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.
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
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
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: 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
William Tuttle '24: Mentor, football player, and future nurse
UMassD experiences developed a future leader
Natalia Vargas, JD '24: UMass Law Commencement Speaker reaches lifelong dream
Builds a new community more than 1,000 miles from home
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, '25: Charged with creativity, grounded in excellence
College Now alum and first-generation college student finds out what he's capable of at UMassD
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.
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 '24: Lobsterman turned environmental engineer
Civil and environmental engineering student says experience as a lobsterman inspired his interest in environmental resources.
Grace St. Urbain, JD candidate '24: UMass Law Student Bar Association (SBA) president answers call to service
Public Interest Law Fellow strives to Pursue Justice
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 '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
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
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
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
Percy Mason Williams '24: A sense of belonging
Computer science major reflects on his UMassD experience, including an internship at technology company Honeywell
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 Teja Araveti '24: Master of finance
Quantitative finance MS student makes the most of investment in education
Nicole Kach '24: Advocating for others
Political science major finds academic and professional passion by getting involved on campus
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
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 '24: Music education
Junior music major and incumbent pep band president gains real-world experience studying her passion
Widline Thomas '24: Busy season
Double major, student-athlete, and campus leader succeeds on and off the field
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: 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
Trinity Faith Esposito '23: Stories behind her patients
Honors College nursing major wrote a booklet of stories about her clinical experiences with patients
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
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
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: 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 '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.
Illustration major Emily Fontes '23 creates a pitch deck for children's TV show for Honors College APEX project
Also doubled minored in Business Administration and Art History
Christina Hart '23: Hands-on learning
Christina Hart '23 puts her engineering knowledge to work solving real-world problems.
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
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: Comeback Corsair
English major finds sense of confidence and success in online return to UMassD
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.
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.
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
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.
Ghenwa Elkhoury '21, '23: Plain language
Lebanese transfer student overcomes adversity and completes two degrees in four years
Mckenzie Ferrari '23: Reaching for the (exploding) stars
Physics major Mckenzie Ferrari is poised to join the next generation of leaders in astrophysics research.
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.
Jess Buchanan '23: Gaining confidence
Senior marketing major credits on-campus job in developing business acumen
Kassidey Star '23: An award-winning designer
Senior interior architecture and design major believes she was meant for IAD program
Gabriel Johnson '24: Making a difference
Health & society major finds passion working towards a future that benefits all
Adam Horowitz '23: A dream internship
Senior marketing major and baseball player confirms passion for coaching in Cape Cod League internship
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.
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 '23: Unlimited possibilities
Senior chemistry major gains valuable experience as undergraduate research assistant
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 '23: Using creativity to solve problems
Senior graphic design major develops experience in the classroom, research, and the field
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: 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: Soldier-student-athlete
Senior crime and justice studies major, National Guard soldier, and two-time captain of the UMassD football team
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: Finding support
Senior illustration major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts
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 ’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 '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: Seizing opportunities
Senior English major and philosophy minor in the College of Arts and Sciences
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 '22: Engineered for success
Isabella discusses the added value of conducting research and working as a lab assistant.
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 '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 '22: Opening my eyes
Senior crime and justice studies major in the College of Arts and Sciences
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
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: Helping others
Senior psychology and health and society dual-major and aging and health minor from Hana, Hawaii
Mary Roberts '22: Building a community
Senior photography major and art history minor from Springfield, MA
Neeharika Verma '22: Studying at SMAST
Neeharika talks about the value of her research and leadership experiences as a marine science graduate student.
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.
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: A socially engaged artist
Senior art and design major and art history minor with a concentration in graphic design
Kayle Williams '22: A biology major's dream
Senior biology major and sustainability minor with a concentration in Ecology and Evolution
Jack McDonald '22: Choosing physics
The option to study physics, pursue sports, & commute to campus makes UMassD Jack's ideal choice.
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 '22, '23: Motivated by more
Alexa, a bioengineering major, shares how participating in extracurricular activities has prepared her for a bright future.
Marcus Azor '22: Hard work pays off
Senior Management Information Systems major and captain of the men’s basketball team.
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 '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 '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.
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
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 '21: Creating balance
Nick talks about balancing his studies with extracurricular activities to create a well-rounded academic experience.
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 '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: 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 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.
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 '21: Art & leadership
Artist Valleri Rami talks about the CVPA’s rigorous MFA program & developing her confidence through leadership roles.
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 (Sam) Maqsood '20: Building a network
Networking, leadership roles, & the supportive UMassD community helped Osamah define his career endeavors.
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 ’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 '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.
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 '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 '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 '21: Preparing to lead
Devin talks about understanding the balance between leading and following as he prepares to enter the real world.
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 '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.
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.
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 '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 ’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.
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.