125 Facts about UMassD
![A commitment to sustainability](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/1-sustainability-bill-1.jpeg?text=fallback512)
In 2019, the Princeton Review named UMassD as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges for the 8th year in a row. As part of its efforts to create a robust ecosystem of sustainable initiatives, the university launched the largest public battery storage system in Massachusetts and signed a commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 2030.
![George Walker](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/timeline/2-George-Walker-at-the-first-New-Bedford-Textile-Institute-graduation-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Arthur Ashley: The first recipient of a baccalaureate degree from New Bedford Textile Institute in 1950.
![Gwo Guin Chris Lee](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/3-Gwo-Guin-Chris-Lee-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Gwo Guin “Chris” Lee was first student to complete the doctoral program in electrical engineering in 1997. His dissertation led to improvements in mammogram techniques for earlier detection of tumors.
![Torch Relay 1965](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/4-Torch-Relay-1965-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
On February 17, 1965, students held a torch relay from campus to the Massachusetts State House in opposition of the Willis-Harrington Report, which proposed to limit SMTI to technical majors, eliminating arts and humanities.
![SMU campanile tower under construction](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/5-Southeastern-Massachusetts-University-campanile-tower-under-construction-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The campanile is made of over 200 feet of poured concrete. An important element in architect Paul Rudolph's design, it created a challenge for contractor Leo E. Viens, Sr., who was hired in 1970 to build it. He devised a plan to pour concrete into a form that was lifted up by a crane. It took six months to complete.
![Hydroponics](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/6-Hydroponics-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Salads on campus contain fresh lettuce and herbs grown using hydroponic, vertical growing technology developing by Freight Farms in a climate-controlled trailer right on campus.
![Jimmy Carter](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/7-Jimmy_Carter-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
On the election trail, presidential candidates Jimmy Carter in 1975, George McGovern in 1984 campaigned on campus.
![Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/9-Center-for-Innovation-and-Entrepreneurship-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
At the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, start up companies can find resources, business services, and other supports to help their ideas come to life.
![National University](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/9-National-University-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
UMassD is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a national university. UMassD first appeared in U.S. News rankings in 1998.
![Arnie the Corsair](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/10-Arnie-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Arnie the Corsair become our mascot in 2010.
![Welcome ladies](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/11-Welcome-Ladies-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
New Bedford Textile School opened day and evening classes to women in 1937.
![Dr Boivin in his study](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/13-Dr-Boivin-in-his-study-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Dr. Omer E. Boivin, a Fall River physician, established the Boivin Center for French Language and Culture to promote the teaching and appreciation of French culture in 1985.
![Elton John painting](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/13-Elton-john-painting-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The abstract painting of Elton John that hangs outside the entrance to the bus stop in the Campus Center was created by performance painter Denny Dent in a live show in November 1996.
![SMAST West](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/14-smast-west-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Capitalizing on our location near the nation's top fishing port, The School for Marine Science and Technology was established in 1998. The first lab facility in New Bedford was completed in 1997.
![Signing of academic program exchanges](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/15-Signing-of-academic-program-exchanges-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers opportunities for students to expand their knowledge and experiences through Bridging the Atlantic, a program in partnership with the University of the Azores in Portugal where students and faculty conduct research and provide health education to vulnerable populations.
![Mark Montigny in SMU Torch Relay](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/16-Mark-Montigny-in-SMU-Torch-Relay-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
On March 24, 1982, students led another successful torch relay from campus to the State House, this time to "Save SMU" from a reduction in the state's funding allocation. Ultra-marathoner and Professor Richard Hogan ran the whole 62 miles.
![Bioengineering Students](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/17-bioengineering-students-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
UMassD's bioengineering undergraduate program launched in 2011 was the first offered in the UMass system.
![Law Students](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/18-Law-Students-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
UMass Law was originally incorporated as Southeastern Massachusetts-Rhode Island-Avins Law School in 1981 and offered weekend classes in various locations in Fall River. It wasn't approved to confer Juris Doctor degrees until 1988.
![Honors Group](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/19-Honors-Group-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The newly established Honors College challenges academically talented students across all majors through seminars, discussions, and collaborative projects in and out of the classroom.
![Mitch Albom](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/21-mitch-albom-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Inspiring presentations about service and community are the mission of the annual Rev. Robert Lawrence Lecture, named for the spiritual leader of the SouthCoast community and UMassD. Past guests include Mitch Albom and a presentation of NPR's The Moth.
![Women's basketball team celebrating](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/22-Elite_8_bound_team_celebration-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The women's basketball team made a historic run for the NCAA Division III National Championship, reaching the quarterfinals in 2017, recording the program's first win over a nationally ranked team, and a single-season win record (25).
![The Women Center celebration](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/23-The-Women-Center-celebration-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Center for Women, Gender, & Sexuality opened in 1970 as the Women's Referral Center and is the second oldest collegiate women’s center in the country.
![Students competing in the Corsair Olympics](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/24-corsairs-olympics-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The Corsair Olympics, a back-to-campus competition between residence halls has been a long-standing student favorite. In 1980, it was a part of Spring Weekend festivities.
![Temporary Offices of Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/25-Temporary-Offices-of-Southeastern-Massachusetts-Technological-Institute-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Capri Motel on route 6 housed temporary administrative offices for SMTI during construction until 1966.
![Exterior of UMass Law building](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/26-UMass-Law-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
When the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education approved UMass Dartmouth's plan to offer law degrees in 2010 and the Southern New England School of Law donated its assets to UMassD, the state's first public law school was created at UMass Law.
![Bradford Durfee College of Technology](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/27-Bradford-Durfee-College-of-Technology-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Before LARTS (Group I) building opened on the Dartmouth campus in 1966, classes were held in locations in Fall River and New Bedford.
![Exhibition Room](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/28-Exhibition-Room-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
During the influenza epidemic of 1917, classes at Swain were interrupted. There was not sufficient student work the following year for an exhibition, but after the war, attendance began to increase.
![Football Team](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/29-Football-Team-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The Corsair football team posted a perfect 11-0 regular season record in 2002, earning a first bid to the NCAA Division III Championships. With Cressy Field unavailable that year, home games were played at Dartmouth and Bishop Stang high schools.
![Coach Bob Dowd and Peter Smith](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/30-Coach-Bob-Dowd-and-Peter-Smith-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Peter Kuchinski captured the inaugural SMU Cross Country Invitational in 1973. The Corsairs placed second overall.
![Business faculty and instructors](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/31-Business-faculty-and-instructors-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The 1964 merger of New Bedford Institute of Technology and Bradford Durfee College of Technology brought together 44 full-time faculty in eight departments from NBIT and 39 full-time faculty in seven departments from BDCT.
![Barney Frank](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/32-Barney-Frank-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
UMass Dartmouth is home to the papers of former Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank. The majority of the collection documents his U.S. congressional career from 1980 to 2012, including local records and national records on issues of financial reform, gay rights, the housing crisis, immigration reform, military spending, and environmental protection.
![Ludacris](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/33-ludacris-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Annual concerts over the years featured some of the biggest names in music, among them: Ziggy Marley, They Might Be Giants, Aimee Mann, Livingston Taylor, John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band, De La Soul, Outkast, and Ludacris.
![](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/34-White-House-Christmas-Tree-1.jpeg?text=fallback512)
In 2010, the College of Visual and Performing Arts was selected to create Christmas ornaments to be displayed on the White House Christmas tree. The designed ornaments represented the state of Massachusetts and SouthCoast.
![SMU Drama Club rehearsal](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/35-Southeastern-Massachusetts-University-Drama-Club-rehearsal-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
In 1966, the theater program was formally launched as the SMTI Dramatic Society by Angus Bailey. "The Crucible" and "Kiss Me Kate" were among the first productions. Bailey was the director until 1999.
![New Residential and Dining Facilities](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/36-New-Residential-and-Dining-Facilities-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Our newest residence hall will open in Fall 2020, featuring two main residences for first-year students (Balsam and Spruce) and a new dining facility at The Grove for the entire community.
![Harpist Rosalyn Briley](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/37-Harpist-Rosalyn-Briley-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
From 1972 to 1996, the annual Eisteddfod folk festival in the fall attracted national and international attention. It was the brainchild of former design professor Howard T. Glasser. Eisteddfod is a Welsh word meaning “a gathering of bards and minstrels.”
![UMD Mens Basketball Team](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/38-UMD-Mens-Basketball-Team-1994-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
In 1992, the men's basketball team advanced to the NCAA Division III Final Four, capping a 25-6 season. It was the first appearance by the Corsair basketball team in national Division III finals. Stephen Haynes was named National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division III All-America for the first of two seasons.
![Steven Tyler of Aerosmith](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/39-steven-tyler-of-aerosmith-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Many rock n' roll icons have descended upon Ring Road to perform at student concerts: Aerosmith, The Joe Perry Project, J. Geils, Charlie Daniels Band, Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders, The B-52s, The Clash, 311, and The Tubes, to name a few.
![Mens Lacrosse](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/40-Mens-Lacrosse-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The first night game at Cressy Field was played on April 16, 2008, a 19-0 Corsair victory over Emerson College in men's lacrosse.
![Swain School of Design New Bedford Massachusetts](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/41-Swain-School-of-Design-New-Bedford-Massachusetts-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The Swain School of Design was established as the Swain Free School of New Bedford in 1881 through the provisions of the will of New Bedford philanthropist and shipping and oil magnate William W. Swain. In 1902 the trustees redefined its mission as a School of Design, and in 1988 Swain merged with SMU's College of Visual and Performing Arts.
![Astronaut Scott Tingle](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/42-Astronaut-Scott-Tingle-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Scott Tingle '87, a NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Captain, was a flight engineer on the International Space Station for 168 days, living and working in low-Earth orbit as a part of the Expedition 55 crew in 2019.
![Library](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/43-Library-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The Claire T. Carney Library opened in 1972 as the Library Communications Center. A major renovation in 2013 resulted in its use today as the central location for collaborating, learning, and study.
![Quaker Community Building](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/45-Quaker-Community-Building-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The SMTI Coffeehouse was created to connect with the community in the 1960s and 1970s. Until the first buildings were completed on campus, events were held at the Quaker Community Building on Main Road in Westport.
![Spindle](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/47-spindle-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Chapter 475 of the Acts of 1895 enabled the mayor of any city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with 450,000 spindles or more in operation to file for incorporation of a textile school, resulting in our predecessor institutions, New Bedford Textile School and Bradford Durfee Textile School.
![SMTI Torch](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/48-SMTI-Torch-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The "SMTI Torch" debuted as the new student newspaper in March 1965. It was named for the February torch relay to Boston to defeat the Willis-Harrington report that sought to limit studies to technical courses only.
![Brutalism](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/49-brutalism-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The UMass Dartmouth campus was designed by renowned architect Paul Rudolph in his signature brutalist architectural style. Brutalism gained popularity in the mid 1950s and 1960s and is characterized by simple, block-like structure with recurring elements and often made of concrete or other simple, bare building materials.
![Frederick Douglass Unity House](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/51-Frederick-Douglass-Unity-House-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
For 25 years, the Frederick Douglass Unity House has cultivated an environment that nourishes the academic, cultural, informational, and social/communal needs of students, faculty, and staff of color. Programs and events have provided opportunities for the university to celebrate and learn about our students' rich diversity.
![Women's Cross Country team in 1980](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/52-Women's-Cross-Country-team-in-1980-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Cathy Carnes became the first female Corsair athlete to earn All-America honors at the 1981 NCAA Division III National Championship in cross country.
![Paul Rudolph Tree](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/53-Paul-Rudolph-Tree-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
In his desire to preserve the natural beauty found on campus, architect Paul Rudolph requested that a tree be protected during the construction of the LARTS (Group I) building.
![SMTIs 1966 Commencement](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/54-SMTI's-1966-Commencement-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The first Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute commencement ceremony to take place in Dartmouth in 1966 conferred degrees upon 219 students.
![Francis Tripp at the dedication of the Tripp Athletic Center](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/55-Francis-Tripp-at-the-dedication-of-the-Tripp-Athletic-Center-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The gymnasium/natatorium was named in honor of former coach, athletic director, moderator of athletics and textile science professor Francis Tripp in 1979.
![Brian Williams Speaking](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/57-Brian-Williams-Speaking-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
History professor Brian Glyn Williams's book "The Last Warlord," about the relationship between Uzbek horse warriors and Special Forces team in Afghanistan, served as a resource for the 2018 movie "12 Strong: The True Declassified Story of the Horse Soldiers." Williams, an expert on U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan and author of five other books on the war on terror, served as an advisor to the movie's cast.
![Professor Anthony John](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/58-Professor-Anthony-John-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The Faculty Federation, formed in 1970, was the first American Federation of Teachers (AFL-CIO) bargaining unit at a four-year institution in the country. Anthony John was the first president and co-founder.
![Dave Hill SMU Track Team](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/59-Dave-Hill-SMU-Track-Team-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
David Hill '76 and Peter Smith '74 were the first Corsair All-American athletes, earning honors in 1975 for 110-meter hurdles and cross country, respectively. Most recently, Nakira Examond '19, George Papoulis '20, and Jordan Entwistle '21 received the title.
![Swain School of Design](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/60-Swain-School-of-Design-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Swain's academic catalog covers were designed by students as a part of an annual competition. In the 1910s, the best cover art won $10. Many of the covers are on linoleum, woodblock, or silkscreen prints.
![Lucky Lady](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/61-Lucky-Lady-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Lucky Lady is UMassD's research vessel, which is available for exploring Buzzard’s Bay, the Islands, and Cape Cod Bay for faculty and student research projects.
![1967 New England Tennis Champions](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/62-1967-New-England-Tennis-Champions-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
In 1967, the SMTI men's tennis team posted a perfect 12-0 season under Coach Gerry Aillery and finished 9th at the NAIA Nationals.
![Mount Ida College](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/63-Mount-Ida-College-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
In Fall 2018, UMassD welcomed over 200 students from Mount Ida College after the former private liberal arts college ceased operations at the end of the 2018 Spring semester.
![Fencing](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/64-fencing-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The 1966-67 sports season was the first at Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute with basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, fencing, tennis, and track offered.
![Alex Haley](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/65-Alex-Haley-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Alex Haley, Pulitizer Prize-winning author of "Roots," was the highlight of Human Rights Week events in 1983.
![George Itz 1978](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/66-George-Itz-1978-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
An exclusive club of eight Corsair athletes have taken first place in NCAA Division III National Championships 12 times since David Downing won in golf in 1977. George Itz, Diane Weeder, James White, Stephan Baptista, Tom Egan, and Jon Garcia followed. Most recently, Jordan Entwistle '20 won first place in javelin in 2019.
![Aerial shot of campus](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/69-Campus-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
As cars became increasingly numerous, architect Paul Rudolph designed an inner campus for pedestrians by keeping "dehumanizing" automobiles separated from the buildings.
![Fireworks display](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/70-FreedomFest12_0207-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The campus opened its doors to the community for 4th of July celebrations at Freedom Fest for several years. (P.S. Look for its return this year!)
![Gentle Thursday](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/71-Gentle-Thursday-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The first Gentle Thursday was held on May 4, 1967, an "affirmation of the idea that there is nothing wrong and a great deal right with a little fun." Professors were encouraged to hold classes outdoors. The relaxing outdoor celebration continued until 1969.
![Rocky Horror](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/76-RockyHorror11_0003-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The live performance of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" by 20 Cent Fiction has been a Halloween tradition since 1993.
79 Corsair athletes have been named All-Americans.
![Woods of Dartmouth Pop Music Festival,1970](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/80-Woods-of-Dartmouth-Pop-Music-Festival,1970-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
In May 1970, 100,000 music lovers descended on campus for The Woods of Dartmouth, a three-day celebration of music, including The Guess Who and Manfred Mann.
![Sally Darlington Hymes 1980](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/83-Sally-Darlington-Hymes-1980-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The Corsair Athletic Hall of Fame inducted its first class of nominees in 1988: Joe Jason, Stephen McNamara, David Hill, Sally Darlington Hymes, William McArdle, Marie Snyder, Francis Tripp and the 1960 Men's Soccer Team.
![Dean Donald Howard and WSMU disc jockey Rick](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/90-Dean-Donald-Howard-and-WSMU-disc-jockey-Rick-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
WUSM-FM debuted in October 1974 on 90.5 FM with guest Dean Donald Howard and Rick "The Voice." The station signed off in 2017 when it moved to an online format.
![Winter Carnival of 1966](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/94-Winter-Carnival-of-1966-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The first Winter Carnival was held at the Lincoln Park Ballroom in 1966.
![Ferreira Mendes Portuguese American Archives](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/97-Ferreira-Mendes-Portuguese-American-Archives-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The Ferreira-Mendes Portuguese-American Archives houses the largest collection of historical material documenting the experience of Portuguese immigrants and their descendants in the United States. It is named for the Portuguese-language radio and newspaper personality, Affonso Gil Mendes Ferreira.
![Governor John A Volpe 1966](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/98-Governor-John-A-Volpe-1966-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
On June 12, 1966, the first Commencement ceremonies on the Dartmouth campus were held. Gov. John Volpe was the commencement speaker.
![James White](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/104-Hall-Of-Fame-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
James White captured back-to-back NCAA Division III Championships in cross country in 1985 and in the 10,000-meter outdoor in 1986. Jonathan Garcia repeated also in 2006, 2007, and 2008, winning three different track and field events.
![Spinwinder, by Nancy Holt](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/106-Spinwinder-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Spinwinder, the sculpture at the entrance of campus, was created by Nancy Holt and installed in 1992 to symbolize the university's textile history. A time capsule is buried underneath containing textile artifacts connected to her grandfather, Samuel Holt, who was a designer instructor at the New Bedford Textile School.
![Fencing at SMU](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/108-Fencing-at-Southeastern-Massachusetts-University-1983-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
From 1967 to 1990, fencing was among the sports offered. The 1967 team's opponents included Harvard, MIT, and Holy Cross.
![College Now](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/111-college-now-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
In 1968, the College Now program launched with 31 students, opening possibilities for students who desired to attend college, but needed additional support. Today, 125 low-income or first-generation students make their college dreams a reality each year through College Now.
![Yale Art and Architecture Building](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/117-Yale-Art-and-Architecture-Building-Rudolph-Hall-New-Haven-Connecticut-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
Architect Paul Rudolph also designed the Art and Architecture Building at Yale University, his most notable commission. His brutalism style of architecture can be found in many significant buildings in the United States and Asia, including some notable skyscrapers in Hong Kong and Singapore.
![Seawater lab](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/history/umassd125/facts/120-smast-seawater-lab-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
SMAST is home to a 6,000-square-foot seawater lab for research and experiments.
![SMTI](https://pxl-umassdedu.terminalfour.net/fit-in/512x500/filters:quality(80)/prod01/production-cdn-pxl/media/umassdartmouth/about/124-SMTI-Logo-1.jpg?text=fallback512)
The seal of predecessor school Southeastern Massachusetts Technological Institute seal is described in the SMTI by-laws as "depicting an artist's palette and brush, crossed by a quill pen, the molecular structure of benzene, and a ball bearing wheel super-imposed on a gear wheel." The seal was used from 1960 to 1969.