Alumni Tell Their Stories


Scientists, authors, entrepreneurs, and artists – all of our alumni offer unique perspective into life inside and outside of UMass! Enjoy our alumni stories and look for new additions each month in our newsletter, @UMASS.

 

Sean Sanford ’19 Makes His Way to Broadway

UMass Theater alum serves as associate scenic director for new musical starring Idina Menzel.

 


Let’s Talk About Giving (TAG)

Learn how TAG Days make philanthropy fun and impactful.

 


College Sweethearts

UMass Amherst alumni couples share their campus love stories.

 


Six Tips for Success

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins ’94 recently shared six tips for success at the Women for UMass Spring Celebration at the UMass Club in Boston.



Innovative Thinking
“Problems aren’t solved in silos,” notes Kimberly Sherman ’87, ’15 PhD, president of the UMass Amherst Alumni Association. According to Sherman, the social, political, environmental, and business issues of today require an interdisciplinary approach.

Spark of an Idea to Reality
Rachel Walker, an assistant professor in the UMass Amherst College of Nursing, associate director of the Institute for Applied Life Sciences Center for Personalized Medicine, oncology nurse scientist, and nurse inventor knows firsthand how innovations can save lives.

Immigration Lawyer and Change Agent
When two UMass Dartmouth professors from Iran were detained at Logan Airport following President Trump’s Executive Order in 2017, commonly referred to as the “Muslim ban”, Susan Church ’91, a Boston-based immigration lawyer, saved the day.

40 Years of Music

Musicianship, pageantry, and devotion to craft are just a few terms describing the influence of Thom Hannum ’84 MM on the Minuteman Marching Band.


Alumni Powered Advice
As an expert in her field who understands the value of mentorship, Senior Medical Science Liaison Niccole Larsen ’01 imparts her knowledge of biotech and pharmaceutical research as an Alumni Advisor and encourages students and alumni to take advantage of the online platform.

Informing Public Policy
Among the five basic freedoms protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution is the right to petition the government. For three decades, lobbyist Robert A. Rapoza ’75 MPA has exercised this right on behalf of clients and programs around the country.

Polling the Public
With the midterm elections complete, Tatishe Nteta is scouring over election results and voter opinions. The UMass Amherst associate professor of political science is also the director of UMass Poll, a research and survey program that conducts, analyzes, and interprets public opinion polls to inform policymaking...

News from the Bog
Researching sustainable energy practices, responding to climate change, and educating the next generation of food scientists are top priorities for Hilary Sandler ’04 PhD, director of the UMass Cranberry Experiment Station.

Centennial Celebration

Fred Filios ’42 recently celebrated his centennial birthday surrounded by family, friends, and fond memories of his service to community and country.


Building a Brand
In today’s competitive marketplace, it’s more important than ever to build and manage your business brand. Intent on growing his Boston-based business, Dr. Michael Velsmid ’90 partnered with marketing experts Glenn Anderson ’89 and Kevin Roy ’92 to help establish his business brand and optimize marketing outreach.

Empowerment and Engineering
With a fulfilling career in engineering, Kokui Adesokan ’09 is applying the lessons she’s learned to a new venture, creating business opportunities for women in her native country of Togo in Africa.

A Wild Rumpus
Ghouls, dragons, princesses, and creatures from all walks of life line up to partake in the Wild Rumpus parade in Athens, GA. The annual Halloween spectacular is one of the city’s staple events thanks to artist, musician, and parade master of ceremonies Timi Conley ’90.

A Different Look on Books
Scavenger hunts are taken to new heights in The LOOK Books authored by Barbara Tibbetts ’87. The books dive deeper into famous locations around New England and prompt readers to take a closer look at their surroundings.

The Benefits of Bicycling
Ken Avery ’01, vice president of marketing and product for Vittoria Industries North America, turned his experience as an award-winning cyclist at UMass into a fulfilling career in the bicycle industry.

Men & #MeToo
What does it mean to be an ally in the #MeToo movement? This question has brought up some uncomfortable conversations with peers, family, and friends, and has left many questioning their own beliefs on what constitutes sexism, gender inequity, or misogyny.

The Track to Healthy Snacks
As director of operations at SnackItToMe, Jory Harland ’09 and her team are committed to offering workers healthier, equally-tasty solutions through a customizable office snacking delivery system.