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LowellMAGAZINE

FALL 2003 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 3 Research Foundation Celebrates Half a Century of Innovation and Discovery

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Wannalancit Mills, home of the Research Foundation Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends:

As we begin a new academic year on the Lowell campus, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support — whether in the form of your involve- ment in our programs, your expressions of support for our work in the region and around the state, or your generous gifts to the University of Massachusetts Lowell. In these challenging times, the University continues to serve its students and the Commonwealth by offering affordable, excellent educational programs, conducting exceptional research, and sharing its resources in myriad ways — always keeping its focus on assisting sustainable regional development. The University’s profile is as prominent as it has ever been and is improving. From timely research on the SARS virus and helping improve the teaching of history in Lowell schools to promoting innovative “green chemistry” that prevents pollution of the environment, UMass Lowell is active across the spectrum of disciplines and issues facing us every day. This year we celebrate a half century of achievements at the University’s Research Foundation. Our congratulations and appreciation go to the many researchers whose work has contributed to making our society one that is wiser, healthier, and more productive. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the final class of graduates at Lowell Textile Institute. We extend our best wishes to all of them and all those whose academic roots stretch back to the textile programs in Lowell. We hope to see many of them on campus for the Fall Festival Reunion and Homecoming celebrations. Finally, we will recognize the second anniversary of 9/11 this fall by dedi- cating a sculptural tribute on campus to the members of the UMass Lowell community who perished in the attacks. One of the alumni, John A. Ogonowski ’72, was awarded an honorary degree posthumously at the 2003 Commencement, in recognition of his service to community and country. He and others lost on 9/11 will be remembered in an artwork to be installed on an overlook along the Merrimack River.

Sincerely,

William T. Hogan Chancellor Calendar of Events

November 12 – December 10 Friday, March 5 SEPTEMBER 2003 The Alphabet as Art Alumni Golf Tournament and Luncheon September 3 – September 26 Curated by UML Professor Karen Roehr Naples, Florida Ellen D. Mullane Reception: Wed., November 19, 2 – 4 pm Paintings – new works by UML Alum, UNIVERSITY GALLERY Sunday, March 7 Class of 2000 UML SOUTH Tomas Kubinek: Certified Lunatic & Master Reception: Wed., Sept. 10, 2 – 4 pm of the Impossible Gallery Talk 3:00 November 12 – December 3 Family Discovery Series UNIVERSITY GALLERY November Light DURGIN HALL UML SOUTH Books & Boxes UML SOUTH Gail Milligan, UML, Class of 2004 September 3 – September 24 DUGIN GALLERY March 10 – April 7 Student Paintings UML SOUTH 3D Sculpture, Paper, Ceramics DUGAN GALLERY Curated by Jim Coates UML SOUTH DECEMBER 2003 APRIL 2004 DURGIN GALLERY Sunday, December 7, 2003 SOUTH CAMPUS OCTOBER 2003 The Gizmo Guys October 1 – November 7 Family Discovery Series APRIL 2004 Allen Ginsberg: “Snapshot Poetics,” DURGIN HALL photographs by famed Beat writer UML CAMPUS Sunday, April 4 Allen Ginsberg courtesy of the SCRAP Arts Music Howard Greenberg Gallery in New York City December 13 – January 10, Family Discovery Series Reception: Thurs, Oct 2, 3 – 6 pm 2004 DURGIN HALL In conjunction with UML’s Jack Kerouac BFA Candidates Fall 2003 UML SOUTH Conference on Beat Literature Reception: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2 – 5 pm UNIVERSITY GALLERY University Gallery & Dugan April 14 – May 12 UML SOUTH UNIVERSITY GALLERY Rob Millard: Interactive Sculpture UML SOUTH Reception: Wed., Apr. 21, 2 – 4 pm Sunday, October 5 UNIVERSITY GALLERY Shangri-La Acrobats JANUARY 2004 UML SOUTH Family Discovery Series DURGIN HALL January 28 – February 25 April 21 – May 12 UML SOUTH Tim Harney: Paintings BIG student show Reception: Wed., Feb 4, 2 – 4 pm Reception & Awards: April 28, 2 – 4pm October 8 – 29 UNIVERSITY GALLERY DURGIN GALLERY Alumni Group Photo Show UML SOUTH UML SOUTH Curated by UML Alum Melissa Boyajian, Class of 2002 FEBRUARY 2004 MAY 2004 DURGIN GALLERY UML SOUTH February 2-10 Sunday, May 2 Alumni Campus Abroad Cultural Season Charlotte’s Web October 10 – 11 Orvieto, Italy Family Discovery Series FALL FESTIVAL/REUNIONS/HOMECOMING DURGIN HALL February 11- March 18 UML SOUTH October 20 Alumni Holidays Escape Program “Famous Long Ago: Eyewitness to the 60s,” London, England May 15 – June 12 a talk by author Raymond Mungo. BFA Candidates Spring 2004 Parker Lectures series. 7 p.m. February 4 – February 25 Reception: Sat., May 15, 2 – 5 pm O’LEARY LIBRARY Art & Copy University Gallery & Dugan Gallery UML SOUTH Curated by Karen Roehr and Arno Minkkinen UNIVERSITY GALLERY DURGIN GALLERY UML SOUTH UML SOUTH NOVEMBER 2003 JUNE 2004 Saturday, November 1 Saturday, February 28 Francis Cabot Lowell Alumni Awards Dinner All Alumni Hockey Night Sunday, June 6 Wyndham Andover Hotel UML vs. Maine Commencement Ceremony Andover, MA TSONGAS ARENA TSONGAS ARENA LOWELL LOWELL Sunday, November 2 The Star Keeper MARCH 2004 For more information on alumni activities, please Family Discovery Series check our Alumni Web site Calendar: March 3 – April 7 DURGIN Hall www.uml.edu/Alumni or call the Office of Alumni UML South Doug Bosch: Installation Relations toll free (877) UML-ALUM or 978-934-3140. Reception: Wed, Mar. 3, 2 – 4 pm UNIVERSITY GALLERY For more information on the Family Discovery Series, please call the Center for the Arts at (978) 934-4444. UML SOUTH Interested in subscribing to The Connector, FAMILY DAY will be held on Saturday, Oct 4, from 11 a.m. to 4p.m. UML’s student newspaper? Please call (978) 934- Enjoy a craft fair, food fest, old photos, caricatures, ponyrides, live performances, and more! 5009 or e-mail your request to [email protected] HomecomingTHERE’S NO PLACE LIKE

October 10-11

lease join us for Homecoming at your alma 1:30 pm Downtown mater on the weekend of October 10 and 11, Just for Fun Contests Lowell Attractions2003 P2003. Class Reunions for the 50th, 40th and Get a team together from your class or from Mogan Cultural Center 25th classes and the decade of the 90s (includ- a group you were active with on campus (e.g. (exhibits of Mill Girls and Ethnic Lowell) ing 2001 thru 2003) will take place all week- Band, athletic teams, Student Government, Boott Mills Museum end. We invite all other alumni to take part in Residential Life) and join us for a fabulous Revolving Museum the activities on Saturday, October 11, includ- time. Outside of the Campus Recreation American Textile History Museum ing those listed below at the new and exciting Center. New England Quilt Museum Campus Recreation Center. Afternoon Brush Art Gallery and Studios 9:30 am Varsity athletic games on campus National Streetcar Museum "Active Start" Several activities at Campus 7 pm Whistler House Museum of Art Recreation Center-Fun Run/ Walk, Yoga, etc. River Hawk Hockey vs. UMass Amherst at the (works by Ed Adler, ’53 Lowell Textile) Noon Tsongas Arena. Discounted tickets are avail- For additional information, or to register, Alumni Homecoming Luncheon able through the Alumni Office. call the Alumni Office at (978)934-3140 or All alumni invited. Campus Recreation Center toll free at (877) UML-ALUM or email us at $15 (You must pre-register for the luncheon). http//www.uml.edu/alumni [email protected] by October 1. For an updated schedule of events, visit our Web site.

Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Permit 219 Burl., VT. 05401 Office of Alumni Relations Wannalancit Mills Complex 600 Suffolk Street Lowell, MA 01854-3629

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Write to us using this form with news about your family, career, or hobbies. Table of Contents We Want If you send us a photo we will gladly include it and return it to you after it appears. This form may also be used for updating a new business or FALL 2003 VOLUME 6 NUMBER 3 home address or phone number. News Please check box if Be sure to give us your e-mail address so you can receive our e-newsletter. information is new. Fall 2003 AboutYou! ❐ Campus News Volume 6, Number 3 Name:______Colleges - Arts & Sciences 2 Women: Please include your graduation name. The UMass Lowell Alumni Colleges - Education 4 ❐ Magazine is published by: Colleges - Engineering Class Year:______Major:______4 Publications Office Colleges - Health 6 ❐ University of Massachusetts Lowell Colleges - Advancement 7 Home Address:______One University Avenue Campus - Outlook 7 ❐ Lowell, MA 01854 City:______Tel.(978) 934-3223 Campus - Outreach 7 e-mail: [email protected] Campus - Research 9 ❐ Campus - Commencement 22 State: ______Zip:______Vice Chancellor for University Campus - Athletics 28 ❐ Relations and Development Home Phone:______Dr. Frederick P. Sperounis Campus - Alumni Events 32 Campus - Class Notes 34 ❐ E-mail Address: ______Executive Director of Communications and Marketing Face of Philanthropy ❐ Christine Dunlap Employer: ______Executive Director of A Long-ago Hoopster, a ❐ Title: ______University Advancement 11 Modern Philanthropist Please send to: Matthew Eynon UMass Lowell ❐ Business Address:______Cover Story Office of Alumni Relations Director of Programs and Alumni Services Wannalancit Mills Complex ❐ The Research City:______Diane Earl 600 Suffolk St. 12 Foundation Celebrates Lowell, MA 01854-3629 ❐ Page 22 State: ______Zip:______Associate Director Half a Century Fax: (978) 934-3111 Deme Gys Page 12 E-mail: [email protected] of Service ❐ Page 20 Business Phone: ______Fax: ______Director of Publications and Editor Mary Lou Hubbell Feature Story What topics would you enjoy reading more about News about you: Provost Robert — Alumni, Students, Faculty, Campus? Staff Writers Geoffrey Douglas 20 Wagner Retires Paul Marion ’76 Jack McDonough Feature Story Contributing Writers Renae Lias Claffey New School Will Elizabeth James Elaine Keough 26 Integrate, Expand Work Ken Lyons of Health Professions, Patti McCafferty Work Environment ______Sandra Seitz Rick Sherburne ______Feature Story Design Shilale Design Jim Stone’s 37-Year Page 26 The University of Massachusetts 30 Legacy Marks an End Please check the activities with which you would Lowell is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action, Title IX, H/V, like to help: ADA 1990 Employer. Feature Story Page 11 Ⅺ Ⅺ Alumni Relations Council College/Departmental Activities Then and Now Ⅺ Young Alumni Council Ⅺ Regional Chapters 37 Page 30 Ⅺ Career Services (UCAN) Ⅺ Class Reunions Ⅺ Fall Festival Committee

Ⅺ Please send me a copy of the latest Lowell Alumni Handbook, Lowell Textile School • Massachusetts State Normal School • State Teachers College at Lowell • Lowell Textile Institute which includes information on all alumni benefits, services and activities. Thank you! Lowell Technological Institute • Massachusetts State College at Lowell • Lowell State College • University of Lowell

40 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 1 CampusNews CampusNews

“Butler was widely hated in the the strength of his or her research.” Colleges - Arts & Sciences South; he was widely controversial for Shea and Rogers Her first courses have all been through his occupations of Southern cities dur- Collaborate on ‘Rusty’ distance learning; each campus ing the war,” says Prof. Michael Pierson Research maintains a classroom dedicated to that of the History Department. interactive, Internet-based approach. It has been demonstrated that The faculty are especially helpful The Patrick J. Mogan Cultural vitamin B12 plays an important role in a program that is new to everyone Center advisory board named Pierson in retarding the onset of Alzheimer’s involved: “We are pioneers,” says the Scholar in the City for 2003. disease. Unfortunately, it fails to He is performing extensive research on Hasegawa. work in some cases because it “rusts.” Dr. Juliette Rooney-Varga, right, a faculty member Prof. Arnold O’Brien Prof. Supriya Lahiri Butler, perhaps Lowell’s best known It rusts, says Prof. Thomas Shea of the Intercampus Graduate School of Marine 19th century figure. Science and Technology, discusses a summer Study Shows “Our project,” O’Brien says, “was to of biological sciences, because it research project with Yuko Hasegawa, the first Economic/Ecological see if we could come up with a scheme oxidizes—just as a scratch on the UMass Lowell-based graduate student in the Value of Black Brook to evaluate the environmental and program. fender of your car would oxidize and economic potential of Black Brook.” rust. The solution, in the case of the Black Brook is an unassuming stream IGS Plunges into A core group of five students con- vitamin, is an antioxidant called that originates in Chelmsford, mean- Oceanographic Research ducted the research to determine both glutathione that converts B12 into ders through a section of Lowell and the ecological and economic value its active forms. One of the great remaining unex- eventually flows into the Merrimack River. of Black Brook. Research conducted by scientists plored frontiers of science is the ocean. In the ecological portion, the at the University of Wales College of Covering more than 70 percent of the Known as the Black Brook water- students videotaped the wetland and Intel Gift Forms Medicine, has found that a “rust- earth’s surface, its processes and systems shed, it covers about 3.4 square miles. evaluated it through a process that Foundation of New proof” form of the vitamin, GS-B12, are not fully understood, yet the ocean Like wetlands everywhere, its benefits rated its functions in terms of social Laboratory Prof. Michael should be a far more effective treat- arguably affects every aspect of life are generally unknown or ignored by Pierson significance, effectiveness and opportu- ment. GS-B12 is retained in the on land. those who live and work around it. nity to perform a number of functions. Seven Xscale architecture cus- body longer than the form now in The new Intercampus Graduate But Prof. Supriya Lahiri of the Butler began in Lowell as an attorney The functions include such things tomer reference boards, donated use and it can be administered in School of Marine Science and Tech- Economics Department says that Black to the Department of Computer who developed an interest in labor as flood control, the filtration of activism, often defending mill workers tablet form. nology (often referred to as IGS) Brook’s total economic value to the Science by Intel, are the founda- plunges into oceanographic research. community “over an infinite time pollutants, support of wildlife and tion of a new storage architecture against their Whig-party employers. Shea and Prof. Gene Rogers availability for recreational purposes. This experience was important to him of UMass Lowell’s Health and Clini- The school is building a strong public horizon” is $160 million. And Prof. lab in Olsen Hall. Storage architec- To determine the economic value, when he went on to serve as an officer cal Sciences Department are among higher education program in a state Arnold O’Brien of the Environmental ture is one of the fastest growing the students surveyed 150 area resi- for the Union army. a number of scientists collaborating with a long maritime tradition and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences areas in the industry. Computer great interest in marine matters. Department would describe its ecologi- dents. After explaining the function science graduate student Nikhil Pierson plans to incorporate his on the research. “I’m a big fan,” says Juliette Rooney- cal benefits — including flood control and benefits of the wetland, they asked Karkare, seated, works with the research into a book on unionism in The long-term goal, says Shea, Varga, assistant professor of biological and the filtering of toxins in the the respondents what they would be new equipment under the supervi- New Orleans. The $2,500 Scholar in is “the role of nutrition on neural sciences and a member of the IGS water supply. willing to pay to maintain the benefits. sion of Prof. William Moloney. the City award will enable him to do health. There are genetic things that Based on the results of the survey, research at the Library of Congress in go wrong in Alzheimer’s disease, but admissions committee. “The IGS draws A system-wide distance learning Lahiri says, the total economic evalua- Washington D.C., studying Butler’s at every step of the way it’s clear that on specialized faculty from all the cam- honors course was established at UMass Pierson Named Scholar tion of the Black Brook system was personal papers. good nutrition and good levels of puses, giving us a better program than Amherst in 1998 to study environmen- in the City about $3.2 million a year or, over an antioxidants buffer those problems. any one campus could provide. And it tal problems throughout the state. Fac- The Scholar in the City program is attracting high caliber graduate stu- ulty from each of the system’s campuses “infinite time horizon,” $160 million. There’s probably only one former Healthy nutrition plays a major is sponsored by the Lowell National dents.” gave lectures, and students conducted Massachusetts governor whose face role.” “Now,” says Lahiri, “we need to dis- Historical Park in partnership with research on various issues. The lectures ever adorned the bottom of a cham- One such graduate student is Yuko seminate this knowledge to the people UMass Lowell. and research reports were videotaped ber pot. The honor is exclusively Hasegawa, UMass Lowell’s first student in Lowell. If they knew the value of the and distributed to each campus. that of Benjamin Butler of Lowell, a in the program and Rooney-Varga’s watershed, maybe they would not allow Union officer who became infamous advisee. That’s when Lahiri, O’Brien and a commercial development to occur. throughout the South during the “Each class I have taken has multiple group of UMass Lowell students began We’d like the people to know that they Civil War before returning home to faculty and I like that very much,” says their research on the Black Brook have something valuable and that we assume the state’s highest office. Hasegawa. “Each professor teaches from watershed. don’t want another parking lot there.”

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Colleges - Arts & Sciences panies left behind lenges of improving public education,” “Plastic that has no stress doesn’t CS/CE, Engineering gutted communities says Dean Donald Pierson, GSE. change the refraction of light,” says Awarded Training Montrie’s New Book that were no more Since recently taking the position, Prof. Stephen McCarthy, director of Contract by OFS Fitel Unearths the Troubles than ‘rural slums.’ ” Gerry Qualtrale, director of curriculum IPI, “which makes it ideal for monitor screens, high definition television, lap Working with the Plastics and with Strip Mining The book grew and instruction for the district and a Engineering Technology departments, out of Montrie’s UMass Lowell alumnus, has been lead- top computers and Palm Pilots since During the 1960s, social activism was the Division of Continuing Studies dissertation work ing the charge in ramping up Haverhill there is less distortion.” a hallmark in the streets of Washington and Corporate Education (CS/CE) has at Ohio State teachers’ professional development. Research faculty and graduate stu- delivered 156 hours of on-site training D.C., Boston, San Francisco — and University. While dents will be using the equipment the foothills of Appalachia. Asst. Prof. Chad Montrie “Our mission at the University is to at OFS Fitel, an optics company in Visteon Exec, Alum, there, he helped work regionally,” says Davidson. “Now to test its validity and explore its Sturbridge. Few might associate the sleepy envi- Speaks at Executive organize a strike by the United Food we’re covering the three major cities marketability. rons of Leslie County, Kentucky, with The hands-on training program Forum and Commercial Workers union in in our region.” “UMass Lowell is one of the leading civil disobedience and demonstrations. Whitesburg in his home state of included modules in eight areas — Michael Johnston, center, is presi- educational institutions in plastics such as Introduction to Pumps and But, according to a new book by Assis- Kentucky. Through his contacts there, engineering,” says Reginald Taylor, dent and chief operating officer of Colleges - Engineering Compressors, Industrial Maintenance Visteon Corp., one of the largest tant Prof. Chad Montrie of the History he learned of the need for greater director of licensing for Rohm and Practices and Couplings, and Motor automotive suppliers in the world, Department, Appalachia saw a surge examination of the environmental Haas. “They also had the space for the Rohm and Haas Donates and Mechanical Drive Components. with 2001 global sales revenues of of grassroots militancy to abolish a and social crisis that had been generat- equipment and had the history of common scourge during this period. ed through the practice of strip mining $1.5M Process Line to IPI “The willingness of the faculty in $17.8 billion. Johnston, a UMass working with industry.” Lowell alumnus in industrial manage- in the region. both the Plastics Department and the “Small farmers, active and retired Rohm and Haas Company has ment, says his company employs Mechanical Engineering Department deep miners, homemaker wives and donated a $1.5 million film process Nypro Makes New 200 Lowell graduates and recruits Colleges - Education mothers, as well as some middle-class line called Stress Free Optical Process Plastics Lab Possible to customize programs for business and heavily on campus because the professionals and business leaders, to the Institute of Plastics Innovation industry has been a major factor in University has “a great reputation Nypro Chairman Gordon Lankton banded together for the specific pur- GSE Forms Partnership with (IPI). The company also gave the Insti- helping us to develop strong corporate for a no-nonsense approach.” With and his company have funded the reno- pose of fighting the menace of surface Haverhill Public Schools tute an additional $50,000 to help sup- partnerships,” says CS/CE Dean Johnston are Krishna Vedula, former vation of a laboratory in Ball Hall to coal mining,” Montrie writes in To port installation of the equipment. The Jacqueline Moloney. dean of the Francis College of School districts are grappling with a create the Nypro Precision Injection Save the Land and the People. “The best process creates a special film complete- Prof. Robert Tuholski, engineering Engineering, and Kathryn Verrault, wide variety of issues — from the No Molding Lab. The lab will house more dean of the College of Management. known of the organizations was the ly free of stress, an invention pioneered technology, and Prof. Nick Schott, Child Left Behind Act to finding than a half million dollars’ worth of The two colleges sponsor the Senior Appalachian Group to Save the Land by Rohm and Haas, the company that plastics, helped develop the program qualified school administrators. It’s no equipment, including an all-electric Executive Forum. and the People (AGSLP).” also invented Plexiglas in 1936. and taught several modules. wonder some districts are looking for Nova injection molding machine Montrie’s book, which takes its name guidance and, in the case of Haverhill, from Nypro. “Our satisfied customers continue to from the AGSLP, traces the history of have turned to the Graduate School of be a constant source of future business According to Prof. Robert Malloy, Appalachian surface, or strip, mining Education (GSE) to get it. for the division. Modeled after the suc- chair of plastics engineering, Nypro and the accompanying movement to cessful manufacturing training program “A lot of things we’ve been asked to is also coordinating an effort to have abolish it. He examines the rise and delivered twice at Lucent Technologies do are much different than what we’ve machinery suppliers make other fall of state and local campaigns that in North Andover, this new education been doing” in other districts like equipment donations to help fill the employed tactics ranging from civil contract resulted as a referral from Lowell and Lawrence, says Prof. Judy revamped space. One supplier, disobedience to industrial sabotage, former Lucent training managers who Davidson of GSE, one of the lead con- Sumitomo of Japan, contributed a including dynamiting equipment and were extremely pleased with our sultants for the district. The programs precision micro-molding machine. Design Lab Entices using people to block trucks and bull- in Lowell and Lawrence focus specifi- retention rates and high quality Six pieces of equipment will each Young Engineers with dozers. cally on coursework. In Haverhill, training,” says Catherine Kendrick, represent different aspects of injection After-School Program “The book provides a history that has it is a combination of coursework and director of corporate and distance molding to expose graduate and under- a usable past,” Montrie says. “It’s an facilitating communication across market development. Corey Warren of the Wang Middle graduate students to a wide range of attempt to recover the environmental- the district. School uses a drill press to advance processes. his project in the University’s ism of working people.” “Our partnership with Haverhill is “The lab gives students hands-on DesignLab, which is funded by the The New Yorker magazine said Mon- another example of how the University Reginald Taylor, right, director of licensing experience with sophisticated equip- National Science Foundation to trie’s book “chronicles resistance to is responding to the needs of local for Rohm and Haas, discusses the company’s donation of a film process line with Prof. ment that will give them an incredibly encourage student interest in surface mining in Appalachia, as com- school districts and providing viable, Stephen McCarthy of the Institute for broad education in the field,” says science and engineering. collaborative solutions to the chal- Plastics Innovation. Malloy.

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and freshly painted walls to create a more Colleges - Engineering of three required courses and an addi- tional elective. appealing environment. UMass Lowell Students The Nursing Department conducted The mezzanine, formerly office and Show Off ‘Big Brains’ in an informal needs-based assessment of storage space, provides students with College Bowl their local health care partners and a larger study area. Two group study alumni. The survey found that nurses rooms, with glass walls to provide The UMass Lowell College Bowl need increased knowledge and skills to privacy with openness and natural light- team placed third out of 10 teams in serve older adults who are experiencing ing, occupy one section of the mezzanine. this year’s Northeast Regional Tourna- common mental health and psychiatric ment at Bentley College. The third floor continues to house the David Wegman, left, former chair of the Work problems of later life. The geropsychi- Center for Learning and the School of Environment Department, and Interim Provost John The UML squad also collected the atric and mental health nursing certifi- Health and Environment faculty offices, Wooding are members of the Massachusetts award for Most Improved Team, and Young Worker Initiative Task Force. cate will cover pathology, while the fourth floor was redesigned to team Captain Charles Guthy, a junior psychopharmacology and behavioral hold the entire book collection. the road, on the sports field, or in the electrical engineering major, was management strategies in the nursing The fifth floor is the interim home for streets. We rarely think about their named one of the five tournament New Lab Opens in Plastics Engineering care of older adults. Some of the the Graduate School of Education, which part-time, after-school or summer jobs all-stars. courses can be applied to the master’s Stephen Rocheleau, second from left, cuts the ribbon to the Plastics Engi- eventually will move to the Lawrence as a source of concern, but we need to Guthy’s teammates were Sarah neering Department’s new Rocheleau Blow Molding Lab, which contains degree program. Mfg. Co. mill building. think again,” says Prof. David Weg- Fischer, Charles Greene, Patrick Joyce equipment donated by Rocheleau Tool and Die Co., Inc., of Fitchburg. Roche- man, chair of the Department of Work Campus - Advancement and Laurie MacMunn. Honors Program leau, president of the company and grandson of its founder, was joined by Environment and task force co-chair. plastics engineering Prof. Stephen Orroth, left, former engineering Dean View The Shuttle and Coordinator Laurie Tirado and Honors Alumni and Friends Gather Interim Provost John Wooding is a Program Director Steve Pennell served Krishna Vedula, and plastics engineering Prof. Robert Malloy, chair of the Magazine Online department. Blow molding is used to produce plastic bottles for dairy, in a New Place Online member of the task force. Co-chairs as the team’s coaches. industrial, medical, container and toy applications. The Shuttle and the UMass Lowell include Susan Gallagher, senior scien- Alumni Relations has launched a College Bowl, often called “The Var- Magazine are both available online. tist, Education Development Center, redesigned Web site to help alumni and sity Sport of the Mind,” is a contest of You can find current and back issues on Inc.; and Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, exec- friends connect to the University. The questions and answers played by teams school students throughout the country Colleges - Health UML Today (intranet.uml.edu) in the utive director, MassCOSH. site outlines the benefits and services of of competing students. The tournament for the field of engineering. The idea is Quick Links section on the left side of being an alumnus/a, ways to give to the The task force is composed of repre- is divided into two parts: a round-robin to have some 20,000 youngsters on 800 Nursing Launches Two the Web page. Or you can see the University, and ways to keep in touch sentatives of youth and community session, followed by a double-elimina- teams participate in a process in which Graduate Certificates publications, as well as current news and stay involved, including a calendar organizations, schools, employers, tion playoff among the top four teams. corporations and universities design stories about the University, by visiting The Department of Nursing launched of events. Designed by Web Director unions and health care organizations. and construct robots in just six weeks. www.uml.edu/umlmainpage/umlnews/. The UMass Lowell team’s overall two graduate certificates last fall to Gerry Nelson, the site can be viewed Each year, 200,000 teens under the Goodhue and Jansen spent hundreds record in the competition was 8-4. respond to the needs of the nursing at http://www.uml.edu/Alumni/. age of 18 are injured on the job across of hours each on the project — order- community. The certificate in nursing the nation. More than 600 cases are Undergrads ‘Reach Out’ for ing, designing and machining parts, Campus - Outreach education will address the shortage of Campus Outlook reported annually in Massachusetts. Capstone Project Credit and training a team of students from educators in the field. The certificate in Task Force Recommends Teens are most frequently injured Whitinsville Christian Academy. geropsychiatric and mental health O’Leary Library Renovation Ways to Improve Teen Two undergraduate mechanical engi- while working in restaurants, grocery Making it a capstone project made nursing will fill the increasing need for Nears Completion Worker Safety neering students, working on a commu- and other stores, and health care sense to Goodhue, who said, “It’s an nurses to care for the country’s elder nity outreach project, found a way to O’Leary Library underwent an eight- The Massachusetts Young Worker Ini- facilities. Surveys of working youth in intense period of work and similar to a population. engineer their efforts into credit for a month renovation this past school year tiative Task Force released a report ear- Massachusetts indicate that half do project you would get in industry. senior capstone project this year. While many nurses have the appro- to make room for the Graduate School lier this year that calls for a broad-based not receive any training about how There’s a problem to solve, certain Brian Goodhue and Ryan Jansen dis- priate undergraduate degree, they lack of Education, relocate the entire book effort by employers, schools, communi- to perform their jobs safely. resources you can use and a deadline covered they were spending a signifi- expertise in teaching methods and cur- collection to the fourth floor and ties and the state to address the high to meet.” cant amount of time on the FIRST (For riculum. The education certificate is revamp the first floor and mezzanine rate of teen worker injuries. The report New Project Seeks to Inspiration and Recognition of Science Prof. Sammy Shina was the adviser intended for nurses who hold a master’s for student-related activities. includes an array of recommendations Make Homes Healthy to Goodhue and Jansen. Steven Cote, degree, a doctoral degree or are matric- and Technology) Robotics Competi- The first-floor enhancements include that would provide safer jobs for young Many families in Lowell rent older a mechanical engineer in the Submil- ulated into a doctoral program but may tion. the relocation of administration offices workers. housing, built before the 1978 ban on limeter-Wave Technology Lab, headed be interested in shifting to teaching. The objective of the competition is to a centralized area. Students will “When we think about risks for teens, lead paint. Besides lead, the houses up the design and fabrication team. Some of the courses can be applied to a to generate enthusiasm among high have 20 new computers available for we generally think about their risks on may have high levels of mold and doctoral degree. The certificate consists research, new furniture and artwork,

6 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 7 CampusNews CampusNews

mildew, a problem compounded by UMass Lowell Spin-off Romney says he intends to use the fund poor ventilation. Electrical systems are Konarka Receives State to support economic development and often inadequate for the load placed on Funding the creation of alternative energy them by extended families sharing a sources. Established in 1998 through living space. Calling UMass Lowell spin-off com- the electric restructuring law, the fund pany Konarka an example of the “kind In addition, families from different receives deposits from a monthly sur- of innovation ... that leads to jobs, to countries are using their homes in ways charge on consumer electric bills and technology and to enhancement of the that are unfamiliar to inspectors from is administered by the Massachusetts environment,” Gov. Mitt Romney local agencies. What does one do about Technology Collaborative. Vibrating motors connected to sensors on the shoes of blind wearers announced a $1.5 million loan to the identify obstacles in their vicinity. The system is controlled by a pack cooking grills used indoors, exotic company from the state’s Renewable containing three AAA batteries and all the circuitry. bedding materials or unusual methods Campus - Research Energy Trust Fund. The funding will be of food storage? How does one commu- Sensory Shoes Help the Blind Walk Parents and caregivers learn how to create a used for a pilot production line. nicate the dangers of solvents used in voice-activated system for the disabled. New Center Targets with Confidence The loan represents the first public Security a home business or the potential Richard Castle was just trying to come up with a good And sometimes, all you have to work funding for Konarka, which has secured asthma triggers? Security, as most of us recognize, is idea — something that hadn’t been done in the past — with is your voice. $13.5 million in venture capital. The UMass Lowell’s Center for Family, not a simple matter of gates, guns and for his senior capstone project in assistive technology to Voice control of your environment — company will produce flexible plastic Work and Community (CFWC) is checkpoints. For people to feel safe and complete his requirements in electrical and computer Richard Castle has creat- turning lights or other electrical devices solar cells — the brainchild of the late teaming up with the Lowell Health secure, their society must also support a engineering. ed a sensory system for on and off, surfing the Internet, dictating Prof. Sukant Tripathy. the blind that identifies Department to begin a Healthy growing economy and preserve the to a word processor — is available He finally decided to create a sensing system that could where and how far away Homes Demonstration Project, funded Tripathy envisioned low-cost, wear- fundamental values of democracy. obstacles are, without through an environmental control replace the walking stick for the blind. Sensors would by the U.S. Department of Housing able, lightweight power sources as the need for a cane. package that costs about $5,000 The new Center for Security, Safety locate objects and some sort of alarm would alert the per- and Urban Development. CFWC a way to bring power to the two commercially — or just $50 through a and Society (CSS), directed by Senior son to obstructions and also tell how far away they were. If he could manage to Co-Director Linda Silka is heading the billion people who have no access to technology transfer seminar provided Research Scientist Hal Salzman, takes a make it small enough, the whole system would fit onto a pair of shoes. project with Stephanie Chalupka, broad approach to issues of security, by the Assistive Technology Program “My original idea was to put the sensors on the shoes and run wires up to associate professor of nursing; David combining policy considerations with at UMass Lowell. a belt pack for the alerting mechanism,” says Castle. “I didn’t think I could Turcotte, program manager at CFWC; research results, in order to develop The seminar empowers family mem- miniaturize it enough to put it on the shoes.” and Frank Singleton, director of the better education and training programs bers and caregivers of the disabled to Lowell Health Department. for safety workers. He did, though, with persistent searching for very small components. The install computer software and hardware “Many of Lowell’s children face triple sensors are each about the size of a quarter. Each is a small infrared transmitter for a home voice recognition environ- “Security can’t be achieved just challenges,” says Silka, “of coming from and receiver combination that has a range of about one meter. mental control system. through technology,” says Salzman. homes where English is not spoken, “You have to consider policy objectives Next, Castle turned to the problem of making the person aware of the “In five hours, we explain the where the family is living in poverty and worker training.” obstruction — some warning device. He rejected speakers as “obnoxious” and and where healthy housing cannot technology. The participants install too conspicuous, and then thought about vibrating motors. The solution was For example, many positions that be assumed.” the software on a computer, use the hard- a motor, about the size of a dime, devised for cellular phones. ware, learn to talk to the computer, and could be considered “front-line” security The Healthy Homes Project will The elegance of the design solution is in the circuitry. The electronics can turn two lights on and off,” says Alan work, such as private security guards and develop culturally sensitive educational control any of the three sensors and three vibrators on each shoe. To make it Rux, project technical coordinator, who airport workers, have an incredibly high materials and will train home visit compact, Castle eliminated microprocessors and converters. He carefully chose taught the seminar with retired Prof. turnover rate—up to 400 percent. providers. Project leaders will Gov. Mitt Romney announces a loan to UMass and tested components that would run on four and one-half volts, or about Donn Clark, director of assistive tech- “Imagine trying to train a security also develop methods for tracking Lowell spin-off company, Konarka. Behind him are three AAA batteries, then packed all the wiring into the fourth slot of a nology. “When people go home, they Konarka’s employees and administration officials. force when today’s crew of workers is observations on home environmental four-battery pack. know how to install the system.” entirely gone every four months,” says quality. electricity. The company he inspired With a working prototype in hand, Castle contacted the Lowell Association The system can control up to 256 Salzman. “And in many cases the criti- now has 37 employees, seven of whom for the Blind to find a volunteer tester. Dana Bernor was happy to give the first Seminar Empowers electrical devices. cal front-line workers responding to a are UMass Lowell graduates. The cam- security issue aren’t even designated as shoe a “test walk.” Voices of the Disabled Both Clark and Rux give credit to pus has a seven percent equity interest security workers: They are the cleaning Bernor made some suggestions and then asked to keep the final pair of shoes. their students, who developed the inex- If you’re in a wheelchair, breathing in the company. crew or utility workers or building pensive, effective technology as they “The shoes can enhance the mobility of blind and visually impaired people,” with a respirator, and reliant on oth- Konarka was one of several renew- inspectors. We have to think about completed senior capstone projects in says Bernor. “They are especially useful in new environments where using a ers for basic mobility and life func- able energy firms to receive a loan from skill development and career ladders electrical and computer engineering. cane would be impracticable.” tions, it’s nice to control something. the Renewable Energy Trust Fund. for these people.”

8 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 9 CampusNews The Face of Philanthropy By Geoffrey Douglas Next Stop, Lawrence Mfg. Bell‘s Research Explores Practice of Vodou Co. Mill — Grad School of Ed Moves to South Caryn Cosse Bell believes vodou has received a bad rap. A Long-Ago Hoopster, a Modern Philanthropist The history professor says that the ancient African religion, Four pairs of scissors snapped the red, commonly associated with dolls and stickpins, actually fostered white and blue ribbon across the doors to $50,000 yearly gifts – an exchange program spirituality and enlightenment that enabled oppressed people to feel the new Graduate School of Education, he Lowell Textile Institute basketball team between Shenkar and UMass Lowell, which empowered. She hopes her ongoing research will prove that vodou T officially marking the move to the fifth in 1941, with David Pernick as its captain, was continues to thrive today. Then there is the was a catalyst for good, rather than evil and sorcery, and has been floor of O’Leary Library. Dean Donald drawn from a student body of not much more Israel Tennis Center, designed largely for chil- misrepresented in popular fiction and Hollywood movies. Pierson; Prof. Judith Boccia, director of than 400. It was a tiny school of mostly local dren and teens – which, he says, is “an effort to the Center for Field Services and Studies “What vodou promoted and the spiritualism provided was a multi- History Prof. Caryn students playing a big-city, big-college sport. provide some active outlet in a nation that has Cosse Bell says And the schedule reflected it: Tufts, UNH, (CFSS); Patricia Noreau, director of the culturalist, universalist society in which everyone was equal,” Bell seen so much trouble and so much loss.” “vodou,”which has the Pratt Institute, Hofstra, and others just as libraries; and Joseph Caufield, assistant to says. “It's a wonderful message, this vision of women and men, Pernick, though retired now, remains as become the focus of daunting. the provost, welcomed students and col- black and white, the notion that we're all part of the same spirit some of her research engaged and committed as ever. He travels often leagues to explore the renovated space. world. It's life-affirming.” into the 19th-century And yet they finished the season with a internationally — to Israel and elsewhere — is culture of New Orleans, near-.500 record. And David Pernick, the chairman of the international board of directors Bell discovered information about vodou (often spelled “voodoo”) The new location includes the GSE is a life-affirming team's leader and inspiration, was the sev- for Shenkar College, a trustee of the North religion. faculty offices, CFSS, a faculty/student as part of her research into the religious culture of 18th- and 19th- enth-highest scorer among all New England Shore Hospital in New York, and of the Kings lounge, two multimedia classrooms, a century New Orleans, the city she called home most of her life before moving north seven schools. Point (New York) Civic Association. (His years ago. In her book, Revolution, Romanticism, and the Afro-Creole Protest Tradition in computer room and a new information But ask him what he recalls as the high- daughter, Jill Friedman, continues the family Louisiana, 1718-1868, Bell examines Spiritualism, a radical religious sect that emphasized David and Francis Pernick kiosk. And the school brought a piece of point of that long-ago season, and his answer tradition of giving as a teacher of gifted children.) UML West to O’Leary — a garden that personal empowerment and repudiated orthodox religion. She said that in Louisiana, is more personal than any of that. What he remembers most, he In addition to the UMass Lowell-Shenkar exchange program, was in Upham Hall inspired by former vodou emerged among enslaved West Africans who fused their ancient religious rites will tell you, is the voice of an old friend from the stands: he has given generously to the University to create the Pernick Dean Virginia Biggy. with elements of Roman Catholicism and Native American spiritual beliefs. Endowment Fund, which benefits students in the College of “At one game — it was against UNH, I think — I’d just scored Management. He was the recipient, in 1991, of the UMass Low- Vodou is based on the worship of one god, who is helped by various spirits, and the prac- a basket or two, and I hear this person calling down. It was a guy ell Distinguished Alumni Award, awarded annually to an alum- tice of rituals that native Africans discovered were similar to Roman Catholicism with its I’d gone to high school with — I’d played basketball in high nus “who has made a significant contribution to a field of saints and sacraments. (“Voudun” actually means God, creator or Great Spirit.) Vodou school, but I was never really much good. ‘Hey Pernick!’ the knowledge or provided exemplary service to the public.” encourages its participants to better understand the natural processes of life and their own voice yells down — ‘When did you learn to play basketball like Today, two years following the 60th anniversary of both his spiritual natures. For example, Bell said the vodou dolls are created from items found in that?’ I got a real kick out of that. I’ve never forgotten it.” marriage and his graduation from LTI, David Pernick continues nature such as Spanish moss, twigs, cloth and string, crafted in the image of a person with There wasn’t a lot of time for basketball after that. Not long to live with his wife Frances in the Kings Point section of Long an article from him or her, such as a piece of hair. after his graduation, with a degree in textile engineering, in Island, New York. Among the many friends he keeps in touch June of 1941, David Pernick joined his father’s textile machin- In particular, the enormous influx of Haitian immigrants in 1809 — which nearly doubled with, at least a few date back to his basketball years: ery business, the Joseph Pernick Company in New York. He got the size of New Orleans and increased the city's black majority to 63 percent — contributed “There were only about 70 of us who graduated that year, I From left, Prof. Judith Boccia, Patricia Noreau, Dean married the same year. Today, 62 years later, both the company Donald Pierson and Interim Provost John Wooding to the ascendancy of vodou across all levels of the city's society. Bell said that in 1874, and the marriage remain at the center of his life. think. A very small group. In a group that small, you get to know gather after the Graduate School of Education ribbon- about 12,000 spectators, both black and white, swarmed to the shores of Lake Pontchartrain people, to share times with them. We had some wonderful expe- There have, of course, been some course adjustments along cutting ceremony. Pierson thanked Noreau and Joe to catch a glimpse of the famed “Voodoo Queen” Marie Laveau as she performed her riences together. I remember them as some very good years.” Caufield for completing the renovations and move the way. But for the most part, the route has been direct. In legendary rites. so quickly. 1960, 19 years after he joined it, he took over his father’s com- Making a Gift to UMass Lowell Bell says that vodou helped produce leaders, as it served as a “weapon of the weak.” pany, renamed it – the Monarch Knitting Machinery Corp. – GSE’s move to UML South is tempo- and expanded its business to Japan. The company today, head- Your gift to the University of Massachusetts Lowell is important in “Vodou's interracial appeal and egalitarian spirit ... offered a dramatic alternative to an many ways. Whether your gift is for general support, or designated for rary. Construction is expected to be com- ed now by David Pernick’s son Bruce, has designed and sold fab- Anglo-American racial order that attempted to confine all persons of African descent — a specific academic program or scholarship, your contribution helps the pleted at the Lawrence Mfg. Co. mill site ric to some of the top clothing makers in the world: J.P. Stevens, University provide a high quality education at an affordable cost. in 2005. More than 250,000 books were both slave and free — to a separate and inferior caste,” Bell says. Bell notes that there is Hanes, Burlington, Fruit of the Loom. And, for years now, its You can make a gift today! relocated in the library as part of the little documented evidence about vodou — which is still practiced by 15 percent of the presence has been international – with a plant in North New Orleans population — but she hopes that her continued research will uncover more. Mail Enclose your gift in the envelope attached to your magazine consolidation, making room for the Carolina and offices in New York, North Carolina, Florida, and mail to UMass Lowell, Office of University Advancement, Graduate School. The Demonstration “There are so many misconceptions about vodou. I‘d like to sort it out and show how Canada and the United Kingdom. 600 Suffolk Street, Lowell, MA 01854. School will remain on UML West in vodou fit into the larger culture,” she says. But textile-making has been only one dimension of David Phone The Office of University Advancement is open from 9:00 am modular units until the GSE’s permanent Pernick’s life. Twenty-three years ago, he co-founded the until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, to accept gifts by Last summer, Bell conducted research in France and New Orleans, with support from phone. Please call 978-934-2223 to make your gift today. move to the Lawrence Mfg. Co. mill site UMass Lowell's Healey Grant for her next book, an annotated translation of a French- Shenkar College of Textile Technology and Fashion in Israel, a school for 2,000 students that now includes both a textiles and Email To contact a gift officer, send a message to University complex, between LeLacheur Park and language memoir, Souvenirs d'AmÉrique et de France, published in Paris in 1883. She has plastics program. He has since funded – through successive Advancement at [email protected]. the Tsongas Arena. received a National Endowment for the Humanities grant to continue that work.

10 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 11 CoverStory CoverStory Research Foundation Celebrates Half a Century of Innovation and Discovery

By Jack McDonough “We had a separate testing division, too. We’d test any type of material. We had a mobile van that went out to industry to repair The brick rested atop a bookcase in the small office at the end of and calibrate electronic equipment for a fee.” the hallway on the second floor of the Wannalancit Mills building. A pamphlet from the early days states, “The On its face was this inscription: Lowell Technological Institute Research Foun- UMass Lowell, Research Foundation, 450 Aiken St., Lowell, MA dation is a nonprofit organization authorized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Date of Demolition 7/17/97 Massachusetts. It was established for the pur- The message is both startling and misleading. It wasn’t the Research pose of encouraging and administering research Foundation that was demolished that day in July. What fell to the sponsored by industry and government at the The old supermarket building on Aiken Street, a former home wrecking ball was the one-time supermarket building that had housed Lowell Technological Institute.” “It was of the Research Foundation. the Foundation for some 30 years. It went on to say that the Foun- established lege of Engineering until he took over Situated near Fox Hall, the market stood on land now occu- dation personnel and the Insti- for the purpose the reins of the Foundation in 1996. pied by LeLacheur Park, home of the Lowell Spinners and tute’s faculty constituted a staff of encouraging He found the accommodations at the UMass Lowell baseball teams. available for research, develop- and administer- supermarket “interesting,” for want of Far from being demolished six years ago, the Research Foun- ment and testing in the fields of ing research a better word. textiles, paper, leather, plastics, dation is now celebrating its 50th anniversary, although sponsored by “When people would say, electronics, management, engi- (wink, wink) it actually may have passed the half-century ‘Where do I find you,’ I’d say, ‘I’m in neering, chemistry and physics. Industry and mark a year or two ago. Government” the produce aisle.’ ” At its inception, the Foundation That small Wannalancit office with the bookcase and the He was in the produce was managed by the executive — Ed Miller brick belonged to Ed Miller who, in June, retired from the Ed Miller aisle only three months director who reported to a five- Foundation for the second time. before the Foundation moved to member executive committee that included its present quarters in the mill Miller joined the Foundation in 1959, fresh out of the Navy. Having the dean of the Graduate School and the pres- building, but he heard a number served as an electronics technician on a destroyer, he took a similar job ident of Lowell Tech. That arrangement later of stories about the old market. with the Foundation. changed and the director simply reported to Some, he acknowledges, may be the dean of the Graduate School. “I thought I’d come here for a couple of years," he says. “Well, it apocryphal. ended up being a career. And I’ve always been happy here. Things pro- Before it was 20 years old, the Foundation In earlier days, some of the work gressed.” moved to the supermarket building on Aiken included animal research. By “progressed,” Miller means that he became purchasing Street. And that’s where it was when, in 1996, agent and then assistant director and, finally, director of the Lou Petrovic succeeded Miller as director. “I was told,” says Petrovic, “that they would feed dogs certain diets Foundation. “I retired in ’96 but I never left,” Miller says. and then analyze the dogs’ stool, “I told Chancellor Hogan in June that I want- When he started out, the Foundation hadn’t even and then store the stool in a freez- ed to retire but he asked me to stay on for six advanced to the supermarket building. In those days its er. One day the freezer broke.” extra months. Then Lou came aboard and Lou Petrovic employees — about 15 in all — were located in the He didn’t elaborate. basement of Cumnock Hall. asked if I’d like to stay on a couple of days a week, and I said ‘yes.’ ” “Another time, I heard, a number of gerbils “There was very little work then and most of it was or other small animals like that were kept in He later reduced that to one day a week and, in the textile area. Most of the work was done by the cages for research purposes. One day they got this year, said, “Now I want no days a week.” permanent staff, not by faculty members,” he recalls. loose and found their way into the building’s “And the dollars were very small. Petrovic had been assistant dean of the Col- ventilation system and came dropping out at

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New ‘Smart Bandage’ Improves various points around the building.” a couple of thousand dollars to more than a Healing Rate of Wounds Later, having moved to their new quarters, million. the Foundation employees finally experienced The money that a company or government what could be described as closure. agency pays for this work provides revenue for devised a new way to separate the cell the University and income for the faculty Two UMass Lowell researchers have “When the stadium was built and the Spin- from the matrix in the laboratory, leav- researchers. In addition, a certain percentage of found a way to use growth factors pro- ners moved in,” Petrovic says, “nearly every- ing the matrix intact. duced by human cells to create a one from the Foundation had tickets for the fee charged is maintained in a special fund dressing that can dramatically improve “We know that when some cells syn- opening day with seats in left field. We’d sit for the researchers, which they may use to sup- the healing rate of a wound. thesize this matrix, they enrich it with there and point down and say, ‘It really is port their ongoing work. a wide spectrum of proteins, called They call it a Smart Bandage and buried. We’re not going back.’ ” It’s the job of the Research Foundation to growth factors, and these are designed they’re exploring ways to commercial- facilitate the work of the faculty researcher. It to work in wound healing,” Braunhut Indeed, the Research Foundation clearly is ize it. helps prepare, polish and deliver proposals, says. moving forward. The two — Prof. Susan Braunhut of handles licensing and legal matters, ensures There are three types of wounds, Faculty invention disclosures total some 25 the Biological Sciences Department that the proper accounting systems are imple- she explains: common lacerations, a year, or about one every two weeks. About 10 and Prof. Kenneth Marx of the Center mented, helps with the hiring of assistants, and burns and venomous bites. Cells locat- for Intelligent Biomaterials in the new patent applications are filed annually and does whatever else is needed to free the ed at points of the body where wounds Chemistry Department — have been about half that many are awarded each year. researcher to concentrate on research. may occur create and store these collaborating on this research for more University researchers have been awarded 75 growth factors so they will be available “We focus on service,” says Petrovic. “If we than two years. Profs. Kenneth Marx and Susan Braunhut patents since patenting activity began two immediately to treat a wound. decades ago. do all these things, then the researchers don’t Initially supported by money from a “The cell wants them ready-made — “When they turn the dial, they acti- have to spend time on details for which they’re National Institutes of Health (NIH) Three to five new like an ambulance,” she says. vate the appropriate treatment for a “In effect, not paid. exploratory grant and from Chancellor very brief period of time,” Braunhut licenses are issued each William T. Hogan’s discretionary fund, She and Marx have “trained” the the more year and income from “We have to satisfy faculty needs. We must says. “That would release the exact make certain they want to keep writing pro- the work has more recently been cells to make matrices packed with factor, and liquid would be released on research we them amounts to about posals. We need to get them interested in spon- awarded a grant from the federal growth factors and then have removed the bandage and would, in turn, satu- do, the more $150,000 annually. Defense Advanced Research Projects the cells, isolating the matrices. rate the wound. sored research that could lead to something we Agency (DARPA) which, Braunhut and money that is The Foundation admin- could license and that would generate money Different growth factors are suited Marx say, “looks for the next ‘big thing’ “It’s a customized bandage, and we isters $23.7 million a year for different kinds of wounds. Braun- returned to the for the University. In effect, the more research across the board — from medicine to can demonstrate a 50 percent faster in research projects, hut and Marx have learned how to we do, the more money that is returned to the missiles.” healing rate,” she says. campus.” and the latest annual release subsets of growth factors by campus.” grant awards totaled $32 Braunhut says, “This invention is applying a patented procedure through The bandage also has applications — Lou Petrovic The University has always for certain individuals — such as old- million. based on our understanding that cells the matrix. had financial needs, he says, of the body need to create a ‘basement er people or diabetics — who have lost “Sue provides detailed cell biology There are 26 administrative employees on but the needs are even membrane’ to stay alive.” This mem- the ability to create healthy matrices. knowledge and the methods of sepa- the Foundation’s payroll and 1,100 researchers, greater today given the sig- brane, composed of protein, resides rating cells from the matrices,” says The two researchers have been mak- nearly half of whom are undergraduate or grad- beneath the cell – thus the “base- nificant cuts in state budget Marx, “and my end relates more to ing presentations to biotechnical com- uate students. The research payroll totals $23.7 ment” name. money for higher education. measurements and the electro-chemi- panies and “some big players in wound million. Braunhut likens the membrane to a cal setup in which we grow the cells care,” says Marx. But the Research Founda- “We take care of more than 600 accounts,” tion is about more than fac- shag rug to which the cell attaches and stimulate them to release the “It’s all very promising,” he says. itself with receptors. Her analogy is desired material.” Petrovic says. ulty research, as suggested by that the cell is like a spider and the Petrovic’s title: Director The Smart Bandage would come These accounts include “just about all the receptors are “hairy spider legs.” In a — JMcD of External Funding, with a small device equipped with a big companies” — Raytheon, MA/COM, Gen- laboratory setting, this membrane is dial that would enable the user to zyme, Lucent — and a variety of other enti- Technology Transfer and called an “extra-cellular matrix.” select the right growth factor for the ties, such as state and federal agencies, Partnering. Prof. Susan Braunhut When cells are grown outside the specific kind of wound — laceration, branches of the military, other universities, The Foundation’s mission body, they must synthesize a new burn or bite. labor organizations and private foundations. is to increase the level of sponsored research matrix. Marx and Braunhut have Grants for individual projects can range from that has commercial implications; to find ways of moving from implication to actual products

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that generate revenue for faculty and student This partnership with the business commu- New Discovery Speeds Delivery of Drugs researchers, and for needed educational and nity is central to the University’s mission of sup- research facilities on campus; and to develop porting regional economic and social government, community and industrial rela- development. Also, the nanospheres pass easily mproving drug delivery is a hot tionships that help achieve the funding and I through the skin. Experiments have Among the companies that have achieved topic. technology transfer goals. shown anti-inflammatory drugs reach success through the CVD incubator are Konar- As anyone who has filled a few pre- their target quickly and might be used “The licensing function and the technology ka, which produces flexible plastic solar cells; scriptions recently can attest, more to treat inflammations such as ten- transfer operation, the commercialization AnVil Informatics, which creates software that conditions are being treated, and treat- donitis, arthritic joints, carpal tunnel aspect and the management of the Wan- accelerates the analysis of the billions of bytes ed effectively, by drugs. and bursitis by topical application. Even nalancit building are all part of something that of data produced by gene research; and But drugs can be toxic — especially empty nanospheres have shown anti- wasn’t there six years ago,” he says. FuelSpot, a Web-based gateway for trading in inflammatory properties. Ⅵ those used to treat cancer and HIV- Another thing that wasn’t there six years ago refined petroleum products. AIDS, or can be poorly absorbed, or dis- Cancer drugs are fairly toxic and is the Commercial Venture Development sipate too quickly in the digestive many cannot be dissolved in water, so Chemistry Profs. Arthur Watterson, left, and (CVD) arm of the Foundation. CVD invests in system. encapsulating them in the water-solu- Virinder Parmar are engaged in research on a newly patented family of polymers that show entrepreneurs with the goal of launching and ble nanospheres makes them easier to A newly designed family of polymers, great promise in improved drug delivery and participating in successful ventures. It provides administer. Someday, instead of a recently patented by Emeritus Profes- other applications. money, workspace in Wannalancit and men- large, difficult-to-tolerate dose of sor Arthur Watterson and his col- eters easily,” says Watterson. “With a chemotherapy, patients might wear a toring for small start-up companies in exchange leagues in chemistry, has shown composition of matter patent, even if patch that delivers a time-released, for equity in the young firms. promise to greatly improve drug delivery others manufacture the polymer, they smaller and more effective dose. systems. have to license our technology.” All the Since its inception in 1998, more than $60 million in venture funding has been attracted The new polymers, which form Commercial production of the poly- claims of the patent application were to seed nearly 20 companies. The fledgling nanospheres in water, overcome many mers is the next step, and Watterson approved, an impressive achievement, drug delivery problems. is looking for industrial partners to help and another patent is pending on firms spend anywhere from three to 18 months scale up to that level. A proven volume an improved preparation of the at the mill building before expanding to larger “The surface of the nanospheres is of production is necessary before pro- nanospheres and on an enzymatic syn- quarters elsewhere. polyethylene glycol, which is environ- ceeding to clinical trials in humans. thesis of polymers. mentally benign in the body and does- Companies receiving CVD funding must n’t generate immune reactions,” says As a chemist, Watterson finds him- The possible applications seem lim- employ UMass Lowell faculty or students, or Watterson, who directs the Institute for self on a steep learning curve about ited only by imagination. both — a major “real world” educational expe- medical and life sciences applications. Nano Science and Engineering Tech- One idea is to formulate polymers rience for students. nology (INSET). “The polymer itself is “Collaborations have been and will be with mosquito repellent and attach amphiphilic and the nanospheres self- vital to this project,” he says. them directly to the fibers of clothing; in assemble around the drug, encapsu- Collaborators include Robert Nicolosi, current military use, repellent is Textiles, leather and paper were among the objects under lating it.” professor of health and clinical sci- sprayed on clothing and can be irritat- investigation when the Research Foundation began its work a ing to skin. Repellents could also be So far, this process has worked with ences, who has directed the animal tri- half century ago. Today, in many cases, the stuff of research incorporated into house paint. every drug tried: “We haven’t found one als; Virinder Parmar, visiting professor being carried out by Foundation scientists is invisible to the yet that we can’t encapsulate,” says of chemistry, who has developed the Again, Watterson is in search of naked eye. The three stories that accompany the main article Watterson. enzymatic synthesis of the polymers; collaborators: “We have an answer in Thomas Shea, professor of biological search of a question — many ques- about the Foundation describe some of this work. Two of them The encapsulated system has proven deal with nanospheres, polymers measured in billionths of an inch. The third con- dramatically effective in delivering sciences, who is developing an appli- tions,” he says. drugs to cells, both in the lab and in cation for treating neuroblastomas; cerns work with membranes attached to cells of the human body. laboratory animals. and researchers with the Center for — Sandra Seitz Advanced Materials. “Drug delivery with encapsulation is five times to one thousand times more As a chemist, Watterson is also excit- efficacious than the drug itself,” says ed about the uniqueness and flexibility Watterson. This means the drugs are of the designed polymer. faster acting and can be delivered in “Our way to synthesize the polymer is smaller doses. very flexible and we can vary the param-

16 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 17 L a n A d ll in /C ru clu CoverStory is e siv P e ro g ra m A Patch May Replace the Needle for ® s Insulin-Dependent Diabetics ALUMNI HOLIDAYS 2004 TRAVEL PROGRAMS

you could envision it as a rubber ball. If you’re one of the millions of But it’s so tiny you can’t see it.” THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL insulin-dependent diabetics in the Unit- ed States, you very likely know how it In fact, it’s 20 to 50 nanometers in feels to inject yourself with a hypoder- size – and a nanometer is one billionth INVITES YOU TO TRAVEL WITH ALUMNI AND FRIENDS ... mic needle — maybe two or three or of an inch. four times a day — every day. “Steve’s nanosphere is a carbohy- The experience is not pleasant. drate, a starch,” Nicolosi says. “By itself, it doesn’t do anything. It Alumni College in Italy -~~~~~~~ Orvieto Alumni College in Spain - Castile Alumni College in Provence Now, however, research being con- must deliver something.” February 2 — 10, 2004 June 29 — July 7, 2004 August 17 — 25, 2004 ducted by Profs. Stephen McCarthy, Amid the wonders of Umbria, embark on a Experience the splendor and history of Castile From the ambience of Aix-en-Provence, director of the University’s Institute for The “something” in this case is Prof. Stephen McCarthy Plastics Innovation, and Robert insulin. journey through this spectacular region from and UNESCO World Heritage Sites from the experience this magnifique region of the Etruscan town of Orvieto. dazzling light in southern France. Nicolosi, director of the Center for McCarthy explains that his challenge ancient city of Ávila. Health and Disease Research, may was to find a way to combine two poly- The results, says Nicolosi, “are very $1,595*, plus air $1,595*, plus air $1,795*, plus air take the pain out of the diabetic’s dai- mers to form one block copolymer impressive. You can see that we total- ly routine. that, when immersed in water, would ly blunt the glucose rise.” They are perfecting a process where- form the invisible nanosphere ball This research began two years ago Alumni College in Sicily Germany’s Legendary Holiday Markets by insulin can be delivered by simply described by Nicolosi. This combina- when Chancellor William T. Hogan September 18 — 27, 2004 November 27 — December 12, 2004 rubbing it on the patient’s skin. The tion of polymers is at the heart made money available from his dis- An inspiration to writers and artists, discover the In the European spirit of advent, explore fairy-tale towns with ultimate objective will be to devise a of a patent that has been applied cretionary fund. mystique of this Mediterranean island from the Olde World charm in the very heart of Tannenbaum territory. system of administering insulin by use for by the two researchers, along with “This is a relatively new area we’re hilltop town of Taormina. From $1,795*, plus air of a patch — much like the patches Assistant Research Prof. Balint working in but we have some of the people now use to kick the nicotine Koroskenyi. $1,695*, plus air best chemists and plastics engineers habit. Once the sphere is created, in the world here. We’re still a ways “This research is very, very exciting,” McCarthy says, its center is removed away, but the results have been For further information please contact University of Massachusetts Lowell says Nicolosi. and replaced with insulin. The insulin- remarkable and people who have Office of Alumni Relations 600 Suffolk Street, Lowell, MA 01854 978-934-3140 bearing nanosphere can then deliver And well it should be. Diabetes talked with us are really pleased with the medication transdermally. afflicts nearly 6 percent of the world’s our progress,” Nicolosi says. population. There are 16 million dia- “We’ve performed 20 experiments Discussions are under way with *All prices are approximate per person, betics in the United States — nearly to prove that transdermal delivery is large pharmaceutical companies to based on double occupancy. one in 17 — and 2,000 new cases are successful,” he says, “and we’re quite establish a corporate partnership for diagnosed every day. certain that it also will work orally.” taking the system to human clinical Some diabetics can take insulin oral- The experiments have been con- trials. ly but this method is often ineffective ducted on laboratory rats provided by because the medication is degraded Dr. Aldo Rossini of UMass Worcester, — JMcD by digestive acids and enzymes in the an expert in diabetes research. The gastrointestinal tract. But the research researchers place about half a gram being conducted by McCarthy and of glucose in the stomach of a rat, ele- Nicolosi has produced encouraging vating the glucose level in its blood- results in that area, too. stream. They then immediately administer insulin using the At the heart of their delivery system nanosphere process. In most cases is something called a “nanosphere.” they have used the transdermal “It’s a very tiny droplet,” says method, but in some instances they Nicolosi. “It’s three dimensional, so infused the insulin orally.

18 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 19 FeatureStory FeatureStory

“After a year and a half, my mother said, ‘Is nated, dramatic enrollment increases Provost Robert Wagner Retires this the kind of life you want?’ I said, ‘No.’ She in a diverse student body, dynamic said, ‘You can go into the service or go back to research programs and creative new school.’ After working that many hours a week, initiatives such as distance learning. hen a 33-year-old Bob Wagner traveled “Anything I’ve done over the years, it’s been a I was more motivated to go to school,” Wagner Specifically, he is credited to Lowell in pursuit of an instructor's collegial effort of teams of people. If I ever look said. “It is a more with revamping commence- W job in 1970, he stopped on Broadway good, it’s because of the people I have working Wagner decided upon Ohio ment (previously it was off to ask a police officer where the state college for me,” he said. “There’s something about Low- State University, where mature campus campus and diplomas were was. ell, the ‘esprit de corps,’ not found elsewhere. despite working 20 to 30 today, stronger and mailed to graduates), effec- We have a can-do attitude.” hours a week to pay his way, more robust than tively negotiating the University Wagner doesn’t fit the mold of a typical college managed to fulfill his degree out of potential employee prob- administrator with the Looney Tunes tie around requirements in three years. at any time lems and earning the respect his neck, Nike sneakers on his feet, Mick Jagger Besides a bachelor’s degree in its history.” of faculty and administrators in portrait adorning his office wall and Harley motor- in education, Wagner left Ohio the process, overseeing signif- cycle in his parking spot. But the slightly “wild State with his wife, Linda, — Bob Wagner icant campus renovations and side” that his long-time assistant Vera Preston whom he met and married relocations, and ensuring sev- first noticed endears him to colleagues and helps while still a student. Wagner obtained a mas- eral successful accreditations. him relate to a diverse student body. ter’s degree at Kent State University and worked But, at the heart of all Wagner’s as a special education teacher and high school “He appreciated the fact that students have efforts are the students. vice principal, before moving east to begin his their own personalities, their own ways of “I always had a firm belief that doctoral studies at Harvard in 1968. expressing themselves and did not try to fit them there are many talented students, into an assigned role,” Preston said. “He was Two years later, he was hired as a part-time who do not have the advantages Chancellor Hogan congratulates Bob Wagner on his retirement. never too busy to leave the office, walk out in the instructor at Lowell State. Eventually one of his because of their socio-economic hallway to talk to the students and ask them how mentors, former academic affairs dean, then background. We need to continue to "The officer said, 'This is it,’” Wagner recalled, everything was going.” vice president, Robert Foy, encouraged him to have an affordable, university-level remembering how he looked around in disbelief. finish his doctorate (which he did in 1975), say- Soon after arriving in Lowell, Wagner found that campus in this area with administra- “Lowell State had only four buildings back then.” ing that, “We need you to do other things.” his own experiences — he grew up in Ohio, the tors and faculty who are not clois- Anyone familiar with the local land- “There's son of a repairman — mirrored Those “other things” evolved from being pro- tered in an ivory tower, but engaged scape knows much has changed since many of the campus’s working- moted to associate professor and serving on in the community and its welfare,” he that idealistic educator from Ohio first something about class students. His parents numerous committees to, after spending a said. set foot on the campus he would call Lowell, the ‘esprit beamed when he enrolled at the dozen years on the faculty, becoming an admin- Even though he experienced the home for three decades. By the time University of Cincinnati where, istrator. He served as assistant to the presi- usual emotional misgivings, Wagner Dr. Wagner retired as provost in June, de corps,’ not after pledging a fraternity as a dent and associate vice chancellor for academic believes it is time to retire. He the University of Massachusetts Low- found elsewhere. freshman, as Wagner describes it, affairs before becoming provost in 1996. Over expects now to relocate from his ell, the product of the merger of Lowell We have a he “did not allow books to inter- the years, he has enjoyed working closely with North Reading home of 32 years to State College and Lowell Technological fere with my education.” Not sur- Dr. William Hogan, whose vision and “remark- Boston, travel more with his wife who Institute, boasted more than 60 build- can-do attitude.” prisingly, he was asked by the able leadership” he credits for the University’s is a cancer survivor, enjoy his grand- ings and had undergone as many trans- — Bob Wagner academic dean not to return the success and sustainability. children and catch up on reading. formations as Wagner, himself. following fall. “It’s been a wonderful experience. I really “There are stages in a person’s “It is a more mature campus today, stronger Wagner’s parents were understandably upset believe you accomplish things when you have life. I may not miss the headaches, and more robust than at any time in its history,” and, seeking a fresh start, the family moved to people working together for the common good. but I will miss the people at Lowell. Wagner said. Florida. There, Wagner toiled at a grueling job at It sounds corny, but it really isn’t,” he said. It just seemed right,” he said. But Wagner modestly does not take credit for a local dairy: shoveling ice, loading milk crates, During Wagner’s tenure, he witnessed the the University’s successful evolution, despite hav- driving trucks, washing out bottles and cleaning headaches of creating unity out of duplication ing been part of the top administrative team for equipment for 80 to 90 hours, seven days during the merger, times of fiscal duress when two decades. a week. new faculty were told their jobs had been elimi-

20 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 21 Commencement’03

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A Commencement Filled With Hope and Remembrance

2 It may have been pouring outside, but it was all sunshine inside the Tsongas Arena on June 1 as thousands of family members, friends, and faculty cheered for the newest graduates of the University of Massachusetts Lowell. 1) The rain outside did not dampen the enthusiasm of the 8 Distinguished novelist and Boston Globe columnist James Carroll (one of the honorary thousands of graduates, their families and friends, and members of the University community who celebrated at commencement degree recipients) delivered a stirring commencement address, while a jubilant Senior Class exercises in the Tsongas Arena. President Rob Velella spoke on behalf of the students. 2) The Kevin Barry Irish American Pipes and Drums led the “We all celebrate today,” Carroll said. “We celebrate your openness to the future, processional into the Tsongas Arena for the 12th annual your readiness to be of service, your ambition to move the world to a better place. University of Massachusetts Lowell commencement. You are partners in the ongoing creation of the world.” 3) The Honorable James DiPaola, sheriff of Middlesex County, Middlesex County Sheriff James DiPaola called the commencement to order, and state called the ceremonies to order. Senator Steven Panagiotakos offered congratulations and greetings on behalf of the 4) Chemistry Prof. Ruth Tanner has been head faculty Legislature. marshall for eight years, enlisting and organizing the 45 faculty Chancellor William T. Hogan and University of Massachusetts Trustee Michael Agganis members who serve as marshalls during commencement each year. conferred 1,500 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a ceremony filled with emotion, as the University awarded its first-ever posthumous honorary degree to John Ogonowski ’72, captain of 5) The National Anthem was sung by Leah M. Campbell, American Airlines Flight 11 that was crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. who graduated cum laude with a bachelor of music degree in performance. U.S. Rep. Marty Meehan, who nominated Ogonowski for the honor, made the presentation to Peggy 9 Ogonowski of Dracut, the pilot’s widow, on behalf of the University. 6) State Sen. Steven Panagiotakos delivered greetings on “The life work of this humble humanitarian will forever remain larger than the tragedy of his untimely behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. death,” said Meehan, recounting Ogonowski’s life of service as a community leader and farmer. 7) Provost Robert Wagner, who retired in June after 33 years of service, savored his last commencement as a UMass Lowell Other honorary degree recipients were Margaret R. Becklake, professor emeritus at McGill University employee. in Montreal, and William T. O’Shea, vice president of marketing for Lucent Technologies and president of Bell Labs. 8) Professor Robert Kunzendorf of psychology introduced hon- orary degree recipient James Carroll. Over his shoulder, it is pos- The University also recognized individual graduates for academic excellence and service, including Chan- sible to see the huge video image of commencement speakers cellor’s Medallists for Distinguished Academic Achievement (students with the highest GPAs in each college): that made the proceedings visible to everyone in attendance. Randy Froc, Arts and Science — Division of Science and Mathematics; John Edward, Arts and Sciences — 9) Peggy Ogonowski, right, wife of posthumous honorary degree Division of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; John Boron, Arts and Sciences; Kari Stevens, recipient John Ogonowski, ’72, enjoyed the pre-commencement Engineering; Meaghan Berry, Health Professions; and Jeffrey Hayes, Management. breakfast with her daughters, from left, Laura, Mary Katharine and Caroline, under a tent on the grounds of the Tsongas Arena.

22 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 23 Commencement’03 Commencement’03

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14 13 15) Margaret Becklake, profes- sor emeritus at McGill University From Balladeer to CEO: One Brother Remembers Another in Montréal, adjusts her hat as They used to sit up into the wee hours Kenneth Lemanski, in the old Pi Lampda Phi house on special assistant to the provost, Livingstone Avenue, talking about any- right, helps with her hood and thing and everything. More often than Chancellor Hogan, left, presents not, Bill O’Shea was at the center of it. her honorary degree. “He was a terrific conversationalist,” 16) Distinguished novelist and remembers his friend and former frater- Boston Globe columnist James nity brother, UMass Lowell computer Carroll, one of the honorary science Prof. William Moloney. degree recipients, encouraged “He was interested in everything, could talk about any subject you could 15 16 the new graduates “to move the world to a better place.” name – from quantum physics to Irish philosophy. Some nights, when he’d 17) Chancellor Hogan, left, really get going, you could get him applauds the many accomplish- singing Irish songs…” Chancellor Hogan and William O’Shea ments of the late John All that was close to 40 years ago. Moloney graduated from Lowell Tech in ’68; Ogonowski, ’72, a captain of O’Shea finished a year behind him, then went on to earn graduate degrees from of the American Airlines flight Northeastern and MIT's Sloan School. The two men remain friends, although, that was crashed into the says Moloney, their paths only rarely cross these days. World Trade Center. Congress- man Marty Meehan, right, “I saw him at a graduation not long ago. Before that, it had been close to 10 nominated Ogonowski for the years. He’s a pretty busy guy — the president of the best-known research lab on the planet.” honor, which was accepted 10) New graduate Jessica Stepney is all smiles despite the 13) Chancellor Hogan, left, and Athletics Director Dana Skin- posthumously by his wife, It's a fair description. O'Shea today, in addition to being vice president of corpo- weather. ner, right, congratulate baseball player Michael J. Regan, Peggy Ogonowski. rate strategy and marketing for Lucent Technologies, is president of Bell Labs, the recipient of the 2003 University Athletic Scholarship Award. communication industry's most heralded R&D organization. Prior to that, he was 11) Senior Class President Rob Velella addresses the 1,500 Regan, who graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of executive vice president and CEO of Lucent's Enterprise Networks Group. members of the Class of 2003. science in biological science, attained the highest cumulative grade point average among students who have participated in There’s probably not a lot of time these days in Bill O'Shea's life for late-night 12) Congressman Marty Meehan, ’78, left, and Chancellor varsity athletics for four years. Irish ballads. But Bill Moloney remains hopeful for a reunion with his old friend William T. Hogan, right, congratulate three of the honorary sometime soon: degree recipients, from left, James Carroll, William O’Shea 14) Honorary degree recipient William O’Shea, vice president and Peggy Ogonowski, wife of the late John Ogonowski, ’72. “A bunch of the frat guys make an annual trip to Vermont, always around leaf- of marketing for Lucent Technologies and president of peeping time. I may join them this year. And if Bill is along, you never know — we Bell Labs, right, and new Engineering Dean John Ting might coax a song out of him.” enjoy commencement festivities.

24 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 25 FeatureStory FeatureStory By Geoffrey Douglas New School Will Integrate, Expand Work of Health Professions, Work Environment merger is generally just that: a And finally, in its service capacity, it retired at the end of this past school year. Wegman became — not to mention that many of them, those seeking funded union of two distinct entities, will work with business, labor, government dean of the new college on Sept. 1. research who might have had difficulty in the past, I think or two parts of the same whole, and healthcare organizations to “This is going to be a very good thing for the University,” will be more successful under David's leadership. A into a larger entity that com- promote community, work and environ- says Stecchi, who was part of the original task force that “They think already in many of the same directions; they bines the properties and functions of both. mental health and safety. In order for all came together to plan the move. “There’s some really won- appreciate each others’ talents. Now, as collaborators, But some mergers are more ambitious than this to effect the broadest possible out- derful [research] work the different faculties can do together there’s almost no limit to what they'll be able to do.” others — and the one that will join the reach, it will integrate its work, whenever College of Health Professions with the necessary, with the colleges of Engineer- Department of Work Environment, to be ing, Management and Education. effective this fall, will go well “Health writ large,” is how The Early Years: Challenging Doctors, Borrowing Bodies and Fighting for Respect beyond any simple meshing of David Wegman defines the jobs or parts. concept. To achieve it, he says, The College of Health Professions — which grew out of the Trudy Barker's response surprised no As defined by Prof. David will require a “new, strategic efforts of one woman in the mid-sixties, was born officially in one: “'Look. If there were all men here, 1974, and now joins forces with Work Environment to form would you ask them to clean the building? Wegman, appointed by the approach” to the training of a brand new entity — has a history as colorful as the era that Of course you wouldn't. That's ridiculous. chancellor last spring to oversee healthcare and prevention skills spawned it. We're not doing anything.'” the new union, its mission will — one that will involve more be farther-reaching than either “field-based” work for both The woman was Gertrude (Trudy) Barker, hired in the fall of It went on like that — fighting for every 1967, one month after she earned her Boston University doctor- dollar, every classroom, every morsel of or both of the two bodies it students and faculty, as well as ate (with a dissertation on “The Self Esteem of the Unwed Moth- respect. Even a body for dissection, it Weed Hall, home of the College unites: “We want to address, in an increased involvement in er”), by Lowell State College President Daniel O'Leary. She was seemed, was far too much to ask. the fullest sense, the promotion the social, political, cultural a woman with a keen mind, a sharp tongue and few illusions. of healthy families and individ- Prof. David Wegman and public-health issues of the “Not one medical school in the United Gertrude Barker “I had no experience teaching in a college,” she would say later, States would let us have a cadaver. It was uals living in safe and produc- community and region. “and he only hired me, frankly, because I had my doctorate.” unbelievable. We weren't supposed to tive communities and environmentally The upcoming merger, for all its innova- It was a very different time. Nursing, while not exactly a sec- start a physical therapy program because sustainable economies.” tion and fresh ideas, is a natural extension ond-rate profession, enjoyed nowhere near the esteem accorded we didn't have a medical school.” The idea, says Wegman, is to “start with of what is already a 15-year effort at the it today. At nearby St. John's and St. Joseph's hospitals, the So Trudy Barker and her girls went door the working relationships we already have Lowell campus: to serve as a model of nursing programs had been phased out; Lowell General retained to door: its program, but opposed the start of another at LSC. The BU — in nursing, physical therapy, clinical innovation and interdisciplinary experi- “One of the local funeral parlors had a laboratory, work environment and the rest mentation in the pursuit of regional nursing dean, when contacted for advice by Trudy Barker, told her Lowell State had “no right” to start a program, that prospec- body to be buried, but there was no mon- — and expand them from our educational sustainable development. It also further tive new students would fare better at BU. ey…The College agreed to pay $500…The mission to a mission that’s community- reinforces the University's long-proven terms were that you don't discard any Eleanor Shalhoup based in all respects — academic, research commitment to community outreach, “The doctors were the worst.” [They] said, 'We don't need parts, and when you're finished the funeral and service. To widen our focus, to build a business assistance and the search for anyone who's going to tell us what to do — we just need some- director will bury it. And transportation had to be in a proper one we can control.'” stronger link to the region, to create pro- solutions to the region's social and funeral car, not in an automobile or a truck…It was finally grams that promote group and family economic ills. Still, in the face of all of this — and in the space of a year — delivered to the cold room, and it was like it was made of gold.” health. It's going to take a lot of dialogue.” Dr. Barker hired a faculty, developed a curriculum, laid the For much of the past several months, ground for certification and convinced local parents and Trudy Barker retired in 1981. She was replaced by Eleanor The new entity, which will be called Wegman has been working with outgoing prospective students that a nursing program at LSC was Shalhoup, another strong-willed reformer with a mind of her the School of Health and Environment, College of Health Professions Dean Janice feasible and could last. own, who had been serving since 1974 as chair of the depart- ment. By then, both Barker and her program had long since will integrate the academic programs of Stecchi, both to “build bridges” between But even with all this accomplished, the path was anything earned the respect they deserved. Today, a little more than Health Professions and Work Environ- the two entities and to but smooth. Lunches at Lowell State, remembered Trudy Barker 20 years later, the college she founded, though many times ment with a new undergraduate program work out the mechan- later, especially in those early years, were an experience she larger-— and on the verge of expanding its mission and its size in environmental health. Beyond its aca- ics of the assimilation. would not want to repeat: “All I'd hear was, 'Pass the bedpan,' — still bears the marks of her legacy, and is a tribute to her grit. demic mission, it will also pursue a diverse Stecchi, following 32 and 'I don't feel well, will you take my temperature, please?’” range of research on the identification and years at UMass Lowell The first class, all women, was 50 students strong. It made elimination of work-related risks and envi- — as professor, depart- its home in the student infirmary in Concordia Hall — “an excel- ronmental hazards, approaches to health ment chairperson, lent, sunny large room,” but soon outgrown. The next step was problems, the treatment of disease and the director of the Center a house on Wilder Street, where the janitor told the women he'd efficacy of new, sustainable social and for Health Promotion, leave extra brooms and mops in the hall closet, and “You girls economic models. and finally as dean — can take care of the building.” Janice Stecchi

26 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 27 CampusAthletics CampusAthletics

Sixteen Athletes and Two Teams Recognized at Excellence Banquet Team. Miller had a 3.5 in philosophy communications Skinner Named NACDA Northeast while Turner achieved a 3.8 in the College of Nursing. Region Athletic Director of the Year Nine female and seven male athletes Martha Marsden, field hockey Elad Inbar of Kiryat Haim, Israel, (3.5 in business were honored this year at UMass Lowell’s Meaghan Leary, women’s soccer administration) and Uri Grunwald of Haifa, Israel, (3.8 annual Excellence Banquet. In addition, Amber Gagnon, softball in management information systems) earned Verizon the Bob Griffin Academic Cup went District I All-America honors for men’s basketball. Niamh Brady, women’s tennis to both the men’s and women’s cross- Uri Grunwald, men’s basketball country teams. Carl Mease, men’s cross-country Erin Miller, a three-year, all-confer- Skinner Announces Discontinuation Ed McGrane, ice hockey ence and all-Northeast Region standout of Football Program on the volleyball team, won the Laurie Kevin Alliette, men’s track & field For the first time in 23 years, UMass Lowell will Mann Award as female student-athlete of Glenn Opie, football not be represented on the New England gridiron Dana Skinner the year. A philosophy communications scene this fall. major, she maintained a 3.5 GPA. Erin Miller Fall/Winter Sports Athletes Director of Athletics Dana Skinner announced The David J. Boutin male student- Director of Athletics Dana Skinner was named the Honored for Academic earlier this year that football, which first began at athlete of the year award went to Adam 2003 Northeast Region Athletic Director of the Year Achievement Lowell in 1905, was being discontinued. McCusker, a three-time all-conference by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of and twice all-Northeast region baseball “When significant budget reductions must be Athletics (NACDA). Ten athletes in five fall/winter sports programs star, who also posted a 3.0 GPA in made, there are not a lot of options,” said Skinner. were honored by outside organizations this year The award is presented to directors of athletics in criminal justice. “Eliminating football was the only choice we could for their academic achievements. recognition of administrative excellence on their campus make without totally dismantling a large number of Heather Oldham, the greatest shot and in their community. Recipients are chosen by selec- other sports programs.” put hurler in UML history, and Brandon The honorees included three field hockey tion committees composed of institutional presidents, Curran, the winningest player in the players, three track and field athletes, two Both the Athletics Advisory Committee and current and former athletic directors, conference annals of the school’s soccer program, volleyball and two men’s basketball players. Skinner recommended the elimination of the pro- commissioners, and selected athletics administrators. won the Lester H. Cushing Awards as The men’s and women’s cross-country teams gram after months of careful consideration. The Skinner spearheaded the effort in which the Lowell female and male athletes of the year. received the U.S. Track Coaches Association Athletics Department offered assistance to team campus gained admittance into the Northeast 10 Con- (USTCA) Team Academic Award for maintain- members who wished to transfer to other schools. ference in the fall of 2000. Since its inception in 1995, In the indoor season in her senior year, Brandon Curran Oldham was crowned the Northeast-10 ing a team cumulative GPA above 3.0. Skinner emphasized that the decision was not a Skinner has served on the Lowell Arena and Stadium Commission that oversaw development of the Tsongas Conference Field Athlete of the Year Kevin Alliette of Methuen, Jonathan Murphy reflection on Head Coach Wally Dembowski, who Arena and LeLacheur Park. In recent years he has also while leading her team to the NE-10 of Worcester and Nate Jenkins of Templeton was appointed in April 2001, and said he expected overseen construction of new team locker rooms, office championship. Curran, a defender, received the USTCA All-Academic Award, that Dembowski would remain at the University in space for coaches, a new softball complex, a soccer led the men’s soccer team to its most which goes to athletes whose cumulative GPA another capacity. stadium and an outdoor complex for football, field successful four-year period in school exceeds 3.25 while the team GPA is over 3.0 and The University remains a member of the North- hockey and track and field. history (47-25-5.) their respective times rank in the top 30 percent east-10 Conference and will continue to strive In winning the Griffin Academic in Division II. toward Title IX compliance. The recently renovat- The award was announced toward the end of one of Cup, the men’s cross-country team posted ed Cushing Field will be the home of women’s field the most successful years in UML athletics history as Martha Marsden of Hull, Alysia Morgan of a 2.99 GPA, while the women earned hockey and may now accommodate men’s and eight teams advanced to NCAA Tournaments. “This Gardner and Josselyn Mroz of Salisbury repre- a 3.27. women’s soccer and men’s and women’s track and award is a recognition of the collective efforts of some sented the University on the National Field field for competition and practices. very talented coaches, staff members and student-ath- In addition to Miller, McCusker Hockey Coaches Association National Academic Heather Oldham letes,” said Skinner. “I’m honored to accept this award and Curran, other student athletes, as Squad. All three had GPAs of 3.3 or better. Lowell fielded a football team from 1905 through on their behalf.” identified by their coaches in each sport, included: 1950, with the exception of one year during World Erin Miller of Auburn and Andrea Turner of High- Meghan Hamilton, women’s basketball War I and three years during the second World At the end of the academic year, the campus was lands Ranch, Colo., were named to the Verizon District War. The program was suspended in 1951, but was ranked 17th nationally – and No. 1 in the Northeast Liz Gorecki, women’s cross-country I (Northeast) Volleyball Academic All-America First resumed in 1980. Division – among the 180 NCAA Division II colleges Caitlin McCarthy, women’s track & field in the NACDA Directors Cup standings.

28 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 29 FeatureStory Jim Stone’s 37-Year Legacy Marks an End

By Geoffrey Douglas

Baseball Camp. Once that is done, he says, With the retirement of River his coaching days are over. Hawks Baseball Coach Jim Stone, who has run the University program for 37 “We'll be going to Florida in years, comes, in a very real sense, the February and March — my wife [a high end of an era at UMass Lowell. school principal] is retiring this year, too. So I’m looking forward to that.” Stone, only the second coach the University has had in the past 78 years — the For most of the rest of the year, he says, he’ll other was the legendary Rusty Yarnell, who continue to make his home in southern New coached the team for 41 years — leaves with a Hampshire — from where, starting early next remarkable legacy of achievement: more than 700 spring, on sunny home-game afternoons, he’ll be wins (roughly half that many losses), 21 post-sea- making the familiar trip south: son berths (NCAA or ECAC); and two trips (in “I’m going to be a fan now. A fan in the bleach- 2001 and 2002) to the College World ers, that’s all. No worries, no pressure. The Lowell Fund…your philanthropy at work Series in Alabama. It has been 28 “I‘ve done That ought to be fun for a change.” years, at least, since a Jim Stone team has known a losing season. most of what Support from alumni and friends Every gift helps. Your gift, combined I would have for the annual Lowell Fund with those of your classmates, the “I’ve had a good run,” he says with effort is critical. The University faculty and staff, and friends of characteristic understatement. “I’ve wanted to do. depends on your participation, at UMASS Lowell, provides much needed done most of what I would have It's time to hand wanted to do. It's time to hand over over the reins.” whatever level your means allow, financial support to the University. the reins.” to maintain its margin of excel- To put your gift to work today… — Jim Stone lence. Your unrestricted support The new coach, effective with the is thoughtfully directed to the Mail your gift in the envelope attached to 2004 season, will be Stone’s assistant University’s area of greatest need. this magazine to the Office of University of 19 years, Ken Connerty, a UMass Lowell grad Advancement, 600 Suffolk Street, and player from the early 1980s, who will take Your annual Lowell Fund gift Lowell, MA 01854. over the coaching duties — at least initially — on does the following: a part-time basis. “Ken will do a good job,” the Charge your gift by calling Kathrine Hastings, ୊ outgoing coach says. “He knows the game, he supports scholarships for students, Director of The Lowell Fund, at 978.934.4808. knows the system and he's real anxious to get ୊ funds both graduate and undergraduate started. I don’t blame him. I’ve been doing it for Email your questions to the Office of research projects, 37 years. It's somebody else's turn now.” University Advancement at ୊ enables the University to keep pace [email protected]. Coach Stone’s parting duty will be to oversee the 21st summer season of the Greater Lowell with technology and support world-renowned faculty.

30 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 31 AlumniEvents AlumniEvents

5.) College of Health 1 5 Professions alumnae reunited to celebrate with Dean Jan Stecchi at her retirement celebration on June 18th at the Wyndham Andover Hotel.

2

1.) Winners of the Academic Cup at 2.) Attending the Seventh Annual Francis College of Engineering Alumni

this year’s River Hawk Golf Tournament Awards Banquet are (from left to right): Matthew Eynon, executive director of 6 are (from left to right): Tom Sullivan ’02, University Advancement; Mary Jane and Hank Powell ’55; Frank McKone ’56; 6.) Enjoying UMass Night at Brian Andriolo ’95, ’97, Joe Andriolo Dean Krishna Vedula; and past award recipient and College of Engineering the Pops on June 25 are, from and Kevin Andriolo ’99, ’01. Advisory Board member, Ralph Mondano. left to right: retiring Dean of the College of Health Professions Janice Stecchi, Dave Stecchi, 3 Tonita McKone, and Frank McKone ’56.

7 7.) Among a full house at this year’s UMass Night at the Pops are, from left to right: Alumni Relations Council Member Ron Boudreau ’75, retiring Provost Bob Wagner, Linda Wagner, and Alumni Relations Council Chair 3.) Recipients of this year’s Francis College of Engineering Susan Pasquale ’75. 4 Alumni Awards are (from left to right): alumnus and faculty member, David Wade ’62, Richard Gilbert ’78, Anne Marie Chesno ’84, Dean Krishna Vedula, Lisa Brothers ’84, Michael Johnston ’69 and Professor and Chair of Plastics Engineering 8 at UML Robert Malloy ’79,’83,’88. On this special evening, outgoing Dean Vedula was presented with the Lifetime 8.) Class of 1953 reunion Achievement in Engineering Award. committee members are calling old friends and 4.) Presenting retiring Dean Janice M. Stecchi of the College classmates to return to of Health Professions (third from left) with a check for $40,400 campus on Oct. 10 and are (from left to right): Susan Petullo Laroche ’85, Alan 11 for their 50th college Solomont ’77 and Denise Sevigny McQuaide ’79, ’82. reunion. Join them for Fall These funds were donated by alumni, faculty, staff, family, Festival Weekend 2003! and friends of Dean Stecchi for an endowment fund created in her honor that will provide scholarships to students within the college.

32 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 33 ClassNotes ClassNotes

Lover: Not a Cookbook. award is a major acknowledg- 1950 1977 Group. Richard lives in of Creative Playthings, Inc., in Lena is an assistant district Nelson lives in Geneva, ment of his lifetime of contri- 1982 Boston with his wife, Virginia. Framingham and Amy is cur- attorney in Essex County, Wang Xuan-Sun writes Switzerland, but the novel is butions to this vital field. Joseph Ralph DiVirgilio rently a stay-at-home mom. having joined that office in Sharon Burggrabe is an that he is living in the Peo- set in Boston, and combines retired from active practice as Amy and Rob still keep in November 1991 after working office supervisor for the City 1990 ple’s Republic of China and a story about a sexual harass- a licensed professional civil touch with their lifelong as a criminal fraud prosecutor 1974 of Deerfield Beach in Florida, has been retired since 1988. ment case at a women’s col- engineer in Massachusetts in Rob Benoit and his wife friends from their first years at at the office of the Attorney where she resides. lege in Boston with a love June 2000. In December 2002, Kara had their second baby in ULowell and they would love General in Boston for 1956/1957 story between a woman and a Joseph graduated from the 4th January. Jillian Nichole was to hear from other alumni. three years. younger man who dresses as Civilian Police Academy, 1984 also welcomed home by her Allen A. Denio is a professor vegetables to advertise his Grafton. He also graduated 4-year-old sister, Leah. Rob is Kathleen A. Krikorian Doris Gayzagian has written emeritus from the University a field sales rep for Arrow returned to finish her degree 1993 Middle Eastern food stand. summa cum laude in February a children’s book that will of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Electronics in Wilmington. at UMass Boston in 1997 and Dwight Robson and Lena Early reviews compared the 2003 from the Professional be published by National Allen moved from Wisconsin became certified to teach Robinson ’92 were married in book to Fanny Flagg’s Fried Career Institute School of Geographic in May 2004. in 1998 in search of “milder Green Tomatoes.The book is Private Investigation. In May Anni Loughlin is working grades 1 through 6. She also 1997. They welcomed their winters” and now lives in available from Amazon. 2003, Joseph was a community for the U.S. Environmental received her master’s in educa- son, Mitchell Avery in May Delaware. He is a director in block captain for the Neigh- 1985 Protection Agency as a tion in August 2000 from 2002, followed by his brother, the Delaware section of the Superfund Project Manager. 1968 borhood Watch program. Elena T. Yee is the director Cambridge College and was Will Parker in April 2003. American Chemical Society of Intercultural Programs at head teacher at the Family Dwight was the campaign and also is active in the Sierra George J. Ouellette, Jr., Charles J. Pouliot recently 1981 Westmont College, a Chris- School on Cape Cod the past manager for Shannon Club. Allen writes that he is principal engineer for Basell wrote a book entitled two years. Kathleen and her 9- O’Brien’s gubernatorial race tian liberal arts college in Amesbury, part of Arcadia still running, but “gave up USA in Elkton, Md., has John David Murphy is Valerie Ansill King is a Santa Barbara, Calif. Elena year-old daughter recently in 2002 and has since joined marathons.” received an pleased to announce that his nurse practitioner with Dr. Publishing’s History in moved to Warren, N.H., The Mentor Network in writes the she is enjoying the Vintage Postcards series, ASTM Interna- daughter Lindsay has received Carlos Del Rio in Dracut. opportunity and privilege of where she planned to work at Boston as Vice President for tional Award of a basketball scholarship at She is currently president of and available at most local The Common Man Inn for Public Affairs. 1966 mentoring Christian college Massachusetts outlets. Merit, the high- Southern Polytechnic State the Eta Omega chapter of students in understanding the summer. Richard R. Lessard, Ph.D., It is primarily a book of pho- Darrell Thompson left est honor given University in Marietta, Ga. Sigma Theta Tau Internation- diversity through the means senior engineering advisor at tographs and postcard images Weston & Sampson Engineers for individual She also has been recognized al Honor Society for nurses of cross-cultural service and ExxonMobil and captions that detail the 1992 in 2001 and moved back to contributions to by the Atlanta Tipoff Club and is a member of the education. Elena says that Research and historical significance of the Sean M. Collins is an Southern California. He is standards activ- as one of the top high school Merrimack Valley Nurse it’s also cool to have Oprah Engineering Co. images. Charles has been assistant professor at UMass currently working on landfill ities, and the accompanying basketball payers in metro- Practitioners. Valerie is Winfrey and Rob Lowe as in Fairfax, Va., employed at Lucent (formerly Lowell in the Department of gas to energy and landfill title of Fellow. He was cited Atlanta in 2003. married to Michael King ’80 neighbors and see them has been named Western Electric) since 1980. Physical Therapy. Sean redevelopment projects for for his dedicated participation and has three children. at the local Starbucks or a 2003 recipient recently defended his disserta- EMCON/OWT, a member in and technical contributions restaurants. of the Award of to standards initiatives in the Vincent R. Tino has been tion to complete requirements of the Shaw Group. Merit from committee and for continuous 1979 awarded the nationally recog- for the doctor of science ASTM Interna- leadership both as a commit- 1986 nized Certified Consulting (Sc.D.) degree in the Depart- tional. The honor, which Dr. Timothy A. Johnson has published a Meteorologist (CCM) desig- 1994 tee officer and as liaison Sylvia Contover recently ment of Work Environment. textbook that approaches the basic building nation by the American Gary L. Burns is living in includes the title of between standards organiza- retired from UMass Lowell Sean received his degree at blocks of music theory from a mathematically Meteorological Society. This Woburn. He is a Sprint PCS Fellow, is the highest Society tions serving the plastics after working 12 years at the commencement in June. oriented perspective. Foundations of Diatonic designation is awarded only Sales/Account Service Repre- recognition for individual industry. George is a resident O’Leary Library. contributions to standards of North East, Md. Theory provides a framework for exploring to those who demonstrate a Jodi (Brush) Lavin and sentative for Costco Waltham broad background in meteo- activities. Richard received scales, intervals, and chords through a series of Richard N. Kimball has her husband Steve had their Wholesale Members, where rology along with detailed the award from ASTM exercises designed to help the reader discover joined the Boston law firm of second daughter, Keely he organizes accounts and 1971 knowledge in a particular Committee F20 on Hazardous several important principles that underlie the Nutter McClennen & Fish Genevieve Lavin, on Decem- enrolls new members to SPCS field of specialization as well Substances and Oil Spill Robert Ward, founder and musical structure. Foundations of Diatonic Theory, part of Dart- LLP as a partner. ber 20, 2002. She joins her products and services. as qualities of character and Response for his leadership in CEO of the Polymer Technol- Richard has sister Riley Elizabeth. They mouth College’s Mathematics Across the Curriculum project, devotion to high professional Mary Anne (Forte) organizing activities, standards ogy Group, Inc., was presented extensive are currently living in Jar- funded by the National Science ideals. Vincent is an employee Calabrese ’94 and husband development, membership with the 2003 Society for experience rettsville, Md., and Jodi is Foundation, is the first book pub- of Camp, Dresser & McKee, Jay Calabrese ’93 welcomed promotion, and publications, Biomaterials Technology representing working for the Maryland lished on diatonic set theory. Inc. a son, Bryan Kenneth, on Jan. and for contributions related Innovation and Development venture capital- State Department of Timothy is an assistant professor of 31, 2002. Bryan joins big to chemical treatments for oil Award. This prestigious award ists and corpo- Education. brother Christopher James. spill response and cleanup. formally recognizes biomateri- music at Ithaca College. He is also rate investors in 1991 Lena Robinson and Dwight als research that has been working on a manuscript for a private equity Amy (Blanchette) Fitzgibbon Robson ’93 were married in successfully applied to devel- book tentatively titled, Baseball transactions and 1995 1967 and her husband Rob Fitzgib- 1997. They welcomed their opment of a novel medical and the Music of Charles Ives: investment deals. Prior to bon III (1992) had their first son, Mitchell Avery in May Peter Alberti and his wife, Donna-Lane Nelson has product or technology that A Proving Ground. joining Nutter, Richard child, Robert F. Fitzgibbon IV 2002, followed by his brother, Janet, are the proud parents of published her first novel with significantly benefits medical chaired Hale and Dorr’s in May. Rob is the IT manager Will Parker in April 2003. Scott Nicholas, born April 18, Five Star Press called Chickpea and surgical patients. This Venture Capital Finance

34 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 UMASS LOWELL MAGAZINE FALL 2003 35 ClassNotes FeatureStory

2003. Scott was welcomed Southborough. Cristy is also Then and Now: An Unused Room, Some home by his big sister, Rachel. continuing to work towards 2000 2001 her MBA in finance at Angela Boucher received Blair Doucette lives in Second-Hand Barbells — the‘Gym’ at LTI Julie (Sedgwick) Markert is Nichols College. her master’s in occupational Waterville, Maine, and is married to ULowell alum, therapy and is working at working for the Messalonskee By Geoffrey Douglas Albert Markert Jr. ’89 and is Sunbridge in Lowell. She is School District as a 1997 nce upon a time more than 40 years two steam cabinets, a “vibrating table,” and an electric currently a stay-at-home engaged to Raymond Ouil- behavior technician. mom to their first child, Noah Wayne J. Texeira (MBA), ago, in the basement of Kitson Hall, heating pad. lette and they plan to be Saroja N. Hettiarachchi Albert, born on July 14, 2002. vice president of Sales and at the mouth of the University married in October 2004. lives in Ontario, Canada. Somehow, this news reached Lowell Tech President Martin J. They moved to Jaffrey, N.H., Marketing at East Boston Avenue tunnel — about where the O Lydon, who passed it on to the school's Athletic Director W.W. to raise their children “in the Savings Bank, has earned the UML North cafeteria now is — there was a “Rusty” Yarnell, who, in September of that year, bought out the country.” Certified Financial Marketing cramped, dimly-lit room with exposed pipes stock of the Executive “at a fraction of its cost.” Professional (CFMP) designa- Obituaries against bare-brick walls, filled with unused Kazim Z. Mohammed is a tion by the American Bankers machinery from the plastics engineering labs. And so was born the earliest known precursor to today’s new, captain in the Army, currently Association (ABA) and the Prof. Emeritus Ruth Ashley of the Music It had been there for ages; hardly anyone $15-million Campus Recreation Center: an equipment room stationed in Kuwait. Kazim Institute of Certified Bankers Department, who retired in 1990 after two decades ever went in. filled with hand-me-down gym weights in the basement of Kitson wanted to let everyone know (ICB). The CFMP designa- of service to the University, died at Boston Medical that he is thinking about all of Hall.“Fabulous Health Center Open Daily,” crowed the headline in tion is awarded to individuals Center in March following a lengthy illness. At the same time, in downtown Lowell, there was a gym called the people he has come across LTI’s student paper, The Text, which went on to describe the new who demonstrate excellence the Executive Health Club. Hardly anyone ever went there, either. in his life. A native of Milton, Prof. Ashley was a 1952 gym: “…a small room dedicated to the physical improvement of in the areas of financial prin- In the late summer of 1962, its owners decided to close it down. ciples, laws and regulations, graduate of Lowell State students at Lowell Tech…[who] may make use of the health room Michael W. Toomey recently market research, characteris- Inside the health club, according to news reports of the day, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on any school day.” The room’s traffic joined Salem Five Investment Teachers College. She also tics of marketing plans and were roughly $10,000 of assets: barbells, dumbbells — more flow was heavy, the paper reported, averaging 25 students a day. Services LLC as an invest- did graduate studies at marketing components. than 2,000 pounds in all--weight benches — an overhead “lat” ment officer. He has been Boston University and Robert Lodie (LTI, B.S., electrical engineering, ‘65) was one of Wayne directs all marketing machine, two exercycles, a stationary bike, a “reducing vibrator,” working in the financial ser- efforts for EBSB including Fitchburg State College, the regulars. The president of his class, an ROTC student and vices area for eight years, most advertising, public relations, where she earned a master’s contributing editor to The Text, he had been — along with Rusty recently as a consultant with direct mail and Web site. He in education. Yarnell — among the earliest champions of the gym. A Melrose the private client group at also oversees management of native who aspired to a career as a fighter pilot, he founded the State Street Research and Following her graduation retail sales programs. LTI “Barbell Club,” worked out regularly on the Olympic weight set Management. from Lowell, Prof. Ashley Prof. Emeritus Ruth Ashley that had come from the defunct Lowell health club, and was the 1998 taught music in public driving force behind LTI’s first and last intramural weightlifting 1996 schools in Norwood and Easton for 17 years before Karen Grimes is a sales meet, which got local press coverage and took place in his manager for Harrison Confer- joining the Lowell faculty. She was named chair of graduating year. the Department of Music Education in 1987. ence Centers at the Center “We had a good time in that room,” he remembers today. for Executive Education at In addition to her duties at the University, she “Rusty devoted several hours a day to chaperoning it. Babson College. Karen was was director of the Handbell Choir at St. Mark’s engaged in February ’02 to When he wasn’t there, either his assistant, Jim Lambert, or Kevin O’Keefe of Acton. Congregational Church in Roxbury, and was active Professsor [Joe] Waterman usually covered the desk. As I They were married in May in professional music organizations. remember, the room was pretty well used. We never had less than about a dozen or so.” 2003. Amy (Driend) Gifts in support of a scholarship in her name may Bilodeau ’97 and Rebecca Lodie, who lives in California today, where he runs his own Lebel ’97 were matron and be sent to the UMass Lowell Office of Advance- maid of honor. Amanda ment, 600 Suffolk St., Lowell, MA 01854. Checks sales consulting business (he never did achieve his goal of being Michelle (Poirier) Duches- Vozzo ’97 was soloist. should be made payable to the Ruth C. Ashley a fighter pilot, though he served for several years as a navigator neau was married on July 13, After a honeymoon in Europe, Memorial Scholarship. in the Air Force), concedes that he rarely gets back to the UMass 2002 at Our Lady of the Karen and Kevin are residing Lowell campus these days. He keeps up with news, though, by Lake Church in Leominster. in Acton. reading UMass Lowell Magazine. When he saw last fall’s cover Her husband, Chris Duches- piece on the newly-finished, 65,000 square-foot campus center, neau, is a 1999 graduate of Bryant College. 1999 he said, “Well, I just couldn’t resist sending you all a letter to share my memories of how it was back then.” (And along with Jennifer K. Peterson is Cristy (Davidson) Rosen- living in Dracut. that letter came the yellowed, 40-year-old Text clipping you see hahn J.D. is now a contracts reprinted here.) Among the most indelible characters of those manager for Network undergraduate years, says Bob Lodie, was his old AD, Rusty Specialists, Inc., a privately Yarnell: “He was a legend already by the time I was there. A held software company in wonderful man, and so accessible. I can’t believe there’s not some room or building on campus with his name on it today.”

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