Feature Stories Alumni: Thomas Castillo ’21, MBA ’24: Blue & gold ties that last a lifetime

Growing up in Wayland, MA, the benefits of attending a state school weren’t lost on Thomas Castillo ’21, MBA ’24. As a first-generation student, the lower in-state tuition and close proximity to his family made UMass Dartmouth an affordable choice, offering him both a familiar support network and potential career pathways within the state. Located just an hour and fifteen minutes from Ring Road, it was a natural fit for Castillo during his college search. 

“After researching nearby universities and touring the Charlton College of Business, which was newly built when I was applying, I knew UMass Dartmouth was where I belonged,” said Castillo, who studied marketing as an undergraduate student. “The University's smaller student body and the welcoming campus atmosphere stood out to me as critical factors for my success.” 

Despite mostly focusing on his academics during his four years on campus, Castillo became a student ambassador for the UMass Dartmouth Admissions Office, where he discovered his niche giving campus tours to prospective students and their families. He participated in events like Admitted Students Day and led presentations about student life and the many unique opportunities offered at UMass Dartmouth. 

“I wanted students to know that they didn’t have anything to be afraid of when coming to UMass Dartmouth,” said Castillo. “Every student should try new things and explore exciting opportunities like I was trying to do in the Admissions Office.” 

Castillo’s dedication to helping others discover their passions paid off when he returned to the Admissions Office as an admissions counselor just six months after graduation, where he continued to guide prospective students and share with them the unforgettable experiences that defined his time at UMass Dartmouth. 

“Hanan Khamis, the Director of Admissions, saw how much I enjoyed interacting with students and their families,” explained Castillo. “I was hoping a position would open in that office, and I was fortunate enough to have that happen. I was so eager to represent the University again, but this time on an elevated level as a professional.”  

Castillo carefully balanced the demands of his new role while working toward an MBA with a concentration in data analytics, with full support from fellow staff in the Admissions Office. Being a student himself, he brought a unique perspective that prospective students could relate to, developing a mutual sense of trust and understanding that strengthened his ability to connect with potential Corsairs. Castillo describes this period as a "prideful experience," knowing he was representing the University in the most authentic way—speaking from the perspective of someone who had walked the same path and truly understood the student experience. 

“Once I took the position at UMass Dartmouth, I knew from that point on that I would forever be tied to the University, even if it wasn’t as a professional,” said Castillo. “I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many wonderful people and offices on campus that I didn’t get to know as a student. I loved getting to represent my alma mater in a professional sense. As a first-generation student, to have had these incredible opportunities at UMass Dartmouth and my current career success is unfathomable."  

Since his time at UMass Dartmouth, Castillo has transitioned into a new role at a law firm in Boston, where he is further developing his professional skills. In this position, he works closely with attorneys, providing legal assistance such as drafting emails, reviewing data, and conducting client outreach. The work is more technically focused, allowing him to apply the business and analytical skills he honed during his studies at the University. This shift represents a new chapter in his career, where he continues to refine his skills and embrace multifaceted, detail-oriented projects in a dynamic industry. 

Castillo may no longer work for UMass Dartmouth, but his connection to the University remains strong. He recently joined the Alumni Association, continuing to stay involved and support the institution that helped him succeed. His commitment to UMass Dartmouth endures as he engages with fellow alumni and contributes to initiatives that help current students thrive, just as he has. 

“When alumni come back and contribute to the Corsair community, we put UMass Dartmouth on students’ radars,” said Castillo. “Being an alum means representing the University and sharing our stories with current and future students. If there’s no representation from alumni, then students will wonder what’s so special about the University. It’s up to us to show them that.” 

Near Castillo’s desk is a framed collage of photos taken with his former colleagues in the Admissions Office, who became more like family in the end. It serves as a daily reminder of his time representing the University that gave him so much, and though his career has taken a new direction, his ties to UMass Dartmouth remain unwavering, forever ingrained in who he is.