2026 Founders' Scholarship Recipients

Rachel Krula '30 and Mary Kudarauskas '30 are UMass Dartmouth's newest Founders' Scholars, bringing their passions for graphic design and nursing to the Corsair Community.

The Founders' Scholarship, recognizing high-achieving Massachusetts students, is a four-year scholarship covering tuition and mandatory fees, as well as food and housing. As Founders' Scholars, Rachel Krula of Norton and Mary Kudarauskas of Dennis are members of the UMass Dartmouth Honors College and part of a growing community of scholars who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to making an impact.

“This year’s Founders’ Scholars represent an exceptionally talented cohort. Mary and Rachel will be terrific representatives of the Nursing and Graphic Design departments, and the wider campus,” said Amy Shapiro, dean of the Honors College. “We’re delighted to welcome them into the Honors College. We look forward to supporting their growth as the newest Founders’ Scholars.”

For Rachel and Mary, receiving the scholarship represents more than an academic accomplishment. It provides an opportunity to pursue their goals while being part of a university community they quickly came to call home.

I never felt more at home than when I set foot on the UMass Dartmouth campus. Right away, I noticed that both faculty and students were genuinely happy to be there and talk to me about their school.

Rachel Krula

Rachel Krula '30 sees receiving the Founders' Scholarship as both a recognition of years of hard work and an opportunity to focus on her future.

“Receiving the Founders’ Scholarship is an incredible honor and an amazing gift,” she said. “I’ve always strived to challenge myself academically, and I’m so proud to have the opportunity to be recognized for all my hard work, and I’m just as excited to represent UMass Dartmouth.” The scholarship has allowed Rachel to begin college with fewer financial concerns and greater freedom to focus on her education and future.

“When I first began searching for colleges, I never expected that I would not have to worry about the cost of college, but now I can concentrate on my future, whatever it may have in store,” she said. Rachel was drawn to UMass Dartmouth from her first visit to campus, the enthusiasm of her tour guides and the sense of community she experienced during an open house helping her realize that it was the right fit.

“As soon as I set foot on campus, I knew UMass Dartmouth was going to be my choice,” she said. “From seeing people socializing all over campus, to events, clubs, and activities, this school really encourages an environment where everyone can find their place and everyone feels welcomed.”

That combination of academics and student life made the university feel like home even before she committed. Now that she has begun her first semester, Rachel is experiencing the community that initially drew her to campus. Rachel is majoring in graphic design, continuing a passion that began in high school. She chose to attend Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School because of its Advertising Design program, where she developed her skills in visual communication and design.

“I’ve always had a passion for storytelling, and as soon as I realized how much I loved visual art and design, I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life,” she said. “My goal whenever I create is to tell a story that I feel people can connect to.”

Throughout high school, Rachel participated in drama club, National Honor Society, and SkillsUSA, representing her Advertising Design shop in competition. She also gained hands-on experience through her school's store, where students in the program were responsible for a range of design and business responsibilities. The experience gave her a firsthand look at the professional side of the design industry.

“The school store really helped me learn what an actual job in the design field might look like,” she said. “I was able to learn a lot about professionalism and workplace readiness.”

Now at UMass Dartmouth, Rachel is also becoming part of the Founders' Scholar community and looks forward to connecting with fellow students through her role as an ambassador.

“With the past recipients, I felt like I had my own little community going into freshman year,” she said.

Mary Kudarauskas

Mary Kudarauskas '30 began her first semester at UMass Dartmouth with a passion for nursing, a commitment to athletics, and a desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.

“I am proud to be a Corsair and a Founders’ Scholar,” Mary said. “Receiving the Founders' Scholarship means the world to me. Just knowing that my hard work in school did not go unnoticed means that UMass Dartmouth sees me for who I am.” For Mary, the scholarship has opened doors that she once thought might be out of reach and makes graduate school a more attainable goal.

“The scholarship gives me opportunities that I originally thought were out of reach. Thanks to the Founders’ Scholarship, I know I will be able to continue my studies in graduate school,” she said. “Completing my college education with no financial burden to my family means that my younger brother, who will be starting college next year, now has more options.”

When Mary began her college search, she visited schools throughout New England, exploring campuses of different sizes and settings. None gave her the same feeling she experienced at UMass Dartmouth.

“I never felt more at home than when I set foot on the UMass Dartmouth campus,” she said. “Right away, I noticed that both faculty and students were genuinely happy to be there and talk to me about their school.” Mary's experiences growing up in a military family helped shape her appreciation for community and belonging. During her visit to campus, she saw that same sense of connection in the UMass Dartmouth community.

“Whether it was the students going out of their way to provide an impromptu tour of the athletic facilities or the Chancellor sitting with incoming students to eat lunch, it was clear to me that UMass Dartmouth wants everyone to succeed.”

Now a nursing student at UMass Dartmouth, Mary is pursuing her goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. She was drawn to nursing because it combines scientific knowledge with meaningful human interaction.

“Nursing is a unique blend of science and human interaction that focuses on caring for the patient as a whole person,” she said. “As a nurse practitioner, I hope to deepen the relationships I have with patients in order to provide holistic care.”

Her interest in the profession was strengthened through an internship, where working with a patient who had dementia she saw firsthand the difference nurses can make in patients' lives.

“I noticed his mood lifted during our visits, and he taught me that there is power in being present,” she said. “I hope that by being attentive and empathetic, I can have a more direct, long-term impact on my patients,” she said.

Outside the classroom, Mary is also a member of the UMass Dartmouth women's cross country and track teams, combining her academic pursuits with her passion for athletics.

“I am grateful that UMass Dartmouth believes in me,” she said. “With this opportunity, I will work hard to live the UMass Dartmouth motto and ensure that extraordinary is what I do.”

2026 Founders' Scholarship Recipients

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