University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
School of Law Ceremony

UMass Board of Trustees

• Stephen R. Karam, Chairman
• Mary L. Burns, Vice Chair ’84, Lowell
• David M. Brunelle
• Gerald G. Colella ’78, Lowell
• Jose M. Delgado ’18, Amherst
• Robert Epstein ’67, Amherst
• Gent A. Haviari ’25, Dartmouth
• Ann M. Maguire Keches ’73, Amherst
• Juana B. Matias ’09, Boston
• Stephanie A. Nicum ’25, Lowell
• Michael V. O’Brien ’88, Amherst
• Noreen C. Okwara, M.D., ’12, Boston; ’17, Chan Medical School
• Felicity B. Oliveira ’25, Amherst
• Elizabeth I. Osa-Agbontaen ’25, Chan Medical School
• Imari K. Paris Jeffries, PhD, BA, MEd, MA, PhD ’97, ’99, ’03, ’23, Boston
• Julie M. Ramos Gagliardi, MBA, ’87, Dartmouth
• Abigail Raymond ’25, Boston
• Elizabeth D. Scheibel, JD
• Joseph C. Sullivan ’81, Amherst
• Steven A. Tolman ’99, Boston
• Patrick Tutwiler, PhD
• Charles F. Wu, MBA

UMass Dartmouth Mission

UMass Dartmouth distinguishes itself as a vibrant, public research university dedicated to engaged learning and innovative research resulting in personal and lifelong student success. The University serves as an intellectual catalyst for economic, social, and cultural transformation on a global, national, and regional scale.

UMass Dartmouth Vision

UMass Dartmouth will be a globally recognized premier research university committed to inclusion, access, advancement of knowledge, student success, and community enrichment.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

UMass Dartmouth acknowledges the land that we occupy and on which we sit today as the traditional and ancestral home of the Wampanoag nation, including: the Mashpee, Nauset, Nantucket, Pennacook, Pokanoket, Pocasset, Seaconke, and other indigenous nations of Southeast Massachusetts. Without them, we would not have access to this gathering and to this dialogue. We take this opportunity to thank and honor the original caretakers of this land.

School of Law Vision

UMass Law is the Commonwealth’s public law school. We are committed to providing an excellent, affordable, and accessible legal education. Our collegial community respects and promotes diversity in identity and ideas. Our program balances legal theory, doctrine, skills, experience, and professionalism. We strive to graduate competent, ethical, and creative professionals who exercise sound judgment. Our involvement in the legal community enables our students to thrive in a changing profession and to serve the needs of their future clients. We advance justice within and beyond the Commonwealth through our research, writing, teaching, learning, practice, and engagement with the profession.

History of the University

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth traces its roots to 1895 when the state Legislature chartered the New Bedford Textile School and the Bradford Durfee Textile School in Fall River.

As the region’s economic base shifted from textiles to more diverse manufacturing and service industries, the colleges adapted by diversifying their curricula to respond to the needs of new generations of students. By the middle of the 20th century, the colleges grew rapidly, spurred by the GI Bill and the emerging economic and social advantages of a well-educated citizenry. They evolved into multipurpose institutions that prepared engineers, healthcare workers, teachers, and business leaders.

In 1962, the Legislature created Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute (SMTI) by merging the New Bedford Textile School and the Bradford Durfee Textile School. The 710-acre campus in Dartmouth, located between the urban centers of New Bedford and Fall River, was created in 1964. The dramatic campus design was the work of renowned architect Paul Rudolph, then Dean of the Yale University School of Art and Architecture.

The public demand for a comprehensive university provided the momentum in 1969 to transform SMTI into Southeastern Massachusetts University. In 1988, the Swain School of Design merged with the University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, strengthening programs in art and artisanry. In 1991, Southeastern Massachusetts University and the University of Lowell joined the University of Massachusetts, which already had campuses in Amherst, Boston, and Worcester. Thus, Southeastern Massachusetts University became the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

Then, in 1994, UMass Dartmouth received approval to offer its first Ph.D. In 2010, the University opened its School of Law, Massachusetts’s only public law school. The school has since earned national American Bar Association accreditation.

Throughout its history, the University has been a national leader in civic engagement. In 2013, it earned a national top 20 ranking among nearly 800 institutions ranked by the Corporation for National Community Service. In 2016, the University achieved formal doctoral institution status when the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education designated the University as a "Doctoral University–Higher Research Activity." The University remains the only Massachusetts research university located south of Boston.

After achieving "Doctoral University– Higher Research Activity" in 2016, UMass Dartmouth’s research enterprise saw continued growth in high-growth areas like marine technology, cybersecurity, STEM education, offshore wind impacts, big data, and climate change. In recognition of the University’s mission fulfillment, U.S. News & World Report ranked the University #102 in the nation and the second highest-ranked University among public universities in New England on their 2025 Top Performers on Social Mobility list. The ranking analyzes institutions that are more successful than others at advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of low-income students awarded Pell Grants.

Academic Regalia

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and other institutions of higher learning evolved from the great medieval universities in Europe, such as those in Bologna, founded in 1088, Oxford in 1167, and Cambridge in 1209. At that time, everyone wore long gowns and full-flowing robes. After 1600, these apparel were rarely worn in common life, but the tradition continues during Commencement ceremonies.

Gowns are of three basic patterns: (a) the Bachelor’s gown, of unadorned black and with long pointed sleeves; (b) the Master’s gown, unadorned black but with an oblong sleeve, open at the wrist, square cut with an arc cut away; and (c) the Doctor’s gown, velvet-faced, with bell-shaped sleeves and bars of velvet on each sleeve.

In today’s academic procession, the regalia not only contribute pageantry and color but denote the academic status of their wearers. The cap, or mortarboard, is worn by all academics upon occasion. Only those with an academic degree wear the tassel to their left, and only those with a Doctor’s degree are permitted tassels of gold.

The Mace

The mace, once a terrible instrument of medieval close combat, has come to symbolize the power and authority of an appointed or anointed leader. Many universities, eager to engage in the medieval pageantry reflecting the origins of our earliest universities, have adapted the mace as a ceremonial staff borne at the head of processions traditionally marking the beginning of convocation and commencement.

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Mace, created by Richard Creighton, Professor of Fine Arts, is the gift of the late Vice Chancellor for Student Services Emeritus, Celestino Macedo, and the late Special Assistant to the President, Norman Zalkind, LHD ’81.

Student Speaker

Jack Lovely ‘25

Jack M. Lovely was born in Boston and raised in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Jack earned his B.S. in Business Marketing from Bridgewater State University and then worked at a Social Security Disability law firm in Boston, where he developed a passion for advocacy and committed to a career in law.

At UMass Law, Jack participated in various extracurricular programs and student organizations. He served as a Staff Editor of the UMass Law Review, represented the school in the ABA Client Counseling Competition, and was an active member of groups such as the International Law Student Association, the Law Association Against Sexual Exploitation, the Legal Association of Women, and the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association. He also took part in UMass Law’s inaugural Attorney General Clinic in the Gaming Enforcement Division as a SJC Rule 3:03 Certified Student Practitioner, gaining hands-on experience in public service.

Jack is profoundly grateful for the support of his family, friends, and mentors throughout his law school journey. He credits his mother, Andrea, for nurturing his creativity and his father, Jeff, for inspiring his love of the law and honing his talent for good-natured debate around the dinner table. He also recognizes his brother, Matt, his sister, Devon, and his niece, Violet, for encouraging him to be courageous and teaching him how to hold his own in an argument. Jack is also thankful for his lifelong friends from Foxboro, whose loyalty and love helped him through the most challenging times.

Jack extends special thanks to Professor James Freeley and Dean Julie Cahill for going above and beyond while supporting, mentoring, and guiding him. Jack is especially grateful to his UMass Law classmates for their camaraderie and strength during countless study sessions and difficult times. He is honored to serve as the student commencement speaker and to celebrate this milestone alongside the wonderful graduating class of 2025. After graduation, Jack plans to practice civil litigation at a law firm in Massachusetts, putting his advocacy skills to work in his home state.

Special Address

The Honorable Serge Georges Jr.

Serge Georges, Jr., Associate Justice, was appointed to the Supreme Judicial Court by Governor Charlie Baker on December 16, 2020. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Boston College in 1992 and his law degree from Suffolk University Law School in 1996.

Following law school, Justice Georges began his legal career as a litigation associate at Rackemann, Sawyer & Brewster, P.C. and Todd & Weld, LLP. In 2007 he joined the firm of Barron & Stadfeld, P.C., eventually becoming a partner. He had a diverse practice focused on commercial litigation and criminal defense practice in state and federal courts. Governor Deval Patrick appointed Justice Georges as an Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court in 2013.

Justice Georges’ teaching positions include adjunct professorships at Suffolk University Law School (2000 – present) and University of Massachusetts School of Law (2019 to present) where he teaches courses in Evidence, Professional Responsibility and Trial Advocacy and frequently presents educational programs at Judicial Education programs, MCLE and Bar Association programs.

Student Awards

Academic Achievement Award for Full-time student:

Sarah M. Benites 

Academic Achievement Award for Part-time student:

Christopher J. Sanacore

Clinical Legal Education Award (CLEA)

Daniela D'Arcangelo

Diana L. Turcios 

External Legal Education Award (CLEA)

Timothy W. Trocchio 

Connecticut Attorneys Title Insurance Company (CATIC) Foundation, Inc. Award

Cinnamon L. Bohm 

Dean’s Service Award

Ariette V. Gradney 

Megan Elizabeth Hueras

Pro Bono Award

Ashley Dahae Bonnette-Kim

431 hours of pro bono work

Public Interest Fellow Leadership Award

Haley J. McCurry 

315 hours of public service work

St. Thomas More Award

Aramis L. Ramos 

Student Bar Association Hon. Francis J. Larkin Amicus Award

Megan Elizabeth Hueras

Thurgood Marshall Social Justice Award

Naydin Natasha Zepeda  

2025 School of Law Graduates

Dean Sam Panarella, JD

Honors designations – pending final grades

*** Summa Cum Laude

**   Magna Cum Laude

*     Cum Laude

Jennifer Muneera Adams

Oyeniran Gbenga Ajao* 

Crystal Amezcua

Ethan J. Andrews 

Brahim Jackson Bellimam** 

Sarah M. Benites*** 

Cinnamon L. Bohm** 

Ashley Dahae Bonnette-Kim

Katelyn M. Bradshaw* 

Tess Frances Buschmann*

Brandon Byun 

Yaleth Elisa Calderon

Victoria Anne Calia

Jesse D. Cantrell

Alley Zin Xuan Chan *

Sophia A. Chiotis 

Robert F. Coady III 

Lauren A. Correa* 

Peyton Elise Crume 

Patrick M. Cummings** 

Elizabeth M. Daly 

Daniela D'Arcangelo 

Emma Alexandra Darcy 

Kaitlyn Elizabeth DeCapua 

Alexa P. DeCotis 

Kelsey McPhee Delgado** 

Robert P. Doyle 

Corinne Elle Dupee 

Michael J. Fallon 

Gracen Cali Fenn 

Nicholas R. Fisher* 

Aaron J. Fiske

Marcella Georgi 

Devon J. Gonsalves *

Nicholas E. Gormley 

Ariette V. Gradney 

Jordan Leigh Gravett **

Ashley K. Gregory 

Elena Kathleen Gurczeski 

Emma Caroline Hamilton 

Jillian M. Hansen 

Margaret S. Harris** 

Anna M. Harvey* 

Michelle Margaret Kordis Hatfield* 

Kylie E. Hofhaug 

Rachael M. Howe 

Rachel Hoyos** 

Megan Elizabeth Hueras

Betsy Ann Huey 

Julia Bianca A Joson 

Nolan M. Kaldenberg 

Peter Thomas Kelsey 

Yasmin S. Khan

Morgan Leigh Kloster** 

Seth Leary 

Savannaha Lima 

Echo Lin R. Love 

Jack M. Lovely

John Lugo 

Margaret Marie Martin 

Haley J. McCurry* 

Timothy Arthur McDermet 

Erinn M. McNulty** 

Piper M. Mikkelsen 

Anthony J. Morales 

Lilia Moscalu 

Andrew R. Murphy 

Alyssa M. Nguyen

Hannah Novotny 

Adrianna Lyn Pacheco* 

Michael J. Packham 

Riya P. Paranjape 

Nick H. Parker 

Ross J. Parker 

Lee D. Pendexter 

Sean M. Perrine 

McKenna Plotner 

Hellen Mery Popa 

Aramis L. Ramos 

Shelby E. Ridley

Laura Rodriguez Alfonso 

Nicholas Saathoff 

Christopher J. Sanacore**

Dawa T. Sherpa 

Claudia Slawski 

Leandra Soares** 

Abigail Jean Somers 

Paul Steinman 

Cory Tasley 

Timothy W. Trocchio 

Tiffany Trott-McKenna 

Diana L. Turcios* 

Jordan Sydney Turner 

Amanda A. Vainio

Elizabeth R. West **

Dream Alore Marie Whitaker

Shiloh J. Worthington 

Phillip Humberto Wullschleger 

Naydin Natasha Zepeda **

2025 Recognition

Academic Fellows

Yaleth Elisa Calderon

Kelsey McPhee Delgado

Alyssa M. Nguyen

Aramis L. Ramos 

Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity Award

Kelsey McPhee Delgado

Public Interest Law Fellows

Jennifer Muneera Adams

Sarah M. Benites

Cinnamon L. Bohm

Tess Frances Buschmann

Alley Zin Xuan Chan

Robert F. Coady III

Michael J. Fallon

Ariette V. Gradney

Michelle Margaret Kordis Hatfield

Rachel Hoyos

Betsy Ann Huey

Seth Leary

Haley J. McCurry

Lilia Moscalu

Alyssa M. Nguyen

McKenna Plotner

Laura Rodriguez Alfonso

Christopher J. Sanacore

Timothy W. Trocchio

Dream Alore Marie Whitaker

Naydin Natasha Zepeda

Law Review Board

Editor-In-Chief

Morgan Leigh Kloster

Managing Editors

Christopher J. Sanacore

Naydin Natasha Zepeda 

Articles Editor

Rachel Hoyos

Business Editor

Peyton Elise Crume

Notes Editor

Kelsey McPhee Delgado

Technology Editor

Yaleth Elisa Calderon

Conference Editor

Emma Alexandra Darcy 

Lead Editors

Sarah M. Benites

Marcella Georgi

Hellen Mery Popa 

Staff Editors

Lauren A. Correa

Jordan Leigh Gravett

Jack M. Lovely

Haley J. McCurry

Laura Rodriguez Alfonso 

“Servant of Justice Award” for performing 100 hours of pro bono

Marcella Georgi

Jillian M. Hansen

Anna M. Harvey

Savannaha Lima

Echo Lin R. Love

Margaret Marie Martin

Andrew R. Murphy

Tiffany Trott-McKenna

Amanda A. Vainio

“Leader for Justice Award” for performing 200 or more hours of pro bono or community service

Jennifer Muneera Adams

Sarah M. Benites 

Cinnamon L. Bohm

Ashley Dahae Bonnette-Kim

Tess Frances Buschmann

Victoria Anne Calia

Alley Zin Xuan Chan 

Robert F. Coady III 

Lauren A. Correa 

Michael J. Fallon 

Ariette V. Gradney 

Michelle Margaret Kordis Hatfield 

Rachel Hoyos 

Betsy Ann Huey 

Seth Leary 

Haley J. McCurry 

Lilia Moscalu 

Alyssa M. Nguyen

Sean M. Perrine 

McKenna Plotner 

Hellen Mery Popa 

Laura Rodriguez Alfonso 

Christopher J. Sanacore

Timothy W. Trocchio 

Elizabeth R. West 

Dream Alore Marie Whitaker

Phillip Humberto Wullschleger 

Naydin Natasha Zepeda

Faculty and Staff Marshals

Chief Marshal

Professor Philip E. Cleary, JD

Faculty Marshal

Professor Dwight G. Duncan, JD

Staff Marshals

Sandra Leger Silva

Nancy Moniz

Welcome to the Alumni Association!

Congratulations from the UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association! As you determine where the next steps lead you—whether you remain in the SouthCoast, relocate for your dream job, or take some time to decide—a network of 60,000+ UMass Dartmouth alumni worldwide are here to support you. There are many ways for you to be an active and engaged UMassD alum starting today!

Keep in touch through the Corsair Network

Sign up for the Corsair Network where you can connect with UMass Dartmouth alumni for career mentoring, job openings, and more. Create a profile with your updated contact information, including your post-graduate job, to ensure that you receive the latest news for alumni. 

Save the date for Blue & Gold Weekend

Return to UMassD for Blue & Gold Weekend on October 15-19 to celebrate Corsair pride! Join alumni, students, families, faculty, and staff for events across campus, including the Alumni Awards, Corsair Athletics Hall of Fame, tailgate, and more!