Meet Our Donors

Aretha Miller ’92 was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States with her family during her teen years. Just two years into living in the US, she enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. It immediately became her second home.

Opening doors to endless possibilities

Ken Lloyd ’73 is passionate about leveling the playing field so everyone has a chance to succeed. That’s why he has made a gift in his estate plan to provide future support for the College of Engineering’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives.

The Forest Through the Trees

Ronald and LuAnn Benoit’s connection to UMass Amherst is not traditional. Neither attended the university nor do they have relatives who call it their alma mater. Instead, their connection is built on something else: genuine friendship.

Seeding the Future

When Asian-American history scholar and author Winifred Chin first set foot on campus with her son, Daniel Goldstein ’19, to take a parent tour, she stumbled upon the Durfee Conservatory.

In His Own Words

Don Rizzo, Class of 1957, explains why creating a scholarship at UMass Amherst was so important to him and his wife, Carol.

James Baldwin and Irma McClaurin smiling

Visible and Heard

Irma McClaurin ’76 MFA, ’89 MA, ’93 PhD nows what her legacy looks like through her establishment of the Irma McClaurin Black Feminist Archive (BFA) at UMass Amherst. She provided for the BFA’s future by designating it as a beneficiary of her life insurance policy. This method of giving means her work will live on—and all it took was one simple form.

A Lasting Gift for Future Physicists

Joan Langley '72 didn't think it would be so easy, but setting up an endowment at UMass Amherst to honor her husband turned out to be, well, almost natural.

Improving Access to Autism Treatment

Bob Littleton believes in giving back, especially to the places that helped shape you. It's part of what inspired him to create a legacy at UMass Amherst that will impact changes lives for generations to come.

A Gift Steeped in Joy

Emerita Kinesiology Professor Patty Freedson is many things: a scholar, a mentor and now a Clark Society member. See how she is continuing her support for UMass Amherst students and why.

James (Jim) Parker ’67 (Humanities and Fine Arts): ‘Do You Like Paying Taxes?'

Jim Parker received a surprise on his taxes after he turned 70½ and had to start taking distributions from his IRA. To save on taxes and support the college that set him on the path to success, Jim started using his distributions as gifts.

A Gift That Gives Back

Carol and Mark Taylor grew up near each other on Cape Cod, but they didn't meet until they were students at UMass Amherst. It was the summer of 1966 and they met at The Hatch, a popular student hangout at the time.

Alumnus Gives Back as Thanks for Career Success

John Spinney Jr., Isenberg '87, began his career at KPMG after graduating from Isenberg School of Management. While at KPMG, John visited UMass Amherst every year to help with recruiting. He still tells students, "The first thing you do is give back and give every year."

A Passion for Guitar Leads to Future Gift

After starting guitar lessons, Ronna B. Erickson noticed a need for venues that support local artists—which led to her support of the Fine Arts Center of UMass Amherst.

A Gift for Future Nurses

Rachel E. Tierney devoted her career to working as a psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialist treating adults with chronic mental illness. Now she's supporting students pursing a doctoral degree in nursing at UMass Amherst.

50 Years and Beyond

During his 50-year tenure, English professor emeritus Arthur F. Kinney made significant contributions to UMass Amherst. Now, he’s extending his support for the university with a planned gift.

All the World’s a Stage

Alumnus’ gift ensures that musical theater thrives at UMass Amherst.

A Gift of Gratitude

Washburns give so others can get an education of a lifetime at UMass Amherst.

Engineering for Success

Couple helps aspiring engineers pursue their dreams at UMass Amherst.

Joe Carnevale '71 Extends His Support of Students

Joe Carnevale '71 Extends His Support of Students During 30 years in the United States Navy, where he helped build six different classes of ships, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Joseph Carnevale '71 focused on creating a legacy through service and preparing for the future.

Alumni Choose a Tax-Smart Way to Leave a Legacy

John and Pat Baillieul's connection with and affinity toward UMass Amherst began in the late '60s with their undergraduate experience here on campus.

An Ode to Her Parents: Helen Symons ‘65

By leaving UMass Amherst a parcel of Nantucket land, longtime nurse Helen Symons '65 honors her parents and the profession that allowed her to travel the globe.

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