Media Advisory

UMass Amherst to Celebrate Annual Founders Day with Campus Cookout and Student Union Ribbon Cutting Today

*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

 

DATE:           Friday, April 29

TIME:            11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for campus cookout; 3-5 p.m. for Student Union ribbon cutting ceremony

WHAT:          Annual Founders Day celebration, featuring campus cookout, UMass Gives tent,
                      photo booth and Student Union ribbon cutting ceremony.
                      Parking is available in the Campus Center Garage. Parking vouchers will be distributed.

WHERE:       University of Massachusetts Amherst Goodell Lawn, 140 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003
                     University of Massachusetts Amherst Student Union, 41 Campus Center Way, Amherst, MA 01003

The University of Massachusetts Amherst will host its annual Founders Day celebration on Friday, April 29, featuring a campus cookout from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony, tours and reception for the newly renovated Student Union from 3-5 p.m.

Originally built in 1957, the refurbished Student Union enriches the student experience with a main street promenade, a black box theater, space for student groups and a new ballroom. As part of Founders Day, there also will be a variety of activities to inspire campus pride, including a complimentary photo booth, a UMass Gives tent, and more.

A brief schedule of the day is as follows:

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Founders Day Campus Cookout on Goodell Lawn with a healthy and sustainable meal featuring locally sourced items prepared by the award-winning UMass Dining

3 p.m. -  Student Union speaking program:

  • Johnny P. Tooson, Executive Director, Student Engagement and Leadership, Emcee
  • Kumble R. Subbaswamy, Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Brandi Hepner LaBanc, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life
  • Shayan Raza ’23, Student Government Association (SGA) President
  • Barbara J. Kroncke, Executive Director, UMass Building Authority
  • Anthony Vitale ’18, Former Student Government Association (SGA) President
  • Closing remarks

3:45 p.m. - Ceremonial ribbon cutting at front entrance of Student Union with speakers and dignitaries followed by reception and tours of facility