Dear Partners, Friends, and Colleagues,
On November 15th, Provost Winston Langley hosted a reception for University College, University of Massachusetts Boston's newest college. He shared his vision for the college and Philip DiSalvio, Dean of University College, spoke about the state of the college and exciting new initiatives it was undertaking. I had the honor and privilege to present a brief paper which described my experiences in developing and launching a new graduate certificate program in alliance with University College. Moreover, the paper highlighted some of the compelling reasons why CRSCAD works, and delights in working, collaboratively with University College.
On November 17, CRSCAD's International Advisory Board held its inaugural meeting on our campus. Amongst other things, I presented a report which provided a summary of the activities that the Center had been engaged in from July 6, 2008 to November 17, 2011.
And, from November 17 to 18, 2011, CRSCAD hosted an International Workshop on Innovation, Diversity and Sustainable Development in Areas of Social Vulnerability. I am enormously pleased to inform you that it was well attended and very successful. (See the highlights below.)
I would like to express my profound gratitude to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for providing technical assistance, a keynote speaker and panelists for the workshop. In particular, I express thanks to Marcie Roth, a keynote speaker and the Director of the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination at FEMA; W. Russell "Russ" Webster, Federal Preparedness Coordinator, FEMA Region I; and Eleanor Jewett, the Regional Strategic Planner and Analyst, and the Regional Disability Coordinator for FEMA Region I. I would also like to thank Takeshi Hikihara, Consul General of Japan in Boston for his instructive and enlightening keynote speech titled, Japan: Eight Months After the Earthquake.
Finally, it is with great pleasure that I announce that our next international conference on Rebuilding Sustainable Communities after Disasters in China: Best Practices and Lessons Learned will be held at the University of Massachusetts Boston from November 15-16, 2012. CRSCAD is organizing the event in partnership with the China Program Center at University College and in collaboration with several universities in China. I cordially invite all of you to "save the date" and support and attend the event.
I thank you.
Adenrele Awotona
Founding Director & Professor