with a story. I learned that elections, statewide civ- traditionally brought up to trust, says Forrant. ics education reform and fabricates low-cost, “The banks, the mortgage companies, Wall Street, the THE OTHER BOTTOM LINE “UMass Lowell does a great job of supporting student-led on campus, and I’ve seen it in the eyes of young people from 3-D-printed prosthetic criminal justice reform. Catholic Church. And now you’ve got Wells Fargo, the de- Humberd’s anecdote would sound familiar to Stoughton groups on campus and creating a safe environment for stu- all across the Commonwealth. Both on campus, and in my “I’ve learned that every devices for children role at UTEC, I’ve seen that the best leaders are the young with physical disabilities, frocked priests, so much slippery stuff. It’s become routine,” native Steffan Jackson, a senior majoring in business. dents to learn,” says Foster, now director of organizing and young person has the providing the devices free he says. “Then comes this election. And some student will Last year, the university helped him land an internship policy at United Teen Equality Center Inc. in Lowell. people in the middle of a struggle who refuse to give up.” potential to be a great leader,” he says. of charge, through fund- ask me, ‘So why should I bother to vote when the person in supply chain and warehouse logistics at Versatile, an Continued raising and sponsorships. with the most votes doesn’t win?’ I don’t have an answer information technology company in Marlborough. He for that. learned a ton, he says, about “the ins and outs of how a “When the institutions fail, people just check out. It’s small business functions. I was able to really apply what not hard to see why.” I was learning in the classroom.” And checking out, he says, has never been easier: “I But there was something gnawing at Jackson, a feeling come into class, and everyone’s buried behind their screens, that he needed to be helping people. nobody’s talking to anybody. And you can’t blame them— One day last summer, he and some friends threw a there’s all that stuff competing for their attention.” pizza party for the homeless on Boston Common—and Another outgrowth of social media is that when there that spurred the idea for something bigger: the creation is a lie told, a book cooked or a racist comment made, the of a nonprofit called Make-A-Change Inc., which helps whole plugged-in world can know it within seconds. And children dealing with parental drug abuse, physical abuse, they know it from every perspective, from every angle foster care or neglect by providing them with positive of spin. experiences and mentorship. “There’s just so much more access than there ever used Jackson’s professors in the business school were influen- to be,” says Manning School of Business Asst. Prof. Beth tial in helping him marry his passion for community service Humberd, who researches leadership and identity devel- and business, he says, connecting him with partners who’ve opment. “Everything is so much more scrutinized today. helped him learn how marketing works. As a result, Make- We’ve turned ourselves into a kind of societal jury.” A-Change has already helped children from all around Those who would lead sign up for the highest scrutiny Greater Boston, taking them to Six Flags New England, of all—and whose downfalls contribute to millennial Celtics games, bowling and museums. distrust, she says. “It’s given me a different perspective on what I want to CEOs like Uber’s Travis Kalanick are discovering the do with my life,” says Jackson, who serves on the Dean’s high stakes of standing trial in social media court. After a Leadership Council and hopes to be the CEO of his video of him yelling at a driver went viral in February, own company one day. Kalanick apologized to his staff in an email that the compa- “It’s that whole idea of doing good while doing well,” ny also published on its blog: “I must fundamentally change Humberd says. “And it’s a big part, I think, of what stu- as a leader and grow up ... I need leadership help.” dents today need to come to terms with: that in the end it’s

Photo: Adrien Bisson Photography

34 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 35 COVER STORY COVER STORY

Another millennial who has stayed connected is Jonathan Zlotnick ’12, “And just as importantly, it will give the univer- a Worcester County state representative who launched his first campaign sity one more tool to shape principled, prepared “WHAT IT’S REALLY ABOUT IS HELPING from his UMass Lowell dorm room five years ago. He points to what he leaders—and then send them into the world.” calls the “transformational era” his generation has witnessed: STUDENTS UNDERSTAND THAT, IF THEY “My mother grew up during the Cuban Missile Crisis. I remember her BEYOND THE CLASSROOM WANT TO, WE CAN HELP THEM MAKE telling me stories about how her teacher suspended homework because of UMass Lowell students are flocking to extra- the likelihood of the world ending. During the Cold War, there was a binary and co-curricular activities with a focus on A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.” view: You had one enemy, it was NATO vs. the Warsaw Pact. Today we developing as leaders, followers or just ethical live under a different fear, one that is more complex, more nuanced.” actors. professor Corey Ciocchetti, highlighted UMass Lowell’s UMass Lowell is adjusting rapidly. Senior Manning School Probably the most visible of these is the Difference- dedication to integrity. (“It’s impossible to be truly hap- student Steffan Jackson py if you’re an unethical person,” he told his audience, It begins with some powerful assets, the first of which is its students: is a member of the Dean’s Maker program. Launched on campus in 2012 and diverse, largely middle-class, often first-generation college—there’s not Student Leadership Council now a fixture of campus life—the program introduces who thanked him with a standing ovation.) much self-entitlement among them. They’ve lived through a difficult and vice president and students, beginning in the first days of their freshman decade, and—as Tello has observed—are likely to have taken some hits community service chair of year, to the process and importance of socially LEADERS ON THEIR OWN TERMS close to home. the student club M.A.L.E.S. responsible, creative problem-solving. Geoff Foster is a millennial who believes his generation (Men Achieving Leadership, “They’re gritty, they’re hard-working, they’ve definitely earned their Excellence and Success). Its attitude: If you don't like something about the and the ones that follow can turn things around. diplomas,” says Jordan, the lecturer in the Manning School. “They’re Last year he launched world, change it. “Remember that our country was built by those looking for a better life than their parents, and don’t feel like they’re headed the nonprofit Make-A- Students work in teams to solve challenges large brave few who challenged an unjust institution and that way. You may not see as many of them demonstrating in the streets as Change to marry his and small. One team invented a reusable bottle cap authority,” he says. “In many ways, our youth are best passions for business some of their forebears, but it’s hard to demonstrate when you’re working and community service. that prevents contaminants, while another worked on prepared to recreate the institutions preparing our 30, 40 hours a week and carrying a full load of classes. But they’re not a wearable device that connects to a smartphone to next generation of citizens.” going to lie down and go to sleep.” send help messages for those in trouble. For that to happen, he says, institutions and author- At last count, the program had reached more than ity have to be more open to truly sharing power with IN THE CLASSROOM 20,000 students, awarded $153,000 in prize money, seen young people. If not, the power will find other ways Jordan’s leadership class is one of scores of opportunities on campus with the six team patents approved or filed, and resulted in the to manifest. potential to foster or restore a young person’s faith in the system—or at least creation of 13 new companies. “In today’s America, we can’t just provide young in their ability to change it. Four skills are central to the DifferenceMaker people with civic education, we need to provide real Not long ago, Sheila Angelo ’15 was one of those students. She arrived experience. and meaningful experiences,” he says. “Young people at UMass Lowell as a sophomore, transferring from community college. “I “We call them our ‘tool-kit,’” Tello says. “They’re have opinions, but are rarely asked to share them in was never much of a student,” she says. “Just kind of your typical college kid, the keys to innovation—critical thinking, prob- real ways. Beyond a seat at the table, young people didn’t know what I wanted to do, what direction I wanted to take. I thought lem-solving, teamwork and creativity. In the end, what need to be shown that their opinion has weight, maybe I’d be a nurse, or a social worker. I knew I liked to help people, but it’s really about is helping students understand that, value and impact. beyond that I just wasn’t sure.” if they want to, we can help them make a difference Positioning students in real and meaningful expe- She took Jordan’s class in her senior year, and it turned her world around. in the world—and in the process, they can create riences is part of the DNA of UMass Lowell, where She says he helped her believe that politics could matter and that she meaningful work for themselves and others.” learning by doing is a priority across every program. could build a career there. She went on to work as an advance-team The annual Women’s Leadership Conference is an Participating in internships and co-op jobs, heading member for the Obama White House and a field organizer in Las Vegas example of UMass Lowell connecting to leaders in its up student clubs and organizations, captaining sports for Bernie Sanders. surrounding community. The inaugural event was teams and conducting research, students have an in- Sanders lost in the primary, but she’s back in the saddle today, getting held in June 2016 to a sell-out crowd. creasing number of opportunities to take charge involved with some local races “because you’ve got to keep pushing ahead.” It featured a daylong series of workshops headed by and learn through experience. Today’s students are signing up in droves for courses like Business Ethics, women at the forefront of their professions on issues As Lindy Reed knows well. Social Responsibility and Ethics, the Leadership of Community Engage- that ranged from salary negotiations to mental health. Reed embodies a truth about her generation. ment, Ethical Issues in Technology, and Designing the Future World. The second conference will be held in June. She wants to make a difference in the world. She is Plus, an expansion of ethics-based instruction is on the way, thanks to The Greeley Scholar for Peace program, now in its hard working, and she was the 2014 winner of the a $1 million gift from philanthropist and longtime UMass Lowell booster ninth year, brings a noted humanitarian or peace advo- Paul Tsongas Scholarship, UML's most coveted finan- Nancy Donahue ’13 (H): the new Donahue Center for Business Ethics cate—such as 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah cial award. and Social Responsibility. Gbowee, who organized a peace movement that helped It is named, aptly, for Lowell's most famous politi- The center will expand education in ethics to all business majors. When end civil war in Liberia, or Albie Sachs, the 2014 schol- cian. He believed in social justice and in the power Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney announced its opening, she told incoming ar, who fought apartheid in South Africa—to campus of institutions to make progress over time. Despite a freshmen about the hope behind its creation: “You will use your time to do for a semester each year to work with students. This post-election funk, Reed believes the same. the right thing and make a difference, because this world could certainly year’s scholar is Noy Thrupkaew, an independent jour- Sure, she is frustrated by the system. use your help right now.” nalist who has written extensively on human trafficking “That doesn't mean I am giving up,” she says. “It “The ethics education students receive here will have considerable im- and labor exploitation. means I want to change it for the better.” UML pact on how prepared they are for the key decisions they’ll make throughout Even the university’s choice of a convocation their careers,” says Manning School of Business Dean Sandra Richtermeyer. speaker in the fall, University of Denver business ethics

36 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 37 FEATURE STORY

Broadway BY DAVID PERRY Bonnie Comley says she was an unlikely mainstay On Demand of Broadway, but sometimes passion and fortitude blaze their own trail. Now, the three-time Tony winner wants Bonnie Comley ’81 is bringing The Great White Way to the masses to give all of us a taste of The Great White Way.

ONNIE COMLEY ’81 and her husband, “What I got out of Lowell was what I put into it,” she says. “It Stewart Lane, are the force behind what some was great. It gave me a real skill set I could grow into and apply.” are calling “Netflix for Broadway,” a technolog- Comley has shown her appreciation to the university over the ical leap for one of entertainment’s most staid years, and the 350-seat theater on South Campus is named for institutions. her and her husband. Functioning like on-demand TV and movie “I always looked at being a business major like being a doctor,” services, BroadwayHD is a subscription service she says. “You go for something broader—like medicine or busi- Blaunched in October 2015. It’s a service focused specifically on ness—and choose your specialty later. And business is the core the epicenter of American theater, New York City. The idea, to everything.” says Comley, is to “bring Broadway outside its boundaries.” When she graduated, she entered a desolate work evironment. It’s about preserving live theater as well as promoting it. “People thought the economy was bad in the area in 2008? And it’s working. When I graduated, the prime rate was 21 percent,” she says. The Jan. 14 live broadcast of “Holiday Inn,” Comley says, But Comley was hardly afraid of work. In addition to lifeguard- “more than doubled our active subscribers.” (She says licensing ing, she taught swim lessons while attending college. Her great- agreements preclude her from revealing numbers of subscribers. great-grandmother was a mill girl who toiled in Lowell. Subscriptions to BroadwayHD cost $169.99 per year, or $14.99 “I always worked,” she says. “It’s just what you did. And it’s a month, and individual show rentals cost $7.99.) typical of the Lowell student. It was that way then, and I under- Having produced two dozen shows there, Comley knows stand it hasn’t changed. They appreciate their opportunity to be Broadway well. there. They’re anything but entitled. They’ve seen their parents “We’ve been working on BroadwayHD for the past year and work and know what it takes. And that’s more relevant and a half, and we’ve done ‘Les Misérables,’ ‘Billy Elliot,’ ‘Jesus Christ maybe more important than ever.” Superstar’—but we haven’t even put a dent in things yet,” So when she became the first college graduate in her family, she says. Comley knew there was one thing she had to do: go off to work. They’ve amassed a library of more than 150 performances, She entered the workforce in 1981, the leading edge of a including some from PBS and the BBC. serious recession. For business majors, it was an especially There has been resistance, she says, from those who say barren time, she recalls. broadcasting Broadway theater dilutes the experience of the She finally landed a job as a teller in a bank. She hated it. production. Then came a gig making cold calls as a mutual funds saleswoman. “They say we minimize the artistic dimension of the live It was a job that was not exactly recession-proof. theater,” Comley says. “I said to myself, ‘Is this really what I want to do?’” she says. “We recognize there’s a difference,” she says. “They’re two very She had always been fascinated with entertainment. Showbiz. different experiences. We compare it to a sporting event. It’s the Movies, TV. But theater? difference between being in the stadium or being at home watch- “It was kind of a fluke,” she says. “I’m one of four kids from ing football. If you can’t get there, get to BroadwayHD. a family that didn’t go to the theater. We saw ‘The Nutcracker’ “We really believe we’re promoting live theater.” when I was in Girl Scouts, and plays in junior and senior high school. But it wasn’t until we went to New York later and visited k k k the half-price ticket booth for Broadway shows, and saw ‘View There was a time when Comley had to decide to enter unfamiliar from a Bridge,’ with Tony Lo Bianco—that’s the one that did it waters to get where she is today. The Bedford native's decision to for me.” attend UMass Lowell was simple, and common at the time—it Comley enrolled in Emerson College and earned a master’s was nearby, it was affordable and she knew someone who had degree in communication and TV production in 1994. been there. Along the way, there was a TV production job, a stint as a She enrolled as a business major. TV reporter covering nightlife in New York, and when jobs ended, she went out and found another one. Continued

SPRING 2017 39 FEATURE STORY THE COMPANY WE KEEP

“There should be other opportunities out there for people who can’t get to New York or see the show on tour. And we came up with BroadwayHD.” > BY GEOFFREY DOUGLAS

It was during a stint as a script reader that she met states, and a tour going to each city for a few days, not Lane, whose producing prowess has since led him to be everyone is going to be able to get to it.” known as Mr. Broadway. (He has six Tonys of his own.) Comley says she and Lane looked at the ancient One Bank’s Mission: They married in 1997 and with five children lead model and decided; “There should be opportunities out an idyllic Big Apple existence. An Upper East Side there for people who can’t get to New York or see the Service, and a Future, penthouse, and a place in the Hamptons. show on tour. And we came up with BroadwayHD.” All the while, covering it or attending it, Comley In comparison to show tickets, travel to New York, to Those Who Have Served saw theater as a business. She appreciated the art, but parking, dinner and a sitter, a year’s subscription costs “I was always thinking, this is nuts. Something on much less than a single night on Broadway. the level of Broadway should be seen by more people. It’s been a lot of work, she says, but worth it. And, Look at it this way. There are 40 Broadway theaters in part, she can attribute her work ethic to her time Mass Lowell is home to the largest population of student though it has not been an easy year: there were incidents in the early and each year roughly 30 new shows open up. And just in Bedford and the UMass Lowell classrooms. veterans—1,200—of any college or university in the state. months, he says, “that could normally have resulted in a firing.” But the this past Jan. 1, seven shows closed. Some at a loss, and “Looking back, I had so much that other people UFor too many of them, the choices they face are bleak, says bank stuck with him, and the patience of his supervisor, Eastern’s they didn’t go on tour. If it does go on tour, the star, didn’t have,” she says. “I was always rich, but I just Janine Wert, director of the university’s veteran services. Senior Vice President Mike Uretsky, seemed never to falter. the lead, doesn’t go. It’s a 35-city U.S. tour. With 50 didn’t always have money.” UML “They’re older, they have families, many of them have mortgages, their “Mike worked [so hard] to understand the challenges a veteran financial responsibilities aren’t equivalent to an 18-year-old coming in as faces,” says Tetreault, an MBA candidate. “It’s only because of his a freshman,” she says. “A spouse gets laid off or there’s an unexpected [patience], and Eastern Bank’s support initiatives, that my life today is expense—a $1,500 car repair might as well be a million dollars, because in a condition that could not have been dreamed of otherwise.” Subscribers to BroadwayHD.com they just don’t have it. So they abandon their academic goals to support It’s been a growing experience from the bank’s perspective as well. can view hit shows like, clockwise their families.” “There was a lot to learn from a year working with a student veteran from top right, "Jesus Christ “That’s just wrong,” says Nancy without any family support structure locally,” says Uretsky. “It helped me Superstar," "Billy Elliott" and Stager, executive vice president of understand what we as an organization need to be doing to be better "Les Misérables." human resources and charitable giving at Boston-based Eastern Bank, prepared, both from an HR and a recruiting [standpoint], to address the the largest and oldest mutual bank in the U.S. “These men and women needs of the veteran in transition.” serve our nation valiantly, then they come home, get caught between While the Eastern Bank Foundation will donate close to $7 million this pillar and post, and have to drop out of school. That shouldn’t have year to organizations across the region, its commitment to veterans ap- to happen.” pears to hold a special place among its charitable priorities. The bank’s It’s happening to far fewer UMass Lowell participation, with UMass Lowell, in the national Edge4Vets educational student veterans than it used to, thanks program is one example of this; another is its sponsorship of the Massa- in part to the $50,000 contribution to the chusetts Fallen Heroes License Plate drive, which raises money for the UMass Lowell Office of Veteran Services families of vets. And the bank’s involvement with UMass Lowell veterans that Eastern Bank’s charitable foundation didn’t end with last year’s contribution; it continues to offer one-on-one announced last summer. The funds, which career guidance—résumé building, job training and advice in financial helped kick-start the university’s new literacy and online identity protection—to students in transition. Veterans’ Fund, will provide short-term, There’s a collateral advantage to all this, says Uretsky: “Hopefully, zero-interest loans to help assure that these we can create an interest on the part of our veterans in a banking or students stay in school. financial-services career, as opposed to what seems the more common But even before the gift was announced, at least one UMass Lowell default choice—police or firefighter—for those coming out of the military.” student veteran had seen his life turned around by the bank’s commit- The students, of course, are not the only winners in all this. For the ment to his cause. David Tetreault, a senior in the Manning School of bank, there is the prospect of a widening pool of mature, motivated, Business, spent a year in Afghanistan’s Farah Province with the Massa- prospective employees. chusetts National Guard—and another year, following his return, battling “Veterans, formed by the service and sacrifice they make while serv- the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder that resulted from an IED ing our country, make great employees and great citizens,” says Stager. explosion he felt he should have seen coming. The bank hired him in “So we’re investing in a program that really makes a difference, for us January 2016 as a part-time research analyst. He remains there today, and for them. It’s about so much more than the money.” UML

40 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 41

FEATURE STORY

> BY GEOFFREY DOUGLAS AGAINST THE ODDS: FROM A FAMILY-RUN MACHINE SHOP TO A WORLD-CLASS SUPPLIER

awrence Lin ’90 arrived in Lowell in the fall of 1983, a first-year of last year, she earned her doctorate in accupuncture and Oriental medicine. graduate student from Taiwan. He knew almost no one, and his Even before her graduation, she was volunteering her time and knowledge English was far from perfect; he had spent the past nine months at at a nearby clinic as a volunteer accupuncturist for low-income patients. another university, in Philadelphia, pursuing a course of study he Her altruism is matched by her husband’s. In addition to the millions of Lnow realized was not what where his interests lay. In more ways than one, dollars his firm has contributed to Taiwanese schools and charities, Lin has he was starting out behind. long been a generous supporter of UMass Lowell, having several years ago He would not stay there long. For the next five years, from the time he endowed a scholarship for plastic engineering students. His gift last fall, arrived in Lowell as a transfer from Drexel University, he all but lived in the though, was at a new level entirely: a $1 million endowed fund to provide Chemistry Department laboratory—“from 8 a.m. till sometimes 12 at night”— equipment and support for the just-completed MakerSpace, the university’s studying the synthesis and properties of liquid crystalline polymer. 8,500-square-foot, open-concept workspace, complete with 3-D printers and By the time he finished in 1989 with his Ph.D. in polymer science and plastics electronics workstations, that enables students to guide their engineering engineering, having been named the university’s Outstanding Graduate projects from concept to reality. Student two years before, Lin had acquired, he says, “a tremendous knowledge The gift seems a fitting expression of his gratitude, says Lin, who, in that would shape my path for life.” receiving the University Alumni Award in 2015, said simply and humbly, There was one more blessing from those years. Jangli Chang, then a recent “I owe this school a lot.” ULowell graduate with a degree in computer engineering who was working at “This will be a place for young students to work toward fulfilling their Honeywell near Lowell, showed up one evening at a Taiwanese student party. dreams,” he says today. A wonderful opportunity, and not like anything The two connected. They would marry a year later, with the first of three we had when we were in school.” children arriving less than two years after that. In his student days, he says, a tuition waiver for teaching assistance, Lin’s first job, which he began before he’d completed his Ph.D., was as a followed by a research-assistance scholarship, made it possible for him to “focus senior research engineer and project manager at a Fortune 500 company south on my study, my research, and on publishing papers” to a degree that wouldn’t of Boston. Meanwhile, back in his home country, the family company, Grand otherwise have been possible. And then there were his professors. Dynasty Industrial, an injection molding firm founded by his father, was “I was lucky to be able to work under my adviser, [chemistry professor emer- suffering through hard times. “It was really in bad shape,” Lin says today, itus] Alexandre Blumstein, who spent so many hours talking with me about my “not only from a financial point of view, but from a lack of any organized research work and guiding me through my papers, then pushing me on how to management system. My father, every day, was working with the banks to present my final talk. Between him and Dr. Amad Tayebi in plastics engineer- solve the problems.” It was hard, he says, to watch that happen. ing, by the time I graduated, I had tremendous knowledge of both polymer Lin knew nothing of corporate finance. “I had never seen a balance science and the plastics engineering process. It’s helped me throughout my sheet in my life,” he says. But he knew about polymers and he knew injection career. I still use what I learned from them in my business every day.” molding. So, returning to Taiwan in 1993, he began by taking some classes With today’s students now embarking on their careers with a major new in accounting while he gradually took over the reins at GDI. tool in place, his gift will continue the cycle: “We are deeply indebted to The turnaround began immediately. Learning that the injection plastic Lawrence,” said Francis College of Engineering Dean Joseph Hartman last business in the U.S. was a $260 billion industry—larger than the computer fall, “for giving to our students and faculty the gift of innovation.” industry at the time—he began in his first year to travel back to the states in "The extraordinary growth Lawrence has achieved with his company is a search of business. It took him 10 months and four separate trips, he remem- tribute both to him and to the training he received,” says Chancellor Jacquie bers, to earn his first client (who remains a client 21 years later), but the Moloney. “The generosity of his recent gift to us will go a long way toward customer list grew quickly after that. Within a little more than a decade, GDI, ensuring that others can enjoy that same success.” whose only market had been domestic prior to Lawrence’s involvement, would Lin now divides his life between Taiwan and California, where his oldest In his office at Grand grow from a small, family-run, financially troubled injection molding shop son, Steven, practices Chinese medicine. His daughter, Catherine, who Dynasty Industrial in to an employee-owned, consistently profitable, midsize company drawing 95 graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in chemistry, is married and living Taiwan, Lawrence Lin ’90 percent of its business from Germany, the U.S. and the U.K. in Seattle, while his youngest son, David, is a second year civil engineering is pictured with a national The growth has continued: more than triple the floor space, four times student at RPI. Though all three kids have a background in science, none award for outstanding enterprise. the injection capacity and $3.5 million donated to schools and charities. has expressed an interest in returning to Taiwan to take over their father’s And the company has gone green; a solar-powered lighting and a rainwater business. So Lin is pursuing the next-best course: collection system feeds the plumbing and garden. Three years ago, in a rating “I’ve initiated a program to send a few students to Taiwan University, of corporate social responsibility, GDI was named the best medium-sized and will train them to take over GDI when I retire.” company on the island of Taiwan. In the near term, he says, he will continue on the path to upgrading the Fifteen years ago, Lin and Chang moved to Cupertino, in California’s company to the highest peak in manufacturing, the industry 4.0 standard, Silicon Valley, where their daughter and younger son would both graduate which “will mean that our ability and technology will be ahead of all the from high school. Not long after, Chang enrolled in a Ph.D. program at the rest of the companies on Taiwan. Even most of those in the world.” UML University of East-West Medicine in Sunnyvale, from which, in December

SPRING 2017 43 > BY ED BRENNEN While the UMass Lowell men’s hockey team has long been an established Division I power, elevating the rest of the River Hawks athletics program to the DI ranks hasn't RISE been easy. Thanks to some early success stories during their four-year NCAA reclassification period, there’s reason for optimism as they become full-fledged AND members of America East. SHINE

44 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 45 FEATURE STORY FEATURE STORY

ou’re the fastest runner but you’re not allowed to win.” The UMass Lowell men’s soccer players are far too young to know Howard Jones’ 1986 hit song “No One is to Blame,” although they’ve probably heard “Y it in an elevator or grocery store. But if any tune could sum up the River Hawks’ emotions after they clinched the university’s first-ever America East Conference regular-season crown last November, that was it. With their 2-1 win over Hartford under the lights at Cushing Field on Nov. 2, the River Hawks completed the best season in program history: 13-1-2 overall and 5-1-1 in America East. The high-flying River Hawks, ranked third nationally in the Rating Percent- age Index (RPI) and 11th in the NSCAA Coaches poll, should have been moving on to the conference tournament and vying with schools like North Carolina and Stanford for a top seed in the ensuing NCAA Division I tournament. But they were not allowed. Because the university is elevating from Division II to Division I athletics, the River Hawks are not eligible for NCAA postseason play during the mandatory four-year reclassification period that ends this June. So coach Christian Figueroa ’07 and his players were awakened from their dream season a few games early. “I think I cried for a week after that,” Figueroa admits more than a month later, still playing out the postseason possibilities in his mind. “I’m confident we could have won the conference tournament and been a two, three or four overall seed in the NCAA tournament with home games all the way to the Final Four. It’s not easy to do—there are a lot of great teams out there—but I think we would have had a good chance. We would have been a fun team to watch in the tournament.” Of course, Figueroa and the rest of the UML athletics program knew the ground rules when the university announced it was joining Division I America East amid a flurry of blue, red and white confetti in the Tsongas Center foyer on Valentine’s Day 2013. "This is about where we've been and where we're going as an institution,” former Chancellor Marty Meehan told the throng that day. “We belong in America East." Now, as the four-year reclassification period draws to a close and 14 of the uni- versity’s men’s and women’s We belong teams prepare to become “ full-fledged members of America East beginning in in America 2017-18, administrators, coaches and student-ath- letes agree: The growing East.” pains have been worth it. get-go that we needed to have an academic support service But they also realize they’re still closer to the starting line than the finish line when it department in place that could help these student-athletes “It takes 10 years before you really comes to competing in Division I. with the new competitive expectations and travel demands. make a full transition to Division I,” “Other schools that went through this process said it takes four years for the official The team environment that Jacquie’s created has really been NCAA transition, but it takes 10 years before you really make a full transition to Division significant. Everybody feels part of this.” says Director of Athletics Dana Skinner. I,” says Director of Athletics Dana Skinner, who will submit a final report to the NCAA on the university’s reclassification by June 1. SETTING THE TONE If all goes according to plan, the NCAA Administrative Cabinet will approve the River The one outlier in the university’s transition to Division I is, of course, acquisition of the Tsongas Center from the city in 2010 and the national Hawks later that month. “We have a lot of work to do in Division I, and we are a long the men’s ice hockey team, which has been playing at that level since prominence of the hockey team. way from competing at the level we want to compete at,” says Skinner, now in his 31st 1983. A perennial contender in the powerhouse Hockey East confer- “I don’t think we get accepted into America East without the prog- year at the university, “but this was always intended to be a long-term investment for ence, the River Hawks are the most high-profile program on campus ress the hockey team was making, becoming a national contender,” the institution.” and one of the top draws in the country. Coach Norm Bazin’s team Skinner says. “And getting the Tsongas Center was a critical moment That investment—of time, sweat and money—has been all-encompassing, from led Hockey East in attendance last season at 107,934 (an average of in the history of our athletic program. That positioned us to do things facilities upgrades and staffing hires to increases in scholarship dollars and academic 5,996 fans per game). we’d never been able to do before. We could invest in amenities like support. Almost all of it is mandated by the NCAA (in painstaking detail) to ensure that Skinner can reel off dozens of catalysts for the university’s rise to suites and a video scoreboard to generate revenue and reinvest in the schools meet Division I standards. Division I—the groundwork laid by former Chancellors Bill Hogan and program. And that’s the model we presented to America East.” “We’ve gotten good at checking things off the list, and we’ve got to continue do that Meehan, the glory days of student-athletes at the Division II level, the While the Tsongas Center has long been the hockey team’s domain, for a number of years,” says Skinner, who credits Chancellor Jacquie Moloney for run- new academic buildings and residence halls springing up across the men’s and women’s basketball teams have gradually been transi- ning with the baton handed to her by Meehan two years ago. “She understood from the campus—but he points to two factors above all: the university’s tioning games to the 6,496-seat arena, where both will begin playing Continued on P. 49

46 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 47

FEATURE STORY

all of their home games next season. To prepare, the university renovated the MAKING THE GRADE “If you look at basketball locker room, team lounge and any successful coaches room last summer, while also refreshing the hockey facilities. The increased demands Division I “This is as good a mid-major venue as of Division I competition there is in the country,” Skinner says while only seem to be strength- program, it’s ening the university’s 3.19 giving a tour of the renovated basketball Department GPA owned by the rooms. On the hallway wall leading out 417 student-athletes in to the arena floor is a mural of the city of the classroom. The River in fall 2016 Hawks posted a school- Lowell, along with the words “Rise Up,” entire campus.” record 3.19 GPA for the the name of a new campaign the athletics fall 2016 semester, mark- department is launching this summer in conjunction with the Division I move. “If you look ing the eighth consecutive 278 at any successful Division I program, it’s owned by the entire campus,” Skinner says. semester the athletic pro- Student-athletes “We’re going to encourage everybody—our alumni, our students, our faculty, all of us— gram’s combined GPA was over a 3.0 GPA to rise up and accept the challenge.” over a 3.0. Two-thirds of Alum John Kennedy ’70, a longtime supporter of the athletic program whose name the student-athletes (278) adorns the Kennedy Family Court at the Tsongas Center, sees Division I success feeding had a 3.0 or better. the university’s overall growth. Eric Martin, a senior 14 of 17 “Dana Skinner and his staff have done an incredible job creating world-class facilities, on the men’s soccer team Teams posted and a business adminis- which are going to attract better athletes, which in turn will make the university more tration major, credits the a GPA of at accessible for other students,” says Kennedy, who remembers cheering on Lowell Tech’s academic support that least 3.0 Division III teams during his college days. Now he turns on ESPN at home in Naples, Fla., student-athletes receive. and sees his alma mater’s first-round NCAA hockey tournament score scrolling across “That’s the biggest differ- the bottom of the screen: UMass Lowell 5, Cornell 0. ence from my first year “You can’t get exposure like that if you’re not a Division I program,” says Kennedy, here to now—the academic 14 who looks forward to all of the River Hawk teams following in the hockey team’s path. advising we get is really Student-athletes “I think over time we will become a dominant force in America East, which will really put good. They really help with a 4.0 GPA us in the forefront of New England sports programs. And you can’t buy that kind of us structure our time,” publicity. As students have come to embrace hockey, they’ll come to embrace basketball Martin says. Director of Athletics and the other sports, and will take that as a legacy when they leave the university.” Dana Skinner points to Another important element of the Division I move is revenue sharing, in which the 8 the creation of the Stu- Straight semesters university will be able to start participating next year. In 2014, the NCAA generated a dent-Athlete Academic record $989 million in net revenue, thanks largely to the Division I “March Madness” men’s Center at the Costello with department basketball tournament. The NCAA distributes about 60 percent of that revenue back to Athletic Center, along GPA over 3.0 Division I conferences and member institutions each year, primarily for student-athlete with the work of Christine support. Skinner says the university will be eligible for a small slice of the revenue in Smith, Michael Anderson, 2017-18, with gradual increases over three-year intervals. Lauren Trapasso and Highest As a former basketball player himself, Skinner would like nothing more than to see the Jessica Gagnon in Stu- team GPAs: River Hawks one day win the America East tournament and get the name “UMass Lowell” dent-Athlete Services, as keys to the success. on millions of March Madness brackets across the country. “Absolutely,” he says. “It’s one The River Hawks’ 3.41 of the reasons you make a move like this.” strong academic perfor- Indeed, leveraging athletic success at the Division I level to help build the university’s mance could pay off in Men’s - national reputation is another key motivation for the move. more ways than one. Ice hockey “I think increasing visibility is why most schools choose to move up,” says Gary The NCAA announced Gardner, who has coached men’s and women’s cross-country and track and field at UML this fall that a portion of for 14 years. He’s already noticed changes on campus over the past five years. “When Division I revenue will I started here, you were more apt to see students wearing a B.C. or B.U. sweatshirt be distributed to member 3.62 around campus than a UMass Lowell sweatshirt. Now, so many more students have on schools based on the Women’s - some kind of River Hawks gear.” academic achievement Cross-country of student-athletes Thalia Petsis, a junior from Toronto who plays on the women’s soccer team, says the beginning in 2019-2020. university’s reputation had already spread north of the border thanks to the hockey team. She sees the other sports’ move to Division I only amplifying the River Hawk brand, particularly with potential student-athlete recruits. “I think when our basketball team plays a team like Indiana or Michigan, it’s good publicitywise. I think getting national coverage like that helps to recruit top athletes,” says Petsis, a midfielder who transferred to UMass Lowell in 2014 from the University of North Dakota, another school that recently

transitioned to Division I. Continued

48 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 49 FEATURE STORY

THE RENAISSANCE Alumni Life WATCH THE RIVER HAWKS their first three seasons at Division I. The River Baseball coach Ken Harring, now in his 13th year Hawks found their footing this season, though, ONLINE ON ESPN3 at the university, will never forget his first conver- going 8-11 overall and 3-5 in America East, which sation with Meehan after he became chancellor in qualified them for the university’s first-ever con- GONE TO THE DOGS 2007. “His two sons came to my baseball camp,” ference tournament berth and an opening-round Five years ago, Katie Robinson ’16 says she “wanted a dog, but didn’t Thanks to a new 11-year agreement Harring recalls. “He pulled me aside and said, date with 13th-ranked Stanford in Stockton, Calif. know anything about them.” She visited the Lowell Humane Society and between America East and ESPN, fans ‘Can we be Division I?’ I said, ‘Yeah. We have The teams were locked in a 2-2 tie until Stanford met Molly, a now-9-year-old pit bull rescued from the streets of Lowell. can watch every River Hawk men’s and the facilities. We have good coaches and good scored the game-winner with less than three “She had been a breeding dog, and when she couldn’t have puppies women’s basketball game—and many any longer, her owners just opened the door and let her go,” says more sports in the future—online infrastructure.’ So he had that vision from the minutes to go, sending UML home with a beginning. He saw athletics and the growth of this 3-2 defeat. Robinson. “The Humane Society said she lived on the street for a year on ESPN3. before they could get her.” school going hand-in-hand.” “I was so proud of the way we played,” says The creation of “AE on ESPN3” not Molly was “a stereotypical pit bull then,” says Robinson. “She’d had When Harring used to bring baseball recruits senior back Jessica Walsh, the only member of only serves as a valuable recruiting tool to fight for her life every day." the team that also played on the last Division II for coaches, it also provides a way for in for campus visits, he never gave walking tours. Months of training turned Molly around. Now, she responds to hand alumni to follow the River Hawks “I didn’t feel like there was a lot to show off,” he squad in 2012 (the North Easton native redshirted gestures and words on signs and loves being around people, Robinson from anywhere in the world. says. “Now we take walking tours and they can’t her junior year due to a knee injury). “It was fun says. Molly is now certified as a therapy dog and visits hospice care, “All of our recruits, all of our believe what they see. Then you throw in the to be back in the tournament atmosphere.” hospitals and schools to help people de-stress, heal and laugh. parents, their eyes light up when I tell baseball facility we’re blessed to have at For the team’s four other seniors—Georgia “She has literally changed the direction of my life,” says Robinson, them that every one of our games is LeLacheur Park. I call it the renaissance of Cowderoy, Annie Villare, Eleonore Agneessens who has a biology degree but is now working toward an MBA in hopes streamed on ESPN,” says men’s basket- UMass Lowell. ” and Kristin Aveni—playing in the conference of opening a dog-related business.—DP ball coach Pat Duquette. “It has that While that renaissance has certainly made tournament was the reward for enduring four immediate impact. That ESPN brand it easier for coaches in all sports to recruit years of Division I growing pains. “They were the brings a lot of positive attention for the program and for the school.” student-athletes, there was still that prickly thorn first class that committed to us as Division I ath- Men’s soccer coach Christian of postseason ineligibility the past four years. letes, and they bought in from the beginning. They Figueroa, who has several internation- How do you convince an 18-year-old student- never wavered,” Hlebichuk says. “For them to al players on his roster, says many athlete to join a fledgling Division I program that leave here with a tournament appearance, and of their parents will tune in online in was probably going to be taking its lumps for a then top it off with one of the best games we’ve the middle of the night. “They stay up few years—and could not even play in the ever played, against Stanford of all universities, till 3 a.m. watching our games. They NCAA tournament if it qualified? I was really happy.” love it,” he says. “We told them it was an opportunity to play The tournament berth wasn’t the field hockey The university had to make Division I baseball and be seen by professional program’s only milestone. In 2013, Hlebichuk’s upgrades to the wiring, lighting and scouts,” Harring says. “And it was also the chance squad notched the university’s first-ever Division I production room at the Tsongas Center to be the bricklayers for the foundation of what victory when it beat St. Francis 3-2 in Lock Haven, last fall to get them up to speed, ac- this program is going to become. We never Penn. For Skinner and the entire athletic program, cording to Director of Athletics Dana celebrating these “firsts” during the transition to Skinner. The Athletic Department is used it as an excuse.” working collaboratively with ESPN Figueroa says he was fortunate to recruit Division I is an important part of the process. and America East on a campus-based someone like senior back Eric Martin that “Every milestone becomes significant and production model that will provide first season. memorable. It keeps everyone plugging along, hands-on experience for students “It was a challenge to get great players like knowing that it can be done,” says Skinner, interested in television production. him, but every year it got a little easier,” he says. who was on hand in Stony Brook, N.Y., on ESPN3 is accessible on computers, He has also found success recruiting international Halloween 2015 when the men’s cross-country smartphones, tablets and streaming players. This season’s roster included first-team team captured the university’s first-ever America devices through WatchESPN. All-American (and MLS draft pick) Wuilito East championship. (Since the conference does In October, the Athletic Department Fernandes of Cape Verde and Ivan Abramovic, not award automatic NCAA berths in cross- also launched a mobile app for fans Jakov Basic and Dario Jovanovski of Croatia. country, the men’s and women’s teams have called UMass Lowell Game Day. been able to compete in the event during the Available in the Apple Store and MARKING MILESTONES four-year reclassification.) Google Play store, the app is designed Thanks to a decade of Division II dominance “To be able to win one during that time was to enhance the Tsongas Center experi- ence at home hockey games, as well as (national championships in 2005 and 2010 and important validation for everybody, from Dana men’s and women’s basketball games. eight title game appearances overall from 2003- and the Chancellor all the way down to all the Fans can participate in interactive 12), the field hockey team was chosen as the one student-athletes here,” Gardner says. “It showed contests and polls during timeouts and program to be fast-tracked in the reclassification we can be competitive in this conference and also check up-to-date line charts, game process, making it eligible for America East tour- win some championships. And it was really notes, exclusive deals and more. Fans nament play after just two years. cool for our kids.” can also use the app to listen to River “It was great they chose field hockey, but On that day, at least, the fastest runners Hawks Game Day audio. none of us were ready to compete at that level in were allowed to win. Starting this fall, every two years,” says coach Shannon Hlebichuk ’98, student-athlete at UMass Lowell will have whose teams went a combined 13-43 overall in the same opportunity. UML

50 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 51 CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES

hen Sylvia Contover ’86, ’92 turned 50, she gave up ice cream. If she lived to turn 100, > CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1978 she said at the time, she would start eating it again. On Jan. 31, the university held her W to her word, throwing an ice cream social in O’Leary Library in her honor. “It was worth Energy Is the wait,” she said through a mouthful of chocolate. Read more about Contover on Page 55. His Business

fter 15 years at General Electric—Tom Curley’s first place of employment after graduating from the Uni- 1961 1973 1976 1981 1982 versity of Lowell in 1978 with a bachelor of science Paul E. Bolduc (B.S.) wrote a John A. Montesanti (B.S.) Arthur J. Houle (B.M.) is Rob Cathcart (B.A.) was Shawn in industrial technology—he received a call from a memoir regarding his formative earned a master’s degree in professor of music and director named last year head football Lang (B.A.) A former boss who had moved on to Caterpillar. He knew years (1939 to 1961) in Lowell. business administration from of keyboard studies at Colorado coach at Trinity High School in is deputy Curley’s managerial strengths and wanted him to run the It explores the experiences the University of West Florida Mesa University. He recently Manchester, N.H., last year. He director of AIDS of the local Irish, Greek and in 1996 and a juris doctorate published Cowboy Jazz II, works as an investment adviser Connecticut, hydraulics business for the construction machinery giant. French-Canadian residents who degree at the Florida Coastal which is his second collection of at Infinex Investments in a group she's “I said, ‘Bob, I don’t know how to spell hydraulics,’” experienced the Depression School of Law in 2015. five pieces for solo piano. Houle Manchester. He has a long been with since Curley recalled. “He said, ‘Tom, you don’t have to know of the 1930s, the hurricane of also founded the International coaching history, with assistant 1991. She Ellen M. Stokinger ’73 (B.S.), how to spell cat. I need you in here to fix the business. 1938 and the onset of the war. Festival for Creative Pianists, and head coach positions at was honored as a Champion of ’93 (M.S.) recently retired to which encompasses classical, several high schools in New Change for Advancing Preven- You’ll figure out how to fix hydraulics.’” Naples, Fla., with her husband, jazz/pop and other musical Hampshire. tion, Treatment and Recovery Curley, who wound up as general manager of Cater- 1966 Chuck. idioms in a constructive educa- by the White House. Govenor Alan B. Ferguson (B.S.) and pillar’s hydraulics business before becoming president of tional setting. Dannel Malloy nominated her. > CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1985 his wife, Judith, celebrated their energy business at Rolls-Royce from 1999-2008, shared 1974 50th wedding anniversary in the anecdote during a pair of guest lectures this fall in the George S. Borrelli, Jr. (B.S.) George A. BY KATHARINE WEBSTER July 2016. 1983 Manning School of Business. Besides the importance of established Borrelli Self Defense Spencer ALUMNA HELPS STUDENTS ‘gear up’ Steven DiSalvo (B.S.) hosts LLC in Colorado Springs. (B.S.) was contacts and networking, the story highlighted Curley’s a weekly radio show, “The Mop 1969 Borrelli, who wrestled at named willingness to stretch himself in challenging roles to grow Tops and the King,” which Andover High School and to the Dayton features the music of The Beatles professionally over the course of his 40-year career in the Lowell Technological Institute, Business oday’s Lowell doesn’t look like the the achievement gap. Research shows that and Elvis Presley. The show has energy sector—a key lesson he passed on to the undergrad has fond memories of LTI Journal been on the air since 2011 and is same place where Colleen Winn ’85 the students she serves today face tougher Wrestling Coach Ray Sparks. Who’s Who in and MBA students. currently heard on 22 community grew up. And UMass Lowell isn’t the challenges than her generation did, including Before he retired, Borrelli held Aerospace and Defense 2016. “I’ve been fortunate to work for and run some pretty cool radio stations from Bellingham, leadership positions at Sanders He is lead for the General same university from which she gradu- poverty, trauma, language and cultural barri- Wash., to Chelmsford, England. businesses, but it all started here at this university,” said T Associates, Lockheed Martin Atomics Aeronautical Systems ated with a B.A. in English. ers, and the high cost of college, she says. Previously, Steven worked at the Curley, who’s made the guest lectures on global business and MITRE. team in Ohio. But Winn sees the bedrock similarities Julie Lun ’18 is one example. Lun’s moth- Gregory L. Garoffolo (B.S.) Air Force Research Laboratory and entrepreneurship at the Manning School for the past under the surface changes: Lowell is still a er got little schooling after her family fled the has invented a bike rack for at Hanscom Air Force Base for three semesters. “I enjoy feeding off the energy of the stu- SUVs that unloads from the more than 28 years. city of immigrants who want better lives for killing fields of Cambodia and spent 10 years 1978 dents. It helps keep you current, and I kind of see me and David H. Minott (B.S.) and Jim Byrnes (B.S.) was re- rooftop to the hitch level. Continued on P. 55 their children and UMass Lowell is still the in a Thai refugee camp. In the United States, my own two kids in the audience.” Joyce V. Minott ’92 (B.S) re- cently featured in a Lowell Sun university that helps many of those children she struggled to learn English and find work. cently semiretired and are living Curley, who has also worked with several startups, spent article for successful teaching > CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1987 succeed, just like it helped her. Starting at age 12, Lun had to babysit her in Sedona, Ariz. Dave had a strategies as well as being the past seven years teaching a global energy course in the Today Winn serves as a bridge between younger siblings while her parents worked 42-year career in environmental the best-accessorized math MBA program at The Ohio State University. “But I’m really consulting, including 27 years in past and present, city and university. As second shift. Still, she persevered in her teacher in the lower school at an industry guy,” said Curley, who told students now is the companies he founded. Joyce the Academy of Notre Dame in director of the state and federal Gear Up and schoolwork, with support from Winn and the time for them to start building a world-class team. worked as a software engineer. Tyngsboro. Byrnes has more TRIO programs for Lowell, she helps low-in- Gear Up counselors at Lowell High School. than 80 ties given to him by “If I were you sitting in this class, I would be thinking Lillian T. Pearsall (B.A.) come, first-generation middle and high school “Gear Up made me focus on my education, his students throughout his 39 about who is the best person I know in application engi- retired in July 2016. She visited Robert G. Cameron (B.M.) students prepare for college. “I’m working to want to better myself despite my situation several national parks in the years of teaching. neering? Who is the best cat I know in finance? Who’s best retired from teaching in 2010. with students because my parents fomented at home,” Lun says. western states in September. He is an active bagpiper and Bernie Lynch (B.S.) is principal in manufacturing?” he said. “You’ve got 30 to 40 years of not only this love of helping others, but also Lun took four classes at Middlesex Com- lyric tenor. of the firm Community Paradigm working life in front of you. You can’t know everything there Associates LLC and has been the idea of education being a cornerstone for munity College her senior year of high school 1970 is to know about, so being able to attract a world-class hired by the Shrewsbury board opportunities,” she says. and then matriculated at UMass Lowell with a Charles R. Scoggins, Jr. team is really important.” —EB (B.A.) lived a 40-year dream in of selectmen to help in the Siti Hamisah Tapsir (M.S.) Siti Hamisah Tapsir (M.S.) was Winn worked in retail and pharmacy generous financial aid package that included process of hiring a new town September by taking a railway named director-general of the ministry of higher education management while earning an M.A. in English scholarships, work-study jobs and campus trip through the Canadian Rock- manager. Lynch served as in Malaysia. She previously was Malaysia’s director-general Lowell city manager from 2006 at Rivier University, with dreams of being a housing. She’s on track to graduate next year ies on the Rocky Mountaineer. of private education for three years, and has served in the until 2014. He is also an adjunct reporter. But she found herself helping the with a criminal justice degree—and she just He visited his 1970 Lowell State ministry’s department of Higher Education since 2009. faculty member in the Graduate sales clerks who worked for her at Brooks might take over Winn’s job one day. “I want College classmate Pat Tetreault While there, she established a rating system for private Stutz in Banff, Alberta, Canada. School of Management at Suf- Pharmacy in Lawrence—mostly young to advocate for Gear Up, or maybe work folk University's Moakley Center colleges and the rationalization and liberalization of private for Public Management and was higher education in Malaysia. Puerto Rican women—apply to college. She with young people who are at risk of not 1971 John Murphy ’74 (B.S.), ’04 an adjunct faculty member in Tapsir—who graduated with a master’s degree in civil thought, “I’m good at this!” and went back to going to college or finishing high school,” (B.S.E) is retired and recently James Drew ’71 (B.S.), ’75 political science for more than engineering from ULowell and went on to receive a Ph.D. in Rivier for a second master’s in education with she says. “You can be different than your (M.S.), a former adjunct profes- returned from Dubai, where he 35 years at UMass Lowell. civil engineering from the University of Leeds in Britain—is sor at UMass Lowell, retired in enjoyed a ride aboard the ever- a concentration in guidance counseling. circumstances. You can be a leader. June 2015 from EMC Corp. popular mode of Middle East also known for spearheading a nationwide program called A lifelong learner, Winn is now pursuing You can change things.” UML transportation, the camel. the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2015- 2025, which her doctorate in education, with a focus on is aimed at transforming education policies.

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> CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1980 At the MLB Home Run Derby in July, Mike Bryant 1983 > CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1980 pitched to his son and Cubs third baseman, John F. Laderoute (B.S.) opened his Shining Son Kris (facing camera). own law office after nearly 25 years of employment with a local law firm. Ali Rafieymehr, ’83 (M.S.), ’93 (D.Sc.), a Worth FORMER UML SLUGGER MIKE BRYANT former administrator SAVORS EVERY MOMENT OF HIS SON’S at the University of the Wait MAGICAL SEASON WITH CUBS New Hampshire at > Manchester and BY ED BRENNEN Champlain College in Burlington, Vt., > BY GEOFFREY DOUGLAS ou won’t find a prouder father than former was recently named interim president UMass Lowell baseball standout Mike Bryant, of River Valley Community College whose son Kris helped the Chicago Cubs end in Claremont, N.H. Rafieymehr has their 108-year World Series drought in Novem- been River Valley's vice president of Y academic affairs since June 2016. ber. Kris Bryant, a third baseman who fielded the final He also has 20 years of experience out in the 10th inning of Game 7 to beat the Cleve- as a software engineer at Digital land Indians, was also named National League MVP Equipment Corp., Compaq Corp. after hitting .292 with 39 homers and 102 RBI. and Avici Systems. ylvia Contover was born into a different America. The world was at war, “I was hoping they'd hit the ball to Kris for the Joseph E. Solomon (B.S.B.A.) has though the U.S. had not yet fully joined it. Woodrow Wilson had just been last out. That’s a moment that’s going to be re- been a police officer for 30 years and elected to a second term. It would be three more years—August 18, 1920— before the 19th amendment would give women the right to vote. played forever,” says Mike, who was in the stands at is currently the police chief in Methuen. S He was recently appointed to the In 1938, she turned 21 (the legal voting age at the time). And from that time to Cleveland’s Progressive Field with thousands of other police council of the Police Assisted this one—through 17 presidents and 19 elections, from FDR through Obama— delirious Cubs fans, recording the historic final out on Addiction and Recovery Initiative. she would never once fail to cast her vote. And to cast it for the winner. his phone. “It was an unbelievable feeling. I looked at Until now. On Oct. 28, at the town offices in Chelmsford, the 99-year-old (first baseman) Anthony Rizzo’s dad and we were like, 1984 Contover proudly cast her vote for Hillary Clinton. A self-described “liberal what just happened? We were stunned. Lisa A. Brothers Republican,” what she most wanted for her 100th birthday, she told everyone Everyone around us was crying.” (B.S.), chairman and she met that day, was a woman in the White House. As a power-hitting outfielder for the University of CEO of Nitsch En- “It would have been good for the country, I think,” she says. gineering, has been Lowell, Mike Bryant smashed 21 home runs in three It didn’t happen, of course. And she is disappointed but neither bitter named 2016 Brava nor despairing. seasons (1978-80), which ranks him sixth all-time. Award Winner Contover claims that “positivity” is what’s kept her alive so long. “Positivity When the Red Sox selected him in the ninth round by SmartCEO mag- makes everything,” she told a reporter last year. “I don’t want to die and go to of the 1980 amateur draft, the business major from Acton cut his college LaValliere and those guys, and we had so much fun playing ball back azine in recognition heaven. Heaven’s right here on earth.” career short to pursue big league dreams that ended after two seasons then. But nowadays, no one appreciates the game for what it is.” of her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. She is a near-perfect example of Tom Brokaw’s Greatest Generation. Born in the minors. In addition to providing private hitting lessons at the indoor batting Sylvia Solomonides to Greek immigrant parents—a father who died when she “Knowing where I came from, where my career got cut off at the cage Kris had built off the family home, Mike Bryant is also now an asso- Mary L. Burns (B.S.) was recently was seven, a mother who raised all five siblings alone—she grew up in Lowell, a knees, in a way makes it even better to see my kid realize his dream,” ciate scout for the Cubs, working as a “bird dog” in the Santa Barbara, appointed to the UMass Board of member of the Lowell High class of 1936. All three brothers, as well as her sister, served in the military; she spent says Bryant, who taught Kris the art of hitting at the family home in Las Calif., area. He’ll be back at Cubs spring training in Mesa, Ariz., and Trustees by Gov. Charlie Baker. Burns the war years in Rosie the Riveter mode as product inspector at Lowell’s Atlantic Parachute Company, ensuring Vegas. His son went on to become College Player of the Year at the hopes to run into left-hander Jack Leathersich ’14, the former UML is a managing partner of MLB Realty that the allies’ paratroopers landed safely. Trust, LLC; Chesapeake Outdoor, LLC; University of San Diego, Minor League Player of the Year, NL Rookie of standout who is attempting to come back from Tommy John surgery. During these same years, through a mutual friend, she met her husband, Louis. The war over, they moved to Splash Media Group Boston, LLC; New York, where a son, Dean, was soon born. They remained there 15 years before moving to Greece—a climate the Year and now NL MVP. “That’s something that no other player in the As for how his son can possibly top his magical 2016 season, and Capital Advertising, LLC. She they hoped might salve Louis’s emphysema—where they lived for three years in an Athens suburb (Sylvia still history of the game has ever done. Looking at it from a dad’s point of Mike Bryant isn’t too concerned. has extensive experience in highway speaks fluent Greek) before returning once again to Massachusetts. Louis died in 1974. Sylivia, unable in her 20s view, there’s a tremendous amount of pride.” “His expectations of himself are far higher than anyone else’s,” says management as well as the procure- to afford college, now enrolled, in her 60s, at Lowell State, from which she would graduate—cum laude, with a The Cubs’ victory parade through the streets of Chicago drew an Mike, who also isn’t worried about superstardom going to his son’s ment of highway advertising. She has acted as an overseer of countless bachelor’s degree in sociology—at the age of 69. Three years later, she earned a master’s degree in community estimated 5 million people. Mike Bryant was able to ride along with head. “Kris is a total Type B guy. He understands his place and has road and bridge projects throughout social psychology. Kris and share in the moment. “It was the most emotionally moving thing gained confidence gradually, not all at once. He’s not a prima donna. the Commonwealth and has amassed And all the while, starting about the time she earned her bachelor’s degree and for the 15 years that followed, I’ve ever experienced,” he says. “The sheer volume of people and the He respects his opponent and knows there are so many people out over 10 years of public management Contover worked for the university as a reference librarian. She retired at 85. outpouring of emotion, it just stunned me.” there who deserve what he’s got.” experience, focusing on contract Why did she stay on the job so long? “I wanted the kids to know they had a friend in the library,” she says. review, planning and development. She lives today in Chelmsford, not far from her son, Dean, a retired social worker, who, she says, visits often While his son is the toast of Chicago and the Cubs are now his favorite To cap the storybook year, Kris married his longtime girlfriend in She is an advisory board member for and “takes pretty good care of me.” She was 100 years old on January 30. And while the November election team, Mike Bryant says he’ll always have a place in his heart for the Red January in Las Vegas. At the rehearsal dinner, Mike Bryant couldn’t the United Teen Equality Center in her Sox and New England. “I’ll always be a pilgrim,” says Bryant, who made help but talk about hitting with one of the groomsmen, Rizzo. native Lowell. didn’t bring her the birthday gift she most wanted, there is one other she did receive. Fifty years ago, she says, in the hope of a long and healthy life, she swore off sugar. And while she relented a point to check out LeLacheur Park the last time he visited campus “I asked Rizzo if he could hit .350 with 50 homers and 140 RBI. on that vow after only five years, it was 50 years since she’d known the taste of ice cream. That changed at five years ago. “I would have loved to have played there. When we were He kind of looked down, and I said, ‘Ted Williams did it. Babe Ruth 1986 the century mark. playing Division 2, we were at Alumni Field, or at Hadley Park down past did it. Why not you? Why not now? If you don’t do it, that guy will,’” Thomas E. Daley (B.S.) was featured On Jan. 31, the university celebrated Contover’s 100th with a party in O’Leary Library. On the menu? UML in the Cape Cod Chronicle for his work South Campus, or at the old field behind Costello Gym. I played with Mike Mike Bryant said, pointing to Kris. Nothing but ice cream. “Delicious!” she gushed over a spoonful of chocolate. “It was worth the wait.” UML as director of public works for the Town of Orleans. Continued on P. 58

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was rehabilitation manager at Golden View Andrea. “But these people understood in a Health Care in Meredith. Andrea stayed busy way nobody else could, and that helped.” with her family and her own career, including a Spurred to do more, Renee and Andrea position with Holy Family Hospital, where she signed up for the Samaritans 5K Run/Walk now works per diem. She joined the university for Suicide Prevention. Word spread, and the in 2011 as an adjunct professor of physical throngs of friends and family members left therapy; she’s been a visiting professor since hollow by loss joined the race, filling a bus 2013. Younger sister Renee became a special from Tewksbury to Boston. ”We raised six education teacher. thousand dollars the first year,” says Andrea. “I’m so proud of my girls,” says Charlie. Andrea then took on a larger challenge. “Each of them chose a profession where While she’d run marathons in the past, it had they give back and care for people.” been 15 years since she last ran Boston. She When Joann died, they were on the receiv- wrote to the Samaritans, asking to be consid- ing end of the kindness. Neighbors, friends ered for one of 14 Boston Marathon numbers and most of Tewksbury reached out, hoping issued by the organization each year. to help. The cards were arriving by the hun- In her application letter, Andrea wrote, While the twins shared many similarities, dreds. The phone rang off the hook. Prayers “Joann and I talked about running Boston Twomey remembers differences, too. “I were said. Hugs were offered. Casseroles together one day. Now we will.” remember jokingly referring to Andrea as ‘Type were dropped off at the house. She got her number. A Andrea’—she was very driven to the task ”After a while, the mailman asked us what The day of the race arrived, and Andrea at hand,” he says. “Jo, on the other hand, happened,” says Paula. made her way to Hopkinton, with a neck- always seemed to balance life and bring a After the wake and funeral, the initial shock lace featuring a small framed photo of Joann calmness to things. She was laid back enough of what had happened wore off, leaving all of around her neck that she wears still, touching not to stress, but also great at meeting a the Coppolas struggling to make sense of it. it frequently when she relates stories of her deadline: If there was a due date on the 15th Paula and Charlie reached out to a friend from sister. of the month, it was done by the 10th.” the Veterans Administration, and he suggest- Not only did Andrea complete the race – The twins continued their educational and ed the Samaritans. in 4:26:30—she more than doubled her professional career trajectories together after “We started going to a support group for fundraising goal, from $10,000 to more than earning undergraduate and master’s degrees, people like us who’d lost someone they loved $26,000. working for two years at St. Joseph’s Hospital to suicide,” says Paula. “When I finished, I shared the moment (now University Crossing) before earning doc- > CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1993 n March 10, 1971, Paula and Charlie Coppola made the 24-mile drive from their home in There, they found comfort. silently with Joann,” says Andrea. toral degrees in 2004. Tewksbury to Boston’s Lying-In Hospital (now Brigham and Women’s) to deliver their twins, “It’s a club I never wanted to join,” admits “We had done it.” UML “Joann was in charge—she was my pro- Andrea and Joann. “We found out at seven-and-a-half months that we were expecting twins,” tector,” says Andrea. “She’d say, ‘We’re going Running says Paula. “This was before ultrasounds, so it was a big, happy surprise!” to start running’ or ‘We’re going to study for It was the worst possible surprise when one of those twins committed suicide 43 years later. with such and such a test now.’” The family was stunned by Joann’s death—there was no warning. Marriages followed, and a son, Luke, for “Those who take their life aren't all on drugs, depressed or sick," says Andrea. Joann Andrea and her husband. Things got busy, “People revert back to these ‘default’ words and phrases when trying to find out more, or trying to O careers flourished, time passed, but the family comfort us. It is not comforting.” always came back to the table in Tewksbury > BY SHEILA EPPOLITO Remembering the good times helps. for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. Growing up, Joann and Andrea shared purses, a bedroom, “Joann always breezed in wearing a hat clothes and nearly everything else, so it’s no surprise that after Joann Coppola (this page, top, and shown and her trademark bright red lipstick with with her twin sister, Andrea Coppola graduating from Tewksbury Memorial High School, they enrolled a bouquet of flowers for the table—usually Mendes, in inset photo and at their Univer- together at the University of Lowell as exercise physiology majors, sunflowers, which were her favorite,” says sity of Lowell graduation on facing page, graduating in 1993. top) was known for stopping and smelling Andrea. “We lived together in Concordia Hall, and made lots of the roses. After Joann died, Andrea “She lit up a room,” adds Paula. friends,” says Andrea, who was a walk-on on the Chiefs women’s channeled her pain into helping prevent Joann left her marriage after several years more suicides. She and her sister, Renee, cross-country and track and field teams. and moved to New Hampshire, where she began by running the Samaritans 5K Run/ One of those friends, Steve Twomey ’93, recalls those years Walk for Suicide Prevention (facing page, with the twins. “The EP program is very demanding,” he says. bottom). And this April, Andrea will run the Boston Marathon for the second time in “It requires teams of people to push each other through. My team Editor’s note: Visiting Prof. Andrea Coppola Mendes will run her second Boston Marathon in honor of her twin sister, Joann, in April. Help raise suicide memory of Joann, raising money for the included Andrea and Joann, and after more than 20 years in the awareness by contributing to her campaign for the Samaritans at https://www.crowdrise.com/SamaritansBoston2017/fundraiser/andreamendes. Samaritans and suicide awareness. field, I am still grateful for their friendship.”

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Edwin A. Garro (M.M.S.) was > CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 2012 1987 > CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1987 elected a fellow in the American 2004 Noel Tessier Society for Quality in 2014. Meghan S. Liddy (M.B.A.) has (M.S.) was been promoted to senior vice And the Special Charles Potter ’92 (M.S.), awarded Driven to Run president, commercial real es- ’00 (Ph.D.) has been named the Lifetime tate loan officer III at Middlesex a fellow of the Health Physics Spirit Award Goes to... Achievement Savings Bank in Natick. Society. This award is designed Award from JOE LANE ’87 ’93 LOVES TO RUN. to honor senior members of the the Society 2005 HE RUNS MARATHONS, RUNS UP society who have made signifi- of Plastics IN HIS DAYS PLAYING BASKETBALL cant administrative, educational Michael F. Thibault Jr. Engineers MOUNTAINS AND RUNS HIS OWN AT HIS MIDDLE SCHOOL IN DERRY N.H., and/or scientific contributions to (B.B.A.) was featured in in September at the society’s MEDICAL DEVICE COMPANIES. TODD BORCHERS, ’12, ’14 WOULD the profession of health physics. NHL.com news for his player Thermoforming Conference. > BY KATHARINE WEBSTER data analysis and reports for OCCASIONALLY CROSS PATHS Tessier, a chemical engineer, Brian Tom Rowe when Rowe was WITH SPECIAL-NEEDS KIDS. has more than 35 years of Roberts coach of the Lowell Loch Mon- experience in composites. He (B.S.) sters, a minor league affiliate > BY GEOFFREY DOUGLAS is senior materials engineer at ast October, Lane achieved a per- recently joined of the New Jersey Devils, and CMT in Attleboro, which he sonal goal: running a marathon in all Florida-based Thibault was a UML student. ne might be the water boy, helped found. He is now assistant equipment 50 states. “I like the endurance, the Therigy as he says, another the team director of manager for the Devils. real challenge of pushing myself,” 1989 L Data Analytics. Roberts has manager. He was friendly he says. After he crossed the finish line of with them—but it seldom John F. Reilly (M.B.A.) earned more than 20 years of pharmacy 2006 O a Doctor of Ministry degree in the Loco Marathon in Newmarket, N.H., technology, information Kunal Patel (B.B.A.) married went further than that. 2012 from Nazarene Theological he celebrated with more than 100 family technology, information Aarti Gandhi on May 14, 2016, Then he met Andy Wood, a systems, business systems Seminary. members, friends and fellow runners. at the Hilton Orlando Resort. skinny, awkward-moving boy with a neurological condition known as Niemann-Pick implementation and manage- Terrence Lane is also a “peak-bagger.” He He was surrounded by fellow Disease. Andy was nearly always smiling, Borchers says, was “the most caring kid ment expertise. alumni Raj Patel ’14, Brian Masson completed the Appalachian Mountain I know”—but he wasn’t expected to live much past 16. Andrew Szava-Kovats (B.A.) Bano ’05, Raphael Edwards (B.F.A.) was Club’s White Mountain Four Thousand The two became friends. “We did some cool things together,” Borchers says, recently has released his debut novel ’05, Anthony Serino ’07 Footers list in 2011 by climbing 48 moun- named as “Death of an Apprentice: a Life and Adam Dziki ’06. “like when I took him to the high school prom in a limo. He really loved that.” chair of tains over 4,000 feet—and he’s already in and out of Civil Engineering,” For Borchers, that was the beginning of something. It wasn’t long after, as a high the MFA bagged 30 peaks toward the Winter Four published by Lowell-based True school student at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, that he began coaching in the school’s Age Media. The book explores 2007 Computer Art Thousand Footers badge. Special Olympics program. And he never stopped. Today, 13 years later, alongside his Department the president of the 50 States Marathon Club and set his the history of civil engineering Harold F. Clark Jr. (B.S.) He often runs or climbs with friends, but he also enjoys professional duties at UMass Lowell as coordinator of advising and tutoring services, of the School of Visual Arts in sights on running in every state. “Everywhere I go, I bring from the 1960s to the present. retired in 2013 from United being alone. “Some of my favorite hikes are when I don’t Technology/Goodrich as a he’s still coaching the Pinkerton team. New York City. Masson brings my running shoes,” he says. His favorite marathon was the over 25 years of education see a single person,” he says. “It allows me to get into my software engineering “We practice every Saturday morning from November to April,” he says. “We had Bataan Memorial Death March at the White Sands Missile 1996 and production leadership own head, away from all the distractions.” process leader. Rich Burrows ’88, ’96 a span there of seven [statewide] gold medals—I call those our ‘golden years’—but experience to his new role. As Range in New Mexico: “It rang with deep patriotism.” He wasn’t always a runner. Lane got his start in (B.S.B.A., M.A.) was appointed medals aren’t really the point,” he says. executive professor of animation Lane’s ethic of individual effort and strong teamwork 2008 team sports, playing football, basketball and baseball at police chief in Acton, Mass. Af- and founding director of Cre- The point, for Borchers, is more about the opportunity involved. extends to his career. He worked with teams at Cook ter earning a master’s degree in Douglas C. Wilson (B.M.) ative Industries at Northeastern Matignon High School. He came to the University of Lowell “The Special Olympics are fine as far as they go,” he says. “But the gym space is Medical, Millipore and several startups on devices that criminal justice, Burrows grad- moved from Texas to England University, he led the creation of after baseball Coach Jim Stone told him he could try out uated from the FBI Academy in in late 2016. usually cramped, there’s not always enough time given, not always many people in the the undergraduate game design help with heart valve repair, pacemaking, vascular access for the team as a walk-on, and ended up pitching for four 2004. He has nearly 30 years stands. It’s not what you’d call a game-day experience. These athletes deserve better.” and interactive media programs and closure and more. Now he’s head of Ingens Medical, years. He cherishes competition, teamwork and all the of law enforcement experience, 2009 So he set about seeing that they got it. And on a March evening in 2011, in the first in the university’s College of a consulting firm that helps doctors develop and commer- friends he’s made through sports. “Going out there, trying including 10 years as deputy Ryan J. Burke (B.S.) was annual “Special Spirit” game, two special-needs teams—Pinkerton’s and a team from Arts, Media and Design. cialize new medical devices, and SafePath Medical, where your best, winning and hanging out with great friends is a chief in Tyngsborough and four named a physical therapist at a rival school—faced off in Costello Gym to the full fanfare of cheerleaders, placards, he’s developing innovative suturing technologies. years as deputy chief in Acton. Peak Physical Therapy & Sports David J. Rufo (B.S.) has joined big part of my life,” he says. player intros, Rowdy the Mascot and a full-throated rooting section. The following He’s still on UMass Lowell’s team, too. SafePath Performance in Hanover, N.H. Stoneham Bank as a senior Originally an undeclared liberal arts major, he soon year’s event saw an expansion from there. mortgage originator. operated out of the university’s M2D2 medical device Colleen (Phelan) Merson switched to plastics engineering, not only for the job op- 1998 “The idea was to give them a show that’s special, that’s just for them,“ says incubator before moving to Amesbury, where Lane now (B.S.) and Mike Merson were H. Harish Hande ’98 (M.S.E.), portunities and good starting salary, but because “plastics married on August 27, 2016, Borchers. “To give them an experience like nothing they’ve had before.” 1992 lives. Lane typically has at least one UMass Lowell intern ’00 (D.Eng.) co-founded SELCO engineers seem to have projects that are more fun.” in Essex, Mass. Last year, to allow for a still larger crowd, the event moved to UNH’s Lundholm Gym, Steve W. Damon (B.M.) working for him, and hired mechanical engineering major Solar Lights, which provides While completing the coursework for his master’s, he where Pinkerton faced off against Portsmouth High School before cheerleaders, a pep conducted the world premiere Brandon Rodriguez ’17 in January as the company’s first solar energy for poor house- of Derek Weagle’s Tempest: played intramural basketball, tennis and softball. But when holds in rural India. He won the band, a dance team, game announcers, and a crowd that rivaled that of any high full-time employee. Lane cheers for the River Hawk men’s A Fanfare for Wind Ensemble school ended, so did most organized sports (though he Ramon Magsaysay Award for school playoff game. This year’s tournament widened still further, to include an hockey and baseball teams, remains in touch with plastics in June 2106 in Vermont with play competitive baseball until age 28), and he began his ideas. event at Northeastern. A Natural Concert Band. The engineering professors such as Stephen Driscoll, enjoys looking for a new challenge. He decided to “bandit” the And he isn’t done yet. “I’d like to see us expand to the rest of New England,” band includes UMass Lowell guest lecturing in biomaterials and medical device design Boston Marathon in 1988 and has been hooked on run- 2002 he says. “To give kids in all six states the same chance these kids are getting.” alumni Lisa A. Mitchell ’92 and makes himself available to give career advice to indi- on the flute,Anna C. Pearson ning ever since. “I enjoyed the challenge and the discipline, Krista A. That’s going to take some fundraising work, and he knows it—in addition to the vidual students. He’s also supporting baseball Coach Ken Kostiew, ’12 on the bassoon and both physical and mental,” he says. pancake breakfasts and January “penguin plunges” that have helped support the Sarah A. Atherton ’15 on Harring’s efforts to build the baseball alumni network. Esq. (B.S.E.) After running Boston for several years, he moved to events up to now. the French horn. “I enjoy making connections with people and connect- joined Cantor Continued Bloomington, Ind., for a job with Cook Medical. He soon Colburn LLP “We may try to get some nonprofits involved,” he says. “It’s going to take some ing people with one another,” he says. “Where there’s a found a local running group and began competing in as a partner in serious thinking, I know that. But there aren’t many things I’d rather think about.” UML good team, accomplishments follow.” UML marathons in nearby states. Along the way, Lane met the law firm. Continued on P. 60

58 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 59 CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES

2010 > CLOSE-UP CLASSES OF 2015 AND 2016 IN MEMORIAM Dave W. Koffman ’10 (B.A.) and Loredana Caruso Koffman ’10 (B.B.A.) celebrated their wedding on June 18, 2016 with fellow alumni. Grads Bring Expertise To Rehab Facility YEAR NAME 1980 Peter F. Flanagan 1911 Bertha M. Wilson 1981 James B. Bailey aniele Crutcher ’15 loves going to work every day. 1925 Edith C. Bresnahan 1982 Martin V. Grace “The best part of my job is helping those who 1939 Agnes P. (Carey) Marderosian 1982 Keith F. Beardsley 1940 Anne Brenton have sustained lifelong injuries get a second 1982 James A. Polcari 1941 Eleanor C. (Kieran) Connors 1983 John C. Fitch chance at life,” says Crutcher, a graduate of the D 1941 Mary T. Collins 1984 Lucille (Consoli) Guimond exercise physiology program and team leader at Project 1942 Phyllis E. Whittier 1984 Stephen D. Pease Walk, a spinal cord recovery center in Stratham, N.H. 1944 Virginia L. (Nath) Natwick 1985 Michael O'Malley Crutcher is one of three recent graduates who have 1947 Marie J. (Flathers) Martin 1986 Angela C. (Prizio) Demake been hired by Project Walk, a franchise owned by Jac- 1949 Charles H. Lapidus 1986 William G. Gauthier queline and Larry Arlen. The couple started the rehabili- 1950 Regina (Mark) McElrath 1987 Anne P. Donahue tation center after their daughter Victoria was paralyzed 1951 Marilyn E. (Johnston) Smid 1987 Joseph D. McCabe and learned to walk again with help from Project Walk in 1951 Paul C. Cassidy 1988 John M. Lyons San Diego. 1953 Roger J. Langlais 1989 Michael J. Hughes 1953 Donald E. Finegold 1989 David E. Airey Derrick Albrecht ’15 works at Project Walk as a 1954 Frank J. Carolan 1990 Bruce A. Jackson recovery specialist, designingxxzx customized exercise 1954 Kenneth E. Tanzer 1992 Barbara S. Vareschi programs for each client. Courtney Jenkins ’16 was 1954 Rosemary A. Macklin 1993 Thomas G. Ruscak Secure Your Income hired as an aide until she takes the exams to become an 1955 Joseph B. O'Neil 1994 Charles M. Cioffi With a Gift That Pays You … assistant specialist. 1957 Jocelyn Y. (Greene) Molleur 1996 Thomas O.P. Speidel 2011 and has led organizations that Center in Chelsea. Izen is the Make a Gift and Receive an Annual Income … For Life. assist at-risk youth, refugees executive director of Metrow- “I couldn't be happier with our three trainers who 1957 Edward L. McGann 1997 John S. Skribiski David J. and immigrants. est Mediation Services in graduated from the UMass Lowell program,” says 1957 Roy J. Zabierek 1999 Warren J. Little A charitable gift annuity is a gift to UMass Lowell that benefits you immediately. Gutierrez Framingham. The couple lives 1957 Maurice G. Vacherot 2000 Mary F. Donovan When you establish a gift annuity, the university pays you and your beneficiary Adam P. Nichols (B.B.A.) Jacqueline Arlen. “They are incredibly prepared and (B.M.) was in Somerville; a May 2017 1957 John C. Higby 2001 Amy E. Puetzer moved back to the East Coast have hearts of gold, a big-time requirement, for sure.” a fixed income for life. It provides you with financial security while supporting hired in 2015 wedding is planned. 1959 James F. Leary 2002 Michael T. Ing after purchasing a home and is UMass Lowell’s mission. as a market- 1960 Davis J. Pasquariello 2007 Kimberly Ann Roberts ing coordina- expecting his first baby. Jeffrey P. Morrissette 1960 Stanley G. Chitoff 2008 Michael J. Keating tor for a small (B.B.A.)and his wife welcomed Benefits Daniel L. Warden (B.S.) is 1960 Louis E. Yelle 2009 Mary Teresa Tramonte education their first born, a baby girl, > A guaranteed fixed income for life in his fourth year at UMass 1962 John P. Mungovan 2010 Jason Michael Fletcher company that teaches children in January 2017. Medical School, focusing his > A partial tax-free income about designing, building and SAVE THE DATE: 1962 Richard J. Crandall 2012 Raymond G. Soto studies on primary care. coding. He also married his 2014 REUNION 2017! 1963 William W. Mull > A charitable income tax deduction for longtime girlfriend in 2015. 1963 Malcolm W. Chrupcala RETIRED FACULTY/STAFF a portion of the gift’s value was 1963 Joel Q. Estey 2012 Kari A. (Olson) Heggie Did you graduate in 1957, 1966 (and prior), > The chance to support scholarships, Office of University Advancement recently married to Matthew 1963 Mark J. Salkovitz Fred S. Taylor Juliana A. Huard ’11 (B.S.), Elizabeth Anne Rubino 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 978-934-2223 ’13 (M.A.) (M.Ed.) married Jonathan Gee J. Heggie ’14 in a wedding 1963 Richard A. Okerholm Gladys M. Coughlin fellowships, research, chairs or a purpose 2001, 2007 or 2012? If so, then come cele- www.uml.edu/ourlegacy-ourplace works at the Lung Chan on August 6 at surrounded by UMass Lowell 1965 Dennis W. Stamulis Raymond L. Levesque of your choice National the Saphire Estate in Sharon. students and alumni. The brate with your former classmates back on 1965 Robert Emerson Thurlow John J. McCaffrey Center for Rubino is a special education band, the seamstress and campus! Fun reunion events kick off in May. 1967 Ann M. (Manchenton) Lisien Kleonike J. Bentas Health teacher in Saugus. Chan even a Rowdy garter repre- Get all the details and register at 1967 Herbert C. Stowe Richard C. Healy sented the university. They Statistics, attended Boston University www.alumni.uml.edu/Reunion2017. 1967 Billy Shih Arthur Petrou Centers for and served in the U.S. Marine honeymooned in Koh Samui, 1968 Allen P. Knightly Young Alumni Council Positions Open Disease Corps from 2005 to 2015. Thailand. UML 1968 Mary P. Hanley What did you most enjoy about your Control and Prevention as an The couple lives in Danvers. 1968 Kenneth E. Kozak associate service fellow. She college experience? Was it the friends? DEGREE KEY 1968 James A. MacDonald will be developing the first 2013 1969 Alfred J. Leclair The camaraderie? Meeting others with similar national survey of hospi- B.A. Bachelor of Arts 1970 Douglas L. Riikonen interests? You can continue to enjoy these tal-based victim services. B.B.A. Bachelor of Business Administration B.F.A. Bachelor of Fine Arts 1973 Thomas B. Sheedy aspects of your college experience by serving Derek B.M. Bachelor of Music 1974 Suzanne G. (Rousseau) Dooley on the Young Alumni Council. Mitchell B.S. Bachelor of Science 1975 Virginia M. (Roper) O'Donnell The Young Alumni Council helps connect (M.A.) is the B.S.E. Bachelor of Science in Engineering 1975 Roberta E. (Lee) Provencal B.S.N. Bachelor of Science in Nursing executive 1975 Ascension M. Pace recent grads to the university through pro- director of D.Eng. Doctor of Engineering grams that interest them. Members have fun D.P.T. Doctor of Physical Therapy 1976 Paul G. Faucher the Lawrence D.Sc. Doctor in Science 1976 Paula E. Bradley while building leadership skills that look great Partnership, Ed.D. Doctor of Education 1977 Stanley J. Kopec on their résumé. which is a private/public sector Seth Izen (M.A.) is engaged M.A. Master of Arts 1978 Charles W. Amos collaboration for the economic M.B.A. Master of Business Alumni aged 21-35 who graduated in the last 10 years are encouraged to apply at: to Amy Novikoff, a Northeast- 1978 Winifred A. Kelly development and general ern University graduate who Ed.M. Master of Education www.alumni.uml.edu/youngalumnicouncil. improvement of the city of works as a bilingual certified M.F.A. Master of Fine Arts M.L.A. Master of Liberal Arts Lawrence. Mitchell served in speech-language pathologist M.M.Ed. Master of Music Education the Peace Corps in Nicaragua at MGH/Chelsea HealthCare

60 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 61 ALUMNI EVENTS ALUMNI EVENTS

Homecoming 2016 UML on Campus and on the Road

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1. Michelle Lawler ’15, assistant director of 4. Linda Carpenter ’89 and Nancy 7. Professor Emeritus Thomas Costello and 10. Michael Mizzoni ’11, Michael Reid ’11, 1. Lisa Brothers ’84, chairman and CEO of 4. Alumni and friends gathered for the 6. UMass Lowell alumni reunite to watch 8. Mike Feole ’11 (left) and friend, Kelsey alumni engagement, and Daniel Conley ’86 Donahue ’13 (H) mingle at the annual his wife Kary Robertson ’76 were welcomed Adam Dunbar ’11, ’14 and Jessica Tozlowski Nitsch Engineering, and Taniya Nayak ’97, Sigma Phi Omicron Sixth Annual Golf Tour- the Boston Red Sox take on the Baltimore Sudak (right), enjoying some pregame look over a yearbook during the Home- Celebration of Philanthropy, honoring UMass into the Circle of Honor lifetime giving soci- ’11 celebrate their fifth reunion during Home- designer, business owner and TV personali- nament at the Merrimack Valley Golf Club. Orioles. From left: Katy Hogue, Michelle shots on goal during an alumni tailgating coming reunion celebration. Conley was Lowell’s most generous donors. ety during the Celebration of Philanthropy. coming with Assistant Dean of Student ty, connect after Nayak’s keynote at the first From left: Tony Drakoulakos, Tom Haynes Anastos ’06, Justin Anastos ’06 and and game watch where the New England celebrating his 30th Reunion. Affairs Mary Connelly, along with other annual Women's Leadership Conference. ’11, Andy Parke, an attendee guest, Derek Adam Hogue ’03. Revolution took a 3-1 victory against 5. Students enter Hawkey Way, the pregame 8. Theresa Ogonowski (center) and her alumni, faculty and staff. Jones (front), Bobby McMahon ’05, Scott New York City FC. 2. Greek Life alumni and friends gathered to carnival of food, drink, music, family and daughter, Carol Ogonowski (right), are 2. Former men’s ice hockey players enjoy Scarbro (front), Andrew Adams ’04, Joe Lisi 7. UMass alumni and friends reunite to cel- reconnect and celebrate one another with entertainment, before the ice hockey team joined by Kaylee Lima ’18 (far left) and 11. The Celebration of Scholarship is an the 17th annual Hockey Golf Outing at Four ’02 (front), John Sotirakos ’00, Mike Jarvis ebrate the 50th anniversary of Atmospheric River Hawk pride at the men’s ice hockey faced off against Clarkson University. Lucas LeBleu ’18, the recipients of the opportunity for scholarship recipients to Oaks Country Club. From left: Joe Penden- ’06, and Azar Louh ’00. Sciences on campus. Front row, from left: against St. Lawrence during Homecoming John Ogonowski Memorial Scholarship Fund meet the benefactors who make their schol- za ’14, Connor Hellebuyck, Michael Fallon Louise Curtis and Janet Gulezian. Back row, Celebrating all of our retirees at the weekend. From left: Peter Cricones ’15, 6. established by Theresa in memory of her arships possible. From top left: Alex DelTorto ’16 and Assistant Coach Cam Ellsworth. 5. Francis College of Engineering Dean from left: Bill Babcock ’81, Joy Madden, Cassie Foley and Kate Devine. Retired Faculty and Staff Luncheon during son, Capt. John A. Ogonowski ’72. ’17, John Kilgo VI ’17, Jeanmerli Gonzalez Joe Hartman, Rick Hoeske ’66, and Deb Dean Gulezian ’74, David Healy ’69, Homecoming are, from left: Martha Hayden ’19, Tara Desmarais ’20. From bottom left: 3. UMass Trustee Norman Peters and Vice and Jim Dandeneau ’80, co-owners of the David Houde ’72 and Gini Houde. 3. Head Track Coach Gary Gardner (left) Burns ’15, administrative coordinator for the 9. Chris Rochette ’96, left of Professor Frank Spinola ’66, Mariam Taha ’18, Mary Jo Chancellor for Advancement John Feudo Connecticut National Golf Club, enjoy a day competes alongside Chris Favulli ’14 (right) Faculty Senate; Charlotte Mandell, retired Emeritus Dean Bergeron, celebrated the 30- Spinola ’66, Chancellor Jacquie Moloney ’75 thank Diane ’84 and Tom O’Connor ’77 ’80 of golf during the seventh annual Plastics in the annual Jennifer’s Run at River Hawk vice provost; Donna Grzyb, retired assistant year anniversary of the Model UN program ’92, Briannah Larsen ’18, President Emeritus for hosting the annual Cape Cod alumni Engineering Golf Tournament. Homecoming. to the provost; and Karen Morin, director of and the creation of the Dean Bergeron and Jack Wilson and Attorney Edward Moloney. summer reception at their home. the academic budget. Joyce Denning Endowment.

62 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 63 ALUMNI EVENTS ALUMNI EVENTS

UML on Campus Events Calendar

For more information or to register for events, go to www.alumni.uml.edu/events, call 978-934-3140 or email [email protected].

YOUNG ALUMNI AND SENIOR SIXTH ANNUAL SIGMA PHI 50TH, 60TH AND GOLDEN ON THE ROAD SOUTHERN BOUTIN-STONE GOLF NETWORKING NIGHT OMICRON CHRIS SULLIVAN ALUMNI REUNIONS CALIFORNIA: RED SOX VS. TOURNAMENT Tuesday, April 18, 6-8 p.m., MEMORIAL 5K MAY 12-13 ANGELS GAME AND ALUMNI Friday, Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m.-7 UMass Club, Boston, AND FRIENDS GATHERING p.m., Four Oaks Country Club, Sunday, April 23, 10 a.m. For the Classes of 1967 and Cost TBD Sunday, July 23, gathering at Dracut Run or walk to support the UMass 1957 and Golden Alumni, those Join our soon-to-be new alumni 11:30 a.m. and game at 12:30 Lowell Pershing Fund for Student who have previously celebrated In honor of retired head baseball and welcome them to the nest p.m., Angel Stadium, Anaheim, Veterans, the NEADS Organization their 50th reunion—enjoy fun, coach Jim Stone and in memory at this special alumni gathering. educational talks by current Calif. Cost TBD. and the Chris Sullivan Memorial of former River Hawk catcher 1 2 3 Provide insight about life after gra- faculty; explore your old stomping Scholarship Fund. Info at: Spend the afternoon watching David Boutin, the golf tournament dation over food, drinks and fun. grounds (and see what’s new!) chrissullivanmemorial5k.com. the Red Sox take on the Angels supports the Boutin-Stone Fund during a campus tour; and enjoy and connect with other alumni benefiting the baseball team. ALUMNI SHOWCASE – opportunities to reunite with GIVING DAYS in the area. A CAREER IN THE SCIENCES former classmates. KITTANSETT 2017 GOLF INDUSTRY April 25 & 26, Online Info at: alumni.uml.edu/ SIGMA PHI OMICRON SIXTH OUTING AND FUNDRAISER – 480 Donors in 48 Hours Wednesday, April 19, 50threunion2017, alumni.uml. ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT SAVE THE DATE Lydon Library, Free Alumni and friends are encour- edu/60threunion2017 and alumni. aged to participate in our first-ever uml.edu/goldenalumni2017. Monday, July 31, 1:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 2, The Kittansett Elizabeth Brackett ’84, graduate Giving Days, a fundraising event Four Oaks Country Club, Dracut Club, Marion of the Kennedy College of Scienc- designed to build excitement UMASS LOWELL AND LOWELL Alumni and friends participate in Proceeds will fund financial aid es, will discuss her career path to around giving back to HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI MIXER this tournament in support of the for students attending UMass becoming senior health physicist/ Sigma Phi Omicron fraternity. Amherst, UMass Boston, UMass UMass Lowell. Wednesday, June 14, 5-7 p.m., senior internal dosimetrist at MJW Dartmouth, UMass Lowell and Ballroom, UMass Lowell Inn & Corp. Connect with students and ALUMNI AND FRIENDS RECEPTION the UMass Medical School. INVITATION2INNOVATION Conference Center, Free share your own experiences and Thursday, Sept. 14, 6 p.m., Friday, April 28, Noon-8 p.m., Join fellow UMass Lowell and insights since graduating from Labelle Winery, Amherst, N.H. RIVER HAWK HOMECOMING Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, Lowell High School alumni for a UMass Lowell. Cost TBD Free night of food, fun and networking Friday to Sunday, Oct. 12-14 Explore the winery owned by River Hawk alumni, friends, family 4 5 6 UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AWARDS Join us for an end-of-semester in partnership with the Greater celebration of innovation! This Lowell Chamber of Commerce. Cesar Arboleda ’96 and Amy and students come together to Thursday, April 20, 5:30 p.m., event is open to local schools LaBelle and connect with River cheer on our UMass Lowell UMass Lowell Inn & Conference (grades 5 and up), alumni, CHANCELLOR’S LEADERSHIP Hawks living in the Merrimack Division I men’s hockey team and Center corporate partners and the gen- SOCIETY RECEPTION Valley and beyond. enjoy a weekend jam-packed with reunions, entertainment, family $75 per person; $35 for young eral public. It will showcase 2017 Wednesday, June 7, 6-9 p.m., fun and more. alumni (graduates of 2006-2016) capstone projects from Francis UMass Club, Boston Some of UMass Lowell’s most College of Engineering, Kennedy Chancellor’s Leadership Society eminent alumni will be recog- College of Sciences and College members, donors who give nized during the 2017 University of Health Sciences. It will also $1,000 or more annually, will be Alumni Awards ceremony for feature DifferenceMaker team honored and recognized with Be part of our success. their distinguished service to the projects, student clubs and more. a special cocktail reception at university, their professions and the UMass Club at One Beacon their communities. This reception, UMASS SYSTEM RECEPTION Street. dinner and awards presentation Thursday, May 4, Time: TBD, is one of the university’s premier Nelson Mullins, Washington, D.C., TONI ONIKEKU SCHOLARSHIP alumni recognition and achieve- Cost TBD BOWLING EVENT ment events. Info at: alumni.uml. Join alumni and friends from Saturday, June 17, 7 p.m. edu/alumniawards2017. all the UMass campuses for networking, system updates Wamesit Lanes, 434 Main St., 7 8 9 GEORGE DAVIS and fun. Tewksbury, $25 per person INVITATIONAL MEET This bowling event benefits the Toni Onikeku Scholarship fund, 1. Faculty, alumni and students gathered for 4. Ethan Brown ’15, ’16 and his guest commitments. From left: Ken O'Neill ’88, 8. The UMass Lowell World Music Ensem- Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. ANTEC ANAHEIM 2017 created to honor an athlete who the Mock Trial and Lawyers Alumni Recep- Jessica Looney enjoy the Manning School Jim Neary ’77, ’90, John O'Donnell ’81, ble, under the direction of Alan Williams, Cushing Field Complex, $5 per UMass Lowell Reception tion at the historic Allen House as they cele- of Business pregame reception before this year's scholarship recipient Chummeng performed at the Chancellor’s Celebration person to attend; $100 to embodies the same qualities Tuesday, May 9, 5-8 p.m., as Toni, valuing service and brated the 10th anniversary of the program. watching the River Hawks men’s ice hockey Soun ’20, Ray Crowe ’80, Brian Sheehan of Music at UTEC in Lowell. sponsor an event Anaheim Marriott, Anaheim, Calif. From left: Corey Lanier ’14 ’15, Alexander team take on the University of Vermont. ’79, UMass Lowell Vice Chancellor Patti commitment to family, team Please join us as we honor our Join Dave Kazmer, chair of the McIsaac ’14 and Gil Nason ’08. McCafferty, Matt McCafferty ’79, ’85 and 9. Judith ’79 (left) and husband Stephen and community. 5. Adam Ayan ’97, multiple Grammy Award Chancellor Jacquie Moloney ’75, ’92. Marley (right) enjoy the Holiday Pops 2017 seniors at the George Davis Plastics Engineering Department, 2. UMass Lowell alumni Russ ’81 & Mary winner and Sound Recording Technol- pre-reception with alumni and friends. Invitational track meet. Following along with faculty, students and UMASS LOWELL WOMEN’S Join our 48-hour donor challenge! Bedell ’81 (far left) with Laura ’11 and Sam ogy alumnus, spoke to a crowd of over 7. Plastics alumni gather for their annual a presentation to our seniors, we fellow alumni from the department LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Dyas ’11 rally together for a pregame gather- 100 students, alumni and faculty at the PL80 luncheon in Lowell! Back row, from will have the Future River Hawks for a networking reception. We need 480 donors to unlock Tuesday, June 20, UMass Lowell ing before seeing the River Hawks win a Alumni Showcase in November about his left: Steve Kincaid ’80, Jim Nason ’80, Ea- 100m race for children 13 and Inn & Conference Center road game 4-0. experiences as a mastering engineer at Bob monn Hobbs ’80, Barbara Stefani Levitt ’80, under. The senior presentation will COMMENCEMENT EVE more than $48,000 in challenge Ludwig’s Gateway Studios. Jim Dandeneau ’80, Mark Yates ’80 and Women leaders discuss the begin a half hour before the first Friday, May 12, 5:30 p.m.; 3. UMass Lowell alumnus Dana Granville Professor Steve Driscoll ’66 ’72. Middle row, challenges and paths forward funds for the university. running event. University Crossing ’75 (far right) and friends attended a lecture 6. Alumni and friends gathered for a trivia from left: Plastics Support Coordinator Gail to empower women in today's about the future impact of 3-D printing on night to benefit the Sacred Heart Neighbor- Sheehy and Joe Rapuano ’80. Front row, Commencement Eve is the workplace. With an inspiring line- the manufacturing industry. From left: Peter hood Endowed Scholarship Fund at UMass Be part of our success from left: Professor Robert Malloy ’79 ’83 university’s signature event up of speakers and four tracks to Granville, Jim Dube and Dana Granville ’75. Lowell. The fund, founded two years ago ’88, Carol Royal ’80, Nick Schott and celebrating the successes of choose from, attendees can build and make a gift at by six alumni who grew up together, has Phil Tessier ’80. the academic year, honoring the surpassed $100,000 in donations and their own learning experience. achievements of talented students Info at: https://continuinged. uml.givecampus.com. and welcoming special guests. uml.edu/wlc/ Proceeds benefit UMass Lowell scholarships. Info at: uml.edu/ commencementeve.

64 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 65 ALUMNI EVENTS

Lowell Textile opened its doors in 1897 and, for the next 74 years, offered programs in cotton or wool manufac- ture, design, or textile chemistry and dyeing. Starting in 1903, vast work- THEN... rooms like this one for the Cotton Yarn HONORING NOTABLE ALUMNI Department were housed in Southwick Hall, giving the growing student body the space and equipment necessary ome of UMass Lowell’s most eminent for hands-on experience in textiles. In alumni will be recognized during the 1953, President Martin Lydon expanded 19th annual University Alumni Awards the curriculum to include programs in Sfor their distinguished service to the plastics, leather, paper and electronics university, their profession and their com- technology, increased the liberal arts munity. This reception, dinner and awards and renamed the school the Lowell ceremony is one of the university’s premier Technological Institute. He moved the alumni recognition and achievement institute decisively toward general events. Join us! engineering, setting up a bachelor’s Thursday, April 20, 5:30 p.m. program in 1956. The textile program was closed in 1971. UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center alumni.uml.edu/alumniawards2017

THE HONOREES ARE …

Norm Bazin ’94, ’99 Head Men’s Ice Hockey Coach, UMass Lowell Graduate School of Education

Lorna Boucher ’86 Chief Marketing Officer, Instinet Manning School of Business

Robert Bushong ’67 Founder, Bushong Industrials, Inc. Athletics

James Costos ’85 U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra (2013-2017) College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

William C. Geary III ’80 Attorney, Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. Francis College of Engineering

Emmanuel Lamour ’05, ’16 Program Manager, Raytheon A Celebration of Invention and Ingenuity Young Alumnus Award

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES Russell LeClaire ’67, ’74 KENNEDY COLLEGE OF SCIENCES and open to Vice President of Development, FRANCIS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING free CA Technologies (retired) The event is Kennedy College of Sciences the public. High school students and Jerry St. Peter ’89 Vice President & Head, Ophthalmic their families, teachers, guidance Business, Sun Pharmaceutical counselors, college students and Industries, Inc. College of Health Sciences April 28, 2017 faculty members, industry partners, alumni and friends—anyone who The Tsongas Center wants to be inspired by the innovation 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. taking place at UMass Lowell!

uml.edu/i2i

66 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE i2i_PRINT AD_2017_5.25x9.indd 1 4/3/17 10:46 AM The College of Engineering’s MakerSpace continues to put tech tools in students’ hands, enabling them to design, build and manufacture just about anything. Filling the entire ground floor of Falmouth Hall, the NOW... 8,500-square-foot MakerSpace feels less like a classroom and more like a high-tech design center, with 14-foot ceilings, dozens of lab benches and worktables, drop-down power and projection capabilities. Its glass-walled bays are equipped with advanced CNC machines, 3-D printers, laser cutters, PCB routers and a range of electronic and carpentry tools. The space is used by budding engineers to business students to those in the art department. But it’s also a lure for future engineering students, who flock to campus for summer camps. And last year, dozens of middle- and high-school students—like Lowell High School student Emily Satterfield, shown here—spent six weeks in the MakerSpace, designing and building a robot for the international FIRST Robotics Competition. NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 69 N. READING, MA Office of Alumni Relations Charles J. Hoff Alumni Scholarship Center 1 Perkins St. Lowell, MA 01854-2882

Change Service Requested

COMMENCEMENT HonorinG EVE • friday, may 12, 2017 • CELEBRATION

excellence Join us the evening before Commencement to celebrate the achievements of the year. Honorary degree recipients, speakers, distinguished alumni and talented students the tenth annual tribute to commitment and possibility are honored during this special annual event.

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017 5:30 - 9:00 P.M. UNIVERSITY CROSSING

Tickets are available at: UML.EDU/COMMENCEMENTEVE

CED Ad_8 x 6.875.indd 1 3/6/17 4:02 PM