Campus Currents

A gift from Marcy Carsey '66 will bring together researchers in nine UNH centers and programs, including the Child Study and Development Center. Photo by Gary Samson.

Award-winning television producer Marcy Peterson Carsey '66 has made a $7.5 million gift to the university to establish the Carsey Institute for Effective Families and Communities. The institute will link nine UNH centers and programs that are already engaged in internationally recognized research to form an institute devoted to the study of family, psychological and health care issues.

"We are extremely grateful to Marcy Carsey," says President Joan R. Leitzel. "We now have the opportunity to build on our strengths in the social, behavioral and health sciences and to provide the newest thinking on the full range of subjects that affect our families and communities."

Marcy Carsey

UNH centers involved in the new project are: the Family Research Laboratory, the Crimes Against Children Research Center, the Child Study and Development Center, the Institute on Disability, the Department of Health Management and Policy, the Marriage and Family Therapy Program, JusticeWorks, the UNH Survey Center and Cooperative Extension.

The College of Liberal Arts and the School of Health and Human Services will be closely involved in the work of the institute. "We envision a network of programs that will address critical state and regional needs, while simultaneously providing applied research opportunities for UNH students," according to Marilyn Hoskin, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. James McCarthy, dean of the School of Health and Human Services, adds, "The institute will attract faculty members and students from many departments throughout the university. By drawing on insights and perspectives from many different academic specialties, we will be able to improve the health and well-being of people and their communities."

Carsey graduated cum laude from UNH in 1966 with a degree in English. Over the next three decades, she produced some of television's most critically acclaimed and popular shows. She began her career as a tour guide for NBC and soon advanced to a position as production assistant on "The Tonight Show." After marrying John Carsey in 1969, she moved to Hollywood. She formed the Carsey-Werner Company with business partner Tom Werner in 1981. Carsey-Werner has had a string of hits since its first, "The Cosby Show," in 1984. During the 1988-89 season, the company became the first independent studio to sweep the top three rankings with "The Cosby Show" at number one, "Roseanne" at number two, and "A Different World" at number three. Since then, Carsey-Werner has produced many successful comedies, including "Grace Under Fire," "Cybill," "That '70s Show" and "Cosby."

"Every program must be worthy of its airtime," Carsey says. "That means bringing together the finest writers, actors, producers and directors, and allowing those talented people to grow and flourish. We can accomplish great things with this institute at the University of New Hampshire using the same strategy. By integrating the university's best resources, people, and programs, we will extend the benefits of the work done on behalf of children and families well beyond our current borders." ~

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