Feature Stories 2025: UMass Dartmouth student organizations achieve the extraordinary with donor support

The UMass Dartmouth experience begins with studenthood and continues to flourish long after graduation, driven by unforgettable memories and lasting bonds formed on Ring Road. These connections, nurtured through involvement in student organizations, become an integral part of the University's diverse community, fostering a sense of belonging, collaboration, and shared purpose that endures long after students leave campus. 

Thanks to donor support, student organizations have reached new heights in recent years, achieving goals like attending international professional development conferences and receiving equipment essential to student success. These opportunities have removed barriers to academic and professional growth, providing students with the resources they need to thrive and empowering them to reach their full potential. 

National Society of Black Engineers 

With over 790 chapters and 21,000 members nationwide, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is committed to increasing the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically and professionally. The UMass Dartmouth chapter, established in 2000, includes students from diverse backgrounds united by a shared commitment to excellence.  

Crowdfunding efforts and donor generosity allowed for all 40 members of the UMass Dartmouth chapter to attend the 50th Annual NSBE Convention in Atlanta, GA, a pivotal experience that helped shape their academic and career trajectories in ways they could never have anticipated. 

"We were at a crossroads this year," said Percy Williams ’24, former NSBE senator. "We needed a lot of support to get every member to the conference. Crowdfunding made that possible and allowed us to offer this opportunity to all members, not just a select few." 

At the convention, students attended workshops on academic performance, leadership, and career development while networking with recruiters from top companies. The connections made there led to internships, interviews, and even job offers. Without fundraising for this invaluable experience, many students would have missed out on gaining hands-on skills, making industry connections, and setting themselves on a path toward their professional goals. 

Model United Nations 

The UMass Dartmouth Model United Nations (UN) Club offers students the chance to engage in global diplomacy, representing countries and debating critical international issues. When a life-changing opportunity to attend the National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in Germany arose, students sought financial assistance from the University’s community, eager to enhance their diplomatic skills and experience a transformative cultural exchange. 

An outpouring of support from donors made the experience possible for many, including Daniel Flores ’25, co-president of the club. For him, the conference was more than just an event—it deepened his connection to the Corsair community. “Seeing the university come together helped develop my sense of community here,” he said. “It made me feel like I wasn’t just a student—I’m part of the Corsair family.” 

The conference also pushed other team members outside their comfort zones. “My public speaking and communication skills grew so much,” said Christopher Castro ’26, also co-president. "The conference gave me the chance to speak with people from all over the world and helped me overcome my hesitation." 

“The experience wasn’t just about the conference,” added Lincoln Karle ’24, former vice president. “You meet people from all over the world and find a way to connect, even if you don’t speak the same language.” 

The immersive experience, which included tours of historical sites in Germany, offered a hands-on education that went beyond the conference. "Going to Germany was unlike going to New York," recalled Nicole Kach ’24, former co-president. "Learning history on-site, like visiting Point Alpha and a concentration camp, made the experience ten times more impactful than any other conference I’ve attended." 

Corsair Esports 

Corsair Esports, founded by Christian Augat ’25, started with a shared passion for gaming and the desire to connect with like-minded individuals. With support from donors like CDW, the organization has evolved into a thriving community, offering students opportunities to compete at an elevated level. 

A major milestone for Corsair Esports was the opening of a state-of-the-art esports arena in the Claire T. Carney Library in fall 2023, thanks to a $40,000 in-kind donation from CDW. The arena features 11 high-end gaming stations, including Lenovo computers, Logitech peripherals, and a Spectrum Shoutcaster station for live commentary. These resources provide students with the equipment they need while fostering an inclusive, collaborative space for gaming. 

For Augat, the impact of Corsair Esports has been unforgettable. “This club has really motivated me to get more involved, not just in gaming, but in other aspects of campus life as well,” he shared. “I wouldn’t have had any of these experiences without the support of donors.” 

Augat’s experience mirrors that of other members, such as Miranda Souza ’25 (Overwatch team coordinator), Michael Celia ’27 (Rocket League team coordinator), and Katelyn Pereira ’26 (social media coordinator). These students have embraced leadership roles that have connected them to the UMass Dartmouth community, allowing them to build relationships with faculty, staff, and peers while expanding their involvement on campus. 

By being part of this organization, students are gaining not only technical skills but also valuable leadership experience and connections with faculty and fellow students. Corsair Esports has become a hub for personal growth, where competition meets camaraderie and every member has a chance to explore what excites them the most.  

Black Law Students Association 

For student organizations like UMass Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA), crowdfunding campaigns provide more than just financial relief—they open doors to extraordinary opportunities that define who students are as aspiring professionals. Thanks to donor philanthropy, BLSA was able to attend the prestigious Northeast BLSA sub-regional convention, where law students connect with legal professionals and community leaders across the Northeast. The convention is known for its workshops, panel discussions, and career-building opportunities, all designed to empower students to pursue excellence in the legal profession. 

Tiffany Igwe, JD ’24, who served as BLSA president, reflected on how attending the convention shaped her professional journey. "I wish I wasn’t graduating this year so I could attend the convention again," she said. "I encourage law students to go, even just for the experience. I didn’t compete the first time I attended, but I left with an internship opportunity at a prosecutor’s office in New Jersey, and from that internship, I was offered a job upon graduation. This convention made me certain I want to be a litigator." 

Igwe also reflected on the emotional and practical impact of the fundraising efforts. “At first, I was a little hesitant about fundraising,” she admitted. “But when I saw the support pouring in, I felt so loved by the UMass Law community. It made me want to push harder to represent my school in the best way possible.” 

Corsair Cheer 

Three years ago, Corsair Cheer was a small group of girls with a shared love for cheerleading. Since then, the program has grown to 50 members across two teams—a game team performing at basketball and football games, and a competitive team vying for the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) title in Daytona, Florida each year. 

This competition is the ultimate dream for these students, but they must fundraise to cover the costs of attending. Annual crowdfunding campaigns ease financial burdens, allowing Corsair Cheer to focus on competing at the highest level and proudly representing UMass Dartmouth. 

“With all of our hard work, guidance from our coach Francis D’Ambrosio, and support from our donors, we were able to bring back a 3rd place trophy last year,” said Aleesha Jordan ’25, Corsair Cheer captain. “Corsair Cheer hasn’t attended this competition in nearly 10 years, so being able to compete at this level makes all the pain, sweat, and tears worth it in the end.” 

Competing at this high level leaves a lasting impact on students, helping them develop skills like leadership, time management, and communication—essential for their academic and professional success. For these scholars, the lessons learned on the mat extend far beyond the competition floor. 

“Every member of Corsair Cheer is beyond grateful to our donors for allowing us to achieve our dreams,” said Jordan. “It shows that when people give back to UMass Dartmouth, it directly impacts students in unimaginable ways.”