After a weekend of fun and college throwbacks, UMass Dartmouth’s Alumni week concluded with the 45th Annual Alumni Awards on Sunday.

UMass’s alumni weekend commenced on Friday afternoon. Saturday was where the real party began with an afternoon filled with food and family fun on campus. Members of the 1985 Corsair Club Football Team were honored at a football game later that evening.

Sunday’s award ceremony for alumni was held in Lawrence Hall at the Woodland Commons. Guests were invited to a pleasant brunch accompanying the award ceremony where nine alums were presented with their honors.

Nominations for these alumni awards are submitted from a community of over 55,500 alums worldwide.

After opening remarks from Reverend Dr. Robert Lawrence, Chancellor Divina Grossman and President Jennifer Granger, the awards commenced.

The honored alums crossed a spectrum of career paths and disciplines but the common thread between them was how life-changing coming to UMass was.

"It was because of [the decision to attend UMass] that I found my major, I found my wife, resulting in three beautiful daughters and a career. And it all started in 116 Green," said honoree Michael Joyce ('85) in his speech. "I received a wonderful education that allowed me to compete."

For alumni like James French ('78), giving back to the university that gave him so much was important. French has been a big contributor of UMass' Transform 2020 project, a strategic initiative to attain national status as a Doctoral Research University by the year 2020. The project commenced in fall of 2014 and coincided with the 50th anniversary of the university's groundbreaking ceremony.

"I had to leave the area to...accomplish my vocational dreams," said French. "I'm hoping that the 2020 transformation will allow other people...to stay here and achieve their dreams."

One of the most recent graduates, Dr. Craig P. O’Connell of the Class of 2014, was awarded with the Alumni Achievement Award for his incredible work as the founder and director of O’Seas Conservation Foundation, Inc. which is geared at shark conservation.

Other honorees included Caitlyn Camara (’07) for the Young Alumni Award; James French, Michael Joyce and Dr. Joan Vitello-Cissiu (’78) for the Alumni Achievement Award; Robert Mellion, Esq., JD (’07) for the Professional Achievement Award; Leslie Becker Wilson, Esq. for the Alumni Ambassador Award; Judith Lima (’87) for the Alumni Volunteer Award; and Greg Paciulan (’99) for the University Service Award.