Founders Day 2024 Celebration Draws Thousands

Thousands of UMass Amherst students, faculty, staff and area community members joined in the daylong celebration of Founders Day April 29. 

Among the dozens of festivities throughout the afternoon that allowed attendees to take pride in the university’s present standing and look toward its future was the Founders Day cookout on the Haigis Mall, where 12,000 guests enjoyed a UMass Dining menu of healthy and sustainable dishes featuring locally sourced items.

This year’s Founders Day event, in addition to marking the campus’ 161st birthday and providing opportunities for reflection on the rich and storied history of UMass Amherst, was one of a number of happenings held in combination with the Inauguration of Chancellor Javier Reyes.