University of Massachusetts Lowell - Sojourn / Knoll Yearbook (Lowell, MA)

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28 Academics During 1982 1983 the University revised its Long Range Plan to coincide with the 1982 1987 planning period recently established by the Massachusetts Board of Regents The new plan outlines the steps involved in what I regard to be the most signrficant development undertaken by the University since the merger in 1975 During the past decade the economy of the Commonwealth has shifted from a labor intensive industrial base to a knowledge oriented economy which emphasizes technological development production and services on the one hand and requires social, cultural, and health delivery systems on the other As financial and governmental leaders are keenly aware the emergence of new knowledge based industries within the Commonwealth has insulated our region from the mayor consequences of the prolonged national recession and grves unequivocal evidence that Massachusetts has finally overcome the locational economic disadvantages of high energy costs and inadequate natural resources This new found advantage can be preserved and nourished only if a critical mass of well educated and properly trained citizens is maintained the appropriate linkages between higher education and the technology industry are established and the quality of social delivery systems is ensured by vigorous and relevant programs of higher education As the Universrty looks forward to its second decade of operation and continued by the increased student demand for its program offerings by the substantial support evidenced by the private sector during the first institutional resource development campaign by the renewed support of alumni groups and by the recommendations the Board of Regents for increased state funding of the University during 1983 84 The new Long Range Plan outlines the steps by which the University plans to interact with the new knowledge based economy and seeks to contribute to the enhancement of both the economic and social vitality of the Commonwealth It also identifies a course of action for striking that balance between undergraduate and graduate education which is the hallmark of the mature American university and it implicitly acknowledges as the chief institutional priority the development and refinement of instructional programs As resources become available the University will also seek to enhance those community linkages which will enrich both university and non university communities including collegiate athletics, student based artistic performances cultural and scholarly exchanges and programs for visiting scholars scholars and artists William T Hogan President participation in the development of the new knowledge-based economy, it is encouraged . , . , . of

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Art professor honored Carlton Plummer named president of New England Watercolor Society Carlton Plummer was busy last summer putting the final touches on his new home and gallery in East Boothbay, Maine. Overlooking the ocean, the multi-level house which he designed creates a dramatic line against the rocky coast. During the school year Plummer lives in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and teaches art at the University, but he and his wife, joan, spend summer,in Maine where he was born and raised. He sees his Maine home as a reflection of the philosophy and technique which he utilizes in his watercolors. As he writes in the September, 1982 issue of American Artist, This diagonal istructurel was a major way of emphasizing drama and emotion. In an article titled Using Diagonal Compositions in Watercolor he goes on to discuss the way diagonal structure combines with color to create his style. Each june, Plummer shares his experience with other artists by hosting a three week workshop. His reputation over the past twenty years has grown from regional to national and students now come from around the country for the annual sessions. His workshops draw professionals, aspiring amateurs, and art teachers of all ages. Using demonstrations and critiques, he gives each of the twenty students individual attention and direction. An artist's innate talent and 30 Academics creativity must be coupled with an intense desire to succeed as a painter, says Plummer. Before joining the Lowell State faculty in 1964, Professor Plummer taught art at Chelmsford High School. He is a graduate of Vesper George School of Art, Massachusetts College of Art, and Boston University. He credits much of his success to a strong desire to paint and to the support of his wife, an accomplished artist herself. Art has taken him to unusual'places. Ar the height of the Vietnam War, in 1969, he spent a month in Southeast Asia capturing the action with his paints for the Department of Military History. In 1976 he toured Alaska for Y . three months with his wife and son. Ranging as far as the Arctic Circle, he completed 50 paintings of the land and people. Four years ago Plummer was elected as a full member to the American Watercolor Society. His paintings are represented in galleries throughout New England. He has won more than 40 national awards in prestigious exhibitions. In addition to the A.W.S., he is a member of the Allied Artists of America, and the New England Watercolor Society. In 1982, he was elected President of the N.E.W.S. Writing again about his method and subjects in American Amsr, he explains, Although we have traveled extensively, my wife and I return to the alluring beauty of Maine to be stimulated anew by her inlets and rock masses. The artist is much like the actor on a stage, constantly striving to gain the full attention of the audience while continuing to develop the mood of the situation. This challenge can be met in a variety of ways . . . By this visual entertainment, we hopefully trigger the emotions and intellect of the viewer. If this is true, then the artist has been successful in communicating with his or her audience. - Paul Marion - Mary Lou Hubble Courtesy of The Lowellian 7 ,l I l l Z 6 ll