Feature Stories Alumni: Cameron McAlpine ’23: A Corsair committed to making an impact

When Cameron McAlpine ’23, now a software systems engineer for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), needs to focus, he returns to his safe haven: UMass Dartmouth. Surrounded by the familiar concrete walls that once shaped his college experience, he recharges in the place where his journey began, finding the peace and calm he craves to complete important tasks. But what is it about being a Corsair that keeps him coming back, feeding his continued growth and success? 

McAlpine, a Dartmouth resident, grew up with the University right in his backyard, a diamond in the rough that had a sparkling reputation for being a high quality, yet affordable pathway to making dreams come true. With a passion for computer science, he knew he'd thrive at an institution with an undergraduate program ranked among the top 21% in the nation. 

His decision to attend was set in stone when he had the opportunity to work on campus as captain of the robotics team at New Bedford Vocational High School, receiving impressionable mentorship from engineering students at the time. McAlpine said, “Not having debt when I graduated might have drawn me in at first, but what kept me was the community. I made so many good friends that I just had to stick around. I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.”  

McAlpine found his niche hosting events with the Honors College, later becoming president of the Robotics Club, an orientation leader, commuter assistant, and SAIL programming coordinator. He experienced a strong sense of community like no other, forging friendships that would withstand the tests of time. He also honed his ability to communicate with different groups and speak publicly—skills he knew would be invaluable in his career. 

“On an engineering team, you have to communicate effectively and share your thoughts. If someone has an idea you don't agree with, instead of dismissing it, you take those ideas and refine them into the best possible solution,” explained McAlpine. “This is something I learned at UMass Dartmouth, and it's been incredibly helpful in my job. When an idea isn't quite there, we can work together to shape it into the best product."

Even after graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 2023, McAlpine couldn't shake the connection he felt to Ring Road. For him, being a Corsair didn’t end when he crossed that stage; his desire to stay involved and make an impact on campus remained so strong that he volunteered to be a member of the UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association. 

“I got kind of addicted to being on campus, being part of the community, and being involved in whatever I could be,” said McAlpine. “I couldn’t think of a way to leave all of that behind. I wanted to remain connected and make some type of impact as an alum, and what better way to do that than joining the Alumni Association?” 

McAlpine’s role on the Alumni Association allows him to give back to the community he’s come to know and love by mentoring current students, sharing his expertise, and connecting them with career opportunities. His commitment to staying engaged ensures that future generations of Corsairs will experience the same strong sense of community he did, benefiting from the continued support and guidance of an alumni network that values connection, collaboration, and the success of both the university and its students. 

McAlpine doesn’t think he’ll ever stop bleeding blue and gold, forever grateful to UMass Dartmouth and the warm heart of the community that molded him into the person and professional he is today. “A lot of people underestimate the value that the faculty and staff provide here,” he said. “They don’t realize the powerful connections they can help you build. One person can open the door to so many others, and staying connected with these people can lead to opportunities you never imagined.”