UNH Today

Making Room for Science

Spaulding Hall was built in 1960. Except for a partial renovation almost 40 years later, nothing has been done to the science building since then — making the in-progress renovations and planned expansion a definite list-topper for the university, which it has been for several years now.

Paw Patrol

Don’t be surprised if your next encounter with the UNH Police includes a few head scratches and some vigorous tail wagging. In July, the department adopted a female golden lab puppy from Hero Pups, a volunteer organization in Stratham, New Hampshire, that trains service dogs for veterans and first responders. Named Charlee by children at the UNH Child Study and Development Center, the puppy joins the force as a comfort dog for students and other members of the campus community.

Climate Change and Turf Seaweed Causing “Patchy” Seascape

The effects of climate change are becoming more apparent, from the rapidly warming Gulf of Maine to more frequent and severe storms and the increase of invasive turf seaweed. UNH researchers have found that these environmental developments are contributing to the transformation of the seafloor to a lower,Ěýpatchier seascape dominated by shrub-like seaweed which could impact species habitats and the structure of the food web.

Top of the Class

In the most recent rankings, UNH athletics earned an NCAA Graduation Success Rate score of 96 percent — a mark matched only by Cornell among all land grant universities and significantly above the national average of 88 percent. Nine teams were ranked first in their sport, and seven — field hockey, women’s lacrosse, gymnastics, men’s skiing, women’s skiing, women’s soccer and swimming and diving — earned perfect scores, with 100 percent of their student-athletes earning diplomas within six years of matriculation.

Battle Ready

In August, the football team did something it hadn’t done in the last two decades: The Wildcats practiced under the watchful eyes of a head coach other than Sean McDonnell ’78.

On Aug. 26, McDonnell announced to his team that he was taking a leave of absence to deal with health issues. Ricky Santos ’07, a four-year starting quarterback and one of the greatest Wildcat players ever under McDonnell’s tutelage, took over the program on an interim basis.

In This Issue...

Kristin Waterfield Duisberg

Six years as editor of UNH Magazine have given me the opportunity to share a variety of stories: some fun, others inspiring, and many — I hope — thought-provoking. But I don’t think we’ve ever put out an issue that has felt quite so consequential as the one in your hands.