Feature Stories Alumni

Headshot photo of Rita Wang
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.

SMAST PhD grad on beach
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.

CCB alumna on campus
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.

Head shot photo of alum
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.

Crociati on campus in 2023
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.

CNHS Alumna
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.

Alumni runners reunite on campus
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 at UMassD in 2023
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.

Lorello's headshot, books pictured behind
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.

Rousseau at UMassD
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 at Waterfire Arts Center
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.

UMassD alum Peter de Silva '84
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"