Our alumni should realize how important they have been and can continue to be to the Biology Department. For years, alumni, now situated in academic departments throughout the U.S.A. or holding nonacademic positions, have been invaluable to our recent graduates by providing advice and help in locating support for graduate studies and finding jobs. We want to remind all alumni that help from nonacademic quarters is more important than ever. If you would like to be on our list of potential contacts, please send a brief description of your field of work with advice on the most appropriate way to contact you to Ed Davis or Bruce Byers, Biology Department, Morrill Science Center, U. of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 or by Email to bbyers@bio.umass.edu.  We have many student requests to have individuals with "real life" jobs (i.e., nonacademic ones) come speak with them.  Should you be available for such talks with small student groups, or for one on one conversations, please let us know.
 
The Biology Department is continuing the scholarship funds started in the former Botany and Zoology Departments and established with alumni contributions.  They include the Ray Ethan Torrey Scholarship for undergrads in the plant sciences and the Bill and Margaret Nutting Scholarship in field biology.  In addition, the newly created Massachusetts Museum of Natural History would appreciate alumni support.  Beyond specific funds, the Biology Department greatly appreciates unrestricted contributions.  University budgets have been tight for many years and alumni contributions have become an extremely important source of funds for many initiatives for our students.  If you respond to the annual UMass Telethon you should know that you can direct your donation or a portion of it to Biology.