Category: Community
Learning Resources Network (LERNet) Starts Up
Many BU faculty members currently run educational and enrichment activities for middle- and high-school students to share the University’s resources with them and stimulate their interest in various academic disciplines. LERNet is designed to serve as a resource center and clearinghouse to help with ongoing events and to assist faculty who are interested in planning new programs.
MAVERIC
The Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Center (MAVERIC) is established as one of three epidemiological research centers (ERICs) within the VA’s Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) to conduct observational, population-based research. It is affiliated with the Harvard and Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health. MAVERIC's mission is to improve the health of veterans and enhance health care delivery in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) by promoting the conduct of VA-based population research relevant to the needs of veterans; facilitating the transfer of vital epidemiological information to VHA providers and administrators; and educating the next generation of population researchers. In addition, MAVERIC has supported and participated in several national and local educational activities to develop clinical and scientific researchers practicing in the field.
Boston Medical Center
Boston University and the City of Boston announce the merger of Boston University Medical Center Hospital and Boston City Hospital, creating the Boston Medical Center.
MED Receives Community Service Award
The School of Medicine receives the Award for Outstanding Community Service from the Association of American Medical Colleges for its work in Boston.
Farouk El-Baz & the Million Man March
Professor Farouk El-Baz resolves the controversy about the crowd size in Washington, DC's "Million Man March" by estimating the number of participants in the march using the same computer techniques applied to counting sand dunes in the desert. He succeeds in conveying the excitement of scientific research and the importance of using advanced technology.
Prison Education Program Continues
With the Crime Control and Prevention Act of 1994, Pell Grants for prisoners are eliminated, and as a result, universities withdraw their prison education programs. Only Boston University continues to operate in prisons, though since 1998 it has focused exclusively on undergraduate courses.
BU Academy Opens
Boston University Academy, a college preparatory school, opens under the guidance of President Silber.
Chelsea School Project
At the request of beleaguered Chelsea officials, Boston University agrees to manage the city’s failing schools for 10 years, an unprecedented—and as yet unduplicated—move by a private university. The management plan, known officially as the Boston University/Chelsea Partnership, calls for sweeping changes in curricula, teacher training, school policies, and facilities. The goal: to make Chelsea schools "a model for excellence in urban education." The Boston University/Chelsea Partnership continued until 2008.
BU Student Food Rescue
The Student Food Rescue is founded by a group of Boston University student volunteers and becomes an integral part of the Boston University Community Service Center. Volunteers collect nearly 150,000 pounds of food annually from local restaurants, supermarkets, bakeries, grocery surplus facilities, and coffee shops each week and distribute it to area meal programs, food pantries, and shelters.
Alcohol & Drug Institute for Policy, Training & Research
The Alcohol & Drug Institute for Policy, Training & Research consists of experts on alcohol and drug issues associated with urban and multicultural populations. The institute sponsors professional seminars and conferences, conducts research on policy-relevant issues, and works with social service agencies to respond to the needs of addicted clients.
