FALL 2012 UMass Lowell MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS India’s Merc hant of Light

Alumnus Harish Hande is Going Door to Door to Change the World p. 28

Page 22 Finding Arno Page 36 The Company We Keep Page 38 The Education of Gordon Halm Page 44 Face of Philanthropy Page 65 Report of Gifts Fall 2012

The UMass Lowell Alumni Magazine is published by: A Message From Office of Public Affairs University of Massachusetts Lowell Chancellor Martin T. Meehan ’78 One University Avenue Lowell, MA 01854 978-934-3223 [email protected] It is one thing for a University to say it prepares students for work, life and Chancellor the world; it’s another thing to actually accomplish it. At UMass Lowell, Martin T. Meehan ’78 we have leveraged our strong foundation in teaching, research and engagement to build a dramatically transformed campus that is propelling Executive Vice Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney ’75, ’92 both the campus and our students to new levels of achievement.

Vice Chancellor of There are many factors contributing to our success: a talented and dedicated faculty; top-notch University Relations Patti McCafferty research facilities; a commitment to diversity and globalization; strong partnerships with industry and community; and academic programs that address the challenges facing the world today. Vice Chancellor for University Advancement But the overriding factor in our success is the entrepreneurial spirit that permeates everything Edward Chiu we do. We have revamped our management strategies and organizational structure and enhanced Director of Publications revenue efforts to attain financial stability and to reallocate resources to markedly improve and Publisher student life and students’ academic experience. Mary Lou Hubbell

Director of Alumni Relations We have enhanced every academic program with an eye toward teaching students to find Heather Makrez ’06, ’08 solutions, build relationships and harness creativity. Communications Manager Nichole Carter As Robert Eggers, founder of DC Kitchen, told incoming freshmen during opening week Editor this fall: “Make this University your laboratory. If you have an idea, this University wants to Sarah McAdams Corbett help make it a reality. This is a rare experiment.”

Staff Writers We place innovation, entrepreneurship and experiential learning at the core of all student Edwin Aguirre Karen Angelo experiences so that they will become the difference-makers the world needs. Geoffrey Douglas Sheila Eppolito You will read about our DifferenceMakers program in this issue of the UMass Lowell Magazine, Jill Gambon along with a look at the history of innovation on this campus and how we are pushing the Julia K. Gavin Christine Gillette concept to greater levels of achievement. Elizabeth James Ryan MacInnis I invite you to peruse these pages, to go to uml.edu to learn more Jack McDonough about what we are doing and, best of all, drop by the campus Dave Perry Sandra Seitz and see the changes and feel the excitement. uml.edu/alumni facebook.com/umasslowellalumni Martin T. Meehan ’78 twitter.com/umasslowellalumni Chancellor

Please send address changes to: University of Massachusetts Lowell CALENDAR OF EVENTS Office of University Advancement Southwick 250, One University Ave., Annual Alumni Appreciation Night and Hockey Game: Saturday, Dec. 1, Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, 6 p.m. reception Lowell, MA 01854-2882 in the Club Rooms (behind section 112), 7 p.m. game. Reconnect with UMass Lowell while watching the River Hawks hockey [email protected] team vs. University of New Hampshire Wildcats. Cost: $5. 978-934-2223 Reception and Dinner in Mumbai, India: Wednesday, Dec. 5, for alumni, parents and friends, location and time TBD. Sigma Phi Omicron Reunion and Hockey Game: Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, 5:30 p.m. reception UMass Lowell is an Equal in the Talon Club, 7 p.m. game. Reconnect while you watch the River Hawks vs. Boston University Terriers. Cost: $5. Opportunity/ Affirmative Action, Title IX, H/V, ADA 1990 Employer. Delta Kappa Phi Reunion and Hockey Game: Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, 5:30 p.m. reception in the Talon Club, 7 p.m. game. Reconnect while you watch the River Hawks hockey team! Cost: $5. Alumni Dinners in Hong Kong and Tokyo: February 2013, more information to come. UMass Lowell Comes to Florida: March 2013, more information to come. Join us for coast-to-coast events, including Red Sox spring training, a St. Patrick’s Day parade and a golf tournament.

Learning with Purpose FALL 2012 UMass Lo we ll MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS VOLUME 15 NUMBER 2

CAMPUS LIFE ALUMNI LIFE

3 OUR WORLD 47 EVENTS

14 LAB NOTES 51 CLASS NOTES

16 STUDENT SCENE FEATURES Finding Arno 22 An inside look at the journey of world-renowned photographer Prof. Arno Minkkinen Power to the People 28 Harish Hande ’98, ’00 embodies the University’s pledge to change the world one innovative idea at a time. 62 IN MEMORIAM The Company We Keep 36 19 SPORTS UPDATE UMass Lowell and EMC: A partnership written in the clouds 34 INNOVATION NATION The Education of Gordon Halm 38 Among the 2,900 graduates at 2012 Commencement, a 51-year-old Ghanaian stands out.

Editor’s Note Face of Philanthropy 44 Please send comments to Frank McKone ’56, ’00 (H) is a top supporter of the alma mater he calls Editor Sarah McAdams Corbett ‘as fine as they come.’ at [email protected]. Submit class notes to: Class Notes Editor, Southwick 250, 1 University Ave., Lowell, MA Donor Report of Gifts 2012 65 01854 or www.uml.edu/ad - 42 COMMENCEMENT vancement/classnotes.

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

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 1 Inside...

3 OUR WORLD 14 LAB NOTES Ca mpus Li fe 16 STUDENT SCENE 19 SPORTS UPDATE

In September, male students participated in the annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event on campus, which raises awareness to help prevent sexual and gender violence.

2 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 Ourwo rld CAMPUS NEWS

Senate Debate Puts UMass Lowell on National Stage

The Oct. 1 U.S. Senate debate between Sen. Scott Brown (R) and Elizabeth Warren (D) put the candidates under the spotlight and UMass Lowell on the national stage. The race was one of the most closely watched political contests in the country as the outcome had the potential to tip the balance of the Senate’s partisan divide. (Warren ended up winning the Nov. 6 race.) Demand for tickets to the UMass Lowell/Boston Herald event was unprecedented. A full house of more than 5,000 filled the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, with hundreds of thousands more tuning in from all over the globe. Representatives of international, na - tional, regional and local media covered the event—everyone from the Swiss daily Le Temps toTthe Daytime, the student newspaper of Day Middle School in New - NBC News’ Kelly O’Donnell broadcast live from campus for “The Today Show.” ton, Mass. Nearly 150 members of print, network and local television, radio and C-SPAN and listened on Boston-area radio stations WBZ-AM and online media were in attendance, from WRKO-AM. Massachusetts and New Hampshire news The debate was also live-streamed at uml.edu, on BostonHerald.com outlets to national network TV like NBC and via the Associated Press, whose feed was viewed around the globe, News, which broadcast live from the with more than 155,000 total streams in the U.S., Canada, Malaysia, event. Japan, Korea, Brazil, Italy, France, South Africa and the Russian Journalists from national print and Federation, among other places. online outlets like The New York Times, The next day, “The Today Show” and MSNBC News broadcast live from Lowell with recaps of the debate. Esquire, Bloomberg News, The Huffington NBC’s David Gregory, host of Post, The Nation and Politico were also “Meet the Press,” moderated “We’re thrilled and grateful to have hosted such a successful event— at the Tsongas for the debate. the debate. and with the incredible viewership all over the world,” says Chancellor About one in four households in the Marty Meehan. “And by allowing students to sit on the stage, and even Boston market—or 338,000 viewers—watched, crushing the competition ask questions of the candidates, we were able to give them a rare on other stations. Thousands more watched broadcasts on NECN and opportunity to engage in the electoral process.” Ⅲ

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THE COMING: Stephen King

Stephen King’s words have thrilled and chilled fans for three decades, but opportunities to hear those words spoken by the author himself are rare. For one night only, the author will take to the stage at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, offering fans the chance to hear King read his work, ask him questions and listen to him discuss his passion for writing and his advice for aspiring authors. “A Conversation with Stephen King”—set for Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.—will be moderated by Andre Dubus III, bestselling author and Profs Win Largest-Ever GSE Grant professor in UMass Lowell’s English Department, The National Science Foun - Chen of the UMass School applications, have the the program’s co-sponsor. dation awarded a $2.2 mil - of Marine Sciences, David potential to grab people’s “Writing requires not just a creative mind and lion grant to a team of re - Rabkin, director of current attention. And he expects some good ideas, but also dedication to the craft. searchers, including two science and technology at commuters will be attuned I look forward to sharing my experiences as a Graduate School of Educa - the Museum of Science, to the content since prelimi - writer and the lessons I have learned with tion (GSE) professors, to Boston and Hofstra Univer - nary research showed that UMass Lowell students and the public,” says King, study how informal learning sity Asst. Prof. Rick Wilson. 80 percent of MBTA subway who will hold a special master class for UMass impacts the public’s under - Two ad agencies, Brodeur riders surveyed indicated Lowell creative writing majors during his visit to standing of climate change Partners and Bowman Glob - they were interested in the University. science. The three-year al Change, will develop the learning more about climate To further support UMass Lowell students, grant is the largest ever media and an advisory board science, he says. King and his wife, Tabitha, will endow a new awarded to GSE faculty. with about two dozen mem - The MBTA is donating scholarship fund in their names. King will donate Dubbed the Science bers from the MBTA, the $180,000 in advertising his fee from the UMass Lowell appearance and at Express, the project aims to Smithsonian Institution, the space on subway cars and least $5 from every ticket sold will go to this assess whether advertising University of Washington, platforms where posters or scholarship fund. space on subway platforms WGBH and other organiza - placards with information For tickets and information, visit www. and trains is an effective tions will provide input. related to climate science tsongascenter.com. For corporate sponsorship means to engage commuters “We have a powerful in - will appear. Since the sub - opportunities, call 978-934-3243. in learning about climate terdisciplinary team working way system will have 100 science. Principal investiga - together,” Lustick says. percent Wi-Fi connectivity tors include GSE Assoc. by year’s end, the plan is to Lustick believes that Prof. David Lustick and include applications that out-of-home media, which Asst. Prof. Jill Lohmeier transit riders can access include subway placards, along with Prof. Robert with their smart-phones. billboards and mobile phone

NURSING DEPARTMENT WINS $1 MILLION GRANT The Department of Nursing received a three-year $996,584 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to recruit, retain and graduate nurses who can effectively interact with patients across diverse cultures and ethnic back - grounds. The project, Bring Diversity and Leadership to Nursing, will raise awareness of nursing as a career through workshops, clubs and demonstrations with elementary, middle and high school students in Lowell and Lawrence. Eligible students enrolled in the nursing program will receive support such as scholarships, stipends, equipment, tutoring, mentoring and leadership opportuni - ties—all designed to help them graduate and work in local communities.

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Moody and the Muse Writer Rick Moody (author of “The Ice Storm” and “Garden State”) and musician Tanya Donelly (of Throwing Muses, The Breeders and Belly) melded their considerable talents on stage at O’Leary Library recently. As part of the UMass Lowell-sponsored Jack Kerouac Literary Festival, the pair performed and discussed songwriting, influence and inspiration.

KAY DOYLE ’77, ’86: Nutritional Sciences Depart - forget you,” she says. “Thank ‘A GREAT CAREER ment. “I am very honored to you for making this a great AND LIFE’ have this scholarship in my career and a great life.” name. We have many de - Prof. Kay Doyle’s passion for serving students. I know the success of her students NEW DEAN ON THE firsthand the effect that a has never wavered, even FINE ARTS SCENE first-class education can after 32 years of teaching. Luis Falcón is the new dean have on a life, on a family.” And, true to form, she of the University’s College of turned her retirement cele - Doyle has dedicated her Fine Arts, Humanities and bration into an opportunity career to creating the best Social Sciences. The former medical laboratory science to support students by giving through school and are first Northeastern University so - for graduate education from program in the country. As the gift of education. in their families to attend ciology professor was chosen 2004 to 2011. He also served director of the program, she Doyle’s celebration at - college, Doyle—who re - after a nationwide search. as vice provost for faculty, continuously garnered sup - tracted more than 130 col - ceived master’s and Ph.D. “In the time that I have associate dean for faculty, port from 18 medical labora - leagues, friends and family degrees at the University in spent on campus, I have director of the College of tories to provide rotations members who recognized her 1977 and 1986, respective - come to appreciate the ener - Arts and Sciences graduate for students. She also led the legacy as a pioneer, ly—was always driven to gy and commitment of the school and as chairman and accreditation of the program scientist and teacher. The help them succeed. faculty and administrators graduate studies director of in 2010, receiving a perfect event raised $20,000 for the to the success of the college its Department of Sociology “I think of UMass Lowell score from the National Ac - new Kay Doyle Endowed and the University,” he says. and Anthropology. as the ‘American Dream crediting Agency for Clini - Scholarship Fund. Falcón succeeds Dean University,’ ” says Doyle, cal Laboratory Sciences. Falcón served on the Knowing that many retired program director of Northeastern faculty since Nina Coppens, who is “I will never forget my students put themselves the Clinical Laboratory and 1989, and was vice provost stepping down. time here and I will never

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 5 Ourwo rld

Campus A Transformation Continues

The transformation of the fresh, contemporary and UMass Lowell campus con - comfortable. An after-hours tinued at a rapid pace over room with fireplace, big- the summer, with more than screen TV and comfortable 40 projects large and small seating provide students a bringing more stunning place in which to snack and changes, including new socialize late into the night. buildings for learning and Meanwhile, an Einstein living, more and better Brothers Bagels shop was in - dining options, increased stalled in the lobby of Olney parking and updated Building on North Campus. research and lab spaces. It opened for business The two major new re - in the fall, provid - search and academic build - ing new coffee ings—the Emerging Tech - and snack op - nologies and Innovation tions. Center (ETIC) on North The North Campus and the Health and Campus parking Social Sciences Building garage, which adds 550 (HSSB) on South—are, parking spaces to the North respectively, completed and Campus inventory, opened nearing completion. (see P. 8 at the start of fall classes. tralized services will also G for details on the former.) A new garage on South be located there for single- Two new residential halls Campus, located between stop convenience, such as are also under way. Universi - Mahoney Hall and the UCAPs, Parking and Trans - ty Suites, on East Campus, Riverview Parking portation, Student Financial broke ground in April and Lot, is currently under Services, Registrar, Police, is set to open in the fall of construction. This will IT and Environmental 2013, providing housing for provide 600 new spaces Health and Safety. 472 students in four-and when it is completed in The Tsongas Center six-bed suites. Riverview the spring of 2013. at UMass Lowell was also Suites, on South Campus, The transformation this enhanced with renovated also broke ground in the summer of University Cross - luxury boxes and a new spring. The all-suites facility, ing, formerly St. Joseph’s kitchen on the third floor to which will house 500 stu - Hospital, included a com - provide better quality food F dents, is also scheduled to plete interior renovation of service. The Tsongas Center open in the fall of 2013. the newer buildings at the was also treated to electrical Upgraded eating options rear of the site, demolition efficiency upgrades. Ⅲ start with an entirely of the older buildings reimagined dining facility on at the front of the site and the second floor of Fox Hall. construction of a new Once classes ended in May, four-story campus center. A. University Crossing the former facility was com - Construction of the new B. Health and Social Sciences Building (HSSB) pletely gutted and reopened building will be completed C. Emerging Technologies this fall. The new front in 2014. Situated at the and Innovation Center (ETIC) entrance opens onto a center of the UMass Lowell D. ETIC Lobby large brick pizza oven and campus, University Crossing E. University Suites students have seven cooking will serve as a hub of student F. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell G. North Campus Parking Garage stations with different kinds activity with a large new H. HSSB Hospital Simulation Room of food to choose from. The bookstore, food court and I. HSSB Classroom décor and furnishings are event spaces. Several cen -

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Campus Welcomes First New Academic Building in More Than Three Decades

The newest light in the dramatically transforming grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, and UMass Lowell campus—the Emerging Technologies and industry and individual donors. Innovation Center (ETIC)—officially opened on Oct. 11. Alumni and friends contributed over $10 million to the The cutting-edge facility will be home to advanced project. Most of the facilities and laboratories within the research in nanotechnology, molecular biology, plastics building have been named after generous benefactors, engineering and optics. including the William J. Kennedy Jr. Nanotechnology More than 600 UMass Lowell community members, Research and Development Center, funded by Alumnus public officials and industry leaders officially opened John F. Kennedy; the Barry and Janice Perry Atrium and ETIC, an 84,000-square-foot, $80 million research Lobby; the Robert and Gail Ward Biomedical Materials center and the first new academic building constructed Development Laboratory; the Mark and Elisia Saab on campus in more than three decades. High Bay Plastics Manufacturing Center; and the The project was funded through $35 million from Frank McKone Executive Administration Center. the Massachusetts Economic Investment Act of 2006, $5 million from the federal government, bonding through the UMass Building Authority, a $10 million

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1. Over 600 attended the grand opening ceremony for the ETIC. 5. Jeff Cosiol ’67, Provost Ahmed Abdelal, University of Massachusetts President Emeritus 2. Gov. Deval Patrick addresses the crowd during the ceremony. Jack Wilson, Executive Vice Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney ’75, 92, Charles Hoff ’66, ’00 (H) and John Pulichino ’67 enjoy a reception in the Perry Atrium and Lobby in the ETIC. 3. Joining in the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, in the back row, from left: Frank McKone ’56, ’00 (H), Barry Perry ’68, William Hellmuth ’77 and Adrian King representing 6. Robert ’71 and Gail Ward tour the newly completed Robert and Gail Ward Biomedical Gloucester Engineering, Mark Saab ’81, and L. Donald LaTorre ’59, ’07 (H). Materials Development Laboratory. Front row, from left: Mark Boden of Boston Scientific, Robert Ward ’71, Lawrence 7. Janice and Barry ’68 Perry view the Perry Atrium and Lobby, named in their honor. Acquarulo ’81, Elisia Saab, University of Massachusetts President Robert Caret, Chancellor Marty Meehan ’78, Paul Ferraro and Michael Del Checcolo of Raytheon, 8. Guests enjoy tours and refreshments in the Mark & Elisia Saab High Bay Plastics and Executive Vice Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney ’75, ’92. Manufacturing Center. Elisia and Mark A. Saab ’81, president and co-founder of Advanced Polymers Inc., 4. Chair of the Plastics Engineering Department Robert Malloy ’79, ’83, ’88 shows the 9. new Mark and Elisia Saab High Bay Plastics Manufacturing Center to James ’80 and enjoy a reception in the new ETIC. The Mark and Elisia Saab High Bay Plastics Deb Dandeneau, sponsors of the Dandeneau Conference and Seminar Center, and Manufacturing Center was named in their honor. Lawrence Acquarulo ’81, sponsor of the Acquarulo Family Conference and Seminar Center. 10. Leadership donors are recognized during the ETIC’s grand opening ceremony.

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UMASS LOWELL HOSTS ELITE site through a competitive INTERNATIONAL SPORTS CONFERENCE process by the ISEA In July, more than 250 history that the conference because of the University’s researchers, sports engineers was held in the United pioneering work in sports and equipment manufactur - States, and the first in engineering and education, ers from all over the world New England. especially the efforts of the Baseball Research Center. converged on campus to “As this is an Olympic The center studies bat and talk about one subject: year, sports engineering and ball performance and sports engineering. technology have been at durability for Major League Patrick Drane ’00, ’03, center stage, beginning Baseball and other leagues. assistant director of UMass with this conference, where Lowell’s Baseball Research researchers shared the “Having personally Center (BRC), chaired this results of their most recent presented papers at the year’s International Sports research among their peers,” past five sports engineering Engineering Conference, says ISEA President Kim conferences in places like which has been presented Blair. “The conference is Kyoto, Munich and Vienna, Jack Wilson Brings biennially by the U.K.-based the world’s largest forum for it is great to be able to International Sports Engi - the sharing of research and showcase UMass Lowell His Entrepreneurial neering Association (ISEA) insights into science and and count us among the since 1996. engineering in sports.” leaders in the global field of sports engineering,” Expertise to the This was only the second UMass Lowell was Drane says. —EA Classroom time in the ISEA’s 16-year selected as this year’s host UMass Lowell Jack M. issues that arise.” There is Wilson, who resigned in the an urgency behind what summer of 2011 after eight he is teaching, he feels, as And The Band Played On years as president of the innovation and entrepre - University of Massachusetts, neurship have never been has since traded hats—from more critical than now: executive to academic – and “The world is changing has made UMass Lowell his so rapidly—the only way to teaching home. As the Uni - keep pace is to be able to versity’s interim dean of the convert learning, particular - School of Engineering— ly university learning, into and newly designated the solutions we’ll need Distinguished Professor of to solve the problems we Higher Education, Emerging create.” Technologies, and Innova - There are different tion—he’s in his second year models of innovator, he says: in the classroom here. “There’s the ‘I created The course he is teaching a company and made $1 this fall, Starting New Ven - billion’ model– that’s the tures, draws on his years as familiar one, the one we founder, CEO and chairman all know. Then there’s the of the LearnLinc Corp., a other, the social-issue inno - spinoff of his prior university vator, the guy who’s more research, which he founded interested in solving prob - in 1993 and built over eight lems than making a fortune. years through three rounds That’s where you get into of venture capital before micro-lending, administer - selling it in 2003. ing insulin without needles, World-renowned composer Robert W. Smith (above) visited The course, he says, is addressing issues of hunger campus in July to rehearse a piece commissioned of him by designed to “examine all an - and such… music Prof. Debra-Nicole Huber. He led more than 120 youngsters gles of the new-venture “Some people take their participating in this year’s Mary Jo Leahey Symphonic Band Camp. process, from the legal work profit in pleasure, others in The young musicians performed the world-premiere of the piece and funding, and creating dollars. Both are good. We a few days later at their concert in honor of Leahey ’37, who died partnerships, to the ethical need both.” —GD late last year.

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RESEARCHERS HELP BOOST SPEED Ruben Sanca ’09, ’10: OF OLYMPIC BOBSLED TEAM Olympic Runner A group of mechanical engi - Omweg, a sled designer neering students advised by associated with the IBSF. Alumnus Ruben Sanca, now business manager in the Office of Asst. Profs. David Willis and Student Affairs, represented his native Cape Verde Islands in the “We conducted research Stephen Johnston are put - 2012 Summer Olympics in the 5,000-meter run. Unfortunately, on how to improve the ting their engineering skills he didn’t qualify for the final. “Just being here is a blessing,” aerodynamic properties to work helping the Israeli Sanca said at the time. of the sled,” says Richard Bobsled and Skeleton Poillucci, who graduated He especially enjoyed living in Olympic Village and Federation (IBSF) team in May and is now being around other elite athletes. “Some of [the Olympians] prepare for the 2014 pursuing a master’s have really inspiring stories about how they got here and Winter Olympics in degree in mechanical it’s really cool to hear their stories and say ‘Hey, we’ve Sochi, Russia. engineering. —EA been through the same thing’,” he told the Boston The team heard Globe. about the University’s Sanca graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business research capabilities in 2009 and a master’s of business administration in and contacted Willis 2010. Since then, he has racked up several impressive last year. The students titles and appearances in three international competi - took on the skeleton tions, all of which contributed to his Olympics selection. project for their He is Cape Verde’s record-holder in the 3,000 meter senior capstone (8:07.50) and marathon (2:18.43). research, working He led the River Hawks in becoming the first non- closely with Division 1 school to win the cross-country New England skeleton racer Brad championships. Sanca was a four-time All-American, Chalupski and Chad three-time New England champ and is considered to be one of the top-five distance runners in UMass Lowell history. —RM UMASS LOWELL’S OLYMPIC HISTORY Ruben Sanca ’09, ’10 is one of several former UMass Lowell athletes to compete at the Olympic level: Former rower Shelagh Donohoe ’88, now the head rowing coach at the University of Rhode Island, was a silver medalist in the women’s four at Barcelona in 1992. Mark Kumpel ’83 was a member of the U.S. hockey team in Sarajevo in 1984. Yorick Treille ’02, Laurent Meunier ’02 and Baptiste Amar ’03 all played hockey for France in Salt Lake City in 2002. David Delfino ’88 played hockey for Italy at Albertville in 1992, Lillehammer in 1994 and Nagano in 1998.

Photographer and public affairs staffer Edwin Aguirre and his wife, photographer Imelda Joson, Ring of Fire traveled to Page, Ariz., to observe the May 20 annular solar eclipse, the first visible in the United States in nearly 18 years. An annular eclipse is when the moon covers up most of the sun except for the its outer fringe, leaving visible a ring of fire, or “annulus,” which is Latin for ring. This is one of the shots the pair took.

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MCCARTHY NAMED UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR Prof. Stephen McCarthy of the Plastics Engineering De - partment, lauded by his peers and students for his exemplary teaching, outstanding research and extraordinary service to UMass Lowell for nearly three decades, has been named University Professor. In his nomination letter, mechanical engineering pro - fessor Robert Parkin said, “Students flock to his elective classes, as can be seen by the very high enrollments. Possibly the most impressive aspect of his professional life is the number of stu - dents he has mentored and who have received their master’s degrees and doc - torates under his tutelage, both in plastics engineering and biomedical engineering. By my count, he has grad - John Kerry to Students: uated 25 doctoral students and several times this num - Politics Isn’t an ‘Adult Food Fight’ ber of master’s students.” During a visit to campus recently, U.S. Sen. John Kerry told students that young people McCarthy’s research, can help Congress get its priorities straight. meanwhile, has earned him respect around the world. “This is not some adult food fight you can hold at arm’s length and think, ‘These As principal investigator, he has obtained nearly $9 guys suck. I’m glad I have my life.’ It affects you,” said Kerry, who was a guest speaker in million in externally sponsored research grants and con - a political science class taught by Chancellor Marty Meehan ’78 and Prof. Patricia tracts, plus nearly $33 million in intellectual property Sullivan Talty ’78. donations to UMass Lowell. With a grant of $4 million The country has needs in higher education, in energy, in infrastructure investments from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, he founded and long-term economic strategies, he told students. After providing a short history the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center. lesson on how the country had landed where it is today, Kerry took questions from stu - a signature program for the campus. He has also published dents. widely, with more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, and “I am proud of the values we in the United States espouse,” he said in response to a holds eight U.S. and two international patents. question on the possibilities for peace in the world. Having spoken the day before with McCarthy’s three-year term will run from September the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan, both “on the brink” of renewed war, he said, “It 2012 through August 2015. —EA takes time to work through the conflicts of tribalism. I am more aware of how fundamental tribalism is to decision-making in many parts of the world,” building up centuries of habit and practice. “Our ways of doing things seem abrupt and disruptive to those patterns,” he said. —SS

The UMass Lowell Makeover The Aug. 19 Boston Globe Magazine profiled the “Few outside Lowell may have noticed all of transformation of UMass Lowell in the five years this activity. But students have. UMass Lowell is since Marty Meehan was named Chancellor. Wrote suddenly hot. Its ambitious upgrades, along with an Jon Marcus: “Meehan has already bought a down - aggressive recruiting push, have helped triple the town hotel and transformed it into, among other number of applications in the past five years, from things, living space for 400 students. He’s building 3,439 to nearly 10,000. Enrollment has increased two dorms, a student center and a new food 37 percent while Meehan has been chancellor, to court, and a couple of parking garages. Then more than 15,000, while the number of students at there’s the $80 million technology and innovation flagship UMass Amherst edged up only a third as center, which opens this fall, a new $40 million much. The average SAT score among health and social sciences building, and plans incoming freshmen has jumped by 44 points.” for a new home for the business school. Read the whole story at www.uml.edu/globe.

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Jack’s Back!

October’s Jack Kerouac Literary Festival was anchored by the world premiere of “Beat Generation”—the author’s

. only play. The staged reading, which was held at the s i l l Merrimack Repertory Theater and sponsored by E

b UMass Lowell, attracted thousands of fans. o B y b o t o h P

BUSINESS SCHOOL OFFERS PH.D. PROGRAM Happy Birthday The Manning School of Business be - to Us! gan offering a Ph.D. in management this fall, in three separate tracks: tech - nology management, finance and management information systems. Tracks in leadership and international business will be added next year. So far, four new faculty members have been hired and plans call for adding four more, says Asst. Prof. Underground radio has been Scott Latham, who directs the pro - thriving at UMass Lowell for six gram. Admission will be highly se - decades—as WLTI, WJUL and lective; only three to six students will now WUML. Tune into 91.5 for be accepted into each track. Students student-run programming. accepted into the program will have extensive work experience. “We hope to attract mid-career professionals who have already The Department of achieved success and possibly want Nursing—which boasts to become professors,” says Latham. the oldest Family Health “With the shortage of business Ph.D.s, Nursing Program graduates of this program will have in New England— jobs waiting for them both locally ( celebrates the big 4-0 and nationally.” this fall. The four-year program will consist of two years of coursework focusing The Department of Work Environment ) on research skills through core classes has been advancing occupational and in research design and research meth - environmental health and safety around ods. The third and fourth years will the globe for a quarter of a century. include teaching experience and com - pleting dissertations. —JG

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 13 Lab notes Solar Lawnmower Slashes Pollution, Noise—and Grass Each weekend, an estimated 54 million Americans mow their lawns, consuming about 800 million gallons of gasoline every year and producing tons of air pollutants. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, lawn mowers (like snow blowers, chain saws, leaf blowers and similar gas-powered garden equipment) emit high levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. BUG OFF! Electrical engi - Researchers Help Save Trees neering alumnus Samuel Hamill ’12 A team of UMass Lowell researchers led by Physics Prof. Jayant Kumar is using created a prototype photonics, or light technology, to mimic the color of a nasty beetle—the emerald solar-powered push

ash borer—which has already killed tens of millions of ash trees across more than m o c

mower to help cut . a dozen states in the U.S. and two provinces in Canada. p m a

down on air pollu - r t s “Many insects, including butterflies, exhibit color due to micro/nano structures e d

tion, gas consump - : t i

on their wings,” says Kumar, who directs UMass Lowell’s Center for Advanced d tion and noise. e r Materials. “In the case of this beetle, its color is bright iridescent green and serves C “It’s a sustainable, as an initial mating signal to the male. The idea is to have artificial beetle decoys environmentally friendly way of maintaining one’s lawn,” that simulate the color to attract the males. Hopefully, this will give us an idea of says Hamill, who designed the lawnmower as part of his the level of infestation in an affected area so we can take appropriate action to capstone project, with Prof. Sam Mil’shtein as faculty save the trees.” adviser. The emerald ash borer is considered one of the most destructive invasive Hamill’s solar panel generates up to 160 watts, enough insects in the United States. The female lays its eggs on the bark of the tree’s to power two small DC motors—one for driving the trunk and branches. The eggs hatch into tiny larvae, which then bore through the blades of a regular reel mower to cut grass and the other bark and into the wood. As they feed, the larvae create a network of tunnels under for turning the solar panel. A pair of photoresistors helps the bark, disrupting the tree’s ability to absorb water and essential nutrients. The the panel keep track of the sun as the mower moves back trees gradually weaken and die, with heavy, falling branches posing a great risk to and forth across the lawn. people as well as to homes, buildings, cars and other properties. Millions of dollars are being spent in destroying infested trees, replacing them and using chemical “You don’t need a storage battery to operate the and biological agents to control the spread of the beetle. mower,” explains Hamill. “It will run directly off the solar panel. But you can certainly add a battery if you Kumar says their collaborators at Penn State University, which is funding the want to mow on a cloudy day. On a sunny day, the panel project, will fabricate the decoys and deploy them in the field. —EA can run the mower and recharge the battery at the same time.” —EA

DRUG OFFERS HOPE FOR LUNG CANCER PATIENTS IPHONE APP SPEAKS FOR A team of researchers in the Chemistry Depart - THOSE WHO CAN’T ment is studying a new drug developed by a Two computer engineering gradu - biopharmaceutical company that could some - ates have developed an Apple app day treat a form of lung cancer. “The molecule designed to help people with speech we are working on is a man-made form of a disabilities communicate with their friends, families naturally occurring human protein that plays and caregivers. “Our app brings the power of text- an important role in the establishment and to-speech to the iPhone,” says Matthew Campelli ’12 functioning of the body’s immune system,” of Chelmsford who, together with Ken Cramer ’12 says chemistry Asst. Prof. Jin Xu, the principal investigator for the project. of Mansfield, created the app as part of their senior The study is currently funded with a $665,000 grant from Agennix AG, capstone project. a German-based company focused on developing novel drug therapies to com - “After typing in sentences using an on-screen bat a wide variety of diseases. keyboard, users can make the iPhone play the Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the second most- sentences out of the handheld device’s speaker by diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the United States. pushing the play button,” Campbell says. Named Assistive TTS, the app is available via iTunes and the Apple App Store for free.

14 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 CAMPUS NEWS

FOR GRANTED… Steampunk Project

UMass’ annual research expenditures climbed to Melds Art and Autism $587 million in fiscal year 2011; that same year, People on the autism spectrum are uniquely UMass Lowell generated $36.5 million in revenues qualified to participate in the Steampunk from faculty discovery and innovation. Here is a movement, says Psychology Asst. Prof. selection of more recent awards: Ashleigh Hillier. $10 million: to the University from the Massachusetts “Steampunkinetics: Building Art into Sci - Life Sciences Center to help build a laboratory in the ence” is an art and technology program Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center. aimed at adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Directed $750,000: to Electrical and Computer Engineering Assoc. Prof. Xuejun Lu from the Air Force Office of by Hillier, who conducts research and runs a Scientific Research to improve infrared sensing and number of programs for ASD youth, the imaging in missile defense technology. program includes collaboration with working artists: Bruce Rosenbaum, head of ModVic, $750,000: to Computer Science Prof. Holly Yanco (to a steampunk design company; and Mauricio establish the NE Robotics Validation & Experimentation Cordero, executive director of Mill No. 5 in Center) and Physics and Applied Physics Prof. Robert Lowell. Giles (to develop terahertz-imaging technologies for imaging skin cancer cells) from the UMass President’s The effort is funded by a Joseph P. Healey Science & Technology Initiatives Fund. grant, awarded by the UMass President’s Office and UMass Lowell’s Vice Provost for $773,000: to Computer Science Asst. Prof. Tingjian Research. Ge from the National Science Foundation to support Steampunk is an artistic movement that his research projects MUSE (managing uncertain melds elements of Victorian-era history, par - scientific experimental data) and RURAL (querying rich ticularly steam power, with modern technology uncertain data in real time). and fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature $725,000: to Chemical Engineering Asst. Prof. futuristic ideas as Victorians might have envisioned them. Prakash Rai to study a nanotechnology-based “Steampunk is a good fit for those with ASD, whose skills often include phenomenal diagnostic/therapeutic strategy for the treatment of two subtypes of breast cancer. attention to detail, highly creative and divergent thinking and an emphasis on mechanics,” says Hillier. Participants will design and create kinetic art objects, $650,000: to Electrical and Computer Engineering incorporating technology and engineering, working in small groups led by undergraduate Assoc. Prof. Alkim Akyurtlu from the Air Force Office and graduate students. —SS of Scientific Research to develop a “perfect” lens for super-resolution imaging. PROGRAMMING ROBOTS TO COMPLETE DANGEROUS TASKS $505,373: to plastics engineering researchers led by Imagine being able to control a robot by sim - Asst. Prof. Bridgette Budhlall from Raytheon to ply speaking to it or sending it a text message. design, develop and evaluate polymers in applications in a chemical sensor device. That’s the goal of a joint project being conducted by a team of researchers from $450,000: to Physics Prof. Erno Sajo from the U.S. UMass Lowell, UMass Amherst, the Universi - Nuclear Regulatory Commission to support nuclear ty of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Stan - engineering and radiological sciences programs. ford University and George Mason University. $422,000: to Civil and Environmental Engineering Called Situation Understanding Bot Prof. Pradeep Kurup to develop an electronic Through Language and Environment (SUB - “tongue” that will detect toxic materials in the TLE), the project uses a fully autonomous environment. robot to carry out tasks, particularly in situa - tions that are far too dangerous for humans. $417,000: to Physics Prof. Mengyan Shen from the National Science Foundation to manufacture “We are working with computational hydrocarbon fuels from sunlight, carbon dioxide linguists to enable a person to command a and water using metal nanostructures. robot using voice commands similar to those between people,” says Daniel Brooks, a graduate student in the University’s Robotics Lab. $345,000: to Chemistry Prof. James Whitten “While such systems have been created in the past, the language was usually limited from the U.S. Army Research Office to study to pre-scripted commands. Our goal is to allow people to communicate with the robot gas-sensing materials with the goal of protecting more naturally.” soldiers from toxic chemical agents. The robot can be given commands to be executed immediately—“such as ‘search the floor for hostages,’ ” he says. “It can also be given standing orders for use over the entire run, like ‘Let me know if you see any bombs.’ ”—EA

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 15 Studen tscene

Students visit History: Dig it! Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. UMass Lowell students remains of a shanty and a teamed up with archaeolo - 14-foot well at what they gists from Queen’s Universi - believe was the home site ty in Belfast, Northern of one-time parish priest, Ireland to resume the dig the Rev. James McDermott. for Irish history in Lowell. This is the third annual In July, the group spent dig conducted by students a week digging on the under the tutelage of repre - grounds of St. Patrick’s sentatives of the Centre for Church, once the site of an Archaeological Fieldwork encampment by the city’s at Queen’s University in first wave of Irish immi - partnership with UMass Off to See the World grants. Those early settlers Lowell’s Center for Irish came to Lowell in the 1800s Partnerships. More than three dozen UMass Lowell students kicked off their summer by traveling to build the city’s network overseas in four different faculty-led study abroad programs. of canals. One group of students collaborated with peers at Hong Kong City University on So far, the digs have research projects, heard first-hand about security operations at a recent Lady Gaga uncovered thousands of concert at the AsiaWorld-Expo entertainment complex and sampled local specialties artifacts from life in the like turtle jelly. In Beijing, others participated in business seminars, toured one of the encampment at St. Patrick’s world’s leading PC makers and visited the Great Wall of China. Another group studied in the 19th century, includ - Greek history in Athens, toured Grecian ruins and debated theories about the Battle of ing rosary beads, clay pipes, Marathon at the site of the famed clash. And in Prague, another group studied iron nails, thimbles, doll immigration issues at Charles University and attended lectures with Czech faculty. parts and marbles. The They cruised on the Vltava River and mastered the city’s public transportation system. researchers also uncovered

The Revolution Races in the Nationals The UMass Lowell concrete canoe team finished 13th overall in the 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers national finals hosted by the University of Nevada in Reno. The team beat nine other collegiate teams from across the country, including Clemson, Oregon State, Louisiana Tech and Rutgers. The team’s entry—called the “Revolution”—placed seventh in the contest’s Final Product category. The Revolution, molded from a specially formulated lightweight concrete mix and reinforced with carbon-fiber mesh, measures 20 feet long, 30 inches wide and 14 inches deep, and weighs 208 pounds. Its half-inch-thick concrete hull is light yet very strong — it has a tensile strength of 520 pounds per square inch and a compression strength of nearly 3,000 pounds per square inch. To qualify for racing, it had to pass a “swamp” test in which the canoe is filled with water and pushed below the surface; the canoe must resurface on its own. UMass Lowell earned a spot in the finals because of its strong second-place finish behind the Universite‘ Laval during the Spring regionals.

16 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 CAMPUS NEWS

EATING IT UP Students enjoy the completely refurbished University Dining Commons in Fox Hall, which opened in September after a multi-million dollar renovation. Everything—from the chairs to the appliances to the plates—is brand new, including eight cooking stations and a cozy late-night café with a fireplace and comfy seating.

Students Work Republican, Democratic Conventions Junior Corey Lanier studied the 2012 happens behind-the-scenes,” says Lanier, presidential campaign in his political sci - who has a dual major in criminal justice ence class last semester, learning about the and political science. electoral process through class discussions, Participating from the other side of research and assigned reading. In August, the aisle, meanwhile, was senior Analissa he saw the workings of presidential poli - Iversen, who attended the National tics first-hand at the Republican National Democratic Convention in Charlotte, Convention in Tampa. N.C., from Aug. 25 to FREE WHEELIN’ Lanier participated Sept. 7. In addition to A free bike-share program in The Washington attending classes that promotes environmentally friendly Center’s Republican covered everything travel on campus. National Convention from the history of seminar from Aug. 18 political conventions to 31. The program to campaign finance, combined one week of Iversen worked for the classes on convention- National Women’s related topics and a Political Caucus for week of hands-on her fieldwork at fieldwork at the con - the convention. vention site. Lanier’s “I’m not a po - —The number of undergrads in the class of 2015 work assignment was with CNN, where litical junkie. I wanted to get more 225 participating in the new Research, Community and he helped out on the cable network’s po - knowledge about how politics work,” Enterprise Co-op Scholars program this academic year. litical assignment desk. He also blogged says Iversen, a sociology major who They’re working on a diverse array of campus and com - for the Boston Herald during the event. would like to work for a non-profit. munity projects involving organic chemistry, atmospheric sci - “It’s an unbelievable opportunity, to “I thought it would be a cool ence and climate change, business and radio broadcasting learn how conventions really work, what opportunity and it was!” —JG and the Lowell Association for the Blind.

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 17 Studen tscene

They Make All the Difference During opening week, the 1,500 members of the Class of 2016 were introduced to UMass Lowell’s new DifferenceMaker program, which sponsors programs and activities that encourage students to solve problems through innovative and entrepreneurial action.

18 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 Sportsupdate CAMPUS NEWS

O’DONNELL WINS ECAC MARSH AWARD Director of Athletic Media Relations Chris O’Donnell was named the 2012 recipient of the Irving T. Marsh Award for excellence in sports information by the Eastern College Ath - letic Conference-Sports Information Directors’ Association. O’Donnell has been with the University since 1999, during which time he has consistently placed UMass Lowell on the national stage, successfully pitching stories to The Boston Globe, Boston Herald, The New York Times and National Public Radio. He has also helped place six athletes and coaches in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd.” ! O D

Softball Coach Jen Yee: I

‘The Best Bat Possible’ : If there is one motto that The 25-year-old from velocities. She is also an

Jennifer Yee has always lived North Delta, British Colum - assistant coach on the Y by, it’s to be the best and bia has hit in the heart of UMass Lowell softball team. train accordingly. Whether Canada’s national team or - “It was more of a pipe it be leading the nation in der for several years. The dream when I was younger, D batting average her senior lefty-swinging Yee was one but the more I was able to year for the Georgia Tech of the stars of the national travel and meet people, the softball team or making team’s Bronze-Medal effort more I was able to realize strides as a graduate student at the 2010 world champi - that I can actually make a W in UMass Lowell’s Baseball onships in Venezuela. career in bat design,” she Research Center trying to That same year, she led the says. “I'm working on the build better bats, Yee doesn’t NCAA in batting average characterization of softballs O settle for mediocre. after batting .568 in 62 and softball bats, then in Just ask the Canadian games as a senior with Geor - turn studying their interac - R Olympic softball team that gia Tech. She lost out to tions and designing for Yee played for in 2008 and longtime national teammate maximum performance.” Danielle Lawrie, then with , helped finish fourth. They Yee has already received Washington, for USA Soft - would agree, after Yee led a job offer from Combat the Olympic tournament in ball Collegiate player of the Sports in Ottawa, where H year. The 5-foot-6 Yee was runs batted in. she will work after gradua - also part of the Canadian “It's unfortunate that tion, helping the Canadian squad that finished fourth at softball was only an Olympic company become the market O the 2008 Olympic Games sport for a short time,” Yee leader in composite bats. in Bejing. said. “But although [the “I want to work with Senior Joanna Sutton staged a wedding in which Yee is currently pursuing Olympics] created publicity athletes and use their feed - she married athletic mascot Rowdy the River Hawk, a graduate degree in me - for me as a player, I still need back to make the best bat as part of the Athletic Department’s recent “Row - chanical engineering, spend - to prove myself as an engi - possible,” she says. “I'm just diest Fan” photo contest. Her first-place prize? The ing much of her time here neer. I hope to one day use trying to take what I've Rowdy mascot costume that was retired in 2008. on a computer, simulating my experience as a player to learned to like about bats how bats of assorted materi - help in bat design, but I'm over the years to design als react to pitches of various not there yet.” one someday.” —RM

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 19 Sportsupdate

Both campus and Facebook are plastered with cool posters like these, many of which feature River Hawks athletes as part of the Athletic Department's Mission: All In campaign, which aims to increase ALL IN! student attendance at home games and other campus events. By scanning their IDs at games and events, students accumulate points which are tallied online—and can help them win things like cash, parking passes, free books for a semester, free meal plans and housing lottery picks. Pictured from left: Diamond Jones and Nicole Giaquinto, Neil Lavanchy and Kayla McDonald.

Hockey Team Looks to Build Same ‘Unique Chemistry’ This season, look for the River Hawks hockey team to pick up where it Improving their chances is Bazin, 2011-12 Hockey East Coach of left off last year, having graduated only four players. With a 24-13-1 the Year, who not only helped UMass Lowell pick up 19 additional wins record—and a national ranking of ninth—the team ended the 2011-12 over the year before, but eliminated its 16-year playoff drought. season in the regional finals of the NCAA tournament, with a 4-2 loss “We hope to continue to execute offensively to make up for the to Union College. most recent graduating class,” the coach says. “We had several players “Last year the team built a unique chemistry, which grew as the attend NHL development camps which should ultimately build confidence. season progressed,” says Head Coach Norm Bazin ’94, ’99. “We hope Our team is anxious to prove themselves in an ultra-competitive league. our core of leaders can create that strong bond again this season. Doug “Every year we hope to compete Carr had a special season last year and the challenge will be for him to for the three major championships have a similar effort this year.” and this year will be no different. Net minder Carr, a junior, is joined by senior captain Riley Wetmore, We expect to improve. That is our who returns after leading the squad in both assists (14) and total points only focus at this time.” (39) last year. The River Hawks roster also features freshman goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (Commerce, Mich.) and Dmitry Sinitsyn (Moscow, Russia), both of whom were chosen in the NHL draft in June. Sinitsyn was a red-shirted freshman last season, so he’ll have a full impact on this year’s squad. Four other players participated at NHL development Check out the team’s schedule at camps and their talent, coupled with the experience they gained from www.goriverhawks.com. last season’s run, is what will make them another dominant contender in Hockey East.

20 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 Inside...

22 FINDING ARNO 28 COVER STORY Featu res 36 THE COMPANY WE KEEP 38 COMMENCEMENT 44 FACE OF PHILANTHROPY

The University’s innovative Artbotics program combines art and computing to help kids fall in love with science. Read more on Page 35.

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 21 Featur estory

FINDING ARNO By Sheila Eppolito

.. “Oulunjarvi Afternoon” by Arno Minkkinen

22 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 FEATURE STORY

t is, after all, the stuff of great film: the movie star-beautiful mother gives birth to a baby deformed by a cleft palate. Not quite “Beauty and the Beast,” but not far from it. Prof. Arno Minkki - nen, world-renowned photogra - pher, is that child. And now— Imore than 60 years later—he’s ready to tell his story. In his soon-to-be published, semi- autobiographical screenplay “The Rain House,” his young character, Aku, is teased relentlessly. Called “rabbit,” he was often excluded from games. “They Minkkinen chats with his father think if I play too hard my lip will split in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1953. open,” says Aku, who always looks down to try and hide his face. s a student at New York’s Wag - “I was a pretty ner College, Minkkinen had lonely kid,” says little self-confidence. Then, he Minkkinen, who is “pole vaulted over his insecurity” the 2012 Nancy by asking out one of the most Donahue Endowed beautiful girls on campus—the Professor of the captain of the cheerleading Arts. squad. Born in 1945 in A“She said she’d have to ask her Finland to parents boyfriend, Jay, the quarterback of the foot - Reino and Riitta ball team,” he recalls. “I still remember Minkkinen, he the night—how it felt to be with this knew early on what was expected of him. beautiful woman, standing on the deck of His father—born in Japan to Finnish the Staten Island Ferry on the way to Lutheran missionaries—wanted Arno to dinner and a show.” go to Japan himself and spread the word. Bolstered by the lovely evening, and “My father heard the calling, but the by the new way people looked at him, war got in the way,” he says. “So he left he asked out another girl. And 16 more, that dream to me.” always telling them it would be just once— “I’m working on something”—until one It wasn’t to be. night on a frat party dance floor he laid In a scene from the screenplay, his eyes on Sandra Hughes, and she on him. character mocks the Biblical Jonah story (They’ve been together since.) The couple as he resists his father’s pressure. “It’s not hitchhiked through Switzerland, Italy, my dream, not my desire, not my whale,” France, Spain, England and The Nether - he says. lands after finishing Wagner’s study-abroad In real life, the conversation occurred program in Bregenz, Austria. over the phone. Eventually, the pair moved back to “I called my father from college, when New York to look for work. I knew I wanted to change my major Fans of Minkkinen’s iconic photogra - from pre-seminary to English,” Minkkinen phy—he is best known for black-and- says. It was the last time they spoke. His white nude self-portraits in natural father—a strict teetotaler—served as settings—may be surprised to know archivist and diplomatic secretary at the that the camera was not his first artistic Finnish consulate in New York City. In a love affair. dark twist of irony, he died lifting a case “I wanted to write—maybe the Great of alcohol in preparation for a celebration Finnish-American novel—so [in college] for dignitaries. I studied English,” he says. His choice “I never got to make amends with my was remarkable for someone who, at age father,” he says. “That’s part of the reason 6, had emigrated to the United States I wanted to write my story.” speaking no English, and who couldn’t Continued

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 23 read until the fifth grade. But, he realized he “hadn’t So he applied to a summer workshop in Millerton, lived enough” to write fiction, so he took his brother N.Y., to study with Diane Arbus—the artistic equivalent Ari’s suggestion and chased down a job in advertising. of working with Andy Warhol—and was accepted. “I met with a headhunter in New York about a copy - Two weeks prior to the workshop, it was cancelled “I FOUND writing job at a Madison Avenue ad agency working on a abruptly. Arbus had killed herself. John Benson from the camera account,” Minkkinen says. “The guy asked me if Moore College of Art took over. A MIRROR, I knew anything about photography, and I muttered The second day, Benson looked at Minkkinen’s work— AND BEGAN something about how I liked to tinker with my father’s juvenile shots of barns and cows like those he’d submitted USING IT— Linhof camera.” to RISD—and told him to go home. “Give me better ad - He got the job, but “it became clear pretty quickly vice,” Minkkinen pleaded. AND MY BODY— that I wasn’t qualified,” he says. “Take a day off,” Benson said. CREATING Two weeks later, after reading everything he could Says Minkkinen: “I wandered around, doing some IMAGES find about cameras and photography, he was presented soul searching and snapping shots. I found a mirror, and to the client—camera giant Minolta—as the expert on LIKE NONE I’D began using it—and my body—creating images like none the account. I’d seen before. SEEN BEFORE.” In a bit of foreshadowing, Minkkinen wrote Minolta’s “That forced day off changed me forever.” classic tag line “What happens inside your mind can happen inside a camera.” Other clients included Peugeot inkkinen and Sandy married, and he con - automobiles and J&B Scotch—the famous “Jingle Bells” tinued working in a variety of agencies, while Christmastime billboard is also his. longing to pursue photography in a lifetime career as an artist. He continued to experi - Working on the Minolta account regenerated a nascent ment. Using his body in choreographed, dan - interest in photography. Minkkinen began using his gerous and seemingly impossible positions, father’s camera, experimenting with aperture, focus and he created a portfolio of work. He reapplied depth of field. He put together a portfolio of his best hits, to RISD, and was accepted. and applied to the Rhode Island School of Design. He Continued was rejected. M

24 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 Prof. Arno Minkkinen was the copywriter for many award-winning ad campaigns of the 1960s and 1970s.

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 25 Featur estory

“I studied with the great Harry Callahan, who would specialist. Sandy recently retired from MIT Press, where never give direction, just subtle feedback,” he says. “Harry she held a senior post for 22 years.) liked walking along the critique wall viewing 20 or more “I cried, but knew I was doing what I needed for my images in a row, but I only had two images to show for family,” Minkkinen says, noting that he was able to two weeks of work, so I placed one at the beginning and negotiate with the Helsinki school for a lifetime position the other at the end and made Harry walk.” as docent—a “professor on call”—allowing him to stay in It worked. And not long after, word spread about the U.S. Minkkinen’s talent. ne last spell in advertising—at yet a different “I wanted to bring Sandy to Finland, so we toured agency for his fourth and final stint—ended around my homeland,” he says, adding that, soon after, when he accepted a position in the UMass he received an invitation to show at the Finnish Museum Lowell’s Art Department. “Forces of luck brought of Photography and a teaching position at Helsinki’s me here,” he says. “I love my students, and I am University of Art and Design. able to work creatively and collaboratively. I Finishing his last semester in Helsinki, Minkkinen ap - am in the right place.” Prof. Arno Minkinnen and plied for a job in New York, but didn’t get it. Instead, he Students agree—especially those fortunate Nancy Donahue look over returned to advertising and Madison Avenue, copywriting Oenough to have participated in his popular Spirit Level his book “Saga: The Journey for clients such as Ilford photographic supplies, Yashica foreign exchange trips. Since 1996, he’s taken lucky of Arno Rafael Minkkenen” and Fuji film and cameras. students to Italy, Mexico and Eastern Europe. In each during a retrospective of He didn’t have to wait long for a great break: an case, students create work that is exhibited and published, his Spirit Level V Road assistant professorship at the Creative Photography Lab offering each of them a ready-made, professional portfolio. Trip: Lowell to Lexington. within MIT’s architecture department. A four-year stint This fall the Art Department announced a formal ex - The trip was supported at MIT was followed by a visiting artist professorship at change program with the École Supérieure des Arts & by the Nancy Donahue the Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Mèdias de Caen/Cherbourg in France where Minkkinen Endowed Professorship. Arts). Then it was back to the ad game, this time in lectured last fall. Boston, working for Friendly’s Ice Cream and the Providence And in October, six students from the University Journal Bulletin. (joined by students and faculty from France and Norway) took an American road trip, with a several-days stop at “FORCES OF LUCK BROUGHT ME [TO UMASS LOWELL], photographer Sally Mann’s Virginia farm, visits to the I LOVE MY STUDENTS, AND I AM ABLE TO WORK CREATIVELY George Eastman House and the Museum of Art at RISD. “Thanks to the Nancy Donahue Endowed Professorship AND COLLABORATIVELY. I AM IN THE RIGHT PLACE.” in the Arts, we’re able to offset some of the costs of the trip,” says Minkkinen, explaining that the professorship When Minkkinen refused to write copy for an account strengthens the University’s arts programs by nurturing for goggles needed in fly-over bombing missions, he was talent and passion in students. handed a pink slip, which he immediately placed back in his boss’ pocket. That same year, Polaroid Corp. invited Concurrent spring exhibits in Oslo, Norway; Caen, him to create a series of large 20 x 24 prints at the School France and the University Gallery will showcase of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. student work made on the journey. inkkinen finally left the Boston agency on About a month before the trip, Minkkinen sat on his his own terms when a letter arrived with an deck overlooking Foster’s Pond in Andover, talking about offer—teaching positions at both The Uni - his larger life’s journey. versity of Art and Design in Helsinki and the He grabbed a piece of paper, and folded it carefully Lahti Institute of Design in Lahti, Finland. into three sections—two smaller outside sections flanking Two years later, he was offered a permanent a wider center patch. professorship there. “If you think of life as a movie, there are 120 minutes,” “As thrilled as I was about the possibility he says. “The first 30 minutes of my life’s movie is the Mof returning to my homeland, I knew the position was time I spent in advertising. Then, this bigger middle all about me—it wasn’t what Sandy wanted for her life,” section, taking the next 60 minutes, is my photography. he says. The last 30 minutes are my screenplay.”

By then, the couple had welcomed son Dan into their More paper, please. Ⅲ lives, making career decisions far more complicated. (Dan, a 2005 alumnus, followed his father’s footsteps, studying photography. He now works as a digital imaging

“Nude Descending a Staircase” taken in Rockport, Maine, by Arno Minkkinen

26 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 27 Cover story India’s Merc hant of Light BY GEOFFREY DOUGLAS H

28 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 COVER STORY

Alumnus Harish Hande is Going Door to Door to Change the World

arish Hande’s “eureka moment”—a moment that upended his own life, and has raised the lives and prospects for more than half a million of India’s poor—came in 1991, on a student trip to the Dominican Republic. He was 24 at the time, a native of Bangalore, India, pursuing a master’s degree at UMass Lowell. His intended thesis was on thermodynamics. It was on that trip that he met a man, a former Westinghouse engineer named Richard Hansen, who had launched a small company to provide solar power to poor households in rural Dominican villages. What Hansen was doing was remarkable to the young Indian graduate student, a grand innovation rooted (as true innovations so often are) in the barest sort of simplicity: selling to the people only as much as they needed, often only 10 or 20 watts of power, for four or five hours in the evening to light their homes—for less than they had been spending on kerosene and candles. H “He was making technology affordable to the poor,” Hande says today, “linking poverty to sustainable energy, and making it all work. That changed everything for me. Everything. I came back to Lowell, and threw my thesis in the Merrimack River. I knew I had found what I needed to do, and I didn’t want to be tempted.” Continued

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 29 Cover story

At about that time, he crossed paths with another so - “I was going house-to-house with my solar panels, and lar-power advocate, a former anti-Vietnam War activist at every one it was the same: ‘What is this?’ they would named Neville Williams, who had just been awarded a ask me, ‘What is this thing you have there? Are you $40,000 grant to install solar lighting in rural Indian telling me that will light my house?’” homes. Williams asked Hande if he’d be willing to run Toward the end of his second year, he met a farmer the project for him. He came close to agreeing, he re - named Arvind Rai—who, like all the others before him, “HARISH members, but in the end the answer was no. was unconvinced that the new technology could work. “You do a project [like that], you take photographs, But his 75-year-old mother felt otherwise—and one day, BECAME you show them to the fund manager, and that’s it,” Hande when Arvind was not at home, Hande quietly installed FOCUSED ON would say later, in a preview of the thinking that would the system, then left. HELPING THE guide his course from then on: “But what happens to the “I have never seen my mother so happy,” Arvind told people? Let’s look at the long term. Let’s look at a him the next day. And that was the beginning. POOR. TO ME, company [instead].” Not long after, he did the same thing at a Catholic HE EPITOMIZES church in the village of Pavur—where, over time, through THE IDEAL UMASS LOWELL: INNOVATION INCUBATOR the villagers who attended Mass every Sunday, the word As it happened, he was in the right place, at the right began to spread. The church’s priest, Hande would say OF HELPING time, to be thinking in such terms. UMass Lowell in the later, “always jokes that he is the marketing man.” THEM, IN AN early ’90s was among the very few U.S. universities ECONOMICALLY offering courses on renewable energy and sustainability, which were still looked on as innovative at the time. POWER BY THE HOUR AND ENVIRON - (“No one was even talking about it,” Hande says). So Meanwhile, of course, there was the matter of financing: MENTALLY when he approached his thesis advisor, engineering Prof. Even if the villagers would agree to use his systems, how John Duffy, with the proposal to change his focus from would they afford it? “How do you sell anything,” he SUSTAINABLE technology to the socio-economic dimensions of solar asks, “to a man who earns 15 dollars a month?” WAY. I’M PROUD power—to write instead about his plan to bring affordable His answer to this relies on the same blend of simplicity energy to his home country, where 57 percent of the TO HAVE HAD and innovation as his approach to the original problem: people lived without electricity—the professor was sup - first, he says, you determine just what the cost will be— A PART IN THAT.” portive. then how it might be lowered: “Do you really need four “Harish became focused on helping the poor,” Duffy lights in the house? Could you get by with one between — Prof. John Duffy would say later. “To me, he epitomizes the ideal of helping the dining room and kitchen? How can we create the op - them, in an economically and environmentally sustainable timal use?” way. I’m proud to have had a part in that.” Once the need is established—and for each customer His academic affairs now in order, Hande returned it is different—the next step is to seek funding. With this home. For the next two years, he traveled between in mind, Hande began approaching rural banks, usually villages in the southern-India state of Karnataka, subsisting in the company of his would-be customer, in an effort to on savings, working when he had to—at one point as a arrange financing. If a home-lighting system were to cost laborer in a bus station—living among the villagers, $300, for instance, the user might agree to pay a small Indian silk farmers use trying to convince them that solar energy could work. amount down and then $4 or $5 a month over a five-year SELCO's solar lamps to Continued feeds worms at night.

30 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 COVER STORY

Harish Hande '98, '00 helps install solar panels on a rooftop in rural India.

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 31 Cover story

Harish Hande '98, '00 visits with a solar customer in rural India.

period. At the same time, he might find himself generating powered headlamps acquired through SELCO—can pick extra income as a result of the added work-time made with both hands, raising their output and their earnings.) possible by the newfound evening light. Or his children’s The synergy keeps spreading. education might benefit now that they could study after sunset. All in all, Hande would argue to the lenders, it was a worthy investment in the social infrastructure of a ‘SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR’ region. The world has taken notice. Last August in Manila, Harish Hande was on hand to accept the Phillipines’ Two rural banks signed on. There would be more later, Ramon Magsaysay Award—the Asian equivalent of the but that was all it took. In 1995, four years and half a Nobel Prize—for “his passionate and pragmatic efforts to world away from the birth of an idea, a new company, co - put solar-power technology in the hands of the poor, founded by Hande and Neville Williams, was launched through a social enterprise that brings customized, affordable in Bangalore: Solar Electric Company (SELCO India), and sustainable electricity to India’s vast rural populace.” devoted to the delivery of customized solar lighting systems to India’s rural poor. Already by then, he had been named by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship as its 2007 “Social “The premise has always been that the poor can’t Entrepreneur of the Year,” and by Business Today as one afford technology,” Hande says, “that they are on the of its “21 Young Leaders for India’s 21st Century.” He has bottom of the pyramid and can only be helped through received awards from Al Gore and Prince Charles. In charity. I wanted to challenge this—to prove that, if the 2007, he was the featured speaker at the Clinton Global right approach is taken, the poor can be made full partners Initiative. “LINKING in the system, can be empowered to create their own as - sets.” “Harish is an extraordinary example of combining hu - manitarianism with business in bringing renewable power POVERTY TO It was a struggle every step of the way. Following the to the people,” says John Duffy, his old UMass Lowell first few months of his efforts, just 14 houses in three SUSTAINABLE professor. (Hande earned his master’s in 1998 and his villages were being lighted with solar power. But the Ph.D. in 2000. His thesis, says Duffy, was “essentially a ENERGY, AND number grew quickly. As of today, SELCO, now with 192 business plan for SELCO.”) “In our renewable-energy employees in 26 service centers, reaches 145,000 homes MAKING IT ALL engineering program, many of the students look to him and 5,500 institutions (churches, mosques, community WORK. THAT as a role model.” centers)—more than half a million people in all—across CHANGED the Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala and Gujarat. Its The Magsaysay award came with a $50,000 cash prize, EVERYTHING energy systems provide power not only for lighting, but which Hande has been using mostly to provide capital to also for cooking, computing, communications and small “young, poor entrepreneurs, to encourage them to replicate FOR ME. appliances. SELCO in different parts of India and the world.” It is all part, he says, of a larger, slow-unfolding plan. EVERYTHING.” For all this to happen, hundreds of grassroots partners sell, install and maintain the systems—not only to house - “We can’t stop with just this,” he says. “There are —Harish Hande holds, but to farmers, midwives and street vendors, who 2 billion people today without access to reliable electricity. buy their power by the hour to earn the rupees that feed Two billion, most of them in poor, rural areas. We have a their families and fuel the economies of their villages. model here that will work; we can teach it to others in (Like India’s rose-pickers, working in the pre-dawn the [rest of] India, Asia, Latin America—clean, reliable darkness, who used to have to hold a lamp in one hand energy that will light homes, build assets, improve lives. and pick roses with the other, but now—thanks to solar- There’s no excuse for stopping now.” Ⅲ

32 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 COVER STORY SIDEBAR INNOVATION & ENTREP RENEURSHIP: WHETHER IT’S BEAN SPROUTS OR CANCER DRUGS, IT ALL BEGINS WITH AN IDEA

t used to be, if you thought mercialization—through a STUDENTS ARE ENTREPRE - and economic development. you had an idea for a better Waltham technology firm—of NEURS FROM DAY ONE “Every kid in freshman orienta - mousetrap, you might try to nutritional supplements to en - But not all, or even most, of the tion, for instance, participates sell it to a pest-control com - hance cognitive functioning. new ideas are coming from out - in what we call our ‘Difference- pany. Or you might look for a “Technology and science in - side the classroom. One of the Maker’ sessions, where we talk marketer and hope he could novations are moving at incredible grandest of them all, in fact, is an about the meaning of entrepre - sell it for you. Or maybe speeds already,” says Manage - neurship, and just making a idea that begins and ends with you’d just stand on the cor - ment Prof. Valerie Kijewski. “What students: the Manning School of difference in the world.” ner, pass out free samples is [still] lacking is the connection Business’s three year-old MSITE Making a difference, the Iand hope for the best. Any way between the new science and the program—Master of Science in students learn early, can take you approached it, the odds practical problems that can be Innovation and Technological many forms. One recent example, against you would be long. solved in a way that [allows] the Entrepreneurship—which, by an initiative to come out of Tello’s That may be changing. There’s owners of the science to make combining courses in business office, is the Climate Activity Com - the web now, for one thing. And money on what they have created. education (entrepreneurship, ac - mittee, which awards prize money there are more middlemen—en - This is the purpose of our training counting, marketing, finance, etc.) to students for new ideas related trepreneurs, venture capitalists— on technology entrepreneurship.” with the University’s traditional to the environment. Last year’s around today than there once strengths in engineering and the bike-share program—“FreeWheel - M2D2: A BRIDGE were, willing to gamble on new sciences, allows students to earn ers”—is one example; another is ideas. But maybe the best news BETWEEN INVENTION “Lowell Sprouts,” run by UMass AND PRODUCTION both bachelor’s and master’s de - for today’s better-mousetrap peo - grees in five years. The idea be - Lowell student Mary Skelley, ple: there is an explosion of new Much the same mission, though hind it, of course, is to equip them which uses school gardens as a venues, like those now at UMass with a more targeted focus, is with the tools to parlay their tech - vehicle to teach local middle- Lowell, whose sole purpose is the being achieved through the efforts nological know-how into business school children the rudiments of fertilization of new ideas. of the Massachusetts Medical De - success, ideally without necessitat - sustainable, organic agriculture. Among the most visible exam - vice Development Center (M2D2), ing the use of outside capital. “Whether it’s bikes, bean ples is the University’s Office of a joint venture of the University’s “This degree gives students sprouts or some of the more tech - Commercial and Intellectual Prop - Lowell and Worcester campuses, the tools to develop solutions and nical stuff,” says Tello, ”the goal is erty (CVIP), now nearly 20 years which works with new Massachu - a business around them,” said to build an entrepreneurial ecosys - old, whose chief mission is the setts-based medical-device com - Management Prof. Steven Tello tem across all disciplines—tech - movement of innovative technolo - panies to bridge the gap between at the time of MSITE’s launching. nology, nature, the arts and gies—new ideas—from UMass invention and production. “Our economy needs this.” But humanities—and to do it Lowell’s laboratories and research Housed in UMass Lowell’s the spirit of innovation doesn’t in ways that have value centers toward the businesses that Wannalancit Mills complex, M2D2 for our community. And can market them, and finally into serves as both an incubator and once we’ve done that, the mainstream where they brain-trust for medical start-ups we hope to keep these belong. CVIP’s roles include the in the state, providing research people here, rather evaluation and licensing of new facilities and grant money, as than lose them to technologies, the development of well as liaisons with some of the Silicon Valley.” Ⅲ partnerships between faculty re - venture-capital firms that serve searchers and outside businesses, as a source of funding. or even, where advisable, the Last year alone, four Massa - launching of new compa - chusetts companies, including nies. one that developed a device to This summer, improve screening for prostate CVIP helped facili - cancer and another that offers take seed by itself: “Our goal is to tate a licensing promise of non-invasive skin- get the students engaged in the agreement for grafting, were able to raise idea of entrepreneurship right a patent based $5 million in funding as a result from the day they arrive on cam - on University of grants obtained under an pus,” says Tello, who serves also research that will M2D2 program. as the University’s associate vice result in the com- chancellor for entrepreneurship

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE 33 COVER STORY SIDEBAR Innovat ion Nation A ROUND-UP OF EXAMPLES FROM OUR LONG HISTORY OF INGENUITY

years—to pursue what he calls his Both trips, as well as the Mind entrepreneurial interests. Mouse itself and a host of other in - Angiosystems, a medical-device novative student projects conceived firm in Queensbury, N.Y., is a pioneer over the past two years, are the out - in the delivery of minimally invasive growth of a bold new venture: the cancer and vascular-disease treat - Merrimack Valley Sandbox , ments. It is also extraordinarily suc - launched in December 2010 with cessful, with sales of more than $215 funding from the Deshpande Foun - million a year, hailed by Forbes as dation. Based at UMass Lowell, the one of the 200 Best Small Compa - Sandbox is a collaboration of region - nies the U.S. al businesses, nonprofits and educa - tional leaders designed to encourage There have been other companies and incubate new companies that along the way, and other achieve - EAMONN HOBBS ’80: will, in turn, create new jobs in the ments: he sits on too many boards region and address pressing social 30 YEARS OF CHALLENGE, to mention and has 30 patents to his needs. It is modeled on two other RISK AND CHANGE name. His path has been varied and “sandbox” initiatives, in India and If you were to scour the world for whirring, but the theme, always, has Canada, both also co-founded by the prototype of the entrepreneurial been challenge. Challenge and en - Gururaj “Desh” Deshpande, an Indi - spirit, your search might end with terprise and endless energy. an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Eamonn Hobbs ’80 . He’s a man “When I Ieft [UMass Lowell], I felt who co-chairs a national council to who takes risks for a living: creates both confident and empowered to support the President’s strategy on products, dreams up inventions, succeed. It was an incredible educa - entrepreneurship and innovation. founds companies, jumps out of tion,” he says. David Harrington ’12 Erin Webster credits the opportu - and Erin Webster ’12 planes (or used to—he only flies nities offered at the University for them today). He was appointed to STUDENTS SEE THE much of the project’s—and her the Air Force Academy to be an as - WORLD—AND CHANGE IT own—success: “It’s part of the rea - tronaut, then quit when they told sponsored a visit by Higgins Armory As innovation yields solutions to son I came to UMass Lowell. I turned him his eyes weren’t good enough; Museum educators to Prof. Ethan some of the world’s most urgent down other universities because you he went to UMass Lowell instead, Spanier’s Warfare in the Ancient problems, it also shrinks the world. can’t get into their labs till you’re a where he ran a business out of his World and Byzantine History That’s why Erin Webster and David grad student. I [didn’t] want to wait dorm room selling stereo equipment. classes . A demonstration in front Harrington , both senior engineering that long.” (“I made a lot of money,” he said of Sheehy Hall featured a fully students at UMass Lowell last year, about it later. “It led me to thinking costumed reenactment of battle ended up in Turkey the summer be - that business was easy. That’s one ANCIENT HISTORY COMES between a Celtic warrior and a fore last. And in India, for nearly a of the beautiful things about being TO LIFE ON CAMPUS Roman soldier. young and stupid.”). Somehow he month—together with two fellow Swords clashing, spears flying and students and two members of the “I really believe experiential learn - found the time to graduate, with a disagreements over the origin of ing activities like this—seeing the degree in plastics engineering. He University staff—the summer prior chain mail. Just your average history to that. weapons and hearing the history got recruited by a multibillion dollar class at UMass Lowell. in context—bring a new sense of Webster and Harrington are cre - company, where it took him three To bring ancient history to the understanding for my students,” ators of the “Mind Mouse”—a de - years to decide he’d do better on his classroom, the History Department says Spanier. own. A year later he had his own vice that uses brain waves to control company, the first of two he a software package, which in turn would found. enables victims of crippling nerve Hobbs is a biomedical engineer, diseases to communicate via tablets with nearly 30 years’ experience sell - or PCs—and potentially, says Har - ing medical devices. Today he is pres - rington, “to open them up to the ident and CEO of Delcath Systems in world of computer games, music New York City, a company that spe - and the Web.” cializes in the localized saturation of The India trip came after they cancer drugs. It is a small company, were invited to spend nearly a month with high risks, but that is the Ea - teaching assistive technology at two monn Hobbs way. He’s worked there Indian institutions. The trip to Turkey three years, since the summer of was the product of a $50,000 grant 2009, when he left Angiosystems— from the National Science Founda - which he founded, and ran for 20 tion (NSF) to fund an international workshop on assistive technology.

34 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 COVER STORY SIDEBAR

STUDENTS GET CASH FOR IDEAS IN THREE- IN 2011, UMASS LOWELL GENERATED $36.5 MILLION IN MINUTE PITCH CONTEST REVENUES FROM FACULTY DISCOVERY AND INNOVATION. At freshman Convocation this fall, the Center for Innovation & Entre - unites art and robotics —bringing ALUM PRAISED FOR academic year. Students can now preneurship hosted a contest in science to life for more than 1,000 INNOVATION IN ACTION earn seven different undergraduate which three student inventor students and educators throughout degrees, 10 graduate degrees, 15 Susan Gordon ’12 is passionate groups vied for a $1,500 grant greater Lowell. graduate-level certificates and 11 about finding ways to provide better from The Merrimack Valley Sandbox. undergraduate certificates—all with - “Some people think robots and health care for the influx of older out ever stepping foot on campus. “The pitch contest was a re - science are cold and emotionless, adults in America. minder to all freshmen that this but Artbotics changes their percep - The online program has received One of her ideas—a restraint-free University values their commitment tions,” says Adam Norton ’10, who numerous awards for excellence in environment on a neuroscience floor to changing the world through inno - co-directs the program after partici - teaching, faculty development and at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in vation, creative problem-solving and pating in it as a student here. The leadership from The Sloan Consor - Boston, where she is nursing direc - entrepreneurship.,” says Steve Tello, workshops he holds at the region’s tium, or Sloan-C, an international tor—earned her a spot as a national associate vice chancellor of entrepre - schools help students get excited organization promoting quality in finalist for the Innovations in Practice neurship and economic develop - about an industry in desperate online education. Award by the National Gerontologi - ment. need of skilled professionals. cal Nurses Association. After each team presented a “They can gain a different experi - USING MILITARY DEFENSE Gordon, who has dual nurse three-minute “pitch” the students in ence of programming other than INGENUITY TO FIGHT practitioner certification in adult the audience were asked to take out staring at a screen, because they can acute care and gerontology, graduat - SKIN CANCER their cell phones and to text vote make the robot perform an action ed from UMass Lowell’s Doctor of Physics Prof. Robert Giles, who for their favorite venture. The results and then see it right away,” Norton Nursing Practice this spring. directs UMass Lowell’s Submillimeter- were shown live on a screen as the explains.” Artbotics students see Wave Technology Laboratory, re - “I have a broader view of health- votes rolled in. robotics as art and expression— ceived a grant recently to develop care issues because I was in class The winning team, Supporting we learn more about science terahertz-imaging technologies with financial and business people Devices—led by mechanical engi - while creating.” currently used in government as well as with other nurses,” says neering graduate students Adam and military defense for biomed - Gordon, who developed the re - McLaughlin and Jordan Tye—will ical and health-care industry appli - ATTACKING ASTHMA straint-free project for one of her use the money to improve their cations. The technologies will be WHERE IT LIVES UMass Lowell classes. “It’s not a customized crutch grip, which uses used for imaging skin cancer cells, Instead of sitting in their offices and cookie cutter program. In most class - integrated electronics to provide screening for cancerous tissues labs doing research on asthma, pro - es, I was able to do research or proj - long-term crutch users with easy and testing for exposure effects fessors on UMass Lowell’s Healthy ects on subjects that interested me access to iPods, cell phones and of terahertz radiation. Homes Program team, decided to that I could apply to my job today.” related devices. go to the source—visiting 160 Lowell Second-place team Proto2Go (led homes with 237 asthmatic children. REVOLUTIONIZING by electrical and computer engineer - Environmental health workers as - ing alumni David Harrington and sessed risks such as mold and pests, EDUCATION Erin Webster) received $1,000 to and tested dust samples in a lab to In 1996, America was going online. offer product prototyping solutions identify the presence of dust mites, Although Twitter, YouTube and Face - to start-up companies without engi - cockroaches and mice, which can book were still years away, more neering backgrounds. Third-place trigger attacks. people were booting up and dialing team Green Bikes of Lowell (led in every day. Just as the digital revo - They then educated families and by business senior Peter Cote and lution was starting to transform offered solutions. alumnus Samir ElKamouny) received everything from buying a car to $500 for their plans for a bicycle- A year later, the researchers sur - booking airline tickets, UMass Lowell share program in the city. veyed the parents and discovered launched its online and continuing GREENER WIND ENERGY that asthma attacks decreased by 76 “Pitch contests force students education program, one of the Researchers here were awarded $1.5 percent, hospital emergency room to closely consider and refine their first of its kind in the country . million by the National Science Foun - visits decreased by 81 percent and ideas—they must choose their “It really was the first time we dation to develop the next genera - the physical and emotional health of words wisely in order to present a had an opportunity to create a new tion of wind-turbine blades. The the children improved substantially. compelling story that demonstrates model for education,” says Jacque - team will create new sustainable, how the proposed solution addresses To sustain the program, the team line Moloney, UMass Lowell’s execu - bio-derived materials for manu - a pressing need,” Tello says. also conducted training on healthy tive vice chancellor and the driving facturing greener, more cost- home practices with force behind the launch of the effective blades. maintenance and facility online program. “We will assess and understand ARTBOTICS: managers of apartment The program started with seven the impact this blade conversion will COMBINING ART buildings, housing information technology classes and a have on the economy, wind industry, AND COMPUTING inspectors, day care total of 87 enrollments. It has grown environment and society,” says An innovative collabora - providers, first-time steadily ever since, now boasting mechanical engineering Prof. tion between UMass homebuyers about 900 courses across a range Christopher Niezrecki, who is the Lowell's Computer and health of disciplines, from biochemistry to principal investigator for the project Science and Art de - professionals. international law, with more than and a member of the University’s partments, Artbotics 20,000 enrollments during the past Wind Energy Research Group. Ⅲ

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE 35 THE COMPANY WE KEEP

Written in the ClBY DAVoID PERRY uds

36 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 FEATURE STORY The UMass Lowell-EMC Partnership Was Meant to Be

eff Brown ’83 is a computer-world Based in Hopkinton and founded in 1979, “It was quite a learning experience,” says problem slayer. Heather Healy ’93 is EMC is a leading developer of information in - Chanler. “It was such a plus, in addition to a world-class executive and mentor, frastructure technology and solutions. It is a what I learned in the classroom.” and Andrew Chanler ’06, ’07 spends global venture with more than 55,000 employees. Moloney told him he should check out his days at work on a data storage More than 250 of those are UMass Lowell EMC’s recruitment night, an open house where product he calls the “Cadillac” of alumni. prospects and the company checked one another its class. “We have a strong partnership with UMass out. The company sent a bus to various schools All are employees at EMC Corp., Lowell,” says Marie Gunning, EMC’s campus and drove them to Hopkinton. In a sense, the Bay State-rooted data storage pow - recruitment coordinator. “It is one of the top Chanler never left the bus. Jerhouse whose influence wraps around the schools we recruit from year after year for all of Chelmsford native Heather Healy, pictured globe and through the sky, thanks to its “cloud” our business and technology needs. We hire below, began her time at the University in storage solutions. interns and full-timers.” 1985. She did not make it easy on herself, Each is also a UMass Lowell grad, thankful Gunning says UMass Lowell students “stand working full-time at Digital for the basics he or she learned here. And they out” as “hard-working, dedicated employees. Equipment Corp. in feel comfortable returning to the well. Their energy and enthusiasm have been a great Nashua, N.H., after her “When I’ve had an opportunity to do so transition into EMC’s culture.” freshman year while carry - ing a full course load. over the years, I’ve hired part-time employees, For UMass Lowell’s computer science grad - interns,” says Brown, pictured below. “And I uates, a spot in EMC’s massive workforce is “I really wanted the work always try to go back to Lowell.” more than a job. experience,” she says, Healy visited the school not long ago to adding that she changed Andrew Chanler, 29, pictured below, earned her major from computer speak to students about the pitfalls of Facebook both undergraduate and graduate degrees in and prospective employers. science to management information systems computer science at UMass Lowell. And then along the way. “It turned out to be ideal for my “It’s a good relationship between us and he walked into a job at EMC. career.” EMC,” says William Moloney, a veteran com - UMass Lowell first popped puter science professor. “We’d had an especially Healy was one of but a few women in com - up on the New Jersey na - puter science. strong relationship with Data General, including tive’s radar because of its internships. And EMC bought them. So we’d unique and intensive She seems to have maintained her collegiate had a lot of graduates who were absorbed, Sound Recording Technol - pace. She stayed with Digital for six years, also already there.” ogy program, which yields earning a master’s degree in software engineering Moloney also does consulting work for EMC, some of the best-trained from Brandeis University. Since joining EMC “which enables me to alert them to prospects sonic professionals on the 13 years ago, Healy has become a highly touted we have within the department.” map. But before he left the executive known for thinking strategically, and Garden State for Lowell, was named a Mass High-Tech Woman to Watch UMass Lowell’s Computer Science program in 2008. is “a nuts and bolts experience for the kids. he decided to switch to computer science, “and They are well-versed in a by my second year, I knew I’d made the right Says Healy: “The greatest thing I got from lot of details of a lot of the choice. I was getting involved in the depart - my experience at the University was confidence. work that is done at EMC, ment,” he says. I tried a lot of different things. And I found I so it is a good fit. Our grad - Now a principal software engineer in the could do pretty much anything I wanted to. So uates leave us very, very Enterprise Storage Division at EMC, he designs, I discovered a sort of fearlessness. The program well prepared,” he says. implements and debugs software for the Sym - itself was pretty forgiving if you wanted to try something. As a distinguished engi - metrix VMAX product, which he calls the neer at EMC, Jeff Brown, “Cadillac of data storage systems.” He calls “I could sprinkle myself into a lot of different pictured above, can attest EMC “a great place to work.” types of courses. And that gave me a broad to that: “[The University] prepared us to think When Chanler was a sophomore, Prof. Fred background. When I graduated, between school about how to think about problems,” says the Martin offered him a lab job between semesters, and my work experience, I could sit in an in - 52-year-old. “How to break things down. How working on an interactive tool to help teach terview and handle it, no problem. It was defi - to work through them to get a solution and put math to children. That led to work with Prof. nitely a great experience.” an end to the problem.” Holly Yanco, whose lab included graduate Now vice president and business unit CIO A graduate among pioneers with the first students. Their experience and enthusiasm for EMC’s global Centers of Excellence, Healy University of Lowell computer science class, rubbed off on Chanler, and his work branched is the highest-ranking UMass Lowell graduate Brown found his job with Data General upon out to robotics and artificial intelligence. at EMC. Ⅲ graduation, and has stayed on since EMC pur - He later worked as a teaching assistant in chased Data General in 1999. the department.

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 37 Featur estory

38 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 FEATURE STORY

By David Perry The Education of Gor do n

HHOW A 51-YEaAR-OLD FlROMm GHANA FOUND HIMSELF ONSTAGE AT THE TSONGAS CENTER

t 4 a.m. on a Saturday in late May, Gordon Halm gives up on sleep. He slips from bed and leaves his West Sixth Street home in Lowell’s Centralville neighborhood to walk his dog and buy the morning paper. He returns home to help his wife, Beatrice, ready his sons for the big day. Gordon slips on his cap and gown. He looks in the mirror. Yes, he thinks, this is real now, my dream made flesh. He arrives at the Tsongas Center with his family at 7:50 a.m. AAt 8:30, he joins his classmates. Gordon’s smile is beatific. Draped in robes and capped with mortarboards, the students appear indis - tinguishable. Some wear sneakers, others heels. Some wear suits, some cutoffs. The drape of the black graduation gowns hides individual style. For nearly three hours, they are simply the Class of 2012. But there is something different about this man in his early 50s with the big smile. He is a father of three boys, 5,000 miles from his birthplace—Winneba, Ghana, a coastal West African fishing town. Gordon’s line nudges forward. Students hand name cards forth. The reading of each name sets off a micro-eruption among family and friends seated in the arena’s bowl. Some of the graduates show little emotion. The line shortens. Gordon shifts from foot to foot, anxiously. He closes his eyes, to freeze the moment. In the seats up front, one graduate blows bubbles. The soapy orbs tumble a few feet through the air before they pop, plop onto another gown or plummet to the arena floor. Others bellow recognition as classmates they know cross the threshold and grasp their diplomas. Continued

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 39 The Commencement keynote speaker, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, recalls growing up with little means on a ranch in the vast American west. He salutes the University, its urban National Park and the man of vision who moved mountains, money and skeptics to make it happen: U.S. Sen. Paul Tsongas, for whom the arena is named. “My father would often tell us that he couldn’t leave us a legacy of material things, but what he and my mom could do was make sure we received a good education,” Salazar told the graduates. “He would say he preferred it that way because no one could ever take your education away.” Gordon Halm thinks of his parents often. One of 11 children, he saw them work endless days and nights Gordon is more than twice the age of most of the making and selling palm oil from palm kernels. They graduates. He is there to grasp something “no one can were frugal by necessity. One day, they told him, you will ever take away from me.” beat the odds. He moves in line behind his fellow liberal arts classmates. “My parents knew the power of education even if they Around his neck is draped a graduation gift: a colorful were not educated themselves,” Gordon says, sipping scarf Beatrice had made in Ghana. Its bright green, red steaming tea at the South Campus Starbucks a week and yellow stripes pop off of a black background. before graduation. “As I see it, you can foreclose upon my Twenty-nine minutes after the first 2012 graduate gets home, but I do not think there is any way to foreclose on a diploma, Gordon stands at the lip of the stage of the my education.” vast Tsongas Center. He hands his name card up to the His first grade classes at Winneba Anglican Primary stage. School were held outdoors, under a tree. The students “Gordon Halm,” says the woman. used rocks for chairs, and five shared one textbook. Gordon looks up. Climbs the eight steps to the stage. Gordon hated school. His grades faltered. He felt shame. He grasps his bachelor’s degree. Liberal arts, with a con - In third grade, he decided it was time “to get serious.” centration in psychology and sociology. He vaulted from last to second among the 25 kids in his class. School administrators took his report card from class to class, along with Gordon. Look, they said, this is ‘YOU CAN’T FORECLOSE ON MY what you can achieve if you try. EDUCATION’ Gordon Halm celebrates his The Tsongas Center is packed with graduates and their “They clapped for me,” he says, sipping the peppermint degree after Commencement families. For the fifth consecutive year, there are more tea. He remembers the pride. at the Tsongas Center. graduates than ever, a reflection of UMass Lowell’s growth But Ghana wasn’t his destiny. since Chancellor Marty Meehan arrived. There are for In 1986, Gordon stuffed a knapsack with his possessions the first time two ceremonies, at 9 a.m. for undergraduates and headed for Liberia. He met Beatrice Stevens. In and at 2 p.m. for graduate students. 1989, they exchanged wedding vows. She moved to the “WHERE I The Class of 2012 arrives at the threshold of graduation U.S.; Gordon promised to follow later. Civil war broke COME FROM from 69 nations. They hail from 39 U.S. states. Eight out in Liberia. It would last seven years and claim 200,000 grads have amassed perfect 4.0 grade averages, and 36 lives. Gordon lived in fear, once narrowly escaping the THIS IS A VERY percent earn academic honors. intimidation of soldiers by jumping on a passing city bus. BIG THING.” Meehan lends context to their time at the University Gordon reached the U.S. in 1995. He came to Lowell in the form of a challenge. The Class of 2012 has been to reunite with Beatrice, who had graduated from Lowell — Gordon Halm witness to conflict, economic crisis and more, he says. High School, and would eventually earn degrees at Mid - Their time in the classroom was preparation, “to help dlesex Community College and UMass Lowell. forge the solutions we desperately need in today’s world. … This commonwealth and this country need you.”

At Commencement, Gordon Halm wore this colorful scarf, which his wife,Beatrice, had made in Ghana.

40 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 FEATURE STORY

HARD WORK PAYS OFF Once in Massachusetts, Gordon kept himself busy. He earned his GED in 2000. He worked at New England Pediatric Care as a nurse’s aide and earned an Gordon Halm relaxes associate’s degree in Human Services from Middlesex at home in Lowell Community College in 2005. He went on to work at with, from left, sons LifeLinks as a program supervisor. RaySam and Tyler, wife, An elder at Elliot Presbyterian Church, he organizes Beatrice, and son Isaac. the annual Thanksgiving dinner, serving those who would otherwise go without. At the University, he presided over the Club of Ghana. He reigned over the campus intramural table tennis com - petition. He is vice president of the Ghana Association of Greater Lowell. In this city of festivals, Gordon founded in U. S. history. She revisits their work from the slave Lowell’s annual African Cultural Festival. forts of Ghana to sugar plantations in Cuba, to the Ocean A dozen years ago, Gordon built the Dankoh-Halm State. Charitable Organization to bolster the school where a After nearly 87 minutes, the lights went on. “MY FATHER tree and stones once comprised a classroom. He sends Gordon raised his hand. He knew one of the buildings, WOULD OFTEN computers, sports equipment and books. the Cape Castle slave fort. He grew up playing soccer in He was an active parent at Lowell Community Charter the shadow of the fort. He could never see what was TELL US THAT Public School and went to work full time as the school’s going on there, and didn’t understand the massive building’s HE COULDN’T community liaison until budget cuts slashed his position purpose until years later. in 2010. The classroom fell silent. LEAVE US A He saw opportunity to return to school full-time. He Now, Cape Castle is a museum, a reminder of man’s LEGACY OF sat his sons down. inhumanity. Gordon said everyone leaving the place MATERIAL “Dad needs your help,” he told them. “I need for you looked sad. THINGS, BUT to do your best in school so I can focus on my own educa - “It was a riveting moment in the classroom, a learning tion.” They did. experience, this impromptu, first-hand account that only WHAT HE “When the kids did well in school my grades would go he could have supplied,” says Bell. “It was the beginning AND MY MOM up,” says Gordon. “It goes the other way, too. It affects of getting to know Gordon. He has taught me a lot.” COULD DO WAS your mental capacity. Last semester, they worked hard Several months after Bell played that documentary, and did well. I made the Dean’s List.” Chancellor Meehan is shaking the hand of each graduate. MAKE SURE Gordon thanks Beatrice for the trail she blazed. Congratulations , he tells them. WE RECEIVED “It’s pretty exciting to know all of his hard work is As he approaches the Chancellor, Gordon drops to A GOOD paying off,” says Beatrice, a full-time group home manager his knees and raises his hands in a gesture of sheer, for LifeLinks, working with developmentally challenged exultant joy. Meehan smiles, then chuckles. Gordon EDUCATION.” people. “He did everything, working so hard. He did heads down the ramp and off the stage, smiling. — Ken Salazar homework. Cooked. He was in the library until midnight. “Where I come from this is a very big thing,” he says, And he had to be a father.” a couple of weeks later. Sons RaySam, 15, Isaac, 13, and Tyler, 9, agree. He savors the moment with his family, then walks “I’m really proud of him,” says RaySam. “It just shows home, still in graduation garb. A victory walk. He clutches what you can do. It inspires me.” his diploma, red roses and cards of congratulations. Cars Today, Gordon holds a volunteer position in the office pass with honks and shouts of affirmation. He celebrates of Lowell’s mayor. Thanks to Gordon, Lowell is a sister at home among family, including his niece, Priscilla city to Winneba. Stevens, 22, who graduated with him. Food piles up. Liberian-style dry rice, kala, doughnuts, meat on a stick and stew. ‘A VERY BIG THING’ In 2008 Caryn Bell showed a docu - Gordon does not plan to leave the city or the campus mentary, “Traces of the Trade,” to that have become home. He took summer classes in her Slavery & Abolition class. It is Community Conflict, beginning work toward a master’s a personal story writ large, a nation’s degree from UMass Lowell’s Peace and Conflict Studies shame in microcosm. Rhode Island Program. He wants to effect change through policy. filmmaker Katrina Browne traced her roots after dis - Perhaps at the United Nations. covering her family was the largest slave-trading family There is more work to do. He is ready. Ⅲ

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 41 Commencemen t2012

1 23 While a Record Number Graduate, $700,000 is Raised for Student Scholarships

In what has become one of the University’s most The next day, a record number of graduates— 1. Chancellor Marty Meehan ‘78, right, greets heralded traditions, the May 25 Commencement 2,900—were awarded diplomas at the Tsongas U.S. Rep. Edward Markey and honorary degree Eve Celebration raised nearly $700,000 for student Center at UMass Lowell. recipient Rear Adm. Susan J. Blumenthal (ret.) scholarships. Like much else about graduation, “I wholeheartedly believe that each and every during the Commencement Eve Celebration. the 2012 version was a record-breaker. In its first one of us here today has the potential to find a 2. Chancellor Meehan acknowledges the University five years, the tradition begun by Chancellor goal worth pursuing and to make a lasting im - of Massachusetts Board of Trustees. From left: James Tarr ‘12, student trustee; R. Norman Peters; Marty Meehan has raised a combined $2.2 million pression on society. Why? Because we are River Richard Campbell; and Zoila Gomez ’00. while honoring the achievements of the UMass Hawks: Work-ready, life-ready, world-ready,” said Lowell community. 3. UMass Lowell honored Dr. Nina Coppens, student speaker Bonie Rosario Jr. of Brockton, a former dean of the College of Fine Arts, Humani - Designed to raise funds for students and intro - computer engineering major who will continue ties & Social Sciences. She stands with her duce the Commencement speaker and honorary on at UMass Lowell this fall in pursuit of a master husband, Paul, and their two daughters Lindsay, degree recipients, the evening is set in the UMass of science degree in innovation and technological left, and Katie, right. 4. Rowdy the River Hawk Lowell Inn & Conference Center. The event cel - entrepreneurship. and Edward Hajduk, lecturer in civil and environ - ebrates and affirms the scholarship, generosity mental engineering 5. State Sen. Eileen Donoghue and service the University holds dear. and U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas 6. Commencement speaker U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar

42 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 FEATURE STORY

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River Hawks Under 40 Call for Nominations... Nominate alumni under 40 years of age who exemplify what it is to be a River Hawk: • Inspiring. • Successful. • Thriving. • Full of passion for career and life. We will feature selected River Hawks Under 40 alumni in future editions of the UMass Lowell Magazine for Alumni and Friends.

Submit your nomination: http://alumni.uml.edu/riverhawksunder40

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 43 Face of Philanthropy

Paper industry chief Frank McKone ’56, ’00 (H) continues to support the alma mater he calls ‘as fine as they come.’

t isn’t easy to get Frank McKone ’56, ’00 (H) to talk about himself. When you bring up his successes as a student at Lowell Tech, he deflects you with an account of his professors’ dedication. When the discussion turns to his years aboard a Navy destroyer, he’s more com - fortable recalling the several seas he sailed. And when you question him on the remarkable worldwide growth of the company he ran for GOOD 20 years, he seems to prefer to talk about those who ran it before him. McKone is an understated man. Like many of his generation, and By Geoffrey Douglas the one that preceded it—Tom Brokaw’s “Greatest Generation”—he was raised in a simpler, harder, less acquisitive time, a time whose values Iwere forged by a Depression at home and a war in Europe, when sacrifice was universal, hard work was a given and character was measured in ON different ways. He was born in Lowell at the peak of the Depression, raised in Dracut the son of a textile plant supervisor. He went to school locally, first at a small Catholic high school—Keith Academy—that is gone from the scene today, later at LTI, where, in 1956, he earned his degree in engineer - ing. PAPER The year after graduation, he joined the Navy, where he served as an officer onboard a destroyer out of Newport, R.I. “We spent a lot of time at sea,” he says. “The Mediterranean, the Caribbean—I got pretty used to

44 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 FEATURE STORY

being onboard a ship, but as far as Albany today, now headquartered in Rochester, N.H., is a global action there wasn’t much going on.” company, well over a century old, with manufacturing facilities in 11 Then came graduate school at Rens - countries, 4,300 employees worldwide and annual sales of more than selaer Polytech, from which he received $800 million. It remains the world's leading producer of custom-designed his master’s in Management Engineer - fabrics essential to paper production. More than half of its sales are from ing. outside the U.S. In 1964, McKone went to work for McKone retired in 2001, though only recently from the board of what was then still a relatively small Albany International. He remains a board member at Kadant Inc., a pa - company, Albany Felt, on the banks per-machine equipment company in Massachusetts, and of the Advisory of the Hudson River in Albany, N.Y., Board of the Business School of the College of St. Rose, where his wife, a manufacturer of fabrics for the pa - Tonita, earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He is also on the permaking industry. His starting position boards at his two alma maters, Rensselaer Polytech and the UMass was as an engineer in the company’s Lowell Francis College of Engineering. Press Fabrics Group, though he wouldn’t But, he says, “I’m trying to pull back where I can.” He and his wife stay put for long. divide their time between homes on Cape Cod and in southern California. The couple share six grown children between them. Tonita and Frank ’56 ,’00 (H) His move up was, in fact, almost McKone in the new Emerging meteoric. In 1972, just 38 years old— As hard as it is to get him to talk about himself, it is nearly as hard to Technologies and innovation Center “after a series of technical and marketing induce him to discuss his generosity to UMass Lowell. But, it has been assignments”—he was made vice pres - extraordinary. Over the last 15 years, McKone has created three endowed ident in charge of Canadian operations; four years later he was promoted funds at the University, each of which tops $250,000 in assets. The again, this time to group vice president of U.S. operations. In 1981, he Francis McKone Endowed Scholarship Fund supports deserving engineering took over responsibility for the company’s students with high financial need, the Francis papermaking products worldwide. Three College of Engineering Endowed Fund sup - years later he was president. By 1993 he “States no longer have the ability, ports academic programs within the college would be CEO, then board chairman five and the McKone Chancellor’s Endowed Fund years after that. as they once had, to be the primary provides funds directly to the Chancellor to He may have had an edge. The man source of education funds. More develop programs of excellence. from whom he took over the presidency, Recently he became a leadership donor Robert Sloan, was also an LTI graduate and more today, it has to come for the University’s new Emerging Tech - (1950), as were two earlier presidents, from private sources.” nologies and Innovation Center, funding John Standish and Everett Reed. the construction of the center’s Francis McK - “There were several other graduates at the company as well,” McKone one Executive Administration Center. A recent inductee to the UMass says [including Al Drinkwater, plant manager for 40 years]. “The Lowell Circle of Distinction—made up of those who have contributed University was very well-regarded there. But Standish, Everett and over $1 million to the University during their lifetimes—he was among Sloan were the top ones. I worked under the last two. The company the earliest to understand that, as he says today: “States no longer have grew enormously under their watch.” the ability, as they once had, to be the primary source of education funds. More and more today, it has to come from private sources.” It would continue to grow under his. In 1969 and 1970, about five years after McKone’s arrival, Albany Felt took a giant leap forward, Says Chancellor Marty Meehan: “His years of generosity to UMass merging with two other companies: first Appleton Wire Works, the Lowell simply can’t be overstated. His legacy is powerful, and will largest U.S. manufacturer of forming fabrics, then Nordiska Maskinfilt, continue, for many years to come, to touch generations of students.” a leading supplier to the Scandinavian paper industry, as well as a major McKone was among the pioneer donors to the Engineering Department, exporter throughout Europe and the U.S. At that point the company says John Davis, executive director of principal programs. “In the 20 rechristened itself: it would thenceforth be Albany International. years I’ve known him,” says Davis, “he’s always been right there for the “That was a time of tremendous growth for the industry,” McKone University—from taking the reins of the [Engineering Department’s] says. “Heavy paper, corrugated paper, the demand for packaging in all Advisory Board when it first needed leadership years ago, right up to the forms—it was just really booming then, both in the U.S. and the world. present day. He’s always stepped up to the challenge for us.” It was probably the biggest growth period the industry has seen, next to It all goes back, McKone will tell you, to his own LTI education, the big demand for paperboard that came in World War II.” which was, he says, “as fine as they come. I had a good time there, and a Throughout the 1970s and ’80s, Albany continued to grow, acquiring first-rate education. The professors were competent and dedicated; the manufacturing companies in England, Brazil and Norway, as well as in classes were up-to-date.” the U.S.—largely in the South and Southwest, says McKone. Of the University today, he says, one of its greatest strengths remains The McKone years were among the most dynamic in the company’s its ability to adapt to the changes around it: history. Having gone public in 1974 with a listing on the New York Ex - “The times are always changing, and never more than now—in the change, then going private again nine years later in a leveraged buy-out, sciences especially. [UMass Lowell] has continued to do a really good Albany consolidated its operations and, under the leadership of McKone job of recognizing those changes, seeing them coming and adjusting to as president, went public for a second time in 1987. All the while, it meet them, staying on top of things with their curriculum and the range continued to expand, modernize and acquire new properties. of studies they offer. That’s an impressive asset, I think.” Ⅲ

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 45 Inside...

48 ALUMNI EVENTS 51 CLASS NOTES Alumni Life 62 IN MEMORIAM

Photographer Allie Burke '93, owner of Natural Images by Allie, won a 2012 Business of the Year Award from the Exeter, N.H., Area Chamber of Commerce. Burke shoots family and high school portraits, weddings, architecture shots, business head shots and sports and action photos (like this one of hot-air balloons). Allie began shooting during college at UMass Lowell, where she majored in criminal justice and photography. “People made me want to get into photography, I love people,” she says.

46 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 Alumni events

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University Alumni Awards 1. The 2012 University Alumni Award recipients, from left: James Regan ’88, Robert LeFort ’83, Linda FitzPatrick ’68, Richard Miner ’86, ’89, ’97, Michael Jarvis ’06, Steven DiNoto ’94 and Alice Bonner ’89 (Not pictured) 2. From left, Prof. Tom Costello, Prof. Jim Canning, Richard Miner ’86, ’89, ’97, Prof. Pat Krolak (deceased) 3. From left, Kathy Allen ’77, Linda FitzPatrick ’68, Executive Vice Chancellor Jacquie Moloney ’75, ’92 3

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The 2012 40th and 50th reunions 1. Members of the Class of 1962 gather for their 50th reunion. In the back from, left: Francis Georges, Tom Tobin, Brenda Regan Connors, Nancy Scanlon Begley, Patricia Flynn Hornby, Anna Caravoulias Paradis, Virginia Carnavale Sheehan, Ann Gaudette Meservey, Roberta Kowalski McCabe, Nancy Greska, Pauline Golec, Donna Baranowski Afflerbach, Robert Kidd In the center row, from left: Gail Ralls Desmond, Elizabeth Callahan Silva, Kathleen Giallongo Indigaro, M. Joan McCarthy Stackpole, Eleanor Reilly Duncan,Mary Lynch Wilde, Carol Gillis Buchanan, Stasia Kohanski Simrall, Ellen Macone Winsor, Roberta Murray Boyd, Janice Cory Hudzik, Georgia Denas Dodge, Carol Howe Collins, Bonnie Bees Atzl, Lorraine Ferrari Hamilton, Marcella Praetz Quandt, Suellen O’Hare LeBosquet

In the front row, from left: Joan McDonald O’Brien, Patricia Burns Kelley, 2 Connie Cutrumbes Kalavritinos, Jean Arren Clark, Stella Martakos Mitsakos, Jennie Margosian Zantuhos 2. Members of the Class of 1972 celebrate their 40th reunion.

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 47 Alumni events

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1. Alumni from the Lowell Tech class of 1962 enjoy their reunion and reconnect with classmates. 2 2. Alumni from the Lowell State Class of 1962

Second Annual Sunset Social Event Benefits Track and Field and Cross Country programs 1. The 1991 championship cross country Team, from left: John Doherty ’93, David Cremin ’92, Mike Chamberas ’92, George Davis, Scott Bridges ’93 2. Patrick Morasse ’06 and Coach Gary Gardner

Alumni and friends gather for a lobster clam bake and sunset boat rides. 1

Gathering for Alumni and Friends at Vesper Country Club 1. The reception host committee gathers during the event at Vesper Country Club in Tyngsboro. Back row, from left: Edward Moloney, John Connolly ’61, George Popp ’84, Bill Lemos, Ken Gys ’87, Ken Kaiser ’83, Angelos Sakelarios ’78. Front row, from left: Executive Vice Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney ’75, ’92, Jo Anne Connolly ’61, Major Gift Officer Deme Gys, Colleen Kaiser ’82, Susan Sakelarios ’77, Deb Lemos, Anne and Jack Clancy ’80 2. Mary Jo ’66 and Francis M. ’66 Spinola enjoy the reception.

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48 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 ALUMNI EVENTS

The 2012 Men’s Soccer Alumni Game 50 alumni spanning nearly 15 years attended the 2012 UMass Lowell Men’s Soccer alumni game at the Cushing Field Complex. Members included former standout Oscar Acevedo ’00, UMass Lowell’s first All-Conference player of the modern era; members of the 2003 and 2008 teams, which advanced to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinal rounds, and many from more recent years.

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2012 Hockey Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament 1. Tom Cullen, Mike Opre, Ray Bourque and George Olsen 2. Jim Lister, Peter Tormey ’05, Rene Gauthier ’07 and Mark Pandolfo ’06

Political Science Reception 3. Dwight Robson ’93 and Lena Robinson ’92, center, were the Distinguished Alumni Awardees honored at the Political Science Reception, shown here, with, from left, Prof. Frank Talty ’77, Chancellor Marty Meehan ’78, Chair Emeritus 3 Nick Minton and Chair Fred Lewis.

New York City Art Show 4. New York area alumni enjoyed a 50-year retrospective of the paintings of internationally renowned artist Ed Adler ’53 at the City Hall Gallery, sponsored by the Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer. From left, Adler, Roseanne Foley ’92, Alumni Relations Special Advisor Diane Earl and Marie Patrick

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FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 49 Alumni events

Sigma Phi Omicron/Wounded Warrior Race Hundreds of alumni and friends came out for a fundraiser 5K run/walk in honor of fallen soldier Chris Sullivan ’98, incuding Hank Brown ’67, Mike Jarvis ’06 and Adam Hogue ’03. Sullivan, who received a mechanical engineering degree from UMass Lowell, was killed in a bomb explosion in Baghdad in 2005 —three weeks before he was scheduled to come home. Hosted annually by Sigma Phi Omicron, the race will be held on April 20, 2013 next year.

50 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 Class notes ALUMNI LIFE

1950 u CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1976 ALLEN MERRILL is retired and says he is still chugging along. Al LePage: Living History After receiving a bachelor’s degree in biology, Al 1953 Richard Sasseville retired as director of public works for LePage decided to teach, but, at 38, a mid-life crisis Don Finegold has published the town of Northbridge on forced him to discover his passions. “I hopped on a his eighth novel, “The Israeli Oct. 15, 2011. bus headed to Oregon with $200 in my pocket,” he Caper,” by Infinity Publishers. says. It may be viewed on Ama - zon.com or at Infinity’s web - 1973 Today, LePage, now 58, wears two hats: one as 1974 site, www.bbotw.com. Don William Blake has been non profit director, the other as actor. says he hopes that some of his appointed CTO of Cray Inc., Juan Linares recently retired “My first role as director of the National Coast Pi Lambda Phi brothers and the global supercomputer to Boquete, Panama. He Trail Association supports my love of hiking and started his own catering com - other 1953 classmates as well company previously known the coast, allowing me to help develop hiking trails pany, Chef a la Orden, and is as those in the surrounding as GM of Parallel Computing and preserve coastal land,” he says. years will look him up. Platforms of Microsoft (after now writing a blog: www.lati - the acquisition of Interactive namericancook.blogspot.com. LePage began retracing the footsteps of the first 1962 Supercomputing Inc., where Euro-Americans to explore the Oregon coast to 1976 Jim Belfiore was the grand he was CEO). promote their historic value. Dressed like mountain marshal for the annual 75 lap Joanne Yestramski , who man Jedediah Smith, he trekked 200 miles of his Ollie Silva Memorial Summer Christine oversees a multimillion dollar historic coastal route. budget as the University’s Classic at the Lee (N.H.) Cournoyer “My first 'living history' performance was at the vice chancellor of finance Speedway. A native of has been National Park historic site where Smith showed up Haverhill, Jim was a charter appointed and operations, traveled to Germany in October to eval - in 1828, portraying him in a short one-act play,” he member of the New England chief execu - says. “Given the opportunity to volunteer at this Super Modified Racing tive officer uate best financial manage - ment practices at U.S. and historic fort site for special events, I said yes, Association organization. of N-of-One, portraying many different characters over the next a provider German universities. Part of a seven years throughout the Pacific Northwest.” 1968 of diagnostic and treatment German-American Fulbright George Ouellette retired strategies for personalized Commission and Institute LePage eventually gave up volunteering and recently and closed his com - cancer care. Christine has of International Education began presenting Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas pany, CS Plastics Consulting more than 25 years of execu - exchange program, “Do More Carol” in the United States and abroad. Appearing LLC. He says he now enjoys tive leadership experience in with Less—Implementing as a 19th-century Victorian-era Englishman— spending time with his grand - health care technology and Change in Higher Educa - “Thomas Hutchinson, Traveling Thespian”—he son, fiancé and playing golf. previously was president and tion,” illustrated how gives dramatic reading performances of Dickens’ chief operating officer of Pi - German universities have classic story. 1969 cis, a provider of health infor - responded to financial He donates all proceeds to worthy causes, “as Rich Gambale worked for mation software solutions. reforms in their country part of my quest to live the message of generosity,” CR Bard Cardiology and over the last decade. Endoscopy between 1980 and Richard Cutts established he says. 1977 2005, creating medical de - his own civil engineering His Dec. 9 “One Man, 18 Characters” show at vices and receiving his 50th consulting firm, Linden Prof. Kay Doyle was recently St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Lowell—half organ medical device patent. On all Engineering Partners LLC elected chairperson of the music and half story—will support the UMass Lowell Certification Maintenance but eight patents he was listed in 2010, specializing in site Dickens’ Scholarship Endowment. Reserve tickets Program Committee for as the primary inventor. Rich design and permitting and at BrownPaperTickets.com. received his bachelor’s degree peer review services. the American Society for in mechanical engineering Clinical Pathology’s Board of in 1969 and his master’s Nobuyuki Fujita is working Certification. Certification in M.E. in 1980. on the Small Modular Reac - maintenance demonstrates tor project. He says he at - that medical laboratory pro - 1971 tempted to climb the north fessionals certified by ASCP Susan Hamilton is an assis - face of Eiger this past winter are staying current with the tant professor of nursing at but retreated due to bad practice of laboratory the MGH Institute of Health weather. It was too warm, medicine. Professions in Boston. She he says, but adds that he received her bachelor’s degree will try again. William McNally in nursing in 1971 and earned is president of the a Ph.D. in nursing in 2012. non profit Samuel L. She also earned a graduate Blumenfeld Literacy certificate in nursing educa - Foundation. For more tion in 2008. information visit: www.SBLiteracyFounda - tion.com FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 51 Class notes

1979 Marc Thomas is CEO of 1984 1986 1988 Dyesol Inc., and general man - Rev. David Hanks has been George Popp and Ken Kaiser John Pinette , who graduated Jim Regan is chief executive ager of Dyesol’s Global Glass selected as the new pastor of ’83 played 117 holes of golf, with a degree in accounting of the Digital Federal Credit Business Group. Marc, who Rollstone Congregational from 4:45 a.m. until dark, at but soon abandoned that Union, which opened its earned his degree in plastics Church in Fitchburg. After the Vesper Country Club in career to become a stand-up newest office recently at the engineering, has held techni - receiving his UMass Lowell Tyngsboro one day this sum - comedian, performed at the intersection of Bridge and cal, manufacturing and bachelor’s degree, David grad - mer to raise money in their South Shore Music Circus in West Sixth streets in Lowell’s business development posts uated from Andover-Newton fourth annual marathon to Cohasset and the Cape Cod Centralville section. at a number of companies. Theological School in New - benefit breast cancer research Melody Tent in Hyannis this ton and has served in church - at the Dana-Farber Institute. summer. During his 25 years 1990 es in Lowell, Chelmsford, 1983 in show business, John has Bill Carino has joined Dracut, Andover, Methuen Kenneth DeMoura has 1985 opened for Frank Sinatra in Extraprise as vice president and Hudson, N.H. launched DeMoura/Smith Chuck Dwyer Las Vegas and has appeared of sales. Bill most recently LLP, a Boston law firm, but has been pro - in movies, on television and was sales director at Elena Parsons says he will continue to repre - moted to the on Broadway. ClickSquared Inc. says she will sent businesses and individu - rank of senior be moving to als as a trial lawyer and coun - vice president 1987 John Oteri has been named Oregon within selor. He is listed in the 2012 of Middlesex the new headmaster of the next six edition of The Best Lawyers Savings Bank. William Goneau was married Somerville High School months. She in America for his product He heads a on March 5, 2011. where, for 13 years, he has has begun a liability and mass torts prac - team of four commercial lend - served the city’s youth as a blog about tice and he is a fellow in the ing professionals in the Mid - mentor, teacher and instruc - benefits of guided imagery at Litigation Counsel of Ameri - dlesex Commercial South tional leader. John most re - guidedimagery.info. ca, a trial lawyer honorary Group’s office in Franklin. cently had been the school’s society composed of less than Chuck received his bachelor’s assistant principal. An alum - one half of one percent of degree in management from 1980 nus of the University of American lawyers. UMass Lowell and a master’s Kevin St. Cyr has joined Notre Dame, he earned his in finance from Bentley. He CommScope Inc., of Hickory, master’s of education degree Ken Kaiser and George Popp lives in Medway with his wife N.C., as senior vice president at UMass Lowell. ’84 played 117 holes of golf, and three children. of enterprise solutions. He from 4:45 a.m. until dark, Continued on Page 54 will lead engineering, R&D at the Vesper Country Club and product line manage - in Tyngsboro one day this u CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1991 ment for the company seg - summer to raise money in ment that serves business their fourth annual marathon JOSEPH BLAIR enterprises around the world. to benefit breast cancer research at the Dana-Farber had his memoir, 1981 Cancer Institute. “By the Iowa Sea,” Ted Cawley has been named senior vice president, com - Ali Rafieymehr , who for the published this past mercial lending, at Lowell - last four years has been dean March. The book Bank. Ted most recently held of the Division of Information the same position at the Low - Technology and Sciences has already received ell Five Cent Savings Bank. at Vermont’s Champlain College, has been appointed the following Hal Charnley , CEO of Dean of the University of honors: Barnes and NetClarity Inc., addressed New Hampshire at Manches - Noble “Discover Great New the National Information ter. He previously served Security Group’s Securanoia in teaching and other Writers” program for Spring 2012, Boston conference in May. capacities at Western New England University, one of the Publisher’s Weekly 1982 St. Anselm College, Top Ten Memoirs of 2012, one of Eric Forman , who graduated UMass Lowell and Merrimack BookPage’s 30 Most Anticipated with an education specialist College. He earned a doctor - degree in administration, ate in computer science ’93 Books of 2012, Elle Magazine planning and policy in May, and a master of science degree is director of bands for the in computer engineering ’83 Reader’s Prize Pick for April 2012, North Reading Public at UMass Lowell. book of the week by Oprah.com, Schools. Eric received his master’s degree in 1988. and a finalist for the Midwestern Independent Booksellers award of 2012.

52 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 ALUMNI LIFE

u CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1976 Planet Organic: A Natural Revolution

Renée (Jurgelon) Elliott, founder of the United To cultivate her love of writing, she joined the Elliott has become an advocate for sustainable Kingdom’s largest independent organic grocer, traces Connector staff, penning reviews and editing features farming and serves as a trustee of England’s Soil her passion for healthy eating to a book on the re - for the campus newspaper. Determined to get hands- Association, a non-profit that inspects and certifies quired reading list for an elective class at UMass on professional experience, she landed an internship organic farms and businesses. Lowell. She read “Diet for a Small Planet” for a nu - at WBZ-TV, working for arts and entertainment After years of living at a frenetic pace, the trition course here and it transformed her attitude reporter Joyce Kulhawik, who remains a great friend. Elliotts decided to dial back their lifestyle. In 2009, about food. “You make your own opportunities,” says they bought and fixed up an old house in Tuscany “That book changed my life,” recalls Elliott, Elliott. “No one handed that to me.” and moved there year-round with their three the founding director of Planet Organic and one of On a summer trip to London before her senior children, Jess, 10, Nicholas, 7 and Cassie, 4, growing England’s leading proponents of healthy eating. “I year, she met Englishman Brian Elliott on a bus olives, figs and other fruits and vegetables on their became a vegetarian as a result.” and they began dating. After graduating, she returned seven-acre spread. Since Elliott opened the first Planet Organic to London to resume the romance and the couple “We have powered down and are leading a supermarket 17 years ago in London’s fashionable married in 1990. simpler life,” Elliott says. Notting Hill district, the business has grown into a Her first job in England was as a wine writer but She has stepped back from Planet Organics’ five-store chain, offering produce, meat, baked a trip back to the United States for a six-month day-to-day operations but remains involved with goods, beauty items and natural remedies. She has leadership class planted the seed of the idea for an training, publicity and recipe development for the also written three cookbooks, one with a partner organic grocery business. She had shopped regularly company, which has managed to grow sales despite and two on her own. The most recent, “Me, You & at a health food store and was inspired to bring the the weak economy. the Kids, Too: The Ultimate Time-Saving Cookbook concept of an organic supermarket back to her “I’m the brand guardian,” she says. with Recipe Variations for the Whole Family,” was adopted home. She was bursting with ideas but She expects the family will move back to England published this year. short on experience. next year and settle outside of London. Looking The youngest of four children, Elliott graduated “I had no idea what a profit and loss statement ahead, she’s awaiting word on two more book pro - from Georgetown High School and came to UMass was,” she says. posals and has ideas for others. She’s intrigued with Lowell without any definite career plans. Since the To get up to speed on business operations, she the idea of running a bakery-café that would serve high-tech industry was taking off, a computer went to work at London’s largest health food store a nutritious menu or teaching classes that show science degree seemed like a smart bet. However, and later took a class to learn how to write a people how to prepare healthy, simple meals with she quickly realized studying algorithms and writing business plan. She was then able to attract investors natural, seasonal ingredients. code wasn’t for her so she switched her major to to finance the organic supermarket. Her goal was English. Her path from English major to expat en - “I love inspiring people,” she says. “I am so not to bring organic food into the mainstream through trepreneur was an unconventional one, guided done yet.” –JG a company committed to ethically produced food. more by serendipity than design.

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 53 Class notes

Community Strategies to Re - 1991 u CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1988 duce Gang Violence” (2012) Judith Dickerman-Nelson explores a demonstration recently released a book, project funded by the state of titled “Believe in Me.” Massachusetts beginning in Diane Stokes Makes Strides in Cancer Care 2006. The book describes the Brian Gadbois has been or - It seems like it would have been a She had already built the skills to implementation of the Com - dained as a permanent deacon no-brainer. Yet, for all that is invested design and package business ideas. prehensive Gang Model in in the Roman Catholic Dio - in preventing and beating cancer, a But it was while she coached others several Massachusetts commu - cese of Worcester. Permanent program of physical rehabilitation that she discovered the importance nities and serves as a guide for from the assault that accompanies of the calling that would lead her to deacons perform such duties policymakers and practitioners cancer treatment didn’t exist. the cutting edge of post-treatment as preaching, administering interested in customized gang cancer care. the sacrament of baptism, and So Diane Stokes ’88 and her business violence responses. presiding over funeral and partner Dr. Julie Silver—a physician, “I’d gotten into triathlons and burial services. Brian and his Harvard Medical School assistant pro - decided to become a coach,” says James McGaugh has been wife, Nissa, live in Charlton. fessor and breast cancer survivor— Stokes. “And one of my clients was a appointed market president made it their business to provide a cancer survivor. And I noticed that no He is director of operations of Boston, a new role within protocol for it. And in the three years one was more excited about crossing for Partridge Hill Media. Citibank’s U.S. Consumer since they founded Oncology Rehab the finish line.” and Commercial Banking Partners, 50 hospitals and cancer By unanimous vote, the From that moment, she says, business. In this new post, Jim treatment centers across the country Wellesley School Committee “I knew I had to do something with will collaborate with commu - have adopted it. has chosen David Lussier as this.” Stokes and Silver incorporated nity stakeholders, business Stokes, who left UMass Lowell with Oncology Rehab Partners in 2009. the district’s new superintend - groups, civic organizations an industrial technology engineering ent. Once a high school social In her time at the University, Stokes and government partners. degree, is a 2012 recipient of The One science teacher in Massachu - joined ROTC, was a cheerleader for He also serves as the bank’s Hundred, a Massachusetts General Hos - setts, Dave returns to the Bay three semesters, made “a lot of good vice president and director pital Award given to the 100 people in State from Texas where he has friends” and was able to help care for government relations the U.S. making the biggest strides in been executive director of the for her ailing single mother. in New England. cancer care. Not enough? She worked full-time Office of Educator Quality for It was a winding road there for at a Little Peach store. the city of Austin. Stokes, a Chelmsford native and 1984 1993 “I was probably the only engineer - Chelmsford High graduate, but she has ing major/cheerleader/ROTC cadet the Joseph Murphy has been se - Robert Corcoran has been been adept at handling life’s turns and school produced, at least to that lected as one of three winners appointed senior vice presi - listening for inner guidance. She’s gone point,” says Stokes. —DP in this year’s Rhode Island dent, quality, at Inspiration from computer science to corporate Federal Biopharmaceuticals Inc., sales and marketing to teaching math. Employees of Cambridge. Bob served Along the way, Stokes earned a of the Year most recently as vice master’s in business administration Award from president of quality at from Clark University and discovered the Naval Aegerion Pharmaceuticals. a passion for triathlons, in which Undersea she continues to compete. Warfare Cen - David Stevens played profes - ter (NUWC) sional hockey in the U.K. and Division Newport. His contri - Germany until 2004, when he butions in the areas of profes - returned to sional accomplishments, tech - Victoria, nical excellence and compli - British Co - ance have earned him this lumbia. He is distinguished recognition married, with from the Rhode Island a 7-year-old Federal Executive Council. son, and says he enjoys his 1992 work as a real estate agent. Jay Anderson is the new Dave has been with Royal Diane Stokes works with general manager of the LePage Coast Capital Realty a client on post-cancer Marblehead Light Depart - since 2007. rehabilitation. ment. He was chosen to head the department after 1994 having served as technical Michael Moore has joined operations manager. Aerodyne Research Inc. of Billerica as an engineering Brenda Bond has co-edited a associate in the company’s book with alumna Erika Gebo. Center for Atmospheric and “Looking Beyond Suppression: Environmental Chemistry.

Continued on Page 55

54 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 ALUMNI LIFE

Michael, who earned his de - is a member of the board of gree in electrical engineering, the Manchester Monarchs u CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1991 brings an expertise in solid Booster Club. state electronics to the Great Education Makes for Bad Animals company. 1996 Chris Bramanti , who was Tom McGurk ’91 has been in situations 1995 coach of the freshman boys’ where he realized he’d been given not Paul Glynn has founded a basketball team at Westford only great ears, but a superior education continuing education compa - Academy for more than a in the University’s Sound Recording ny called PT in Collaboration, dozen years and then assistant Technology program. These realizations a hybrid-based model of on - varsity coach, has been ap - began when he was an intern at a small line and classroom learning. pointed head coach of the studio outside Seattle, fresh from having He published the only current Grey Ghosts. A graduate of graduated from UMass Lowell (then Uni - textbook on clinical predic - Salem State College, Chris tion rules. Titled “Clinical versity of Lowell). He would know how earned a master’s degree at to fix things some seasoned pros didn’t. Prediction Rules: A Physical UMass Lowell. Therapy Reference Manual,” Since 1999, McGurk and partners it has been made into an Jim Connelly received the Mike McAuliffe, Dave Howe and Charlie iPhone/Pad and Android Joe Concannon Hockey East Nordstrom have shared ownership of Bad application. Paul also won Media Award from Hockey Animal Studios, at first famous for its as - the Chattanooga Research East. As a writer for U.S. sociation with the band Heart, then as a Award from the APTA, College Hockey Online mainstay of grunge recordings in the ’90s. room,” he recalls. “When I started which recognizes the best (USCHO), Jim begins his Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden are taking classes at Lowell, I knew it was a published research study in 15th year covering the league among the legions who have recorded no-brainer. This is what I want to do.” the PT Journal. in 2012-13. Jim also co-writes there. McGurk has won seven Emmy a weekly national column, Awards for work behind the board, He played guitar and sang, including “Tuesday Morning Quarter - Lynn Greenlay of Haverhill especially while he sound designed and with an opera group. He juggled juried has been promoted to vice back,” and co-hosts USCHO’s mixed for “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” performance with weekly ensemble dates, president of Enterprise Bank. weekly radio show, “USCHO and recording the performances of others “When I talk about the SRT program, She joined the bank in 2004 Live.” He has also been pub - in Durgin Hall. “It was awesome,” he says. and I do every chance I get, I tell people and was named assistant con - lished in The Hockey News as “Complete immersion.” troller in 2009. Lynn has as - well as on a number of nation - how amazing it is,” says McGurk by phone sumed growing responsibilities al hockey websites. He has from Seattle, where he lives with wife He interned around Seattle and one in the bank's accounting and made television appearances Danielle McGurk (formerly Hughey) ’92, day, called UMass Lowell’s Moylan. finance areas. She holds a on CBS Sports Network and and their son, Connor, 12. “It’s a true He was working 18-hour days without master’s degree in accounting NESN. Since 2008, he has engineering program. It’s calculus, it’s benefits, frustrated, thinking about from Bentley University, also served as a part-time engineering and it’s music performance in coming home. “He was the one who got a bachelor’s degree from color analyst for University a very real sense. They make sure you are me here,” says McGurk. “He called the UMass Lowell and is a of Vermont radio when the equipped to step right into a role and suc - owner, Steve Lawson, and I was hired. certified public accountant. team travels to the Boston cess. There’s nothing else like it, and Pro - It was 1991, an amazing time.” area. Jim began his career fessor [William] Moylan is absolutely the Around since 1973 under the name in hockey as an equipment Daniel O’Grady has worked best teacher I have ever had. I don’t know Kaye-Smith recording, Bad Animals has manager at UMass Lowell. for University Information anyone who stayed with it and made it been the wellspring of many hits, from Technology at Tufts Universi - through the course who isn’t doing well.’ Bachman Turner Overdrive’s “Taking ty for more than eight years. 1998 Though McGurk, now 47, found both Care of Business” to Steve Miller’s He is also on the board of Satish Bhagavatula has been “Fly Like an Eagle.” Decades later, directors of Crimeline of his education and future wife at the Uni - named chief architect, chief Neil Young, REM and Johnny Cash Southern NH, a non-profit information officer and chief versity, he might have missed them both. would record there. organization whose members technology officer in the tele - In the ’80s, the Chelmsford High School alert police regarding suspect - com division of Crexendo, a grad’s musical ambition wasn’t popular at But when McGurk and partners ed criminal activity. Dan also cloud-based infrastructure firm. home. Though he sang and played jazz bought it, they focused hard on buying guitar, his parents wanted him to find a state-of-the-art digital equipment and more secure path. drawing post-production work for the He earned an associate’s degree in film, TV and gaming industries. UMass Lowell Yearbooks Now Available Online! computer programming from Middlesex It paid off. McGurk has long since UMass Lowell Libraries and the Center for Lowell Community College. When he enrolled worked with benefits, and even earned History, along with the Boston Library Consortium, at ULowell, he told his parents he was the approval of his father, who studied have digitized the University's yearbook collection. an accounting major. He was not. mechanical engineering at Rensselaer To access, go to http://archive.org, and in the “I’d always been infatuated with music Polytech. search box near the top, type “Lowell,” the name and effects, and I had a four-track cassette “I don’t know what you do,” McGurk’s of the yearbook (Pickout, Marm, Knoll or Sojourn) recorder I fooled around with in my father has told him. “But I love it.” —DP and the year.

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 55 Class notes

1998 as well as the international u CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1994 chapters in eastern Canada Donald Demers has been and West Africa. A technical retired since 2009. marketing engineer at Cisco 1999 Systems, Ron is also a mem - ber of the Institute of Electri - Kristin Costa left the cal & Electronics Engineers UMass Lowell Police Depart - (IEEE). He has been a dedi - ment and joined the UMass cated member of NSBE since Dartmouth department nearly joining as an undergraduate six years ago. She became and has held a number of the accreditation/training leadership positions in the officer and, within 10 months, organization on the local, succeeded in having the regional and national level. department certified by the Massachusetts Police Accredi - tation Commission. She says 2003 she hopes that within the Carolyn Delehanty raises next several months, she will funds in memory of her son receive word that they will for underprivileged children Steve DiNoto: From Small Town be an accredited police living in Lowell. to Silicon Valley department. Mohamed Omar , a work His career is a mix of “Crime and Pun - Police Department, where he played a 2000 environment graduate and ishment,” “CSI” and “Criminal Minds”— role in the development of the city’s Jason Barbieri is regional di - former environmental man - high-tech rip-offs, violent crime, forensics, crime analysis unit—a task that would rector of sales at OncoMed, agement engineer at Harvard criminal psychology. And he has seen it serve him well in his next position, as the Oncology Pharmacy. (A University, has joined the from a range of angles: from East Coast Middlesex County deputy sheriff. From complete class note on Jason King Abdullah University of to West, from a small-city police depart - the time he left there, in 1999—only appeared in Science and Technology in ment to the offices of two of the largest two years out of grad school—there would the Spring Saudi Arabia as a manager IT companies on earth. be nothing but top-level posts. 2012 magazine of environmental protection. Located on a beautiful cam - Until earlier this year, Much of the credit for this rise, says but a photo pus on the Red Sea, the uni - Steven DiNoto ’94, ’97 DiNoto, belongs with his UMass Lowell was not avail - versity has one of the largest was manager of Apple’s education—a legacy of teaching he con - able at that time.). certified green/LEED plat - Global Security Opera - tinued himself for three years, in the late inum projects in the world. tions Center—before he ’90s, as an adjunct instructor in the Crim - 2001 was hired away by Ama - inal Justice Department. John O’Brien , who completed 2004 zon to serve as that com - “UMass Lowell was an amazing expe - his M.B.A. from the Universi - William Schofield has been pany’s senior manager in rience for me,” he says from his home in ty of Miami in 2008, is also promoted to vice president in charge of global business continuity. Prior California, where he lives today with his halfway through his work on the Global Credit Products to that, for 11 years, he was the chief ad - wife, son and daughter. “The professors a doctoral degree in business division at Bank of America. ministrative officer of the San Jose, Calif., were great at instructing relevant content, from Walden University. John He has been with the bank Police Department. The longer he’s spent as well as relating real-world experience. received his associate’s degree since 2010 and has more than in law enforcement, he says—and earlier In addition to being the best CJ professors in electrical engineering at 12 years of related banking jobs included top-level administrative in the nation, they were also very acces - UMass Lowell. experience. posts with the Malden, Lawrence and sible to students.” Middlesex County Police Departments— 2002 2006 the clearer it has been to him that, when Especially inspirational to him, DiNoto Annette Parsons retired from For the last six years, Michael it comes to solving crime, or running de - says, were Profs. Eve Buzawa—today’s the Air Force on May 1 after Jarvis has been teaching stu - partments, the big picture is nearly always criminal justice chair—and Larry Siegel, 26 years of service. dents with special needs— the key. whom he calls “the most prolific CJ text - five years at Lowell High book author in the world.” Both these Ronald Wagogo was elected School and this past year at “Initially, I was fascinated by the spe - professors, as well as others, he says, have to the position of Region 1 the Lowell High School cialized roles that technology and forensic served since as models of service that Alumni Extension Chair in Freshman Academy. He was psychology could play in supporting in - goes well beyond the classroom: the National Society of Black attracted to the field when he vestigations,” he says. “But [over time], I Engineers and officially took worked as a substitute teacher came to realize how much more important “They really reinforced the inherent office on May 1. Ron serves as for special education students it is to have a holistic framework for value of helping as many people as you the visionary leader of the re - at LHS to help pay for his things.” can. Throughout my career, I’ve tried gion, which includes the last year at UMass Lowell. “I to adhere to this basic but important His first job, before he was even out states of Maine, Massachu - have a high level of patience principle.” —GD working with kids,” he says, of graduate school, was with the Lowell setts, Vermont, New Hamp - shire, Connecticut, New York, “especially the ones needing Rhode Island, and New Jersey, more help.”

56 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 ALUMNI LIFE

u CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 1996

Dana Bryson: ‘Hockey Mom’

Dana Bryson is usually buried in hockey “We made it to the NCAA’s twice and I was for the Anaheim Ducks, and thus under - equipment. Whether he’s sharpening skates, there when [Tampa Bay Lightning goalie] stands how hectic hockey life can be. shuttling pads and helmets to buses, provid - Dwayne Roloson played. So, it was a great “My wife told me to just worry about ing players extra sticks or making sure their hockey atmosphere.” hockey and everything at home would laundry is done, Bryson tends to feel more After receiving his degree in criminal jus - be fine,” he says. “She was actually eight like a mother than an assistant equipment tice in 1996, the Medford native worked in months pregnant in the playoffs and we manager for the Los Angeles Kings. equipment manager roles at Northeastern had our third kid right before the first game But with Bryson behind the scenes this University, Providence College and for the of the Western Conference finals.” season, the Kings reached the pinnacle of Manchester Monarchs. In 2005, he took the Bryson hopes the team will have a the sport, winning the 2012 Stanley Cup. As job with the Kings. similar season this year. a student at UMass Lowell in the early ’90s, “When I was doing it at school, I never “I’ve watched a lot of these guys come Bryson never dreamed he'd have the chance had any aspirations to do it for the pros, but to hoist hockey’s hallowed prize. up through the system and really grow up in when I got to Providence, that’s when I de - front of me and that’s pretty special,” During his freshman year as a River cided that’s what I wanted to do for the rest he says. “But at the end of the day, we are Hawk, Bryson was dorm-mates with Jon of my life,” Bryson says. “This past year was basically babysitters. I have three kids at Mahoney and David Mayes, both of whom kind of crazy because it was the first year I home and 25 at the rink. I don’t know how I were hockey players. The team needed a traveled with the team full-time.” got here, but I love it and wouldn’t change student equipment manager, and Bryson With a wife and three young children at it for the world.” —RM gladly volunteered. home in Redondo Beach, Calif., Bryson says “Those years I was at UMass Lowell were the travel wasn't easy. It helps, he says, that pretty memorable,” Bryson says. his wife, Jesse, works in community relations

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 57 Class notes

“KEVIN JAMES , without a doubt. u CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 2005 His characters have been funny and sensitive and sarcastic. Pretty much my kind of guy.” — Kevin Plante ’91, to LP Magazine, on who would best portray him in a movie. A would-be “Mall Cop,” Plante is manager of U.S. retail loss prevention operations for Staples, where he oversees all loss-prevention operations for more than 1,600 stores nationwide.

2005 2007 Caitlin Jondro began a Sue Cabot , the communica - new job in May as a digital tions assistant at the Indian marketing program manager Hill School in Littleton, is at Staples. also a jazz singer who has performed at the Acton Jazz Café and at other venues in Djwan Scott , a second-year Worcester and Marlboro. master’s nursing student, Sue, who earned her degree was selected by Brigham & in music business, says she Women’s Department of enjoys jazz because it’s full of Nursing and Patient Care life. “When I sing jazz, I sing Kathi Bailey Takes Her Work Halfway Services as a 2012 Ujima it with my whole body, from Award Recipient. Ujima is the bottom of my feet up,” Around the World one of the seven principles she says. of Kwanzaa, which celebrates In August, Kathi Bailey flew to China Hong of Zhejiang University. Hong, on her own dime and spent three weeks who directs the university’s research on family, community and cul - Colleen Ranshaw-Fiorello ture. At BWH, the annual in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Qingdao, Xi’an the rural aging population and social was certified as senior center and Beijing visiting community centers, security, was in Boston to explain his Ujima Award and celebration director by the Massachusetts recognizes the contributions nursing homes and senior housing sites. team’s research to the association’s mem - Association of Councils on bers. of multicultural members of Aging and Senior Center The objective, she says, was to “un - the Nursing and Patient Care Directors in 2010. derstand China’s solution to the needs Bailey says it struck her that even Services community. Djwan of its rural aging population.” She wanted though there’s a lot of controversy in also is the coordinator of Grace Sembajwe , a work en - to learn how China was caring for its the United States about financing Social diversity support services vironment graduate, recently elderly and how that relates to the Security, our system is viewed in China for UMass Lowell’s Bring joined the City University Social Security system in the United as a model program. It seemed obvious Diversity to Nursing grant. of New York School of Public States. Her interest in this subject comes then that if she were to put her com - Health at Hunter College from her position as director of the parative method training into practice, as associate professor in the Senior Center/Council on Aging in she had to get on a plane. Environmental and Occupa - Clinton. The Clinton Council on Aging tional Health Sciences Program. She is co-principal “The trip came about because of my provided her with time off the job and investigator on a Robert interest in comparing aging demograph - Zhejiang University agreed to pay all Wood Johnson Foundation ics and policy in two countries,” she her expenses in China. grant for biomarkers of pain says. This comparative method was a “The Massachusetts Executive Office and cardiovascular disease. “direct result,” Bailey says, of her training of Elder Affairs (EOEA) is aware of my She is also principal investi - in the Regional Economic and Social trip and is very interested in the knowl - gator for a project examining Development program where she earned edge I gain from the experience,” she 2006 employee biological monitor - a master’s degree in 2005. (She also has says. I hope to form a partnership for Carrie (Kidder) Bentley and ing for exposures to antineo - a B.A. in business from Worcester State.) future learning with the Lowell, Boston her husband, Marvin Bentley plastic drugs, funded by The idea of comparing U.S. policies and Worcester campuses of UMass, II, celebrated their first wed - the Massachusetts General with those of China stemmed from a along with EOEA and AARP with a ding anniversary on July 9. Hospital Council for meeting of the Gerontological Society link to the World Health Organization.” Technology Adoption and They say they are doing well Association held in Boston in 2011. —JMcD Innovative Process. and are excited to be celebrat - It was there that Bailey met Prof. Mi ing one year of marriage and four years of being together.

58 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 ALUMNI LIFE

2008 Tommy Powers , a former working the overnight shift as UMass Lowell hockey player, a patrolman for the Somerset u CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 2011 Michael Harvey , a classroom has been named the strength police department. He earned teacher since the mid 1990s and conditioning coordinator a master's degree in criminal and principal of Belmont for the NHL’s Phoenix Coy - justice from UMass Lowell. High School since 2006, has otes. Joining the River Hawks been named superintendent in 2006-07, Tommy played Shawn Hansen has worked of the Hamilton-Wenham in 15 career games while for the Community Newspa - school district. A graduate maintaining an outstanding per Co. as a freelance journal - of Amherst College, Mike academic record. The de - ist since 2009, and has had his earned a doctorate in school fenseman was a three-time own television show, “Shawn leadership at UMass Lowell. selection to the Hockey Hansen’s Comedy Corner,” East All-Academic Team. since 2010. Shannon Spinosa returned A stay-at-home defender, to her alma mater, Shaw - he carried a career rating Amy Stanley , who received sheen Valley Technical of plus-1 with six penalty her master’s degree in 2010, High School, this fall as minutes and helped lead the has been working at Lowell the school’s newest medical River Hawks to the Florida General Hospital, first in assistant teacher. After earn - College Classic Champi - Community Health and ing a bachelor’s degree at onship in 2007-08. Tommy Wellness and now in Human UMass Lowell, Shannon graduated with a bachelor’s Resources. She also has been became an LPN before degree in exercise physiology working on the side with turning to education. and a minor in nutrition. Erin Caples ’02, ’04, another UMass Lowell alum, on a Peter Udstuen is Shawsheen 2010 business Employee Assistance Valley Technical High Brian Bahia launched a web Program (EAP) and social School’s newest history design business in Lowell in media/grant consulting. teacher. Recently married, May. The new company offers Amy and Michael Tobin Building the Future the Chelmsford resident is discounted rates for local married in October. a native of Bellingham, on the Site of His Past businesses. where he played soccer and 2011 The irony of his work isn’t lost on Rafael Rodriguez basketball in high school Carolanne Brennan and Joshua Northrup has joined Jr. Neither is its value. before playing rugby at Bruce Burkhardt Jr. were mar - Aerodyne Research. Inc., The 2011 civil engineering grad has, since UMass Lowell. ried on July 14. Carolanne in Billerica as an assistant January 2012, worked as a field engineer for Turner 2009 earned a master’s degree in engineer in the company’s Construction, the firm that has raised the Emerging educational administration at Center for Atmospheric and Grace Basile , who has been Technologies and Innovation Center from rubble UMass Lowell and is now Environmental Chemistry. interim assistant principal of and dust to an $80 million, state-of-the-art showpiece teaching sixth grade. housing research and development facilities. the Shaughnessy Elementary 2012 School in Lowell since 2010, Brian Dempsey is the new Anna Struna says she bought Rodriguez, 22, of Lawrence, calls it his “dream has been named principal school resource officer at a new car, got a condo right job,” a place where his past and the University’s of the Roosevelt School Somerset-Berkley Regional on the beach on Cape Cod, future intersect along VFW Highway and University in Melrose. A graduate of High School. He was previ - was able to find and hold a Avenue. Northeastern University, ously a full-time police officer good job and joined in part - Grace has a master’s in The 2005 Lawrence High School graduate says for seven years, three years nership with a fellow local education degree from he lived his sophomore and junior years in Smith in Florida and four years in artist in opening and running UMass Lowell. Hall, the red-brick UMass Lowell dorm that was Somerset. Brian has been an art gallery—all within two torn down to make way for ETIC. “I used to live months of graduation. Donna Fagen , who earned a right there,” he says, pointing to a patch of deep- doctorate in electrical engi - green grass where until recently construction trailers neering at UMass Lowell, is Network. Have fun. Make a difference. stood. “Used to play catch right out in front.” co-founder and chief tech - Want to have a meaningful impact? Become an He recalls driving past the site during Smith’s nology officer at Equilateral alumni volunteer. Whether serving on a Fall Festival demolition in 2010. “It was kind of upsetting in a Technologies Inc. of Lexing - alumni committee, mentoring a student in his field way but at the same time, change was needed and ton. The company deals in of expertise or donating time to a campus organiza - things had to move forward. As I see it, that was digital wireless technologies tion, our alumni volunteers enhance people’s lives. inevitable. It was the start of this great building,” for voice and data. Donna Help to increase UMass Lowell’s influence around was featured this spring in he adds, sweeping his hand toward the 84,000- the world. Volunteering opportunities include: an issue of Mass High Tech: square-foot structure behind him. “It’s a place Special reunions, alumni communications, alumni The Journal of New England where every inch is state-of-the-art. Nanotechnology, advisory groups, student recruitment, student Technology. clean rooms, labs of every kind. It’s all top-notch. mentoring, fundraising, University outreach and The best.” —DP regional program assistance. For information, call 978-934-3140 or email [email protected].

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 59 Class notes

u CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 2012 From Campus to the Campaign Trail Jon Zlotnik’s political aspirations may have rebound from years of disinvestment, Zlotnik known each other since sixth grade and graduated taken root when he was in high school, but his decided to run for the seat while he was still a from Gardner High School together. first campaign got off the ground in his UMass college senior, deferring plans for law school. “I’ve never done anything like this before,” Lowell dorm room. His suite at Sheehy Hall served as unofficial says Heglin, who is working on his master’s Zlotnik, who graduated in May with a bach - headquarters for the nascent campaign and his degree at the Graduate School of Education elor’s degree in history, ran for a seat in the roommates were his first campaign volunteers. with a goal of becoming a high school English Massachusetts House of Representatives. The “We had everyone working together on an teacher. “It’s been a lot of fun.” Central Massachusetts district includes his assembly line in the common rooms at Sheehy, On Nov. 6, Zlotnik, a Democrat, won the hometown of Gardner as well as Ashburnham, putting together mailings,” he says. seat previously held by first-term incumbent Winchendon and part of Westminster. One of his roommates, Brad Heglin, who Rep. Richard Bastien, a Republican from Driven by a desire to promote economic earned his bachelor’s degree in English in May, Gardner, in what was widely called an upset. development in an area he says is struggling to is Zlotnik’s campaign manager. The two have —JG

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60 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 ALUMNI LIFE

u CLOSE-UP CLASS OF 2012 It Took a Quarter of a Century, but Rui Periera Finally Got His Degree For Rui Pereira, it was never just about the nies—he has worked on roadways, bridges, degree. tunnels (including the Ted Williams Tunnel), He wanted it, to be sure. To pursue anything fuel systems, airport projects and waste treat - for 26 years, you pretty much have to want it. ment plants, sometimes with as many as 180 But he clearly didn’t need it—at least not for employees reporting to him. the last 20 years. And it was never really the Throughout it all, he remained in pursuit point. The point was simpler than that: of his UMass Lowell degree: taking night “I had a goal—to earn my degree,” says courses, online courses, out-of-state courses Pereira, who graduated this past spring, 26 for transfer, sometimes taking whole semesters years after he started, with a degree in civil off. Somehow along the way, he managed to engineering. honor a 13-year commitment to the National Guard. But for most of these years, he was In 1986, when he first enrolled at UMass working full-time. Rui Periera celebrates his graduation with his Lowell (still ULowell at the time), he was a mentor Prof. Donald Leitch. 21 year-old transfer student from UMass “I wouldn’t hear from him for a while, Amherst, an émigré from the Cape Verde then one day out of the blue he’d write, (where two of his three children are students Islands who had come to Massachusetts six wanting to know what requirements he still today) and the youngest of the couple’s three years earlier, with his parents and sisters, to had, what he had to do to graduate,” says En - children. rejoin others in the family. By the time he gineering Prof. Donald Leitch, who served as Prof. Leitch, Pereira will tell you, deserves finished, earlier this year, he was a 47 year-old a mentor to Pereira throughout his UMass a big piece of the credit for steering him husband and father of three, a veteran of 13 Lowell career. “So I’d come up with a plan through the academic waters: “He sold me on years in the National Guard, a major-project and let him know, and he’d always follow the path to begin with, then was always there, construction manager responsible for more through. He had incredible perseverance, a always available, his door was always open. than $90 million of under-contract work. lot of personal pride. He never lost sight of He was a great mentor to me.” what he wanted.” There was never any question, he says, But the professor will have none of it. Today he is in Florida, where he has lived what he wanted to do with his life: “I love “I just kept the records. The credit belongs construction, I always have. I love being a and worked the last eight years—and from where, through a creative mix of email, online to him. I mean, think about it. There he was, part of constructing things that will be used married, working full-time, raising three kids— by people, things that will last.” courses and transfer credits from a local com - munity college—he earned the final pieces of he might take a break from time to time, but And so he has. Over the course of the past his UMass Lowell degree. With him are his he always came back, he never lost sight of 20-plus years—as field engineer, project engi - wife, Elizabete, whom he met as a fellow- his goal. You tell me: How many other people neer and finally project manager, in at least student back in his UMass Amherst days are going to do that?” —GD three states and for several different compa -

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FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 61 Inmemori am

Gary Mucica ’71, Leaves a Lasting Legacy on Campus Gary Mucica enrolled at Lowell Tech in 1967 partly because the school had a golf team. Thirty-two years later, after successful careers with Johnson & Johnson and the Clorox Co., he came back, on a whim, to teach one graduate course. The one course became two and the two led to a full-time appointment and before long he became director of Graduate Management Programs. And then, at the request of the athletic director, he re-established the University golf team that had ceased to exist in 1997. “I’m having a Type A retirement,” he said two years ago. “UMass Lowell is on a roll and it’s fun to be part of making it happen.” Gary, who did, indeed, play an important part in “making it happen,” died unexpectedly on July 3 after a brief battle with cancer. He was 62. He leaves his wife, Sally, and his brother Bill, an assistant coach with the golf program. Chancellor Marty Meehan said, “Gary’s passing is a great loss to the University. He made so many contributions to the growth of the campus he pledged $100,000 toward the construction of a new business school that will forever be his legacy.” building. Director of Athletics Dana Skinner, the one who urged Mucica to He received the Francis Cabot Lowell Alumnus of the Year Award revive the golf program, said, “We are deeply saddened at the death of for Management in 2003. our dear friend Gary. He was one of those rare individuals who had a Born in upstate New York, Gary came to Massachusetts with his talent for spreading optimism in every corner of the campus. family when his father, director of purchasing for Salada Tea, was Gary led the golf team to its most successful season last year when it transferred to Woburn. He captained the Reading High School golf placed third among 34 Division I, II and III teams in the New England team before enrolling at Lowell Tech. Intercollegiate Golf Association Tournament and earned its fourth bid In addition to his Lowell degree, he earned an M.B.A. from Suffolk in five years to the NCAA East-Atlantic Regional Tournament. University’s Sawyer School of Management. In addition to serving as director of Graduate Management Programs He was sales and marketing manager for both Johnson & Johnson in the Manning School of Business, he also was co-chair of the campus and the Clorox Co. until his retirement in the spring of 1999. Branding and Marketing Committee and chaired the Manning School He played so much golf that summer, he said, that “I almost couldn’t of Business Advisory Board. stand it.” Aside from his coaching duties, Gary also supported athletic programs So he was ready to get to work again when he happened to meet each year and established an endowment to increase scholarships. Dean Kathy Carter at an alumni event and agreed to teach “one course During the 50th anniversary celebration of the College of Management, for one semester.” —JMcD

Deceased CLASS YR NAME CLASS YR NAME CLASS YR NAME CLASS YR NAME 1931 Yun-Cheng Wang 1956 David E. Hanlon 1974 Francis P. Barker 2002 Claire M. Babcock 1938 Mary E. (Kelley) Corkery 1956 Carol A. (Mitchell) Preston 1974 Gerald C. Goldman 2002 George A. Hammond 1938 Margaret L. (Noonan) Marsden 1956 John R. Walker 1975 William P. Malavich Jr. 2003 Ryan S. Delaney 1939 John A. Goodwin 1958 Dolores L. (Depetrillo) Smith 1976 William H. Alderman Jr. 2003 Bryan Larosa 1941 Barbara L. Coffey 1959 Gungor Solmaz 1976 Pamela A. (Kozub) Parker 2007 Edward T. Dillon 1941 Sidney W. Factor 1963 Gerard H. MacDonald 1976 Michael B. Sullivan 2009 Christopher A. Bennett 1941 Margaret H. (Robinson) Keene 1963 Christos Pappadopoulos 1977 Stephen E. Austin 1942 Margaret D. (Jensen) Cullinane 1964 Gilbert A. Dupre 1977 Gregory A. Dana 1942 Eunice M. (Hodgson) Pickup 1965 John R. Biro 1979 Gregory D. Sanders Faculty Patrick Krolak 1945 Sidney B. Berkowitz 1968 Douglas W. Anderson 1980 John A. Saboliauskas Faculty John A. Goodwin 1947 Martha M. (Lenox) Doleva 1968 Stuart J. Marcus 1983 Maureen B. Amigo Faculty Gary M. Mucica 1948 Yuan-Loong Yang 1969 Joseph E. McKenney 1984 Robert K. Fawcett Faculty Joseph A. Zaitchik 1949 John B. Weiser 1969 John C. Soldega Jr. 1985 Holly E. Mawhinney 1952 Elizabeth A. (Gleason) Gionet 1970 Paul Gasamis 1986 John J. Kavanagh Staff Roger A. Grady 1952 Diane B. (Barsorian) Maloomian 1970 Richard A. Mungo 1986 Linda R. (Schmauss) Siwak Staff Gregory Keefe 1952 Bernard Musmand 1971 Gary M. Mucica 1988 David W. Brazil 1953 Walter F. Polak 1971 William G. Perkins 1988 Sally B. Costello 1954 Margaret R. Brady 1971 Frederick W. Spring 1988 Leo J. Coutu 1954 Frederick T. Gleason 1972 Anthony G. Ziagos Sr. 1988 Edmund F. Wright Jr. 1954 Ann M. (Robishaw) Welsh 1973 James A. Fairhurst 2000 James J. Caulfield

62 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 ALUMNI LIFE

Charles Saulters II ’10: Artist Gone Too Soon

Charles Saulters II ’10 loved life and sharing its best moments with the world. The talented artist and businessman succeed - ed, capturing stunning photos and videos in his 27 years. Sadly, that gifted life was cut short when he unexpectedly died in January. His art, however, will live on, spreading the beauty Charles so appreciated. While studying music busi - ness, performance and fine arts at He founded Charles Saulters the University, Charles made an Media and quickly became impact both with his desire to sought-after throughout New help others and his captivating England for his skills in every - personality. thing from motion graphics to “Charles always had a positive social media. He designed web - outlook and it spread deeply sites, shot live concerts and through his work relationships,” captured cherished moments for says classmate Gillian Murphy a growing list of satisfied clients. Prof. Joseph Zaitchik Taught English ’10. “He worked for every mo - “I love people,” Charles told for Nearly Half a Century ment that he had. The time we Pulse reporter Tine Roycroft. “I were fortunate to have with him enjoy making them smile, help - Longtime English professor Joseph Zaitchik died at age 87 on July 18. and the warmth that he brought ing them connect their ideas Joseph—who had been at the University for 46 years, and was planning to to the UMass Lowell and arts with exciting solutions and mak - teach “The Bible as Literature” this fall—immigrated from Russia when he communities is something that ing them feel as though there is was 4 with his parents and four of his eight older siblings. He joined the we can spread and nurture in someone else who is as passionate faculty of UMass Lowell after earning a doctorate from Boston University. our own lives.” about their project as they are.” Beloved by students and colleagues, he taught a wide range of courses While still in school, Charles Charles leaves his family from American Literature to History of the English Language, English as a began working as a photographer, and partner Sarah Sparrow. Second Language and Human Values in Western Culture, an interdisciplinary videographer and graphic design - For more examples of his work, curriculum he developed and trained colleagues to teach, and for which he er. After a post-graduation job in - visit http://charlessaulters.car - wrote a textbook used at a number of universities. terview didn’t pan out, he took bonmade.com. things into his own hands. He also wrote other textbooks, plays, short stories and poetry. In 2004 his Charles was a proud member play “Be Our Joys” won the Stanley Drama Award, an honor that included a “I told myself that I was going of Step Up To Excellence, New York production. In 2011, his first novel, “The Fitting,” was published. to go out on my own and get to a a mentoring program at Fitch - level where the company wishes burg High School. Donations in In December, Joseph was joined by students, professors, friends and family they had understood my poten - his honor may be submitted to in celebrating the release of the book, which the professor said he started tial,” Charles told Pulse Magazine Piecework Partners, Step Up before he came to the University. It’s about a Russian immigrant tailor when he was featured as one of To Excellence, P.O. Box 309, untangling and re-tangling a murder mystery near a college campus based on “12 to Watch in 2012.” Lincoln, MA 01773. UMass Lowell.

Joseph saw the University through different names and administrations Photo by and highs and lows. As the chairman of the student affairs committee in the Charles Saulters II ’60s and ’70s, he helped guide the campus through tumultuous times such as the Kent State shootings and clashes between students and administrations. But always, the school and Joseph kept moving forward. “Early on, it was a small school that I came in to, but it’s been growing and growing and getting better and better,” said Joseph, at the December reception. “I’ve always enjoyed the students here.” And they will certainly miss him. In addition to his wife, Holly, Joseph leaves six children, eight grandchil - dren, former wife Jeanette Zaitchik and brother Rabbi Samuel Zaitchik.

FALL 2012 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZIN E 63 Inmemori am Prof. Patrick Krolak: His Innovative Spirit Will Live on Emeritus Prof. Patrick D. Krolak, a teacher who mentored, encouraged and inspired countless numbers of students during his three decades of service to the University’s Computer Science Department, is dead at the age of 72. Pat, his wife, Rita, 70, and their son, Patrick M. Krolak, 42, were killed in an auto accident in the Adirondack region of upstate New York on Aug. 25. The convertible in which they were riding was struck head-on by an SUV that had crossed into oncoming traffic. All three members of the Krolak family were pro - nounced dead at the scene. A memorial service was held Aug. 31 in Dover, where Pat and his wife lived. Tom Costello, now a retired professor, was head of the fledgling Computer Science Department when he hired Krolak in 1982. “He pushed his students to think big, to create things, to overcome barriers,” Costello says. “He wasn’t afraid to break the old mold and try something new. He liked challenging existing models. Every semester he changed things Ashley Dias ’09 to keep up with the times.” Embraced Life Pat was the first department member hired from outside the University. At the time, he was on leave from Georgia Ashley K. Dias, 26, died Tech on a faculty research appointment and had responded to a UMass Lowell ad seeking qualified faculty for the June 14 at the Cleveland Computer Science department. Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, A native of the Chicago area, “Our father relished his time at UMass Lowell. with her family by her side. Ashley, whom we he had previously been on the Van - He was tremendously proud of the students he mentored derbilt University faculty where he profiled in the last issue chaired the computer science de - and the Center for Productivity Enhancement. Thank you of this magazine, battled Cystic Fibrosis for all of partment. He had earned a doctorate to everyone on the faculty and in the administration who in applied mathematics and com - of her life. puters from Washington University created an environment where his ideas could thrive. She had two lung in St. Louis in 1968. In the midst of this incomprehensible tragedy, we are replacements and a kid - ney replacement. And It soon became evident that comforted to know that his innovative spirit will continue Costello made an excellent choice through it all, she em - in hiring him. to echo on through his students and colleagues.” braced life: competing in gymnastics, relentlessly Two years after joining the C.S. — Karen Krolak, supporting Boston sports faculty, Pat helped establish the daughter of Pat and Rita teams and spending time Center for Productivity Enhance - with her friends, family ment. This was a program that brought together computer science, engineering, science and management students, and beloved dogs. She and members of private industry. Common today, the concept was a revolutionary idea in 1984. was also a loyal sister of A prime example of the program’s success was Avid Technology, then in Tewksbury and now headquartered in Kappa Delta Phi sorority, Burlington. The Center’s students worked with Avid and helped turn that company—which specializes in video and as well as a member audio production technology—into a huge success. of the UMass Lowell Among the students working in that program was Rich Miner, now a partner in Google Ventures, the venture cheerleading squad. capital division of the Internet search giant. Born in Lowell, Miner credits much of his success to the professors who “prepared me with the skills to be an entrepreneur by Ashley graduated from providing a strong technical and commercial foundation. They also provided me with a pragmatic education.” Andover High School Chief among those faculty members was Prof. Krolak. and received a bachelor’s degree from UMass Calling him “my dear friend and mentor,” Miner last year established The Professor Patrick D. Krolak Innovation Lowell in 2009. Scholarship. It is to be awarded annually in perpetuity to Computer Science students who exhibit “entrepreneurial spirit.” Ashley is survived by her mother, father, But beyond his teaching and mentoring skills, Pat was recognized as being a thoughtful human being. two sisters, paternal “Too often staffs provide support to more senior members of an organization but don’t hear any expression of grandparents, and appreciation,” Costello says. “Pat never forgot to say ‘Thank you.’ Just last week he thanked the Computer Science many aunts, uncles system administrator for his help in laying out his plans for the fall.” and cousins. Pat had retired in 2002 but continued to teach and was planning to resume his classes this fall. —JMcD

64 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2012 Thank You to Our Commencement Eve Celebration Sponsors

Nearly $700,000 was raised for student scholarships though the generous support of our Commencement Eve Celebration sponsors. Since 2008, $2.2 million has been raised through this annual event.

“Commencement Eve has become a showcase of all we celebrate about the UMass Lowell community: scholarship, generosity and service. As we come together to honor exceptional graduates, alumni and public leaders, we are gratified so many friends support the University with scholarship dollars that help lower the cost of education for current and future students.” — Marty Meehan, Chancellor

For future information about this event, please visit http://alumni.uml.edu/commencementeve

Chancellor’s Circle ($25,000) Eric Helliwell '88 Professor Emeritus Bernie '56 and Francis Hynes Jr. '68 Larry Acquarulo, Jr. '81 John F. Kennedy '70 Yana Shapiro Independent University Alumni Association Aramark Mitchell Kertzman Robert and Jean Sheridan at Lowell Gerald '78 and Joyce '77 Colella Edward "Skip" Kittredge '67 WS Associates, Bryan Subsick Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union Robert Kearin '73 Digital Federal Credit Union Jayant Kumar Contributor ($1,000) Arnold and Maureen Lerner John and Catherine Kendrick Nancy L. and Richard K. Donahue Foundation Add Inc. Joey Mead Richard Lemoine Charles '66 and Josephine Hoff Akibia, a Zensar Company L. Donald '57, (H) and Gloria LaTorre Jack and Therese O’Connor – Commonwealth Professor Emeritus Kathleen Allen '77 Stuart Mandell Robert '84 and Donna '85, '91 Manning Commencement Photos AMD Global Telemedicine Charlotte Mandell ’11 (H) Moldex3D Omega Advisors, Inc. Bruce Arakelian '82 Paul Marion '76 and Rosemary Noon Leo Montagna '70, ’77 Red Mill Graphics Lawrence Ardito '69 and Linda Carpenter '89 Amleto Martocchia '68 Alexander and Theresa Ogonowski Brian Rist '77 Argos Corporation Matthew '79, '84 and Patricia McCafferty David Pernick '41 SBLI Bob '71 and Sandy '71 Barnett Stephen McCarthy John Pulichino '67 and Joy Tong University of Massachusetts Foundation Inc. Edward J. "Ned" '58 and Carole Barrett Frank '56 and Tonita McKone Arthur Zamanakos Charles '76 and Joanne '76 Yestramski Russell '81 and Mary '81 Bedell MEC Electrical and MEC Technologies Benefactor ($10,000) Friend ($2,500) James Black '77 Mercier Electric & Communications, Inc. Autodesk Battles Foundation Joseph Blonski '78 and Debbie Hauser '79 Middlesex Community College Cabrera Services Louis '74 and Kristine '74 Beaudette Alease Bruce Mill City Iron Fabricators Kathy Carter '78 Paul Bessette '73 Ginger Pearson Burke Adrianna Morris and Melisenda McDonald George '61 and Cynthia Chamberas Johanna Bohan-Riley Emily Byrne '02, '04 MSP Digital Marketing, LLC Demoulas Foundation Ron Boudreau '75 and Dr. Susan Pasquale '75 Professor Emeritus John J. Catallozzi '64 Northeast Plastics Equipment Mark Forziati '78 Edward Chiu Aldo Crugnola NRT Bus Inc. Dr. May Futrell Jeremiah '81 and Mary '91 Cole John C. Davis Stephen Orroth Richard Grande '72, ’80 Paul and Nina Coppens Robert Davis '60 Donald and Patrese '05 Pierson Lowell General Hospital Tom Costello and Kary Robertson '76 Professor Emerita Joyce Denning Progress Software Corporation Marty Meehan '78 Educational Foundation James '80 and Deb Dandeneau Carol and George ’09 (H) Duncan J. Mark Reimer Ashwin Mehta Joseph P. Donahue Charitable Foundation Eleanor Duncan '62 RuffaloCody Edward and Jacqueline '75, '92 Moloney Stephen Driscoll ’66, ’92 Rhoda Eberle Diane Shanahan Gary '71* and Sally Mucica Peter and Linda '68 FitzPatrick Extreme Networks Laurence Siegel William '69 and Elizabeth O'Shea Grossman, Tucker, Perreault & Pfleger, PLLC Federal Carpet and Flooring Dana Skinner Amy '89, ’90 and Jim '88 Regan HDR, Inc. Deborah Finch '03, ’06, ’12 Keith A. Sommer Mark '81 and Elisia Saab David Laurello '81, '88 Foster Corporation Sovereign/Santander Universities Superior Controls – Richard Pierro, Jr. ’83 lawrence Chian - Hsiang Lin ’90 Edward Gallagher '84 Specialty Materials, Inc. LowellBank John Geraci '97 Robert Tamarin Supporter ($5,000) The Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank Anita Greenwood '84, '92 TESco Associates Ahmed Abdelal Lowell Sun Steven Grossman John Ting Carol Barry '96 Chetan Patel '81 Christopher Guimond '98 University Cap and Gown John and Linda Chemaly - Trinity EMS, Inc. Richard '83 and Eileen Pierro, Jr. John and Kristine '99 Haley - Watermark Carole Ward '62 and Ray Pritchard Mark '71 and Susan '69 Cocozza Sheila Riley-Callahan '80 Albelee Haque '89, ’95 Enterprise Bank Dr. Demetrius '91 and Susan Rizos Bill and Peggy Hatch *deceased Richard Ferrante '83 Rick and Michelle Hess

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Baseball • Basketball • Cross Country/Track & Field • Field Hockey • Golf • Ice Hockey • Rowing • Soccer • Softball • Volleyball Support your favorite UMass Lowell Athletic programs! Join the River Hawk Club and help UMass Lowell maintain its winning tradition by: • Providing scholarship assistance. • Improving athletic facilities. • Supporting events for River Hawk alumni and friends. Gifts may be designated to speci*c sports or to the Athletic Department as a whole.

www.uml.edu/givenow