Feature Stories Alumni: Alumni Association Scholarship: Paving the way for the next generation of Corsairs

Comprised of alumni volunteers whose hearts still bleed blue and gold, the UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association has long served as a beacon of support for students striving to achieve their academic and professional goals. Committed to nurturing the hopes of Corsairs, members stay engaged with their alma mater and pay forward the impact UMass Dartmouth had on their lives by creating opportunities for student-alumni collaboration.   

In 2012, the Association took its support a step further by establishing the Alumni Association Scholarship to help ease the financial burdens students face with the rising cost of higher education. This scholarship provides crucial financial assistance to students who demonstrate academic promise and a strong determination to succeed, allowing them to focus on their studies, explore new opportunities, and ultimately achieve their aspirations. This year, the Alumni Association’s contributions brought the fund’s total to $1 million. 

“For the past 12 years, the Alumni Association has been proud to offer a scholarship that provides both financial and merit-based support to UMassD students,” said Brian Kelly ’88, President of the Alumni Association. “Just as many of our alumni needed financial assistance to achieve their goal of a college education, that challenge is even more prevalent today. Through the establishment and growth of the Alumni Association Scholarship, we can offer greater annual support to students who might otherwise be unable to pursue their dreams and become tomorrow’s alumni.” 

Among those who have benefited from this scholarship are two exceptional UMass Dartmouth students whose unique journeys reflect the power of this support: Tyler Gmyr ’25 and Ken Obull ’24, M ’25.  

Just as many of our alumni needed financial assistance to achieve their goal of a college education, that challenge is even more prevalent today. Through the establishment and growth of the Alumni Association Scholarship, we can offer greater support to students who might otherwise be unable to pursue their dreams and become tomorrow’s alumni.

Tyler Gmyr '25

From New London, CT, Gmyr knew UMass Dartmouth would be his home away from home, finding his place both in the classrooms of Charlton College of Business and on Cressy Field. Balancing a demanding major and the physical toll of being a star offensive lineman was challenging enough, but the financial burden of tuition added significant stress that took away from his college experience.  

When awarded the Alumni Association Scholarship, Gmyr found a turning point in his journey. “This scholarship motivated me to give my best in everything I do,” he said. “It helped me stay focused on both football and my coursework, while also feeling more connected to the UMass Dartmouth community.”  

The impact was evident in his performance on the field, where he started all 11 games in 2023, earning First Team Offense All-MASCAC honors and helping the team rank 31st nationally in rushing yards. Serving as a captain for the 2024 season, he was also named the 2024 MASCAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, his first major year-end honor.  

“The scholarship gave me the freedom to concentrate on what matters most—my development as a student-athlete,” explained Gmyr. “It allowed me to stop worrying about working extra hours just to cover tuition costs and instead focus on being the best version of myself in class and on the field.”  

Ken Obull '24, M '25

Obull, who left his home in Africa to pursue civil and environmental engineering at UMass Dartmouth, faced a different set of financial challenges as an international transfer student. “It was my first time at an American school,” Obull shared. “I didn’t even know how to apply for scholarships, and I had to work night shifts to cover costs.”  

However, his situation dramatically shifted for the better when he received the Alumni Association Scholarship, the brightest light at the end of a dark tunnel. He said, “This scholarship was a huge relief. It allowed me to stop working so many hours and focus more on my studies, which is really important to me.”  

With his newfound focus, Obull secured an internship at VHB, a leading civil engineering firm in Providence, RI, where he met UMass Dartmouth alumni who inspired him to never stop reaching for the stars in his every endeavor. He said, “Their stories of success made me realize that if UMass Dartmouth was their foundation, then I’m on the right path too.” 

Gmyr and Obull claim that the generosity of this scholarship encourages them to give back to UMass Dartmouth in the future, whether it be with their time, talents, or hard-earned funds. A sentiment echoed by Gmyr, Obull said, “This scholarship connected me to a supportive network of alumni who continue to inspire me. One day, I want to give back, just like they did for me.”