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.

Ryan Arsenault UMass Law
Ryan Arsenault: Law school was a "natural choice"
Noticing that many veterans had "fallen through the cracks," Ryan Arsenault JD '16 attended law school with the goal of practicing veterans law.
Elizabeth Janson
Elizabeth Janson: PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy
Elizabeth Janson PhD '16 is committed to transforming public education and providing youth with the resources they need.
Tayla Vincent
Tayla Vincent: President of the Student Government Association
Tayla Vincent '16 developed UMassD's Shake the Ship open forum for students.
Bethany Phillips
Bethany Phillips: Mission trip to Haiti
Bethany Phillips '16 traveled to Haiti as part of the College of Nursing's Community Health Nursing course.
Marissa Matton
Marissa Matton: Master of Professional Writing
Through coursework, internships, and a graduate assistantship, Marissa Matton '14 MA '16 has prepared for a career in web writing.
Jacob Miller
Jacob Miller: Effecting change through student leadership
Student Trustee Jacob Miller '16 has an unwavering commitment to public service.
Barbara Okafor '16: A passion for healthcare, research, and service
Pursuing research, running track, serving as a student leader, and working on campus, Barbara Okafor '16 has kept her focus and managed her time wisely.
Henry Cho: Dual major in writing and mechanical engineering
Henry Cho '16 views the challenge of a dual major the best decision he ever made.
Dylan Baker with Provost Karim at Honors Convocation 2016
Dylan Baker: Internships with NASA
Dylan Baker ’16 completed internships with NASA at the Stennis and Goddard Space Centers.
Alyssa Nastri: Internship with AHA! Night
An Endeavor Scholar, Alyssa Nastri '16 is an intern with New Bedford's AHA! Night.
Sean Townsend at Jumpin' Juice
Sean Townsend: Student-run business on campus
Sean Townsend '16 plans to pursue an MBA after co-founding campus smoothie bar Jumpin' Juice.
Breanna Labelle: Creating art through code
Breanna Labelle '16 transferred to UMassD after discovering CVPA's Design Department.