Looking Forward, Looking Back
As we mark the conclusion of FY09, I am pleased to say that your Alumni Association has succeeded in achieving its goals of promoting greater involvement and increasing awareness among both alumni and students about the value of UMass Amherst as an ongoing, lifetime resource. With the launch of MaroonCentral we have provided, as part of our e-service strategy, a social networking service that encourages communication and professional networking, as well as job postings and mentoring opportunities. The response has been very positive with hundreds of students and alumni registering monthly. more...

Reunion Recap
Alumni from across the country came back to campus to celebrate their past, present, and future affiliation with UMass Amherst in June. The Alumni Association hosted the 50th Reunion Class of 1959, along with all Emeriti alumni who graduated in previous years. A highlight of the weekend was the presentation of the Class of 1959 Nursing Scholarship Endowment. more...

Homecoming: October 16-18
Show your UMass Amherst pride at Homecoming 2009!  The weekend’s activities will include: the 35th Annual Multibands Pops Concert, the Alumni Tailgate Tent with Homecoming BBQ, and the UMass vs. UNH football game, to name only a few. Make your hotel reservations now as space is very limited and selling out quickly. Check our 2009 Homecoming site often for updated information.

Message from Your Alumni Association President
Your UMass Amherst Alumni Association is a large, vibrant, dynamic and evolving organization. Since its founding in 1874, the Alumni Association has served to support our alma mater, to be a voice for alumni, to be a leader in encouraging alumni loyalty and involvement, and to be an advocate for our university. I look forward with much enthusiasm and excitement to serving as your Alumni Association president for the next two years. more...

Always Looking for Adventure
Rebekah (Somes) Crampton Kamukala ’59 never thought that her degree in home economics would take her to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, or to Mongolia and China as an exchange judge, or even a 23-year career in Juvenile Court, but she’s very glad that it did. “Each chapter of my life has offered new opportunities, and I’ve always had a zeal for new adventures,” said Kamukala. more...

Colleen's Career Corner - Ask the Expert
“I am looking to change careers to something totally new.  What are the first steps that I should take?” -- submitted by Karen H. ’92. Read Colleen's response.
Need answers to your career, job-search, or job-hunting questions?  Looking to further or change your career?  Then email your question to colleenc@admin.umass.edu.

The Clock is Running - Don't Miss Your Chance to Score Big!
When you join the UMass Amherst Alumni Association as a Life Member, you'll gain an extra TEN PRIORITY POINTS towards UMass Athletics events today, and an additional point every year after!  Priority Points get you closer to the action; keep you updated on athletic news through Maroon & White, the UMass Athletics e-newsletter; provide you with three (3) FREE media guides of your choice, and a personalized stadium blanket.  The countdown is on; make no fumbles on this play... Join by August 1, 2009 in order to receive your ten-point advantage for football season tickets!

Gear Up For Summer with UMass Amherst Apparel and Accessories!
Check out your online Alumni store and all it has to offer, at the click of a button.  From tees to polos, shorts to sweats, hats to umbrellas, ties to pet collars...it's your one-stop shopping site for all your UMass Amherst favorites! 

What Does it Take to be a Mentor?
If you can make a phone call or answer an email – you can be a mentor!
The Alumni Association’s Minuteman Mentors are alumni from all walks of life and professional expertise who are willing to share their career or industry knowledge with UMass Amherst students and alumni. Take a few minutes to create your mentor profile in MaroonCentral and make a difference in someone’s life!

Robert Beadle (2002, SBS), president of Northeast Public Relations, Inc., was named 2009 Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Rhode Island and all of New England this month by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Beadle has developed and implemented public relations and marketing programs for over 40 companies, non-profit organizations and government entities including Arpin International Group, the Boy Scouts of America and the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. His company specializes in social media applications for public relations and marketing.

Kelley (Bentley) Warner (2004, SBS) and Scott Warner are happy to announce their marriage on January 3, 2009 at the Omni Jacksonville Hotel. They currently reside in Jacksonville Florida. "We enjoyed an amazing honeymoon in Negril, Jamaica," said Kelley.