My recent visits to Springfield reminded me how the city and @UMassAmherst strengthen one another. I met with the dedicated team at Baystate Children’s Hospital, visited Governors America Corp in Agawam and spoke at this month’s First Friday Talks at St. Michael’s Cathedral.

Congratulations to Andrew Chen (陈雪) ’27 on winning the 2025 Annual Holiday Greeting Card Contest. A heartfelt thank you to all of our talented participants — Adam Forrest, Elena Conklin, Grace Schoonmaker, Jo Qiu, Katie McDonagh, Lily Gigante, Sianna Espinal, and Sophie Ryan.

Season’s Greetings from UMass Amherst! Wishing you a peaceful and joyous holiday season. We look forward to a new chapter of discovery, innovation and creativity in the year ahead.

The MA House passed the BRIGHT Act this week, filed by @maura_healey, which authorizes $3.65B to modernize state public colleges and universities. This will enable UMass to stay competitive as we strive to recruit and retain the best students and faculty. https://t.co/qw8FYProUf

Multiple UMass teams, from public safety, emergency operations, residential life, dining, academics, IT and many others focused on meeting the critical needs of these students, including housing, food, medication, clothing, academic accommodations, counseling and more.

We are here now, and we will be with them every step of the way. I am also so very proud of the way the UMass community itself has responded to this tragedy—a shining example of UMass spirit.

In speaking with parents and students in the emergency resource center, I and other members of campus leadership reassured them that we will be with them to address immediate needs and until they are back on track with solutions for the rest of the semester and the academic year.

Friday's fire at the Olympia Drive had a profound impact on more than 220 students. I am so thankful that no one was injured, and for the outpouring of support. The best way to help is by contributing to or sharing the emergency response fund:   https://t.co/BKTOEuytGt

Ready, set, race! Friendly competition was on display at the UMass Ultimate Race, a collaboration between UMPD and CMASS. Teams completed challenges at each “pit stop” as they made their way to the finish line. My thanks to @UMassVCRE for welcoming me to their Whitmore stop.

The dedication of the Daniel J. Riccio Jr. College of Engineering marks a significant moment not only for @UMassAmherst but the future of public higher ed in the commonwealth. It’s a bold vision for the future of engineering and UMass.

We celebrated the construction now underway to transform Flint Laboratory into the Student Success Center at Flint. Opening in 2027, the Center will be a welcoming hub of @CNS_UMass. I want to extend my gratitude to all those who are bringing this project to fruition.

UMass Alumni Honors awards recognize the achievements of members of our alumni community. This year, we celebrated six outstanding individuals whose success and service exemplify the power of a UMass education: https://t.co/Y5SA1ljQ3c @AlumniUMass

The Large Millimeter Telescope stands as a powerful symbol of @UMassAmherst’s global footprint. Built with @inaoep_mx, the telescope has been vital in groundbreaking discoveries, including the first image of a supermassive black hole in our galaxy. @UMassOGA @CNS_UMass

So great to have all of the families and alumni on campus this weekend! Go UMass! @umassathletics

It’s the end of a busy week focused on UMass collaboration and innovation. Visited Belchertown and met with local and state leaders, hosted a reception for members of the Minutemen Alternative Investment Fund and had dinner with Professor Emeritus Andrew Barto of @manningcics.

Homecoming 2025 brought alumni, families and friends back to campus to celebrate all things UMass. From community events downtown to reunions and celebrations across campus, the pride was energizing. You were. You are. UMass!

One of the highlights of my week was picking up my @FarmUmass CSA share filled with fresh, organic vegetables grown by our @Stockbridge_Sch students. This program is a living classroom that equips the next generation of leaders in sustainable farming and food systems.

Check out today's story in @BostonGlobe:

Proud to share Dan Riccio '86, '24MS has committed $50 million to what will now be called the Daniel J. Riccio Jr. College of Engineering. This is the largest gift in our university's history and will help our engineers forge a boundary-breaking future. https://t.co/ESWeXcgIpy

Student hunger is a crisis that too often stands in the way of learning. Thank you to @RepMcGovern for championing this issue, referencing UMass efforts, and supporting policies that ensure no student has to choose between food and education. 🔗 https://t.co/GzC97VlyNG