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Ice-free Arctic may be in our future, say researchers

Analyses of the longest sediment core ever collected on land in the Arctic, recently completed by an international team led by Julie Brigham-Grette of the Geosciences Department, provide “absolutely new knowledge” of Arctic climate from 2.2 to 3.6 million years ago and show that with estimated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) similar to today’s levels, the Arctic was very warm, with no ice sheets.
 
“While existing geologic records from the Arctic contain important hints about this time period, what we are presenting is the most continuous archive of information about past climate change

New webcam offers closeups of peregrine nestlings on Du Bois Library

A new, more powerful web camera on the roof of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library is giving viewers a close-up look at the newest brood of peregrine falcon chicks in their nest box.
 
Three chicks have hatched and one egg is still being incubated by the adult falcons, which have nested at the site for 11 years.
 
The new camera is a cooperative effort of Design and Construction Management, the Office of Information Technologies (OIT), the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, the Libraries’ Systems and Web Management Department, and the Friends of the Libraries. 
 
Live images of the

21st Century Leaders, Welch Scholars to be recognized at Commencement

The exemplary achievement, initiative and leadership of some of the university’s most talented and accomplished graduating seniors will be recognized during Undergraduate Commencement on May 10 beginning at 5 p.m. at McGuirk Alumni Stadium.
 
Eleven graduating seniors have been named 21st Century Leaders and will be honored for far-ranging achievement, initiative and social awareness. Ten of those being recognized are members of Commonwealth Honors College.
  • Zachary Robert Bemis, a Civil Engineering major with a minor in Geology, is from Southborough.

Senior Caroline Conena honored at State House

Senior Caroline Conena of East Sandwich was honored May 2 at the State House as one of “29 Who Shine,” a group of outstanding students from each of the community colleges, state universities and UMass campuses.

A double major in Public Health and Business Management, Conena is graduating with a 4.0 GPA. As a peer mentor, she provided crucial academic support to first-year students. As an Commonwealth Honors College peer ambassador, she met with Massachusetts high school students to acquaint them with the colleges programs and opportunities.

For two years, Conena has interned at

Honorary degrees, awards to be presented at Commencement ceremonies

Undergraduate Commencement on Friday, May 10 will feature a keynote address by Kenneth I. Chenault, chairman and CEO of American Express. He will speak to 5,500 graduating seniors at McGuirk Alumni Stadium where friends, family and alumni will gather to take part in a full day’s schedule of commencement observances. The ceremony runs from 5-6:30 p.m.
 
Chenault will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the ceremony.

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