Printer FriendlyM.Virginia Biggy Lecture (2007-2008)
The M. Virginia Biggy Lecture was established by friends and faculty at Dr. Biggy's retirement to honor and continue her commitment to important ideas in education.
About M. Virginia Biggy
2008 Keynote Speaker
Event Photos
Watch Past Events
View a complete photo gallery of the 2008 Biggy Lecture.
M. Virginia Biggy enjoyed a long and distinguished career in education. She fulfilled the roles of classroom teacher, superintendent, professor and Dean of the College of Education at the University of Lowell (1979 to 1989). While Dean, Dr. Biggy transformed the College of Education to a graduate school and under her leadership, three doctoral programs were established.
Additionally, Dr. Biggy championed the formation of the Demonstration School in partnership with the Lowell Public School System as well as the Tsongas Industrial History Center in partnership with the National Park Service.
Dr. Biggy is nationally known for her work in educational television. She was a member of the development team for the program “Think About”, which provided problem solving experiences in a dramatic setting and was the educational consultant on the long-running program “Reading Rainbow”. Many teachers and children are indebted to Dr. Biggy for her vision and leadership.
Keynote Speaker: Jonathan Kozol
This year, Jonathan Kozol delivered a lecture titled “Public Education Under Siege”. Mr. Kozol is the author of “Savage Inequalities,” “The Shame of the Nation,” “Death at an Early Age” and other works focused primarily on the inequities which exist in and between schools throughout the United States. Kozol remains deeply engaged in policy debate on issues of class, race, civil rights, and public education.
Responses to Mr. Kozol’s lecture were provided by Dr. Dana Mohler-Faria, President of Bridgewater State College, Professor Stephanie Chalupka of UML’s Nursing Department, Charles Cariaganes from Lowell High School and David Meehan from the Performing and Fine Arts High School in Lawrence
Jonathan Kozol signing faculty member Elizabeth Bifuh-Ambe’s book before the lecture
Chancellor Meehan introduces Jonathan Kozol
About 350 students, alumni, faculty and friends attended the lecture in O’Leary 222 and four overflow rooms.
The panelists Chuck Caragianes, Dana Mohler-Faria, Stephanie Chalupka, and David Meehan responded to Mr. Kozol’s remarks and fielded questions from the audience.
Videos
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2006 GSE Awards Presentation Video
(Includes M. Virginia Biggy Memorial)
2006 M. Virginia Biggy Lecture Video
2005 M. Virginia Biggy Lecture Video