Programs to Support Underrepresented Students in SBS and HFA Receive Substantial, Multi-Year Gift from Chris Litster ’91 and Mary Litster ’93
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The University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Social & Behavioral Sciences RISE program and the College of Humanities & Fine Arts (HFA) Opportunity Scholars — two programs supporting achievement, leadership, and community-building by first-generation and underrepresented students —have received a substantial, multi-year gift from Chris ’91 and Mary Litster ’93.
"Mary and I are extremely proud alumni of UMass Amherst and are thrilled to support the Opportunity Scholars and RISE Program," says Chris. "UMass provided us—and now our youngest son—an incredible undergraduate experience. We are honored to now be able to give back to our amazing alma mater."
The annual investment by Chris Litster ’91, a French major, and Mary Litster ’93, an education major, will be split between the two programs, allowing the colleges to increase mentoring and support to meet students’ needs.
“The Litster family contribution to the SBS RISE Program is a great honor,” said program director Felicia Griffin-Fennell. “The range of opportunities that we can develop will expand our outreach to support students that we serve through this program: students of color, first-generation students, and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.”
SBS RISE — Remedying Inequity through Student Engagement — creates community and provides specialized academic programs and opportunities for underrepresented students within SBS. RISE initiatives include summer research assistantships, a Diversity Fellows program, mentoring, workshops, and resources to support students’ pursuit of scholarships, research, study abroad, civic engagement, and internships, as well as preparing for graduate school and careers.
“The Litster’s gift is one of several that are helping SBS achieve its DEI strategic goals, now and in the future,” noted R. Karl Rethemeyer, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “As we look to a more diverse SBS and UMass in the coming years, gifts like these will help us assure that every student has the best chance to grow and succeed during their time on campus.”