UMass students graduate
The students toss their caps in the air in celebration. Source: David James 
Students with their decorated caps.
The students toss their caps in the air in celebration. Source: David James
Students with their decorated caps.
On Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22, UMass Dartmouth celebrated the over 1,800 graduates, 628 of which are from the Southcoast.
"There is beauty in struggle,” said Paul Riley, who spoke during the UMass Law commencement, “There is a unique nobility in striving toward that which is difficult. For nothing worthwhile in our lives will come easy."
The ceremonies included undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and law students.
"I learned that progress doesn’t follow a timeline—but it always rewards effort,” said Sam Riley, who spoke speaker for the Charlton College of Business, “Be hopeful. Be patient with yourselves. And trust that even when the future feels uncertain, we are more prepared than we think."
Three people were awarded honorary doctorate degrees; Richard Lafrance who is the chairman of Lafrance Hospitality, Nishita Roy-Pope the CEO of Courage Builder and Jacqueline G. Somerville the Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of SouthCoast Health.
“Journeys are never linear, and it is an accumulation of the support along the way that helps us reach our full potential,” said Angel Pelissari, who spoke for the College of Visual and Performing Arts, “We would not be here today without our own drive and determination."
The graduates represent 40 states and 28 countries. There were 247 Massachusetts towns and cities. Graduates ranged from 20 to 72 years old.
“The Class of 2026 carries forward the mission of UMass Dartmouth to advance knowledge, opportunity, and positive change throughout the SouthCoast and beyond,” states the Press Release by David James.
