Alumni

University alumni have achieved distinction in virtually every field. They include: Jack Smith, president of General Motors and Jack Welch, recently retired president of General Electric; entertainer Bill Cosby; actors Richard Gere, Bill Pullman, and Tsidii Le Loka; singer Natalie Cole; authors William Manchester, Paul Theroux, Valerie Martin, and Bret Lott; former head coach of the Boston Celtics Rick Pitino; and recent Olympians Briana Scurry (soccer) and Danielle Henderson (softball). Many graduates also continue their education at some of the most prestigious graduate and professional schools in the world and go on to make their mark in many different fields, including business, law, medicine, government service, politics, education, high technology, biomedical research, and conservation.

Geographic Distribution of Alumni

On graduation, alumni receive a complimentary one-year membership in the Alumni Association. This organization keeps alumni connected to the University through programs, services, events, and publications. It also maintains an online alumni directory and website to help alumni find their friends, update their addresses, and learn about upcoming events. A monthly electronic newsletter, @UMASS, delivers timely news and information to alumni and friends of the University.

Traditional alumni programs take the form of reunions in June and Homecoming in October. Nearly fifty U.S. regional clubs, run largely by volunteers, help the University with legislative advocacy, student recruitment, enhancement of institutional reputation, and community service. Additional volunteers devote their time and talent to the association’s board of directors and other activities.

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