Events aim to focus public eye on
University’s contributions

by Daniel J. Fitzgibbons, Chronicle staff

ater this month, UMass is coming to a location near you.

     As part of ongoing efforts to enlist public support for the UMass system, plans are underway for a two-day showcase highlighting the various roles the University and its in-state alumni play across the Commonwealth. Under the theme "UMass Powers Massachusetts," the programs are intended to demonstrate the educational, social and economic contributions of the University system.

     The public awareness campaign kicks off April 26 with UMass Spirit Day. Alumni, students, parents, employees and supporters from Pittsfield to Provincetown and everywhere in between are being encouraged to wear UMass gear, such as shirts, hats and pins throughout the day.

     Through waving the UMass "flag," Spirit Day participants can demonstrate their pride to co-workers, friends and others, according to Kat Eldred, director of Marketing.
For those who don't own any UMass apparel, paper badges with the "UMass Powers" logo can be printed from the Web (www.umass.edu/actnow). Or UMass boosters may want to take advantage of a sale at the University Store. That day, shoppers who buy one UMass apparel item can get a second one of equal or lesser value for half-price.
On the following day, April 27, UMass Day will be celebrated at six sites around the state: Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Franklin, Chelmsford and Cotuit. Organized by Amherst campus alumni clubs and the five campuses, the events are aimed at raising the public profile of the University. Each of the events will include information tables, video presentations and giveaways.

     At the Boston Public Library, History professor Leo Richards is scheduled to read from his book, "The Life and Times of Congressman John Quincy Adams," and alumna Kamila Shamsie will read from her novel, "In the City by the Sea." President William M. Bulger also is expected to participate.

     In nearby Copley Square, an alumni band will perform and UMass Extension will be exhibiting. A precision jump-roping exhibition is also scheduled. The University Store will have a merchandise trailer at the site.

     Judaic Studies professor Julius Lester will read from his children's book, "Sam and the Tiger" at the Cotuit Public Library on Cape Cod. He also will lead a discussion on the relationship between words and pictures in children's books. At the same location, UMass Extension staff will offer soil testing and information on Lyme disease.

     At the Chelmsford Public Library, UMass Lowell professor Diana Archibald will read to preschoolers and children can take part in a mini-camp to design a mousetrap cat or a candy safe. Other activities are still being organized.

     William "Toby" Dills of the Dartmouth campus faculty is slated to lead hands-on science experiments for children at the Franklin Public Library. There also will be a reading program for children and other activities.

     At the Springfield Civic Center, there will be science experiments for kids and exhibits as well as a speaking program. Outside the building, exhibits will include UMass Extension, a super-mileage vehicle, bridge models and performances by student groups. UMass merchandise will be on sale.

     At the Worcester Public Library, there will be "Heart Health" presentation by the Worcester Nursing Pipeline Collaborative, part of the Medical School's Graduate School of Nursing. Other activities will include science fair exhibits and UMass Extension programs on pest management, drought management and Asian and Latino vegetables.

     Seed cups will be distributed to children.

     All of the programs begin at 10 a.m.