MGS Staffers Celebrate Years of Service at UMass Boston

On Thursday November 15, the University of Massachusetts Boston held its 16th Annual Chancellor’s Years of Service Celebration, honoring faculty and staff who have worked 10 or more years for the university.

Sheila D’Alessandro, a 10 year honoree, oversees and manages all operational activities for the Center for Social Policy at the McCormack Graduate School. After serving as vice president of operations for Generation Ventures Associates, an international power generation service firm, D’Alessandro decided to bring her more than 30 years of experience in financial planning, human resources, project reporting, and administrative management to UMass Boston.

Joining D’Alessandro on the list of honorees is Candyce Carragher. An alumna of UMass Boston, Carragher decided to return to the university as an employee. Fifteen years later she continues to work here. Employed by the McCormack Graduate School dean’s office, Carragher manages purchasing, grants, contracts, personnel and consultant agreements, and financial analysis. After recognition at the annual celebration Carragher reflects, “The reason I continue to work here is that I love what each and every person does. I get to support and participate in amazing projects and help faculty to do their best for our students. I have a part in what people can accomplish when they graduate with a degree from MGS. I feel like I am making a difference in the world and making it a better place.”  Carragher recently returned from Iraq where she volunteered to  help organize the Foreum for Cities in Transition peace-building conference.

After 30 years, Professor Connie Chan received recognition for her service as a clinical psychologist, professor, interim dean for the College of Public and Community Service, and graduate program director in the Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs. Over the last three decades, Chan has had a tremendous impact on the university. For example, from 1993-2003, working as codirector of the Institute for Asian American studies, Chan helped to create the institute’s applied research and policy agenda focusing on the needs of the Asian-American population in the United States. Today, she is our college’s acting dean.

After working in Graduate Admissions, Enrollment Services, Student Affairs, Urban Scholars, Environmental Sciences, and now the Gerontology Institute, Timothy O’Donnell was also honored for 30 years of service. Coming to UMass Boston to finish his bachelor’s degree, O’Donnell did not intend to work for such an extended period. However, the longer he stays at UMass Boston, the more he appreciates the university. He admires the community on campus, explaining, “UMass Boston attracts a very diverse student, staff, and faculty population, and I feel at ease working here. I’ve made many friends here over the years.” O’Donnell also feels at home at UMass Boston because he knows the university values its employees, explaining, “Here, our skills are really in demand and necessary to help people negotiate the ins and outs of succeeding at UMass Boston.”

The Chancellor’s Years of Service Celebration is a way for the university to show its appreciation for the loyal employees that make up UMass Boston, but it also an opportunity for the members of the campus community to reflect on the incredible impact of its faculty and staff. As Barbara Graceffa, director of marketing and communications for the McCormack Graduate School explains, “I am truly honored to work with these dedicated people. They make UMass Boston a better university and a great place to work.”