UMass Boston

At our annual Beacon Awards Dinner in November, we honored five distinguished alumni who have gained distinction through success in their professions, contributions to their communities, and dedicated service to the university.

SHUBHANKAR “SHUBI” JOSHI ’17

UMass Boston Emerging Leader Award

Joshi’s path from Honors College graduate to first-year pediatrics resident at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia has been marked by academic achievement and a passion for giving back. Awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship as an incoming student, Joshi led several honor societies, welcomed new students as an ambassador, and devoted countless hours to volunteer work. Since graduating summa cum laude in biochemistry, he’s stayed focused on his goal of becoming a pediatrician while remaining active in his community—whether volunteering at Mission Grammar School, leading youth seminars, or working with the American Red Cross. After earning his medical degree at the University of Vermont, Joshi matched into a pediatrics residency and continues to stand out for his dedication to both medicine and service.

MARY TREANOR THISTLE ’83

UMass Boston Outstanding Service Award Thistle has been a staunch advocate and supporter of UMass Boston’s College of Management for more than four decades. She began her career as a certified public accountant before rising to senior leadership in the life sciences industry, most recently serving as special advisor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute. Beyond her executive roles, she has been a steadfast mentor, workshop leader, and supporter of student success, establishing the Mary Thistle ’83 and Wes Thistle Family Endowed Scholarship and being inducted into the university’s Founders’ Circle in 2024.

ROBERT G. HARRINGTON G’75

Boston State College Outstanding Service Award

Harrington’s career in educational and school psychology has spanned four decades and transformed countless lives. Harrington began his studies at Boston University before earning his master’s degree at Boston State College. He later earned a doctorate from the University of Iowa and became a professor at the University of Kansas, where he taught, published, and focused on topics including bullying prevention and intervention. Harrington credits his professors at both UMass Boston and Boston State College for inspiring his lifelong pursuit of truth and social justice.

1. STEPHANIE SIEGMANN ’94

UMass Boston Distinguished Alumni Award

Siegmann is a first-generation college graduate whose father, an Air Force serviceman, died when she was an infant. That loss inspired her lifelong commitment to service. After earning her degree in history and psychology from UMass Boston, she went on to serve as a Navy JAG prosecutor and became the first woman to lead the National Security Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. Now a partner at Hinckley Allen, she chairs the firm’s International Trade & National Security Practice and co-chairs its Cybersecurity, Privacy & Data Protection, and AI Practice Groups.

JAMES “JIM” KELLEHER ’78

Boston State College Distinguished Alumni Award

Kelleher’s career has been dedicated to leadership, mentorship, and giving back. After earning his degree in management and economics from Boston State College, Kelleher attended St. John’s University School of Law before embarking on a distinguished career at Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he rose to executive vice president and global chief legal officer. He has served as an advisor to the UMass Boston chancellor, supported students through scholarships, and volunteered his time on civic and nonprofit boards including the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and Breakthrough Greater Boston. “I am genuinely grateful to receive the Beacon Award from UMass Boston,” Kelleher said. “Boston State College and UMass Boston were instrumental in providing my brothers and me with affordable, purpose-driven educations. Having the opportunity to give back by supporting current and future students is a privilege and, consistent with UMass Boston’s values, a meaningful way to strengthen the university’s legacy for generations to come.”

The 2026 Beacon Award nominations opened on February 1, 2026, and close on June 15, 2026. To nominate an alumnus/a from UMass Boston, Boston State College, or any of our legacy schools, please visit umb.edu/beaconawards.