First-Ever Endowed Professorship in Nursing to be Announced
04/25/2017
Media contacts: Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu and Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu
* M E D I A A D V I S O R Y *
Thursday, April 27, Noon
WHAT: UMass Lowell will usher its School of Nursing into a new era at an event celebrating the school’s new name and its first endowed professorship in nursing.
The Susan and Alan Solomont School of Nursing will be dedicated in recognition of decades of support for the university, including a new fund providing scholarships and academic support to nursing majors. Alan Solomont is a former U.S. ambassador to Spain and Andorra who earned a degree in nursing at UMass Lowell before embarking on a career in health care and politics that also included serving as chairman of the university’s board of trustees during its merger with the UMass system. He currently serves as dean of the Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University. Susan Solomont is a philanthropic adviser and civic leader who has served on the boards of nonprofits and educational institutions. While in Spain, she established the Women’s Leadership Network and chaired the U.S. Embassy’s Volunteers in Action program.
The event will also include the official announcement of UMass Lowell’s first-ever endowed professorship in nursing, which will be awarded to an exceptional new faculty member who exhibits excellence and leadership in the field of nursing and health research. The Donna Manning Endowed Chair for Nursing has been established by Rob and Donna Manning, alumni who have generously supported the university, including scholarships and the new Pulichino Tong Business Center that is home to the Manning School of Business. Donna Manning, who earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and an MBA at UMass Lowell, has had a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades as an oncology nurse at Boston Medical Center. Rob Manning is the chairman of the UMass Board of Trustees and the chairman and co-CEO of MFS Investment Management.
Speakers at the event are scheduled to include Solomont and Rob Manning, along with UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney; UMass President Marty Meehan; John Feudo, UMass Lowell vice chancellor for advancement; Karen Devereaux Melillo, School of Nursing interim dean; and nursing major Alexandra Wood, a junior from Chelmsford. Following the speakers, tours of the school’s simulated hospital wing will be held.
WHERE: Health and Social Sciences Building, 113 Wilder St., Lowell. For directions and parking information, contact UMass Lowell media relations.