The University of Massachusetts has announced its 2001-2002 Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series. All lectures are free and open to the public in Memorial hall at 4:00p.m. A reception follows each talk.

All faculty members that participate in the series receive a Chancellor’s Medal following their lecture. The Chancellor’s Medal is given to individuals for exemplary and extraordinary service to the University. It is the University’s highest honor.

This year’s participants include professors from several different departments and areas of study. Speaking on Tuesday, October 17, is William E. Bemis, a professor of biology. He is an expert in fish biology and evolution. He has spent 17 years studying ray-finned fishes. He has been at UMass since 1984.

Speaking on Tuesday, November 27, is Madeleine Helena Blais, a professor of journalism. She is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who recently published the book, Uphill Walkers: A Memoir of a Family. She has published several other books.

Donald F. Towsley will be speaking on Wednesday, March 27. He is a professor of computer science. He is considered a pioneer in the area of computer systems and networking. His work is focused on “multicasting” within computer networks.

Finally, N.J. Demerath, professor of sociology will be speaking on Wednesday, April 17. He is currently the immediate past president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, and has also published several books.