The GSA would like to thank everyone who participated in the Fourth Annual Graduate Academic Conference in making it a great success. A special thanks to Octavio Richetta, PhD., Frances Schlesinger, and Marguerite McLellan, for taking time from their busy schedules to present useful and informative workshops to UMass graduate students.

Dr. Winston Langley Associate Provost for Academic Affairs presented the attendees at the Academic Luncheon, with an inspirational talk on the virtues of Graduate Studies here at University of Massachusetts Boston.

Congratulations to the following prizewinners of the Luncheon Raffle Contest:

*Julian Jefferies – Pair of Movie Tickets*Suzanne Pirto – Pair of Movie Tickets*Charles Schena – Pair of Movie Tickets*Maura Sharry – Pair of Movie Tickets*Christine Gagliardi – Pair of Aquarium Tickets*Davis Sweet – Pair of Aquarium Tickets*Cathy Green – $25 University Bookstore Gift Certificate

Thank you to Caroline Coscia, Ryan Dorland, Susan Kubik, and Tom Menino for volunteering countless hours organizing and planning the conference and ensuring its success.

Grant Deadlines

The Spayne Master’s Thesis/Project Grant and the Bollinger Doctoral Thesis Grant deadlines are fast approaching. Please make sure the applications are completed and returned to the GSA office by April 24th 2003.

Professional Development Grant

Do you want to attend a conference, seminar, workshop, training session, or a symposium but do not have enough money to pay for the entire trip? The Graduate Student Assembly offers the Professional Development Grant (PDG), which reimburses students up to $500 for travel expenses and fees. Some restrictions and limitations apply. Please check GSA’s webpage for more details.