The UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association will host the 50th annual Alumni Awards on April 12 at 6 p.m. in the Marketplace on campus, recognizing alumni for their outstanding career accomplishments and impactful service in the community that bring honor to UMass Dartmouth. To commemorate the 50th anniversary, the evening’s celebration will feature music by Felix Brown, hors d'oeuvres, and cocktails for guests to enjoy and celebrate UMassD pride.
This year's honorees are:
Janice Reynolds '82, Alumni Achievement Award
The Alumni Achievement Award recognizes a UMass Dartmouth graduate who, because of distinguished stature in a chosen profession, has attained great respect, had a strong impact on his or her field and enhanced the reputation of the University. Janice Reynolds ’82 will receive the Alumni Achievement Award for her exemplary career in the accounting industry. After graduating from UMass Dartmouth, Reynolds became co-owner of a successful accounting firm in Hartford, CT. She is currently retired and remains heavily involved in her local community and serves on the UMass Dartmouth Foundation Board.
Andrea Amaral Rodrigues ’04, MBA ’05, Alumni Volunteer Service Award
The Alumni Volunteer Service Award is given to a graduate in recognition of loyal, unselfish, and consistent service to the UMass Dartmouth and the Alumni Association. Andrea Amaral Rodrigues ’04, MBA ’05 is this year’s Alumni Volunteer Service Award recipient. She is BankFive’s first vice president of marketing and community relations. She volunteers her time to work with the Veterans Transition House of New Bedford, United Way of Greater New Bedford, Hunger Heroes, Baby Bundles, and other inspiring programs. She received the John S. Brayton Jr. Memorial Community Service Award from One SouthCoast Chamber for her extraordinary service in the local community.
Marcia Carvalho ’20, MBA ’21, Rising Star Alumni Award
The Rising Star Alumni Award celebrates the accomplishments of a UMassD graduate of the last 10-15 years whose exceptional achievements in career, public service, or volunteer activities bring honor to UMass Dartmouth. Marcia Carvalho ’20, MBA ’21 will receive the Rising Star Alumni Award for her exceptional achievements thus far in her career at Dell Technologies. While a UMass Dartmouth student, Carvalho began working at Dell as an intern in 2019 and was a campus advocate for the company for four months. She was hired as a senior financial analyst in January 2020 after graduating from the Charlton College of Business.
Lauren E. Underwood, P.E. '13, Rising Star Alumni Award
Lauren Underwood ’13 is another recipient of the Rising Star Alumni Award for her thriving career with Environmental Partners. Underwood started as a project engineer and was promoted to project manager in 2021. She specializes in municipal drinking water and has received several awards in this field, including the New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) Younger Member of the Year Award and the Environmental Business Council New England (EBC) Ascending Leader Award.
Dr. Jacqueline E. Einstein, MBA ’91, Faculty/Staff Recognition Award
The Faculty/Staff Recognition Award recognizes a UMassD employee, past or present, who demonstrates exceptional investment in and care for the academic, professional, and personal well-being of students and alumni. Dr. Jackie Einstein is this year’s Faculty/Staff Recognition Award recipient. Einstein pursued a successful career in the financial services industry with local and national financial institutions, including Bank of America and Citizens Bank. Einstein is an advisor for the Collegiate DECA student organization and helps her students succeed academically and in their career planning. Currently, Dr. Einstein teaches classes in management and marketing in the Charlton College of Business since 2012.