2024 Was Packed with Leadership, Partnerships and Momentum

Two women in graduation regalia look at each other Image by Henry Marte

12/18/2024
By BCCS Staff

Forward momentum. That sums up 2024 at 51视频. New programs and partnerships, groundbreaking research and the emergence of student leaders who are driven to make a difference -- these are just some of the things that helped spur progress on campus and beyond. There were challenges along the way, but the River Hawk spirit carried the momentum forward. Here's a look back at some of the highlights of the year that was.
Brittany Turner and Tom Horgan

January

Services ramped up at the free physical therapy clinic on campus, which provides care to the UML community. The pro bono clinic was launched to provide opportunities for students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program to gain more clinical experiences while they pursue their degrees.

A basketball team of six young men and a coach pose for a photo with a basketball dated 1900-01. Image by Center for Lowell History

February

More than 100 years ago, Lowell native Harry 鈥淏ucky鈥� Lew made history when he became the first Black professional basketball player. Years later, he made history again when he was named the basketball coach at Lowell Textile School (now 51视频). The university honored Lew鈥檚 legacy during a men鈥檚 basketball game at Costello Athletic Center.

Woman with short brown hair stands at a podium

March

Gov. Maura T. Healey came to campus for the unveiling of the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC) project, a public-private initiative led by the university and the city of Lowell that is expected to generate $3.7 billion in economic activity and create thousands of new jobs, hundreds of units of new housing and numerous opportunities for UML students and faculty.

A person in glasses poses for a photo while sitting at an office desk and working on a laptop computer. Image by Ed Brennen

April

As tax day approached, nine business students volunteered to assist local low-income individuals and families with their federal and state tax returns.

Two women in graduation regalia look at each other Image by Henry Marte

May

Family and friends cheered as the Class of 2024 completed their college journey at Commencement ceremonies at the Tsongas Center. Forty-one states and 106 countries were represented among the more than 4,500 graduates.

James Reuther and Shayesteh Tafazoli Image by Brooke Coupal

June

Chemistry Asst. Prof. James Reuther and his lab group are part of a research team that was awarded more than $1.1 million to develop combat boots for soldiers that repair themselves when worn down.

UMass President Marty Meehan, 51视频 Atheletic Director Lynn Coutts and 51视频 Chancellor Julie Chen

July

Lynn Coutts, an accomplished higher education administrator and a former student-athlete and coach, was named UML athletic director, becoming the first woman to lead the River Hawk program.

Prof. Gulden Camci-Unal and her grad student in the lab

August

Assoc. Prof. Gulden Camci-Unal of the Department of Chemical Engineering advanced her tissue engineering research, which involves using finely crushed eggshells to create microscopic 3D structures where bone cells can grow.

Philosophy Chair Nicholas Evans and Criminology Assoc. Prof. Neil Shortland sit side by side Image by K. Webster

September

Philosophy Chair Nicholas Evans and Criminology Assoc. Prof. Neil Shortland, director of UML鈥檚 Center for Terrorism and Security Studies, were awarded a pair of grants totaling $4.2 million from the U.S. Army Research Office to study the ethics and psychology of decision-making involving artificial intelligence.

A woman stands on a theater balcony and poses with her arms folded. A band is on the stage below Image by Ed Brennen

October

51视频 administrators, faculty, students, alumni and friends gathered to rededicate the home of the university鈥檚 music department in honor of Chancellor Emerita Jacqueline Moloney 鈥�75, 鈥�92.

51视频 Chancellor Julie Chen in front of a bed of flowers.

November

51视频 was ranked the top education institution and No. 11 overall in The Women鈥檚 Edge 2024 Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts.

51视频 Chancellor Julie Chen, left, and SAIC CEO Toni Townes-Whitley, far right, sign a partnership to create the 51视频 Cyber Center. Looking on are UMass President Marty Meehan and Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.

December

51视频 and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), a global leader in technology integration, signed an agreement to establish a cyber center that will expand the pipeline of skilled cyber professionals across the region. The center will be located in the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor.

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