A Historic Day for UMass Engineering
A Message from Sanjay Raman, the Daniel J. Riccio Jr. Dean of Engineering
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A message to the UMass Amherst Engineering Community
September 15, 2025
Today I share momentous news. We are now the Daniel J. Riccio Jr. College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Daniel J. Riccio Jr. ’86, ’24 MS, a mechanical engineering alum and member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, has made the largest single gift in campus history—a $50 million investment in the vision, the people, and the collective future of our engineering college. We are humbled and inspired by his extraordinary commitment, detailed below.
About Dan Riccio
Dan is a globally respected engineering leader, recently retired from Apple Inc., who played a lead role in creating the most innovative products in the world.
From 1998 to 2024, he built highly skilled product design and engineering teams; established Apple’s world-class product development process; and delivered revolutionary, category-defining products such as: desktop powerhouses iMac and MacBook Pro; groundbreaking mobile devices including the iPod, iPhone, and iPad; and the company’s cutting-edge spatial computing product, the Apple Vision Pro.
Impact of his gift
Riccio's gift will provide new opportunities and resources, and accelerate key priorities, including:
- Scholarships and fellowships to increase access for the best and brightest undergraduate and graduate engineering students
- Endowed chairs and professorships to attract and retain top faculty
- The college deanship
- The Riccio Research & Innovation Fund
- A catalyst fund to invest in engineering curriculum and research innovations, including engineering design, leadership, and the intersection of health and technology
Dan is tremendously proud of his alma mater and has committed both his time and funds because he believes in us as a beacon of opportunity and innovation. He recognizes our untapped potential, and I am incredibly thankful for his generosity and partnership as we propel the college to new heights of excellence.
A college dedication ceremony and celebration will be held on October 30th; details will be shared soon.
You can read more about the Riccio Gift here.