Feature Stories
Bryce King ’19, MAT ’19: A legacy of success, painted in blue and gold
King reflects on his UMass Dartmouth experiences and how he is driven to support the next generation of Corsairs.
A natural fit
A love of the SouthCoast and parents’ pride inspire John and Gail Sampieri to build a philanthropic legacy at UMass Dartmouth
Joe Cozzolino ’87 establishes enduring support of his alma mater, where his story of success began
A donor-advised fund provides future funding for UMass Dartmouth students
Alumni Association Scholarship: Paving the way for the next generation of Corsairs
Discover how UMass Dartmouth alumni empower current students to overcome financial barriers and achieve the unthinkable.
From cranberry fields to classrooms: Monika Schuler ’89, MS ’12 embraces new career paths
Schuler turned her passion for biology into a nursing educator career, inspiring her to give back to UMass Dartmouth as an Alumni Association member.
Corsair meets courtroom: Emily Dillan ’20, JD ’23 achieves dream career in law
Drawing from her own experiences at UMass Dartmouth & the School of Law, Dillan is now an Alumni Association member that is dedicated to being the mentor she once had.
Sharan Anil Kumar, MS ’22: Turning risk into reward at UMass Dartmouth
Through perseverance & support from the UMassD community, Sharan not only found professional success but also returned to give back as a proud Alumni Association member.
Justine Cameron ’14, MPP ’19 circles back to where it all began
Cameron had little doubt about joining the UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association, inspired by the scholarship that helped her find success & ignited her desire to give back.
Pair of pre-med alums begin medical school at UMass Chan
Recent biology grads accepted to two dozen medical schools; thrive in first semester at UMass Chan
Thomas Castillo ’21, MBA ’24: Blue & gold ties that last a lifetime
Starting as a student, Castillo’s relationship with UMass Dartmouth grew to include his role as an admissions counselor & his contributions as a member of the Alumni Association.
James Pace ’09: Forever a Corsair
From student leader to thriving professional, Pace discusses how UMass Dartmouth influenced his journey to success & his decision to join the Alumni Association.
Cauê Zirnberger Lazaneo PhD '21: The ocean-climate connection
From a young surfer in Brazil to an international oceanographer, SMAST alumnus lands professorship.
Steven Giesta '12, '24: Master of Business Administration
Fall River native opens doors for his career with an MBA from UMassD
Making history: UMassD women’s basketball celebrates 50 years of athletic excellence
Alumni of the UMass Dartmouth women’s basketball program share the impactful experiences and unforgettable memories that transformed their lives.
Nursing PhD Alumni Series: Dr. Melissa Desroches, PhD, RN, CNE
Building more equitable care for individuals with disabilities
Ryan Wallace ’06 builds more than a successful career at UMass Dartmouth
Beyond being the CFO at Vineyard Offshore, Wallace is a husband, father, and friend with a profound connection to his alma mater that only keeps getting stronger.
John Babbitt & family keep parents’ memory alive through scholarship
The Babbitt Family established a scholarship for current students in memory of his mother & father, who served on the Board of Trustees during UMass Dartmouth’s early days as SMTI.
Shaunna Lai ’05: Nursing with a blend of science and empathy
When her dreams of becoming a nurse felt out of reach, Lai’s education at UMass Dartmouth was supported by scholarships, inspiring her to give back to current students in the same way.
Silavong Phimmasone ’19: A Jack of all trades champions versatility
Former UMass Dartmouth Student Trustee and 2019 Commencement speaker “embraced the suck” to jumpstart his career and climb up the Citizens Bank food chain.
Nursing PhD Alumni Series: Dr. Rayna Letourneau, PhD '17, RN
Trailblazer in nursing workforce development
UMassD’s Jan Reynolds ’82 honors parents, value of education with philanthropy
After Reynolds graduated from UMass Dartmouth with her father in 1982, she maintains a special connection to their alma mater with her extensive philanthropic history.
The Jadottes: Corsair Pair sends love to CCB, UMass Law students through giving
After Cupid’s arrow struck these Corsairs as scholars, the Jadottes remain connected to the UMass Dartmouth and UMass Law communities through their philanthropic giving.
Once College Now, always College Now: Alumni fund scholarship for students
The UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association established a current use scholarship for hard-working College Now students set to graduate this spring.
Mary Louise Nunes ’83 and her pillars of philanthropy
It was love at first ledger when Nunes began her career in the mid-1980s. Now, she instills that same love for accounting in current UMassD students with her philanthropy.
Katrina Velle '12: Paying it back
Biology alumna hired as assistant professor, returns to UMassD with multiple six-figure research grants
Donors help create a community space for military-affiliated students
UMass Dartmouth debuts new Veterans' Resource Center.
Honoring a sister, friend, and caregiver
Suzanne Rodrigues establishes a lasting legacy for her sister with a planned gift to UMass Dartmouth.
UMassD's first-year MLS and nursing scholars take a "S.T.E.P. Up"
A unique program for first-year College of Nursing and Health Sciences students pushes them to embrace their new identities as future medical professionals
Prepared to protect your business
A $3.5 million National Science Foundation grant bolsters cybersecurity program, readying students to become leaders in this cutting-edge field.
New scholarship preserves the values of retired Chancellor Professor Ron DiPippo
Mechanical engineering alumni establish scholarship honoring their influential professor.
Making an impact on global sustainability
Scholars and researchers at the School for Marine Science and Technology contribute to creating a sustainable seafood supply while supporting the development of renewable energy.
Empowering Sarah Adjei '26: Scholarships pave the way for global education access
From Ghana to UMass Dartmouth’s Ring Road, Sarah Adjei traveled across the world to attend college with the support of scholarship donors.
Restoring a modern learning hub
The largest investment in UMass Dartmouth’s history will prepare the Arts & Sciences building to serve students for the future
Haim Gal Moore ’18: From studying biology at UMassD to medicine at UMass Chan
Now a second-year student at UMass Chan Medical School, Moore’s interests in the immunology of cancer and related research adventures stemmed from his time at UMassD.
UMassD’s Rita Wang ’09 makes family her priority as a versatile professional
Even as her life’s priorities shifted, Wang’s human resources management degree gave her a particular set of adaptive skills that allowed her to succeed, from consulting to higher education.
How UMassD’s Craig O’Connell, PhD ’14 became the Shark Doctor
Known affectionately on social media as the Shark Doctor, O’Connell ceaselessly searches for ways to conserve marine wildlife and protect oceanic species from extinction, specifically sharks.
First-gen alumna Claudia Torres ’19, MBA ’20 leaves audit trail of success at UMassD
As the first in her family to attend college, Torres seized leadership opportunities at UMass Dartmouth that transformed her into the professional leader she was destined to be.
John Cordasco, P.E. ’13: Merging Mind & Muscle at UMassD
Cordasco, a New Jersey native and prominent engineering leader at Kimley-Horn, learned critical life lessons in and out of the classroom as a UMass Dartmouth student-athlete.
UMassD’s Colin Crociati ’16 sparks story of redemption with state’s first sour brewery
After beating Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Crociati’s art degree from UMass Dartmouth pushed him to get creative when he opened Sour Not Sorry, Massachusetts’ first sour brewery, in Plymouth.
Paula Cruz ’14, MS ’21 finds her reason why at UMassD
Western Massachusetts native Cruz always dreamt of making a real difference one day and discovered her calling to serve others in adventures at UMassD & beyond.
Filipe Pereira, PhD '23: Life-changing moments
First-generation college student Filipe Pereira, PhD '23, was recently awarded the prestigious President's Postdoctoral Fellowship at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego (UCSD).
Former Coach Robert Dowd forged forever friendships among Corsair runners
After three decades, the boundary between student-athlete and alum is blurred for these Corsairs with hearts that continue to bleed blue and gold.
Jillian Bettencourt ’17, ABSN ’23: A Childhood Dream Come True
Bettencourt’s fruitful academic experiences at UMass Dartmouth turned her life-long passion into a dream career and shaped her into the medical professional she is today.
Leaps of Faith at UMassD with Elisa Lorello ’99, M ’03
With an affinity for the written word, Lorello couldn’t keep her creativity confined in a box and returned to UMass Dartmouth to finally unleash it.
Craig Rousseau ’93: A comic book artist explores his potential at UMassD
Renowned illustrator Rousseau left UMass Dartmouth feeling more prepared than ever to face an evolving arts industry.
Grechel Rosado '20 finds home away from home at UMassD
From printmaking to art program management, Rosado remains inspired by her strong UMassD roots that taught her the true meaning of community.
Peter de Silva '84 shares leadership lessons
After a 35-year career in financial services, de Silva shares his guiding principles in his book, "Taking Stock"
Jonathan Sheroff '20: Poli Sci to Physician Assistant
Pre-Health Postbaccalaureate Certificate alum enters PA school ready for career change
Sharing the value of education
Fred Lebow ’67 leaves a legacy for College of Engineering students inspired by his passion for learning
Performing at their peak
At Tripp Athletic Center, there’s a powerful laboratory of education, community, and physical performance, where UMass Dartmouth’s student-athletes develop the skills to become not just accomplished runners, basketball players, or football players, but high-performing citizens.
CCB is trending up
A focus on what’s needed to ensure student success powered a recent climb by the Charlton College of Business on the U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of Best Undergraduate Business Programs
Ten years of pursing justice
The newly renovated Arc of Justice Atrium at UMass Dartmouth's School of Law honors Chancellor Emerita Jean MacCormack, the late Margaret “MarDee” Xifaras, MBA ’78, and all those who worked to create an excellent, inclusive, and affordable public law school.
Guided by goals, fueled by ambition
Kyle Furtado ’23 is a student, a scholar, a teacher, an advisor, a technology coordinator, a web designer, and a software engineer intern. In a word, he is ambitious.
Protecting coastal ecosystems starts at UMassD
When Mike Joyce’s team at PrimaLoft, Inc. needed a way to test its new biodegradable, recycled insulation and fabric, he knew just where to turn—UMass Dartmouth, his alma mater and an institution that has been on the cutting edge of textile technology since 1895.
Sandy McConnell '97: Canine Corsair trainer
Veteran, entrepreneur, and Charlton College of Business alum teaches dogs to positively impact human lives
Deidre Tao ’93: How to build a successful art career
With a strong foundation in studio arts acquired at UMassD, Tao turned her passion into a career as a self-represented artist.
Stephanie Chenard '19, '20, '22: Writing your own story
Psychology BA, MA, and Master of Teaching student earns three degrees in her forties
A unique way to make an impact through the Corsair Network
The Corsair Network develops mentorships between alumni and students
Supporting Women in Science & Engineering
Alumni and defense industry professional join forces to support female science and engineering students
Charlemya Erasme BS '18, MS '20: Asking Questions
Two-time UMassD alum Charlemya Erasme is off to an impactful, moral, and successful start to her career.
Charlens Beneche '18: From Dartmouth to the Department of Public Health
Former Biology major now plays critical role surveilling Covid-19 and its impact on public health
Mike Joyce '85: Bringing PrimaLoft's research in biodegradability to UMassD
Joyce, CEO of PrimaLoft, Inc., sparked the creation of a biodegradability testing lab at UMassD to study the breakdown of microplastics
Alumni Feature: Marcus Howard '19
A complete art education with a university experience made UMassD the place to be for Marcus.
Amanda Kuffoh ’20: Doing the right thing
Social justice and advocacy guides Amanda’s personal and professional journey
Cassie Canastra '20: Why she chose the PSM degree
Cassie talks about how SMAST's professional science master’s degree program helped her gain the knowledge and experience necessary to assist regulators in the management of fisheries.
Jonathan Bisbano ’11: Learning to love coding
A solid engineering skillset helped Bisbano build a career at EHR leader Meditech
Alycia Busby ’12 pays it forward through mentoring
Alumni mentors help students and new professionals navigate careers
Lauren Underwood '13 shares her key to success
Lauren, a local project manager in civil engineering, says earning her degree from UMassD was key in her success.
Osamah (Sam) Maqsood '20: Building a network
Networking, leadership roles, & the supportive UMassD community helped Osamah define his career endeavors.
Nanette Vega ’96: Dared to dream big
First-generation graduate now advocates for students as a higher education professional
James Cunniff '66: Learning the value of being a good communicator
A personal account of realizing the importance of his academic experience
Jared Bucci '10: Seizing opportunities
Bucci leveraged his experience in brand marketing and retail search management to help his customers navigate Amazon Marketplace
Hannah Gadbois '16: The value of faculty mentorship
Hannah, who earned her degree in Art History, talks about CVPA’s supportive community of professors, academic excellence, and career preparation.
Honoring Marc St. Pierre
Marc's legacy as an instructor, friend, and artist remains alive.
Preserving Portuguese culture at UMassD
The generosity of several donors brings the rich history of the Portuguese to life at UMass Dartmouth
John and Tom Findley: Keeping the Corsair tradition since 1984
“We will continue to support UMassD and the values it has taught us."
Jesse Purvis, JD ’19 named director of policy for Boston City Councilor
Recipient of UMass Law Public Interest Law Fellowship and Thurgood Marshall Award for Social Justice
Stephanie Mireku '11: "I hope to be able to influence the next generation of UMassD alumni”
Worcester native connects success to her UMassD experience
Joe Cozzolino '87: "UMass Dartmouth was the place I wanted to support."
Engineering foundation led to a career in cutting-edge fiber optic technology
Elaine Varelas '79: Opening up possibilities for UMassD students
“Supporting UMassD is something we should be really proud to be able to do.”
Swain alumni help future CVPA grads
Swain School of Design Alumni Scholarship Fund supports CVPA sophomores
Recognizing student leadership
Dr. Tom Mulvey and Caitlin Egan ’20
Meshkat Botshekan '19: Reducing the carbon footprint
Meshkat, a Civil and Environmental Engineering PhD student at MIT, collaborates with UMassD professors to develop app designed to help fight the effects of climate change.
Supporting future electrical engineers
John Freeman ’58 and Sakiynah Howard ’20
Debbie Gustafson '85: CEO, Energetiq
World traveler, high stakes negotiator, known as a trailblazing executive and clairvoyant marketer, Debbie Gustafson, BSME '85, has packed a wide range of experience into a stellar career.