Media Advisory: University of New Hampshire 2020 and 2021 Commencements

WHAT: UNH will host a series of small commencement ceremonies over three days to recognize its 2020 and 2021 graduates. Tickets are required. Every attendee must show a valid, original vaccination card showing that the bearer is at least two weeks post their final COVID-19 vaccination or a printed copy of negative COVID test results from a test taken within 72 hours of the ceremony. Wolf Blitzer, anchor of CNN’s The Situation Room, will deliver the commencement address for both classes via prerecorded video.

UNH Research Estimates 1.4 Million Children Have Yearly Violence-Related Medical Visits

DURHAM, N.H.— A national report from the University of New Hampshire shows close to one and a half million children each year visit a doctor, emergency room or medical facility as a result of an assault, abuse, crime or other form of violence. This is four times higher than previous estimates based only on data from U.S. emergency rooms for violence-related treatment.

UNH RIFC 50 Franchise Index Surges in Q1 With Red Robin, Avis and Joint Chiropractic

DURHAM, N.H.—The University of New Hampshire’s franchising sector-focused RIFC 50 Index™ continued to recover strongly from the severe losses sustained in the first three quarters of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining 7.3 % in the first quarter of 2021. Developed and published by UNH’s Rosenberg International Franchise Center (RIFC), it is the first stock index to track the financial market performance of the U.S. franchising sector.

UNH Partners with Smuttynose Brewing Co. on New Lager

DURHAM, N.H.—Smuttynose Brewing Company and the University of New Hampshire have partnered to brew an easy-drinking lager to support the university’s brewing science lab, which in turn supports NH’s growing brewing industry. UNH Wildcat Tracks will be distributed throughout the state in cans and on draft beginning this week.

UNH Announces 2020 and 2021 Granite State Award and Honorary Degree Recipients

DURHAM, N.H.—In recognition of their achievements, the University of New Hampshire will award honorary degrees to its commencement speakers as well as several business leaders and entrepreneurs at commencement ceremonies across its three campuses May 16-23, 2021. Granite State Awards for outstanding contributions to the state will also be presented.

UNH Research: More Than One Way for Animals to Survive Climate Change

DURHAM, N.H.— As climate change continues to trigger the rise in temperature, increase drier conditions and shift precipitation patterns, adapting to new conditions will be critical for the long-term survival of most species. Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that to live in hotter more desert-like surroundings, and exist without water, there is more than one genetic mechanism allowing animals to adapt.

UNH Receives First-Ever National Certification Mark in Forest Industry

DURHAM, N.H.—The University of New Hampshire has been issued a registered certification mark from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to label white oak sourced in New England and market certified New England white oak barrels to beverage producers. This certification mark is the first of its kind for the industry in the United States.

Media Availability: UNH Experts Offer Comment on Biden’s First 100 Days

DURHAM, N.H. — During his first 100 days in office, President Joe Biden has addressed a number of agenda items including ramping up COVID-19 vaccinations, introducing a $2 trillion infrastructure bill, rejoining the Paris Agreement on climate change and creating a bipartisan commission to study judiciary reform. How important are these early actions and what do they reveal about the future of his administration?

UNH Research: Climate Change Affects Deep-Sea Corals and Sponges Differently

DURHAM, N.H.— Corals and sponges are important foundations in ocean ecosystems providing structure and habitats that shelter a high number of species like fish, crabs and other creatures, particularly in the seamounts and canyons of the deep sea. Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have discovered that when it comes to climate change not all deep-sea corals and sponges are affected the same and some could be threatened if average ocean temperatures continue to increase in the deep sea of the Northwest Atlantic.