Alumni Alumni: Inspiring professionals of tomorrow at UMassD’s Alumni-Student Leadership Luncheon

Networking event reinforces sense of community at UMass Dartmouth, reminding students of the professional support available from successful alumni.

As the Fall semester reaches its midpoint, UMass Dartmouth students are undoubtedly feeling the pressure to succeed academically and professionally. Whether they are freshmen just beginning their journey or seniors on the brink of graduation, they are determined to navigate their paths to success, embracing challenges with clarity and confidence gained from their classroom experiences. 

However, opportunities like the Alumni-Student Leadership Luncheon offer a chance to lighten this weight, allowing students to lean on the supportive hands of UMass Dartmouth alumni dedicated to helping the next generation of industry professionals thrive. Kicking off an unforgettable Blue & Gold Weekend, this annual networking event brings students and alumni together to forge relationships that will prove beneficial in their future careers. 

“I know how this type of event used to help me when I was a UMass Dartmouth student, so that alone made me want to participate in the luncheon,” commented Cameron McAlpine ’23, a member of the UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association. “I want students to know my experience being fresh of out college and understand what it’s like when you graduate. This event is helpful for me, even though I’m not a student anymore. I get to speak with other alumni with 30 more years of experience than I have. It’s incredible being able to come back, especially during an exciting time like Blue & Gold Weekend.” 

“I think it’s a great opportunity to meet with alumni who have gone through what I’m going through. Events like this make me feel part of the UMass Dartmouth community. When alumni feel the need to return and give back to students, it shows how much their time here meant to them.”

For the duration of the luncheon, attendees engaged in meaningful conversations as alumni shared their professional experiences and students gained insights into the realities of their chosen industries. The Marketplace on campus buzzed with chatter, from alumni offering valuable advice on navigating career paths to students exploring potential opportunities to enhance their resumes. 

“I’ve attended this event before, and it’s always such a pleasure to interact with the students and learn what they’re passionate about. Maybe I can provide them with assistance in some way,” said Mary Louise Nunes ’83, a member of the UMass Dartmouth Foundation Board. “My table had some really interesting discussions, and some of us even gave business cards to students in hopes they’ll reach out for an internship. I hope they were able to take some knowledge away from this experience.” 

Students in attendance took away more than just knowledge from the relationships built at this event. They gained access to a vast network of alumni who can and will support them long after graduation, showcasing the strength of the Corsair community and the lasting impact of a UMass Dartmouth education. 

“I think it’s a great opportunity to meet with alumni who have gone through what I’m going through,” said Zachary Gay ’28, a recipient of the UMass Dartmouth Founders’ Scholarship and aspiring engineer. “Events like this make me feel part of the UMass Dartmouth community. When alumni feel the need to return and give back to students, it shows how much their time here meant to them.” 

“It’s so amazing to hear from alumni and connect with them through their professional experiences,” said Olivia DeSimone ’27, who’s studying healthcare administration. “When alumni come back to campus, it shows their dedication to the university and the students’ success as well. It makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger.” 

The Alumni-Student Leadership Luncheon serves as a powerful reminder of what it means to be a Corsair. By sharing their success stories and offering invaluable insights, alumni inspire students while deepening bonds within the UMass Dartmouth community, ensuring that this legacy of support and collaboration thrives for generations to come.