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Commencement Spotlights

Much of the class of 2024 began their college career remotely during the height of a global pandemic. But unprecedented times created adaptive, resilient, and tenacious students, who found ways to make the most out of their college experiences.

By studying abroad, founding student clubs and organizations, advancing to graduate school, and opening a new Esports lab, the class of 2024 has embodied UMass Dartmouth's mission to serve as an intellectual catalyst for economic, social, and cultural transformation.

Mechanical Engineering student James Bonnell in the lab with Prof. Hangjian Ling
James Bonnell '25: Career-ready
Through research, internships, and campus clubs, Bonnell is gaining valuable industry experience and building a strong foundation for a future in the defense sector.
Jonathan Matsler, JD '24: Ready to Pursue Justice
Practical experiences at UMass Law prepared military veteran for his new role in criminal prosecution
Melanie Veilleux '24: Graphic designer
Graphic design student builds professional résumé in on-campus experiences
Medical Laboratory Science major
Colin Soares '24: Aspiring pediatrician
Medical laboratory science major is prepared for work at one of the nation's top children's hospitals before applying to medical school
Marketing  major
Jordan Tavares '24: Honors marketing major unexpectedly finds his career in green sector
Internship in offshore wind industry and work in sustainability led to job with Energy New England
Shawn Koohy '24 at the ACCOMPLISH awards ceremony
Shawn Koohy '24: Opportunities in research
Mathematics major builds prolific undergraduate research career
Jeremie Rogers, JD '24: Police officer earns law degree and plans to work with youth
Part-time law student is grateful for the support of the UMass Law community as he commuted from Martha's Vineyard
Nursing major, football player
William Tuttle '24: Mentor, football player, and future nurse
UMassD experiences developed a future leader
Student Commencement Speaker
Natalia Vargas, JD '24: UMass Law Commencement Speaker reaches lifelong dream
Builds a new community more than 1,000 miles from home
Bioengineering student Jackie Ramirez
Jacqueline Ramirez '24: On the fast track
From robotics to biodegradable plastics, Jackie Ramirez is graduating early with a wealth of experience in the lab.
Clivens Joseph '24
Clivens Joseph '24, '25: Charged with creativity, grounded in excellence
College Now alum and first-generation college student finds out what he's capable of at UMassD
Honors Nursing major
Olivia Munyambu '24: Researching the mental health of UMassD students of the African diaspora
Honors nursing major's research exposes healthcare disparities in the U.S.
Law student research
Matthew Gruneberg, JD candidate '24: From draftsman and illustrator to lawyer
After making a career change, Gruneberg says law is "what I was meant to do"
Seth Shea standing in front of the ocean
Seth Shea '24: Lobsterman turned environmental engineer
Civil and environmental engineering student says experience as a lobsterman inspired his interest in environmental resources.
McCord Murray '24, Data Science and Mathematics dual major.
McCord Murray '24: The science of math
Data science and math dual-major unlocks his potential
Ashlee Shuemaker '24: From intern to inspiration
STEMming While Black secretary is set to graduate with a job offer from Dell Technologies
Christopher Brunette sitting in the library
Christopher Brunette '24, '25: Never stop asking "why?"
Electrical and computer engineering student says curiosity is what makes him an engineer
Kevin Valentine '24: Nursing major finds his calling
A team player, he plans to become an operating room nurse
Honors Bioengineering major
Olivia Collins: Developing a laser light technique to detect early cancer
In memory of her mom, Honors bioengineering major hopes her research will contribute to the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer
Zoi Burns '24: DEI is her "heart and soul"
Political science major advances senior leadership pipeline at their Pine Street Inn Internship
YouTube
Paige Bernier '24: Research success for this nursing major
Third-generation Corsair is the 5th member of her family to attend UMass Dartmouth
Devon Zapor '24: Event management
Management student builds experience toward dream job
Honors Nursing major
Queyka "Kayeekuh" SaintLouis '24: First-generation nursing major aspires to become a nurse educator
Working at a camp for children and teens with diabetes impacted her career goals
Christian Fall '24: An electrical engineer en route to medical school
Electrical engineer and entrepreneur is the first undergraduate SMART Scholar at UMassD
Student Percy Williams standing outside on UMassD campus
Percy Mason Williams '24: A sense of belonging
Computer science major reflects on his UMassD experience, including an internship at technology company Honeywell
Honors Psychology major
Alejandra PonceLopez '24: Bringing compassion to medicine
Inspired by her undergraduate research, Honors psychology major and first-generation college student hopes to earn a medical and PhD degree
Jeevan Araveti pictured in front of a Bloomberg Terminal in the Charlton Technology Center
Jeevan Teja Araveti '24: Master of finance
Quantitative finance MS student makes the most of investment in education
Nicole Kach '24 Senior Political Science major
Nicole Kach '24: Advocating for others
Political science major finds academic and professional passion by getting involved on campus
Biology major and Sustainability minor
Anna Balkus '24: Studying the mental health impact of our environment
Soccer captain and Honors College biology major aims for a career in environmental conservation
UMassD senior and UMass Law 1L Nathan Upchurch stands in front of the
Nathan Upchurch '24, '26: 3+3 with UMass Law
UMassD senior & UMass Law 1L fast-tracks his way to a career in public service
Gabriella Monico '24: Rewriting the rules
Mechanical engineering major carves out a career path combining her talents and interests.
Kamryn Kobel '24: Prepared for anything
English major builds diverse résumé in English literature and communication
Pushkar Bhatia '24: A global citizen
Junior healthcare services administration student returns from study abroad in Germany
Bronwyn Pearson
Bronwyn Pearson '24: Music education
Junior music major and incumbent pep band president gains real-world experience studying her passion
Junior accounting and finance dual major and lacrosse defender Widline Thomas
Widline Thomas '24: Busy season
Double major, student-athlete, and campus leader succeeds on and off the field
Stephannie Marie Vallee pictures in the amphitheater.
Stephannie Marie Vallee '24: Pathway to success
Animation and game arts major with illustration and graphic design minors finds faculty support in career plan shift
Cade Hanley '24, poses at the hockey team's media shoot before the 2022-23 season.
Cade Hanley '24: Artist-Student-Athlete
Montana native, art education major, and captain of the Corsair hockey team calls UMassD the perfect fit
Adriana Lebreault '23: Overcoming adversity
First-generation and independent student finds community and support system at UMassD
Student portrait in Library Living Room
Trinity Faith Esposito '23: Stories behind her patients
Honors College nursing major wrote a booklet of stories about her clinical experiences with patients
Bioengineering student Jackie Horgan standing in Textiles hallway
Jacqueline Horgan '23, '24: A multi-talented engineer
Jacqueline Horgan is a bioengineer, cheerleading captain, volunteer tutor, and Honors College student.
Emily Brawley '23: Research presented at major nursing conference will be published in top-ranked nursing journal
Honors nursing major researched knowledge and use of oral contraceptives among college-aged women
From kindergarten through nursing school, the Michaud cousins have supported each other
Both graduated from UMass Dartmouth’s College of Nursing & Health Sciences and will pursue separate careers in nursing
Capri McLucas '23: A meaningful experience
Accounting and MBA 4+1 student made the most of her time on campus
Medical Laboratory Science major
Taonga Horace '23: Clinical microbiologist at Boston Children’s Hospital
Medical laboratory science major and native of Zambia plans to attend medical school and specialize in infectious diseases
Civil Engineering student Melody Veldorale '23 in the library
Melody Veldorale '22, '23: Corsairs get dream jobs
Civil and environmental engineering major Melody Veldorale '22, '23 is among the UMass Dartmouth graduates who walked across the commencement stage with a job offer already secured.
Andrea Pires '23 poses in her cord and stole following her commencement
Andrea Pires '23: Finding treatments
Senior biology major gains valuable experience and network through undergraduate research
Maxwell White '23: Leadership
Senior political science major and campus trustee will attend law school after graduation
Chris Peter standing in front of the STEM learning lab sign
Chris Peter '89, '92, '18, '23: Mission-driven
Chris Peter '23, Assistant Director of the STEM Learning Lab and Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology MS graduate is driven by passion and purpose.
christina hart standing in library
Christina Hart '23: Hands-on learning
Christina Hart '23 puts her engineering knowledge to work solving real-world problems.
Senior history major Henrique Melo '23 pictured in the Claire T. Carney Library.
Henrique Melo '23: Keys to success
Senior history major finds his stride with help of College Now program
Katherine McCormick, JD ’23 aspires to pursue justice for America’s workers
McCormick has taught elementary school in Bangkok and excelled in the recent ABA Client Counseling Competition
Nursing major, Commencement Speaker
Anne Jean '23: College Now program provided foundation for her success
Nursing major and Commencement Speaker hopes to open a women’s birthing center in her native country of Haiti
Kathryn Grande '23 pictured in the Claire T. Carney Library
Kathryn Grande '23: Comeback Corsair
English major finds sense of confidence and success in online return to UMassD
Student viktoriya balabanova standing in the library
Viktoriya Balabanova '23: Seizing opportunities
Physics major Viktoriya Balabanova has earned multiple competitive research opportunities and compiled an impressive record of accomplishments, all while raising a family.  
Nursing major
Jillian Brooke Rush ’23: A future in hospice nursing
Nursing student enjoys comforting and caring for patients and families in transition
Kenny Duong '22, '23: Becoming a leader
MIS alumnus and MSTM student is well-positioned for a career as a leader
Emily Dillan, JD ’23: Pursuing justice for survivors of domestic violence
Cause is a personal one for Dillan, who says “every survivor’s justice is my own”
UMass Law’s Janay Davidson, JD candidate '23 is ready for work as a New York City public defender
UMass Law experiences prepared Davidson for litigation position after graduation
John Lucas Guimaraes '23: Engineering a more inclusive world
Civil engineering student Joao “John” Lucas Coelho Guimaraes is a leader with a passion for public service.
Portrait for Commencement story
Tajaun Francis '23: Growing his passion for pathology and lab medicine
Following an internship at the Mayo Clinic, MLS major fosters his confidence and leadership
student lucy mcginnis against red and orange wall
Luca McGinnis '23: Fishing for answers
Luca McGinnis ‘23 is a graduate student and researcher motivated by a love of the ocean and a desire to make a difference.
MPWC student Ghenwa Elkhoury
Ghenwa Elkhoury '21, '23: Plain language
Lebanese transfer student overcomes adversity and completes two degrees in four years
Mckenzie Ferrari '23 outdoors at UMassD
Mckenzie Ferrari '23:  Reaching for the (exploding) stars
Physics major Mckenzie Ferrari is poised to join the next generation of leaders in astrophysics research.
student logan cabral against red wall backdrop
Catching Up with Logan Cabral '22, '23
Logan Cabral, a member of UMass Dartmouth’s first Physics BS/MS cohort, says UMassD gave him every tool he needed to reach even the most ambitious goals.
Senior marketing major Jess Buchanan
Jess Buchanan '23: Gaining confidence
Senior marketing major credits on-campus job in developing business acumen
Senior Interior Architecture & Design major Kassidey Star
Kassidey Star '23: An award-winning designer
Senior interior architecture and design major believes she was meant for IAD program
Health & Society major Gabriel Johnson pictured in the amphitheater
Gabriel Johnson '24: Making a difference
Health & society major finds passion working towards a future that benefits all
Adam Horowitz pictured pitching against Bridgewater State University.
Adam Horowitz '23: A dream internship
Senior marketing major and baseball player confirms passion for coaching in Cape Cod League internship
Computer Science Student Cameron McAlpine '23 standing in front of the SENG building sign
Cameron McAlpine '23: Embracing leadership opportunities
Computer Science major Cameron McAlpine says that getting involved on campus opened up a world of possibilities for him. Now, he looks ahead to what’s possible in robotics and artificial intelligence.
Senior art history major Kayla Rausch '23 pictured in the Claire T. Carney Library
Kayla Rausch '23: Practical experiences
Senior art history major grows personally and professionally through research
Joshua Keith '23, '24: Getting involved
Transfer accounting major and MBA student opens doors for himself through involvement in campus clubs and jobs
Shayne Velho, Senior Chemistry major from Westport, MA
Shayne Velho '23: Unlimited possibilities
Senior chemistry major gains valuable experience as undergraduate research assistant
Head shot with blue and pink background
Gamaliel Daffeed Janvier '23: Internship at PricewaterhouseCoopers led to job offer
Honors College graduate and Chancellor’s List scholar hopes to create more opportunities in his native Haiti
Evan Grant, senior graphic design major
Evan Grant '23: Using creativity to solve problems
Senior graphic design major develops experience in the classroom, research, and the field
Nic Higgins, MBA student at UMass Dartmouth
Nic Higgins '21, '23: Helping others for a living
MBA student finds his passion for connecting job seekers to careers
Daniela Tishchenko '23: Invaluable experience
Senior interior architecture and design major boasts extensive internship, service-learning, and club experience
Paige Riley '23, nursing major and Spanish minor, sits on the stairs of the Claire T. Carney Library
Paige Riley '23: Twice the opportunities
Nursing major complements her healthcare skillset with a minor in Spanish
Efe Oboh-Idahosa '23: Interning for the U.S. Senate
Political science major completes highly coveted internship in M.A. Senator Elizabeth Warren's office
Mekhi Geter '22, Crime and Justice Studies Major
Mekhi Geter '22: Soldier-student-athlete
Senior crime and justice studies major, National Guard soldier, and two-time captain of the UMassD football team
Sal Balkus
Salvador Balkus '22: A data-driven mindset
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship recipient discusses gaining the computational skills and independent scholarly thinking necessary to excel in his field of choice.
Logan Ward '22, senior illustration major
Logan Ward '22: Finding support
Senior illustration major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts
UMass Law
Katelyn Fisher, JD '22: At the intersection of law and science
Lead Editor for UMass Law Review and intern at the MA Supreme Judicial Court plans a career in health law
Carissa Keung
Carissa Keung ’22: Committed to service
As a bioengineering major, Carissa plans to use the knowledge she gained to help create a better living environment in her community.
Logan Cabral
Logan Cabral '22: The UMassD community
Logan, a physics major who transferred from Bristol Community College, talks about UMassD's nurturing community, faculty mentorship, & peer-to-peer academic support.
Busola Awobode '22, English major and Philosophy minor
Busola Awobode '22: Seizing opportunities
Senior English major and philosophy minor in the College of Arts and Sciences
Medical Laboratory Science
Jacob Athamni ’22: Medical detective plans to work in infectious disease control
Medical Laboratory Science major will work at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center after graduation
Isabella Di Bona
Isabella Di Bona '22: Engineered for success
Isabella discusses the added value of conducting research and working as a lab assistant.
Guy Caseneuve
Guy Caseneuve '22: Inventing his future
An academically rich program, a strong sense of community, & affordability led Guy to apply to UMassD as a first step toward building his dream career in the field of computer science.
Christopher Gravelle
Christopher Gravelle '22: Why he chose UMassD
The electrical and computer engineering major talks about how his professors, mentors, & peers helped him find a strong sense of community.
Stephanie Teixeira ’22: Nursing major and student leader
First-generation college student has excelled in academics and leadership and is grateful for the "village" of supporters who played a role in her success
Rohan Kirlew is a crime and justice studies major from Falmouth, MA
Rohan Kirlew '22: Opening my eyes
Senior crime and justice studies major in the College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology major
Christopher McGuire '22: Honors College psychology major will pursue doctorate in clinical psychology
McGuire has interned with Samaritans SouthCoast in suicide prevention and will graduate with a pre-professional certificate in mental health
Commencement story, nursing major
Chelsey Silva '22: From the Air National Guard to the Honors College
A six-year member of the MA Air National Guard, nursing major Chelsey Silva plans to work as a travel nurse
Kiki Bekkum '22, Psychology major from Hana, Hawaii
Kiki Bekkum '22: Helping others
Senior psychology and health and society dual-major and aging and health minor from Hana, Hawaii
Mary Roberts, Class of 2022, Photography Major
Mary Roberts '22: Building a community
Senior photography major and art history minor from Springfield, MA
Neeharika Verma
Neeharika Verma '22: Studying at SMAST
Neeharika talks about the value of her research and leadership experiences as a marine science graduate student.
ErsenS Joseph
Ersen'S Joseph '22: Intertwining mechanical engineering & oceanography
Ersen'S discusses working on research at SMAST, interning with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, & coiling his mechanical engineering background with marine science as part of his career trajectory.
Standing on lawn in lab coat with stethoscope
Mark Gregg '22: U.S. Navy Nurse Corps
On active duty with the U.S. Navy, Hospital Corpsman First Class Mark Gregg '22 will be commissioned in the Navy Nurse Corps upon graduation
Anael Laguerre '22: Stepping out of my comfort zone
Senior marketing major in the Charlton College of Business
Michaela Arruda '22, Art and Design Major
Michaela Arruda '22: A socially engaged artist
Senior art and design major and art history minor with a concentration in graphic design
Kayle Williams in the Galápagos Islands
Kayle Williams '22: A biology major's dream
Senior biology major and sustainability minor with a concentration in Ecology and Evolution
Jack McDonald
Jack McDonald '22: Choosing physics
The option to study physics, pursue sports, & commute to campus makes UMassD Jack's ideal choice.
saheedat o bello
Saheedat Bello '22: Student leader & mentor
Saheedat, a computer science major, shares how networking and leadership roles have helped her flourish academically as well as professionally.
Alexa Van Voorhis
Alexa Van Voorhis '22, '23: Motivated by more
Alexa, a bioengineering major, shares how participating in extracurricular activities has prepared her for a bright future.
Marcus Azor, Class of 2022
Marcus Azor '22: Hard work pays off
Senior Management Information Systems major and captain of the men’s basketball team.
Edward Lundy, uploaded 3/15/22
Edward Lundy '22: On the right track
Senior marketing major, management minor, class president, track and field captain, and student-employee is well-prepared for life after graduation
Jayden Betances '22: Expanding your pathways
Senior management major gained income, credit, and experience in his real estate internship
Narcisse Kunda '22: A natural leader
Between two majors, eight clubs, and six jobs and internships, Narcisse Kunda has made the most of his college experience.
Diego Marroquin portrait
Diego Marroquin '21: A resource to his community
Senior biology major Diego Marroquin is a catalyst for economic, social, and cultural transformation by volunteering his time, experiences, knowledge, and passion to communities that need it most.
Alexander Thibedeau '22: Bringing professional experience to the classroom
Senior Computer Science Major Sergeant Alexander Thibedeau discusses changing career paths, life at UMassD, and helping other veterans feel welcome on campus
Elio Daher
Elio Daher '21: Why he chose UMassD
Elio, a transfer student from Lebanon, shares why he chose UMass Dartmouth over other universities and his experience as an intern.
Class of 2021 Biology and Honors College
Commencement Spotlight: Alana McGraw '21
Biology major and Honors College student is earning her BS/MAT degree in biology while doing research in population genetics, microbiology, and marine fisheries
Class of 2021, CNHS and Honors College
Commencement Spotlight: Selines Diaz '21
First-generation college student and Honors Nursing major has conducted numerous research projects with plans for a career in neonatal care
Nick Paternostro
Nick Paternostro '21: Creating balance
Nick talks about balancing his studies with extracurricular activities to create a well-rounded academic experience.
Commencement Spotlight.Class of 2021
Commencement Spotlight: Anthony Moser, JD candidate '21
Plans a future career in criminal law and will join the Miami State Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor
Dylan Tocci
Dylan Tocci '21: UMassD's supportive community
Dylan, a Townsend, MA native, talks about the value of student organizations, gaining practical experience through faculty mentorship, & UMassD’s supportive community.
Commencement Spotlight
Commencement Spotlight: Ruth Lavache, JD/MBA candidate ’21
Interned at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey and will work as an assistant attorney general in MA
Sung Ji Li, MFA student at UMass Dartmouth's College of Visual and Performing Arts
Sung Ji Lee '21: Finding a home away from home
Inspired to reignite her career after moving to the US from South Korea, Sung finds the ideal balance between managing family life, pursuing an MFA, & promoting her career as a textile artist.
Honors, CNHS/Sociology/Anthropology double major
Commencement Spotlight: Helen Teklehaimanot
Honors College student and double major in Nursing and Sociology & Anthropology immigrated from East Africa and plans a career in public health
Valleri Rami, MFA student at UMassD's College of Visual and Performing Arts
Valleri Rami '21: Art & leadership
Artist Valleri Rami talks about the CVPA’s rigorous MFA program & developing her confidence through leadership roles.
Cachelle Johnson Lewis, UMassD College of Engineering student
Cachelle Johnson-Lewis '21 joins Dell EMC
Networking & pursuing professional development + leadership opportunities helped prepare Cachelle for her full-time position as a project/program management analyst at Dell EMC.
Osamah Farasat Maqsood, UMassD alum
Osamah (Sam) Maqsood '20: Building a network
Networking, leadership roles, & the supportive UMassD community helped Osamah define his career endeavors.
Melanie Luperon
Melanie Luperon '21: Gaining real-world experience
Melanie, a computer engineering major, says real-world experience, collaborative research projects, & extracurricular activities prepared her for her full-time position as an analyst with Dell EMC.
Larain Taylor
Larain Taylor ’21: An entrepreneurial mind
Blending community service work, networking, and exposure to big business is part of Larain’s strategy for inventing her future as an entrepreneur.
Abderahmane Naidjate, UMass Dartmouth College of Engineering student
Abderahmane Naidjate '21 joins Dell EMC
Abderahmane Naidjate '21, who graduates next month with his BS in Computer Engineering, talks about how UMassD has fostered his career path and helped him segue into a full-time position as a project/program manager at Dell EMC.
Psychology major, Honors College student
Commencement Spotlight: Catherine Pope '21
Psychology major Catherine Pope creates a resource manual for survivors of domestic violence that demonstrates new APEX research experience developed by the Honors College
James Tooker, graphic design student at UMassD
James Tooker '21: Exploring color spectrum
An awe-inspiring glimpse of nature led James to create "Interspectral," a CVPA senior capstone project in which audiences of all ages can interactively explore the color spectrum.
William Holman
William Holman '21: The art of collaboration
William, a physics major, talks about having a well-rounded academic experience due to his involvement in collaborative research projects & student organizations.
Devin Cannistraro, UMassD College of Engineering student
Devin Cannistraro '21: Preparing to lead
Devin talks about understanding the balance between leading and following as he prepares to enter the real world.
Alexander Moulton, Veterans Assistant
Alexander Moulton '21: Becoming a leader
Alexander, a UMassD veterans assistant and former senator for the Student Government Association, discusses the importance and benefits of embracing leadership opportunities.
Brooke Lowman at IMS Symposium
Brooke Lowman '21: The value of studying at SMAST
Brooke talks about the value of her experiences & the return on her investment as a PhD student at SMAST.
PhD student Micheline Labrie on an SMAST research excursion
Micheline Labrie '21: Protecting the ocean
Micheline Labrie talks about her love for the ocean, protecting the ecosystem, & her rich academic experience as a PhD student and research assistant at the School for Marine Science & Technology.
SMAST PhD student Robert Wildermuth
Robert Wildermuth '21: Nurturing the ecosystem
PhD candidate Robert Wildermuth, talks about his interests in conservation, experiences as a student at UMassD's School for Marine Science & Technology, & his plans for the future.
Joshua Depina, Computer Science student at UMassD
Joshua Depina '21: Integrating service & learning
Joshua supplements his studies with military service, real-world experience, and community engagement to prepare for his future as a software engineer.
Spencer Berryman, marketing major at UMass Dartmouth
Spencer Berryman ’21: The art of communication
Faculty mentors, community service work, and a Dell EMC workshop help Spencer find the confidence to pursue a bright future.
Liberal arts major - Ana Da Paixao
Ana Da Paixao '20: Model United Nations
Ana honed her research skills through participation in Model United Nations events on campus and in New York City.
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