Beacons Magazine - UMass Boston

A magazine for UMass Boston alumni & friends

In this edition of Beacons, our cover story features We share stories of alumni whose career paths were spurred by intellectual curiosity, public service, and intercultural experience—values they cultivated during their time as students at UMass Boston.

Our cover story highlights the growth of UMass Boston’s Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) program, a strategic academic initiative to position the university as a leader in quantum education and innovation for Massachusetts. On the strength of a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, UMass Boston continues to build a QISE ecosystem for exploring quantum systems and fundamentals, training students for the workforce via the Quantum Information Science certificate program and developing practical quantum applications for business partners.

Read All 2025 Stories

Impact is Inevitable

Quantum mechanics challenges everything we think we know. UMass Boston is stepping into the next frontier to explore how public research, education, and industry collaboration might unlock the power of the quantum world.

Lady in Red

At 93, former Mass. state representative Jo Ann Sprague ’80 continues to demonstrate that a signature color and a commitment to public service never go out of style.

The Reinventor

Sean Im ’90 chose tenacity in the midst of tragedy to explore opportunity, optimize his potential, and leverage his leadership in the field of infrastructure through applied AI.

Sky’s the Limit

Christina Cassotis ’94 CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport, turned a nearly forgotten airport into a global model for innovation, sustainability, and possibility.

Read About Christina Cassotis

A Life in Art, a Legacy in Motion

How Professor Emerita Ruth Butler’s insatiable curiosity, scholarly excellence, and joie de vivre led to a legendary career and paved the way for students to expand their horizons.

Read About Professor Emerita Ruth Butler

Departments

Your Take

For this issue of Beacons, we asked our alumni: How did you spend your time at UMass Boston?

Faculty Spotlight: Rosanna DeMarco, PhD, RN, FAAN

Recently retired from UMass Boston, Dr. DeMarco recounts her early inspiration, the evolving image of nursing, and why the university remains close to her heart.

Student Q&A: Joseph Scangas ’26

“Immersing myself in different cultures had always been a dream of mine, and this was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Did You Know?

Read about our Venture Development Center, and its unique role in UMass Boston’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Class Notes

A founding partner and managing attorney at Lyles and Niles, LLP, Tiffanie Cherie Ellis-Niles ’99 was nominated to the Massachusetts Juvenile Court by Governor Maura

In Memoriam

It has saddened us to learn of the passing of members of our UMass Boston community since our last issue.

UMass Boston Launches First-of-Its-Kind Nursing Simulation Lab

The Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences opens a new immersive reality nursing lab to enhance simulated training of future nurses.

Resilient Mass Summit

The summit underscored the importance of partnerships to drive meaningful climate action.

Hurdling to the Top

Aryianna Garceau captures second consecutive national title with historic hurdles run

Past Issues

Fall 2023