University of Massachusetts Boston celebrates 50th anniversary with "Campus on the Common"

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the University of Massachusetts Boston invites the public to “Campus on the Common” on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 from noon to 5:30. This innovative event on the Boston Common will feature a series of short “Tent Talks” from UMass Boston faculty on subjects ranging from cancer research to hip-hop. Visitors can also explore the diversity of the university’s educational and co-curricular opportunities through an academic showcase of the school’s 11 colleges.

“We’re looking forward to returning to our downtown roots to celebrate 50 years of excellence in higher education,” said Chancellor Motley. “This is our opportunity to bring the daily workings of Boston’s public research university out of our classrooms and onto the Common – and commemorate our rich history with our friends and neighbors in the city.”

The program will include a series of “Tent Talks” featuring UMass Boston faculty members, each speaking for 10-15 minutes on their unique field of research or academic expertise. The “Tent Talks” are a destination for those planning to take in the full series or someone looking for a short and engaging afternoon break from work.

Running throughout the afternoon, from noon to 4 p.m., an academic showcase will offer visitors a one-stop opportunity to learn about all that UMass Boston has to offer. The school’s 11 colleges will be represented at a pavilion of booths and displays with staff and students on hand to offer information and answer any questions.

Capping off the day, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., will be a chance to kick off your shoes. Boston-based band East Coast Soul will fill the Common with its smooth sounds for all to enjoy. Free refreshments will also be available during this time.

“Please join us for this fun fall afternoon on the Common,” said Chancellor Motley. “Take in a Tent Talk or two. Browse the showcase and learn the full breadth of our academic offerings. Discover what Boston’s public research university is all about.”

Campus on the Common will be held on Boston Common, near the intersection of Charles and Beacon Streets. Parking is available at the Boston Common Garage and the event is accessible by MBTA at the Park Street Station.

Tent Talks schedule:

Maria Ivanova, PhD

Topic: Students and Scholars as Diplomats: How Academia Matters for the Global Environment

Ronald J. Iannotti, PhD

Topic: OMG! American Teenagers Are Getting Healthier?

Bill Kiernan, PhD

Topic: ‘In’ or ‘Of’ the Community: Our Expectations, Our Behavior

Darren Kew, PhD, and Parfait Gasana

Topic: African Successes: Reasons for Hope in Peace and Development

Rachel Rubin, PhD

Topic: Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: Hip-Hop Education on the Point

Jill Macoska, PhD

Topic: Defeating Cancer on a First-Name Basis: The Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy

Conevery Valencius, PhD

Topic: Why We Need to Know the Lost History of the New Madrid Earthquakes

Rafael Jean, MA

Topic: Theater Arts in Higher Ed: Taking Design & Tech Students from Classroom to Professional Gig!

Alan Girelli, PhD, and Paula Dinneen, MEd

Topic: Fasten Your Seatbelt: Driving the Future of Learning

Paul Watanabe, PhD

Topic: Hands Up, Why Shoot? Ferguson, the Color Line and the Dream

Please check www.umb.edu/CampusOnTheCommon closer to the event for exact start times for each Tent Talk and speaker bios.