Feature Stories Alumni: Joe Cozzolino ’87 establishes enduring support of his alma mater, where his story of success began

UMass Dartmouth’s commitment to excellence in education and supportive community attracts students from all over the state, nation, and world, nurturing their dreams of a brighter tomorrow while ensuring accessible education for all. 

That was what made Joe Cozzolino ’87 leave his home in Worcester, MA, for the SouthCoast in the 1980s, eager to explore the opportunities that UMass Dartmouth (then Southeastern Massachusetts University) had to offer him. Reflecting on his electrical engineering studies, he said, “Engineering is supposed to drive you to learn how to learn. A good university like UMass Dartmouth wants to teach you how to learn and gives you the tools that you need for when you graduate into the real world.” 

For Cozzolino, UMass Dartmouth wasn’t just a place of learning. It was where he met his wife, Eileen (Paul) Cozzolino ’88, and where their son, Drew Cozzolino ’22, started his own journey of success. It was Joe’s launchpad of a successful career in the telecommunications and IT industries, which led to his current role as CEO of CDS, the leading provider of multi-vendor support services for data centers worldwide. 

“I was very fortunate to have picked the right area in my career to focus on in terms of technology, telecommunications, and IT,” said Cozzolino. “It brought me to a point where I was able to have the means to give back to UMass Dartmouth in whatever way that I can.” 

“I was very fortunate to be able to set aside extra funds just for donating to causes close to my heart. All the money that I give is going toward scholarship funds, directly benefitting UMass Dartmouth students.”

Giving back for the greater good

Cozzolino’s bond with UMass Dartmouth not only shaped his past but continues to inspire his dedication to giving back. His philanthropy over the years has been instrumental in propelling the university’s mission forward, providing critical support to turn students’ dreams into diplomas.  

Committed to helping students cross that stage at Commencement, Cozzolino established a donor-advised fund (DAF), a charitable savings account set up through a charity or financial services firm that allows flexibility to recommend how much and when to grant money to UMass Dartmouth and other qualified charities. A donor can recommend a grant or recurring grants now to make an immediate impact or use the fund as a tool for future charitable gifts. 

“I was very fortunate to be able to set aside extra funds just for donating to causes close to my heart. All the money that I give is going toward scholarship funds, directly benefitting UMass Dartmouth students.” 

He also took a critical step with his DAF to ensure that UMass Dartmouth remains a philanthropy priority even after his passing by outlining a succession plan for his fund. At the end of a donor’s life, the remaining balance in the DAF will become “orphaned” unless the donor has specified how the assets should be distributed. Without such a plan, the sponsoring charity or financial firm has the responsibility to use those funds for charitable purposes, which may not follow the donor’s intentions. Establishing a succession plan for your DAF—an essential and often overlooked step—preserves your philanthropic goals. 

“In my experience, many donors might not realize that if they don’t make a plan for their donor advised fund, after they pass the fund may not be used how they intended,” said Theresa M. Curry, JD, vice chancellor for University Advancement. “Joe’s foresight and generosity is a testament to his good planning and dedication to UMass Dartmouth.” 

In addition to financial support, Cozzolino gives back his time and talents for the greater good of the university and its students, as a member of the UMass Dartmouth Foundation Board for the last few years.  

“It really comes down to the students. I grew up in a very poor environment at a housing project in Worcester and was afforded to get an education from a state school,” said Cozzolino. “The reason I donate money and give my time is because I think it’s important for students who resemble me when I was younger to get the extra help that they need. It’s just a small part of what I should be doing to give back.” 

Through his generous philanthropy and engagement, Cozzolino ensures that his legacy of helping students will continue to impact future generations for years to come, a prime example of how being a Corsair doesn’t end upon graduation. 

For more information on donor-advised funds or other gift planning strategies, please contact us at gift.planning@umassd.edu. Visit our website for our free guide, Maximize the Impact of Donor Advised Funds.