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.

Michael Savaria, 2017 Graduate Commencement Student Speaker
Michael Savaria, PhD '17: Graduate Student Commencement Speaker

Graduating with a PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, he has previously earned three other degrees at UMassD.
Sheyla Lors
Sheyla Lors, JD '17: UMass Law Student Commencement Speaker

After taking the New York Bar Exam, JD candidate Sheyla Lors plans to provide pro bono legal services in South Africa.
Ethan Dazelle, JD/MBA '17
Ethan Dazelle: Editor-in-chief of the UMass Law Review

While at UMass Law, Ethan Dazelle, JD/MBA candidate '17 gained practical law experience in the Human Rights at Home Clinic and on the Jessup Moot Court team.
Eve Kuzmech with Beth-Anne Guthrie, 29 Who Shine ceremony, 2017
Eve Kuzmech '17: One of "29 Who Shine"

Peer health educator Eve Kuzmech '17 took on leadership roles and conducted research to improve student health and safety.
Elisandra Pereira
Ellie Paris-Miranda, MBA, PhD '17: Doctorate in Luso-Afro-Brazilian Studies & Theory, MBA in International Entrepreneurship

Ellie Paris-Miranda's vision of the "Afro-shentrepreneur" focuses on the empowerment of African women and women of the African diaspora.
Talia DAmbruoso
Talia D'Ambruoso '17: bioengineering to improve lives

Well-rounded: Talia D'Ambruoso '17 combined her studies in bioengineering with women's soccer, study abroad, and two internships.
Heather Davis, MFA '17, Artisanry/Ceramics
Heather Jo Davis, MFA '17: creating social commentary through visual art

Ceramics artist Heather Jo Davis, MFA '17 champions the value and preservation of wilderness areas.
Mabel Tejada
Mabel Tejada '17: working for change

Mabel Tejada '17 envisions a career that will be driven by her values and beliefs.
Vanda Depina
Vanda Depina '17: achieving goals, caring for fellow students

As the founder of C.A.R.E., Vanda Depina '17 created a supportive environment for students who are on their own.
Sofia Reppucci speaking at the podium, MLK Breakfast 2017
Sofia Reppucci '17: President, Student Government Association

As a student leader, Sofia Reppucci '17 has learned the "true power of change."

Etienne Niyonsaba - Share The Dream Senior Speaker
Etienne Niyonsaba '17: journey to education & achievement

From school days in a refugee camp to the pursuit of a degree in accounting, education has been a constant for Etienne Niyonsaba '17.
Myles Dias, Class of 2017
Myles Dias '17: business studies, social justice, professional networks

MIS major Myles Dias '17 has broadened his horizons with involvement in DECA, Unity House, and the founding of an NAACP chapter on campus.