Celebrating the class of 2021

Schedule of Ceremonies - Watch Them Live

May 14, 9:00am

College of Information and Computer Sciences
Isenberg School of Management
College of Nursing

Watch the 9:00am
ceremony

May 14, 12:00pm

College of Education
College of Humanities and Fine Arts
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Watch the 12:00pm
ceremony

May 14, 3:00pm

Bachelor’s Degree with Individual Concentration (BDIC)
College of Engineering
School of Public Health and Health Sciences
University Without Walls

Watch the 3:00pm
ceremony

May 14, 6:00pm

College of Natural Sciences

Watch the 6:00pm
ceremony

21st Century Leaders

The 21st Century Leader Awards, made possible by the generous financial support of the UMass Amherst Alumni Association, recognize University of Massachusetts Amherst graduating seniors who have demonstrated exemplary standards of achievement, initiative, and social awareness. The recipients have excelled in one or more areas: as researchers in their respective fields, as undergraduate teaching assistants motivating others to learn, as leaders uniting and inspiring others to take constructive action, as community activists on or off campus, as role models in overcoming personal obstacles, or as outstanding creative or athletic talents. They have further demonstrated integrity, discipline, courage, compassion, and good humor. These awards are presented in the confident expectation that all of the recipients will bring further honor to themselves and their alma mater.

Learn More

Keynote Speaker Coach Carvel

Greg Carvel is the head coach of the 2021 NCAA Division I national champion men’s ice hockey team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He is also a proud UMass alumnus, having received his Master’s degree in Sports Management in 1998. Coach Carvel guided the Minutemen to their first NCAA championship during his fifth season as coach. He has spent 15 seasons in the professional ranks, making two trips to the NHL Stanley Cup Finals while a member of the staff of Anaheim and Ottawa. Coach Carvel played one year of professional hockey in Sweden and then became assistant athletic director and assistant hockey coach at Canterbury Prep. While pursuing his master’s degree at UMass, he was an assistant coach at Amherst College in 1996. We're proud to have the National Coach of the Year address the Class of 2021 with a message of resilience and perseverance in difficult times.

A Message from UMass President Marty Meehan

UMass President Marty Meehan offers words of encouragement and inspiration for our graduates.

A Message from UMass Trustee Bob Epstein ’67

Trustee Bob Epstein ’67 shares a congratulatory message for the Class of 2021.

#UMass2021

All for This

See why UMass graduates worked so hard the last four years to earn their degrees.

These are their motivations and the reasons they soared even through one of the toughest times in history.

Student Speakers

Jyotika Vallurupalli

Jyotika Vallurupalli, of North Grafton, Mass., a Commonwealth Honors College student, received a degree in public health sciences.

Sarah Bloznalis

Sarah Bloznalis, of Upton, Mass., a Commonwealth Honors College student, earned a double major in business management and political science.

Sarah Stack

Sarah Rose Stack, of Agawam, Mass., earned an Interdisciplinary Studies degree, through University Without Walls, focused on music and performing arts.

Keyu “Chloe” Li

Keyu “Chloe” Li, of Dongxiang, Jiangxi, China, and Franklin, Tenn., a Commonwealth Honors College student, graduated with a major in biochemistry and molecular biology and a minor in studio arts.

Learn more

Jack Welch Scholars

During the admissions process, a faculty and staff committee chooses Jack Welch Scholars, who receive scholarships funded by a gift from the GE Foundation in honor of UMass Amherst alumnus John F. (Jack) Welch ’57, ’82H. As CEO for more than 20 years, Welch transformed General Electric and was given the title “Manager of the Century” in 2000 by Fortune magazine. The scholarships provide full funding for undergraduates throughout their years at UMass Amherst, including support for summer research and study abroad. Welch Scholars are chosen for their academic achievements, social responsibility, and leadership.

Jake LeBlanc

Jake LeBlanc, a Commonwealth Honors College student from Hopkinton, Mass., graduated with a major in finance.

Allison Lepine

Allison Lepine, of Chicopee, Mass., majored in industrial engineering and minored in engineering management.

UMass Amherst Schools and Colleges

See how your school or college is celebrating you.