Student Q&A

UMass Boston’s College of Management has launched a new program to connect small Bostonarea businesses with College of Management students. Named BEST (Business Engagement for Students) Boston, this new initiative gives UMass Boston business students the ability to participate in 10-week consulting engagements to solve real-world problems. The pilot launched this past summer with four participating businesses.

This impactful program aims to develop a pipeline of talented and diverse business professionals for careers in Greater Boston. Students get an exceptional learning experience with a rigorous curriculum, have access to cutting-edge technology, and are mentored by faculty as they prepare to pursue careers in business.

“BEST Boston is a strategic priority for the UMass Boston College of Management toward its commitment for the economic development of the Boston region,” said Venky Venkatachalam, dean of the College of Management. “It is a win-win for both the businesses and the students participating.”

Student Q&A: Soonbee Kwon ’25

Soonbee Kwon has always dreamed of connecting others through music. When she was younger, she was happiest when she was picking up an instrument in music class. Now a junior at UMass Boston majoring in music education, Kwon still has her sights set on that goal. We met up with Kwon to learn about her goal of helping others through music, her fondest memories at UMass Boston, and her vision for the future.

Q: What made you choose UMass Boston?

An affordable education and access to a diverse learning environment was what attracted me to UMass Boston.

Q: How did UMass Boston play a role in where you are today?

UMass Boston allowed me to express my identity and embrace the things I have to offer. As a first-year student, I was a timid person who was afraid to make mistakes. But as I put myself out there, I received a lot of support and encour-

Q: What has been your most memorable experience as a Beacon thus far?

Morning and night walks along the Harborwalk have been one of my best memories here so far. The combination of the cool breeze and the smell of the saltwater really makes the experience worthwhile. Another memorable experience is playing Band is Horrible, a card game, with some of my music friends after class.

Q: Who at UMass Boston has had the most influence on your life?

The performing arts faculty made me fall in love with music again. Their dedication, their passion, and their expertise shine in and out of the classroom. I have personally experienced the care the professors have for their students to help them succeed academically, and to support them in their lives outside of the classroom. I highly value a musical community that encourages and connects with one another, and I can proudly say that I have made myself at home with all the musicians I have encountered here and have made lifelong relationships.

Q: What are your career aspirations?

I always had a desire to help people and felt a greater sense of accomplishment from helping others than accomplishing my own goals. I would like to keep an open mind, but I am hoping to pursue something in music and combine my love for music with my passion to help others and to give back to the communities I belong to.

Q: What would you tell a prospective UMass Boston student?

UMass Boston has lots to offer and will prepare you for the real world. It is not going to be easy, but have an open mind and accept that you don’t need to have it all figured out. Lean on the constants in your life. Seek support systems that will help make college life less stressful. Challenge yourself to take that one extra step. And of course, have some fun!

AFTER A BRIEF HIATUS, during which commencement ceremonies were hosted at various venues around Boston, UMass Boston's 55th commencement exercises returned to Columbia Point.

More than 3,600 graduates were honored and officially welcomed into the Beacon alumni family with plenty of pomp and circumstance over two sunny days in May. This year’s graduates hail from more than 130 countries around the world and speak over 70 different languages. Nearly 60 percent of UMass Boston students are first-generation college students.

During her remarks to the undergraduate class, Chancellor’s Medal recipient and co-keynote speaker U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts encouraged the undergraduate class to choose hope: “Much is broken in this world. And the urgency of change is upon us. You chose hope to get yourself here today. Now I’m asking you to choose hope for our world. Because hope is the spark that ignites change.”

Rob Hale, CEO of Granite Telecommunications, who also received the Chancellor’s Medal, addressed the graduates, calling them leaders, urging them to not be afraid to take risks and to always give back along the journey. Hale and his wife, Karen, reinforced the theme of giving back by presenting each UMass Boston graduate in attendance with $1,000 as they crossed the stage. Graduates received $500 as a gift and $500 to give to an organization, family member, or supporter.

Honorary degrees were bestowed upon two recipients at the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony: Veerabhadran Ramanathan H’23, a climate scientist who discovered the greenhouse effects of CFCs and other trace gases, which expanded our understanding of the range of gases responsible for global warming, and longtime Univision anchor and leading Hispanic journalist Jorge Ramos H’23

Three faculty members received Chancellor’s Awards at the graduate ceremony: Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts David Pantalone, Professor of Psychology S. Tiffany Donaldson, and Associate Professor of Biology Rachel Skvirsky for their distinguished scholarship, teaching, and service, respectively.

JFK Award recipient Lee-Daniel Tran ’23 addressed the undergraduate class and spoke of community and connection among differences. The JFK Award was designed to be the highest commencement award that an undergraduate could receive. Nominees are evaluated on their academic record, their service contributions, and their overall contributions as a citizen of the university and of the world.

Noor Tahirkheli G’18, PhD’23 addressed fellow doctoral and master’s candidates at the graduate ceremony. “This piece of paper we’re leaving with today is a ticket to all sorts of new experiences . . . Imagine if you took advantage of the privilege of this degree simply by knowing that you aren’t an impostor in the room, but that you are the exact person who is supposed to be there.”