Page 47 - BusinessWest November 10, 2021

UMass Amherst College of Information and Computer Sciences Nets $93 Million
AMHERST — UMass Amherst announced that, as part of Robert and Donna Manning’s recent historic $50 million gift to the University of Mas- sachusetts, $18 million will endow
the newly named Robert and Donna Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences. At the same time, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a $75 million commitment that will enhance and expand the college’s facilities. The state grant, which will be allocated
over the course of multiple future capi- tal plans, is backed by a $30 million commitment from the campus for the expanded physical footprint of the col- lege. These combined investments will allow the college to continue to grow and fuel new discoveries in comput- ing research. It will attract top faculty, increase access to its nationally ranked program, and offer scholarships, bridge programs, and peer mentoring to foster a diverse and ethical future workforce. Since 2018, the college has commit- ted to doubling the amount of under- graduate and graduate students, and the gift and grant will help accelerate that goal. The Robert and Donna Man- ning College of Information and Com- puter Sciences ranks among the top 20 computer science programs in North America and boasts the 11th-ranked artificial intelligence (AI) program. United around a revolutionary vision for computing research and educa- tion, known as Computing for the Common Good, the college is driving scientific discovery in key areas such
as healthcare, sustainability, cyberse- curity, quantum information systems, and human-centered technology. Its
People on the Move
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the Air on Substack, a digital subscrip- tion newsletter platform. Peltier, an expert in air pollution, aims to offer “objective analysis of science — mostly air quality and health, but occasionally dipping my toes in other directions where I might have something to say.” He conducted urgent research at the start of the pandemic to test whether healthcare workers could safely reuse face masks designed for one-time use. In general, using innovative approach- es and novel designs and applications of instrumentation, he focuses his research on advancing knowledge of particulate matter and its impact on human health. Peltier’s expertise is often sought by national media outlets and such agencies as the U.S. Envi- ronmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization, for which he serves on the Global Air Pollution and Health Technical Advisory Group. Subscribe for free at 20000breaths.sub- stack.com/about.
research is focused on some of the most demanding challenges of today, including ensuring that AI is equitable, safe, and applied in positive ways, cre- ating technologies that protect person- al privacy and safeguard children from online predators.
Eastern States Exposition Receives Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Eastern States Exposition (ESE) President and CEO Eugene Cassidy was joined by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal and Robert Nelson, direc- tor of the Small Business Assoc. (SBA) Massachusetts District Office, on Oct.
25 to announce that ESE is the recipi- ent of a Shuttered Venues Operators Grant (SVOG). These federal grants are given to venues in the entertainment realm such as
House Committee on Ways and Means. “Due to the pandemic, the Big E was forced to close its gates for the 2020 season, resulting in extensive loss. I
concert halls,
theaters, and
other attractions
that suffered sig-
nificant losses
during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Big E, North America’s fifth-largest fair in 2019, did not take place in 2020. “For more than 100 years, the Eastern States Exposition, home of The Big
E, has welcomed millions of visitors to enjoy exhibits, entertainment, and agriculture,” said Neal, chair of the
Company Notebook
advocated fiercely on their behalf to the Small Business Administration for swift approval of the Big E’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application. Today, just weeks after almost 1.5 mil-
Notebook
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how can you help
the most vulnerable among us?
The pandemic continues to have devastating effects on local hunger and poverty, especially on the poorest and most vulnerable in our community.
We have put together two actions you can take to help those in need:
Feed-a-Family
1441 Main Street, Suite 147, Springfield, MA 01103 www.uwpv.org | 413.737.2691
DEPARTMENTS
NOVEMBER 10, 2021 47
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