Philanthropy Report FY21 July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021
U
A message from the Chancellor The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a diverse and dynamic community that positions our students for success in the classroom and the workforce, which is why U.S. News and World Report ranks us #2 in the Commonwealth and #59 nationally for social mobility. This is a university on the move, a fact that is vividly illustrated by the talent of our faculty, commitment of our staff, and, most importantly, the hard work and achievements of our students and alumni. Rewarding careers and successful lives are built here, and that is thanks in part to the incredible generosity of our strong and growing community of supporters. An overwhelming majority of our students—87 percent—apply for financial aid, which means that philanthropy is essential to helping them pursue their passions and achieve their goals through higher education. We are committed to expanding the financial aid we offer to academically qualified students who face financial challenges so that every student who wants to be a part of the Corsair community can do so. Your gifts help thousands of students to explore their interests, challenge themselves academically, grow personally, and ultimately go on to make a difference in our communities. The additional gift of time and expertise that so many donors and alumni are willing to share makes a significant difference in the trajectory of our students’ lives. When you open your networks to connect students, you are unlocking doors to career opportunities and additional learning experiences. Every gift makes a difference at UMass Dartmouth. When you invest in us, we can better invest in our students, and that impact is felt far beyond the boundaries of our campus. Thank you for your continued support and commitment. Sincerely,
Mark A. Fuller, PhD Chancellor
building opportunities
for students
Donors are an essential part of preparing students for successful careers and creating a vibrant community at UMass Dartmouth
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic changed nearly every facet of our lives. At UMass Dartmouth, our community supported students as they transitioned to virtual learning and provided financial assistance to help them address the emergency needs that resulted from the pandemic’s onset. A year later, we adjusted our focus on how to best support UMass Dartmouth students in this new environment. Our loyal community of donors has been an essential part of building opportunities for students that prepare them for successful careers and creating a vibrant community. The impact of our alumni, donors, and community at UMassD is palpable, and this report presents just a few examples of the ways they have made a difference for students during fiscal year 2021. They have supported our greatest need—helping students pay for their educations—through the Access to Excellence campaign. The pride and generosity of our entire community is on display during the annual Corsair Challenge day of giving, which raises funds to enhance programs that support student success, like College Now. Alumni came together to connect students to career opportunities and envision the possibilities for their futures in networking and mentoring programs. Together, we create experiences that showcase the unique culture of our region to share with the whole SouthCoast community. We are grateful for your philanthropic commitment to UMass Dartmouth. Your investment in our students, our university, and community is inspiring.
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supporting women in
science
engineering
Diane Phillips was often the only female in her engineering classes when she graduated in 1984. Today, she works to ensure that women studying science and engineering at UMass Dartmouth have the support they need to be leaders in the industry.
Phillips is the vice president of Boston Operations for Joint Research and Defense, a leading science and engineering firm in the chemical and biological defense industry. Her colleagues from the Women in Defense–Greater Boston Chapter professional group brought their shared vision for supporting aspiring female engineers to UMassD. They collaborated with the College of Engineering to create an opportunity to introduce current students to defense industry careers and help them to acquire the professional development skills needed to be successful in the traditionally male-dominated fields
By showcasing positive role models and creating paths for females to excel, I hope we can overcome these obstacles for all."
of science and engineering.
Diane Phillips ’84
The Women in Science & Engineering event, now in its third year, connects students with defense industry professionals and alumni to network and share their career experiences. The event has included speed networking with students, panels of experts speaking on various career topics, and a virtual interactive workshop on negotiation skills. “The basic challenges associated with gender bias in the workplace still exist,” said Phillips. “By showcasing positive role models and creating paths for females to excel, I hope we can overcome these obstacles for all.” “Despite many efforts at the national level to increase the interest of all students in STEM, women continue to be underrepresented in the STEM workforce,” said Jean VanderGheynst, dean of the College of Engineering. “This partnership aims to build networking and professional development skills in our female students so they are prepared to be leaders in the technology workforce upon graduation.”
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Below Left to right: Dean Jean VanderGheynst, UMassD College of Engineering & WID-GBC scholarship recipients Raena Gaston '25, Kelley Chanaphay '25, Lois Konadu '24, Tabitha Aguiar '22, and Erika Caushi '23; and Diane Phillips, vice president of Boston Operations for JRAD.
In 2020, the College of Engineering & Women in Defense Scholarship was established in conjunction with the event through sponsorships Phillips and the group’s organizers secured from Raytheon, Beacon Interactive Systems, General Dynamics, and other companies. Six UMassD students pursuing engineering, computer science, and bioengineering have since received the scholarship. As the partnership continues, Phillips hopes to plan discussions on additional career topics with a diverse slate of professionals and leverage relationships with industry partners to create paths of entry into the workforce for students.
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creating access to excellence for student Donors make a commitment to help students during financially challenging times.
Our students’ need is great: 87% of undergraduate students apply for financial aid. In the spring of 2020, while the pandemic raged through our communities, our students confronted difficult decisions—faced with such financial instability, would they be able to continue to study at UMass Dartmouth? UMass Dartmouth students rely heavily on financial aid, and job losses and financial insecurities brought on by the pandemic made that need even greater. UMassD established the Access to Excellence campaign to raise money for financial aid that would help meet the increased financial needs of our students and ensure that as many of them as possible would be able to continue their educations here. From July 2020 through June 2021, Access to Excellence generated critical donations for unrestricted financial aid, scholarships, and other funds that would provide students with the financial support necessary to return to pursuing their academic goals at UMassD. This year, 767 generous donors made an investment in our students’ futures by supporting Access to Excellence.
Access to Excellence enabled students to continue to study at UMassD, raising over $876,500 in cash and pledges for:
student financial aid
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UMass Dartmouth
scholarships
emergency funds
Local police officers create a scholarship for UMass Law students
s
Born out of the desire to give back to the community and provide a means to support for future generations of Hispanic law professionals, the Hispanic Police Officers of New Bedford established a need-based scholarship for UMass Law students of Hispanic or Latino descent from Bristol County. “We know that quality representation in the criminal justice system is necessary to ensure fair results,” said Sgt. Samuel Ortega of the New Bedford Police Department. “As we learned more about UMass Law, it was obvious to us that we had found the proper home for our efforts.” Captain Nathaniel Rodriguez and his team at the New Bedford Police Department responded to support Sgt. Ortega’s scholarship initiative. “We were inspired to help ease the cost for those from Hispanic cultures who are pursuing a law career.” Receiving the scholarship makes a significant difference for UMass Law students like Judith Cruz Caballero, JD candidate ’22, the 2021 recipient, who plans to pursue a career in public interest law. “I was moved to see the support from the Hispanic Police Officers of New Bedford towards Hispanic students' legal education. We share a similar mission: to protect and bring justice to our respective communities and believe that diversity in the legal system helps further progress and justice.”
Judith Patricia Cruz Caballero, JD candidate '22 is joined by NBPD Capt. Nathaniel Rodriguez (far left) and Sgt. Samuel Ortega (far right) and UMass Law Assistant Dean John Quinn.
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a unique way to MAKE AN IMPACT The Corsair Network develops mentorships between alumni and students UMass Dartmouth alumni often think back to their time as students and fondly recall the people who guided them along the way, opened up doors to career opportunities, or exposed them to new ideas. The Corsair Network, a new online community for alumni, now makes it easy to return the favor to help current students.
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UMass Dartmouth
In the Corsair Network, alumni create profiles with their career information and interests, and indicate that they are willing to mentor a student. Students search the alumni database to find an alum who matches their career aspirations and connect on the platform. The pair then arrange to meet either virtually or in person. With their unique understanding of a UMassD student’s experience, alumni have the ability to share a Corsair’s
The foundation for my career was built at UMass Dartmouth. So many people invested in me. It is my turn now to give back.”
perspective on how students can leverage their skills to stand out
Nanette Vega ’96
from the competition. As students learn more about their desired professions, mentors can give them a glimpse into what the job is like. “My mentor has shared truly valuable feedback on what I can do now as a student to best position myself for a successful internship, then find a job after graduation,” said Capri McLucas ’23, an accounting major. “She gives me great advice, especially about making sure my communication skills are sharp.” Nanette Vega ’96 values the role that mentors played in her college experience. Now,
giving back to the people and places that helped shape her life has been a central focus for her. “The foundation for my career was built at UMass Dartmouth,” she said. “So many people invested in me. It is my turn now to give back.” Vega is passionate about promoting mentorship roles for alumni and students through the new Corsair Network. As a first-generation college student, Vega values building connections with students so they can see themselves in the mentors and community around them. “There have been times where I did not see myself represented in certain spaces. Having a one-onone mentorship relationship with an alum, especially for a firstgeneration student like me, has long-lasting benefits.”
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New interpretations of art Nancy Holt’s multimedia art comes alive at UMassD
Since 1991, a tubular structure has greeted visitors at the entrance of UMass Dartmouth. Thirty years later, the community celebrated the sculpture Spinwinder, as well as its creator and her connections to the SouthCoast, in Nancy Holt: Massachusetts. This multi-part exhibition was brought to UMassD through the generosity of philanthropic contributions from the Henry Luce Foundation’s American Art Program and the Holt/ Smithson Foundation. With family ties to New Bedford and as the granddaughter of Samuel Holt, a faculty member at the New Bedford Textile School, one of UMassD’s predecessor institutions, Holt incorporated characteristics of the region’s industrial history in the Spinwinder (1991) sculpture. Nancy Holt: Massachusetts researched and brought new attention to the sculpture, and included the immersive installation artwork Electrical System (1982). Electrical engineering students Matthew Lavoie ’22, Derrick Manu ’22, and Shedricke Mulbah ’22 assisted in researching and building this room-scale artwork made of bent conduit at the CVPA Campus Gallery. Rebecca Uchill, director of community engagement initiatives and lecturer in art education, art history and media studies, was the project manager and curator of the exhibition. “Nancy Holt: Massachusetts has fostered new understanding of the artist Nancy Holt, her relationship to our region, and her public artwork Spinwinder,” said Uchill. The Luce Foundation supported public programs and the Holt/Smithson Foundation made donations of artworks and other materials to the Claire T. Carney Library Archives and Special Collections. “Not only were we able to host a remarkable exhibition and symposium, but we will continue to learn from this multifaceted work for years to come," said Uchill.
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Spinwinder (1991)
Nancy Holt (American 1938-2014) Detail of Electrical System, 1982, installed at UMass Dartmouth in 2021. Photographer: Viera Levitt. Courtesy Holt/Smithson Foundation. © Holt/Smithson Foundation, Licensed by VAGA at ARS, New York
Nancy Holt: Massachusetts has fostered new understanding of the artist Nancy Holt, her relationship to our region, and her public artwork Spinwinder." Rebecca Uchill
Director of Community
Engagement Initiatives & Lecturer in Art Education, Art History and Media Studies
two days to make a difference Corsair Challenge supports student programs like College Now
For some students, these donations were the only way they would have been able to get the materials they needed to be successful.” Craig Elkins
Director of College Now
For 1,895 minutes in April, the Corsair Challenge
these bonus funds to subsidize the purchase of
brings alumni, faculty, staff, families, friends, and
textbooks, class materials, and access codes for
students together in a display of UMass Dartmouth
educational software.
pride while supporting the programs, departments, and teams they love.
“For some students, these donations were the only way they would have been able to get the materials
“This annual giving day brings out the best of
they needed to be successful,” said Craig Elkins,
UMass Dartmouth,” said Director of Annual Giving
director of College Now. "We're grateful to our
Shannon Wood. “It is inspiring to see so many
community during the Corsair Challenge for this
members of our community donating to their
support."
favorite areas of the university.” College Now is an alternative admissions program Over the course of the day, students share
that facilitates access to higher education for
glimpses on social media into how a donor’s gift
students who demonstrate the desire and ability to
can make an impact on the student
attend college, but who require additional supports
organizations, programs of study, and athletics
academically or financially to reach their full
teams that are essential to their experience at
potential. The program receives over 700
UMassD. Funds raised during the Corsair
applications and admits just 150 students each year.
Challenge go directly to the designated fund of choice, making it a great way to make an
Elkins witnesses College Now’s ability to transform
immediate impact.
lives, and the support from fundraising campaigns like the Corsair Challenge motivates students to
For programs like College Now, the Corsair
achieve even more. “These students prove that
Challenge is an important opportunity to
their socioeconomic backgrounds or prior academic
raise money to support student success.
performances do not define their potential to
With a share of a $10,000 gift from the
become educated citizens,” Elkins said.
UMassD Alumni Association split across four areas, College Now used $2,500 of
The Corsair Challenge raised $75,206 from 540 donors in FY21. Gifts were made to 63 different areas of UMass Dartmouth. UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association donated $10,000 to the Corsair Challenge that was split among: • College Now • Center for Women, Gender, & Sexuality • Frederick Douglass Unity House • Student Textbook Fund
UMassD
Corsair ’21 Challenge
Making an impact at UMass $3,148,994 raised in new gifts and commitments in FY21 Total new gift commitments: $3,237,866
Directing your impact Top giving designations in FY21: Fund
$3,149,994
$3,049,873 $2,200,202
# of donors
General Scholarship Fund
308
Corsair Fund (University's Greatest Need)
153
UMass Law
90
College of Engineering
80
Charlton College of Business
70
$249,870 raised through planned giving options 300 gifts made in honor of or in memory of individuals FY18
FY19
FY20
FY21
Long-lasting gifts Endowment funds are essential to maintaining and
A community dedicated to UMass Dartmouth
enhancing the quality of the academic and student
2,082 individuals and organizations make a commitment
experience at UMass Dartmouth. The funds, which
to invest in the futures of UMassD students:
generate income in perpetuity, help pay for vital needs such as financial aid, research support, and student programs. Growth in our endowment reduces UMassD’s dependence on tuition, thus ensuring that a college education remains affordable and accessible.
638 Friends (parent, faculty, staff, other)
Total amount of endowed funds: $78,872,334 • 283 endowed scholarships • Newest endowed scholarship: Bernard “Jack” Kearney, Jr. ’71 Memorial Scholarship
189 Organizations (corporations, foundations, other) 173 Current and former faculty and staff
873 Alumni
159 Current and past parents 50 Students
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Dartmouth
Giving societies recognize the loyalty, leadership, and legacy of donors to UMass Dartmouth and UMass Law. 1895 Society
Impact on the community Ranked among the best • UMassD continues to be recognized for its success at graduating students that receive federal Pell Grants compared to non-Pell Grant recipients. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report social mobility rankings, the university was ranked #59 in the nation, and remains #2 in Massachusetts and #3 in New England. • UMassD was named one of the nation's most environmentally responsible colleges according to The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges for the tenth year in a row. • UMassD students were part of a dramatic rise in voting participation during the 2020 Presidential Election, according to a report by the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement. During the 2020 election, 65% of eligible UMassD students voted, up 14% from 2016.
Helping our community face the pandemic • In a unique clinical experience during the pandemic, 50 nursing students and five College of Nursing & Health Sciences faculty members assisted local COVID-19 vaccination teams. • Governor Charlie Baker awarded the 2020 Manuel Carballo Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Service to Director of Health Services Marianne Sullivan and Director of the Fitness Center Greg Homol. Sullivan and Homol were recognized for their incredible work in designing, implementing, and executing the on-campus testing facility. • Even during the pandemic, UMassD students, faculty, and staff performed more than 189,000 hours of service valued at $6.64M.
A factor in the region’s economy UMass Dartmouth is the leader in educating and driving the economy of the region's industries through the power of our community members (Internal Data, 2020): • 44% of students live on the SouthCoast • 64% of employees live on the SouthCoast • 38% of alumni live on the SouthCoast • 86% of students live in Massachusetts
Named in honor of the year of the incorporation of our predecessor institution, New Bedford Textile School, the 1895 Society recognizes UMassD’s most generous and loyal donors. We honor four foundational pillars within the 1895 Society. Loyalty Circle Steadfast donors who have given an annual gift at any level in the most recent two or more consecutive years. Chancellor’s Leadership Circle Individuals who demonstrate a commitment to UMass Dartmouth through annual support of $1,000 or more. Lifetime Giving Circle Individuals whose cumulative donations reach $100,000 or more. Legacy Circle Donors whose gifts benefit UMass Dartmouth in the future, through estate gifts, beneficiary designations, and gifts that pay income to the donor.
1981 Society
Donors to UMass Law are acknowledged in the 1981 Society, named for the year our predecessor institution, Southern New England School of Law, was created. We honor two foundational pillars of philanthropy within the 1981 Society. Loyalty Circle Donors who have given an annual gift at any level in the more recent three or more years. Dean's Leadership Circle Individuals who demonstrate a commitment to UMass Law through annual support of $1,000 or more.
• 80% of employees live in Massachusetts • 73% of alumni live in Massachusetts
Excellence in research Total FY21 research enterprise: $28.7M • 2021 federal funding awards for research and development: $13.9M • 2021 federal research and development expenditures: $8.2M
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