2016 2016: Words of wisdom from the Class of 2016

Members of the Class of 2016 offer words of wisdom and advice to current and future Corsairs

The UMass Dartmouth Class of 2016 is made up of 2,086 students, representing 214 Massachusetts communities, 22 states, and 26 countries. The top five communities of UMass Dartmouth's graduating class are New Bedford, Fall River, Dartmouth, Boston, and Taunton. This past Commencement season, the University awarded 32 PhDs and 11 DNPs (Doctor of Nursing Practice). The University celebrated its first graduating class since its ascension to Doctoral Research University earlier this year.

Several members of the graduating class offered words of wisdom and advice to current and future Corsairs.

Alyssa Nastri: Communication is key

To succeed in anything hard, you must believe in yourself.

“My best learning experience has been discovering the importance of communication. I've had the opportunity to meet so many interesting people who have assisted me. I've found that making connections can open up endless opportunities, and I will forever continue to develop my communication skills to see where they can take me.”

Alyssa, a dual major in Psychology and English, also interned with New Bedford's AHA! Night.

Sean Townsend: Take advantage of every opportunity

“If there is one thing I can suggest to first-year students, it would be to get involved. Take full advantage of the opportunities the campus provides. Many of them don’t cost you anything and can greatly benefit you. Becoming really involved in the university was the best decision I ever made.”

Sean, a Crime & Justice Studies major, plans to pursue an MBA after co-founding campus smoothie bar Jumpin' Juice.

Joana Reis: Believe in yourself

“To succeed in anything hard, you must believe in yourself. My advice to all other hopeful female mathematicians is to be confident and determined, and to work hard for what you’re passionate about.”

As a mathematics major, Joana completed an internship with the National Science Foundation (NSF) Robert Royce Teaching Program.

Sharon Kumar: Enjoy every minute

“Be sure to enjoy every minute from the moment you set foot on campus. I know it probably sounds cliché, but the next four years will be some of the most amazing years of your life, and they go by in the blink of an eye.”

Sharon, a Finance & Management Leadership, credits the Endeavor Scholarship for fostering her love for service.

Victoria Arons: Get involved

“My advice to future students is to get involved on campus. Joining a club or organization can change your whole life. You meet so many new people and gain new experiences; you can learn more about yourself and who you want to be.”

Victoria credits the College of Visual and Performing Arts' foundations program for transforming her into a well-rounded artist.

Zachary Aaronson: Join a student club/organization

“EWB is one of the few organizations on campus where you can actually contribute, in real time, to the immediate enhancement of people's daily lives. Everything we do in EWB can be used to develop one’s professional career, whether practical application of technical skills and concepts, or by way of invaluable human relations skills and global awareness.”

As the UMassD Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Chapter President, Zachary traveled with the group to Panama in an ongoing effort to provide safe drinking water to the village of Valle Las Perlas.

About UMass Dartmouth

UMass Dartmouth was elevated to Doctoral University – Higher Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education following the release of its final 2015 classification in February. The only Bay State research university located south of Boston distinguishes itself as a vibrant public university actively engaged in personalized teaching and innovative research, and acting as an intellectual catalyst for regional economic, social, and cultural development. UMass Dartmouth's mandate to serve its community is realized through countless partnerships, programs, and other outreach efforts to engage the community, and apply its knowledge to help address local issues and empower others to facilitate change for all.

More information

Commencement Spotlights