2025 News 2025: Blue & Gold Weekend brings the UMassD community together

Alumni, students, families, and friends return to campus for a weekend of celebration, connection, and Corsair spirit

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth campus came alive with Corsair pride on October 17 and 18 as alumni, students, families, faculty, staff, and friends gathered for Blue & Gold Weekend—two days of celebration, reconnection, and campus spirit.

The weekend kicked off on Friday with the Alumni-Student Leadership Luncheon, where students and alumni came together to share their experiences, aspirations, and stories of mentorship. The celebration continued into the evening with the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement’s annual Civic Leadership Awards. In honor of their commitment to the UMassD and wider SouthCoast community, Dr. Stephanie McGoldrick, Luke Chadwick ’27, and Emma Pimental ’25 were among the awardees.

Also on Friday, the 36th Annual Corsair Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honored the university’s storied athletic legacy and recognized this year’s newest inductees alongside milestone sport reunions. The 2025 UMass Dartmouth Corsair Hall of Fame inductees include John Cordasco ’13 (Football), Ryan Medeiros ’15 (Baseball), Coach Gerald “Jerry” Jennings, and the 1987-88 SMU Men’s Basketball Team. The celebration also recognized Katelyn (Elliott) Griffin ’12, Louise Goodrum (posthumously), and the 1992 UMass Dartmouth Women’s Soccer Team for their induction into the Little East Conference Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Saturday began with prospective students and families exploring UMass Dartmouth at the Admissions Open House, where they met with faculty, staff, and current students to learn more about academic programs and campus life. On the quad, families enjoyed the lively Blue & Gold Family Festival, featuring carnival games, pumpkin painting, a petting zoo, and food trucks.

Saturday also featured the Alumni Awards Brunch, which honored Diane Phillips ’84; Douglas Hughes ’96; Richard Lafrance; Thais Sousa ’17, DNP ’22; and Dr. Amy Shapiro for their outstanding achievements and service to UMass Dartmouth and the community.

Shifting down to Cressy Field, Men’s Soccer defeated Plymouth State, followed by Football’s victory over Worcester State. The Corsair Party Tent, complete with live entertainment from The Blowouts, a band of UMassD alumni, was the soundtrack for an afternoon of music, food, football, and camaraderie.