UMass Boston’s College of Management Celebrates 50 Years
The UMass Boston College of Management marked a defining milestone as faculty, staff, students, alumni, and university leaders gathered to celebrate the college’s 50th anniversary - five decades of expanding access to high-quality business education.
One of the evening’s most impactful moments was the return of Founding Dean Richard M. Freeland, who launched the college in 1975. Freeland, who later served as president of Northeastern University and commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, reflected on the college’s humble beginnings and remarkable trajectory.
“To stand here today and see a thriving institution with world-class faculty, global partnerships, and students from across Boston and around the world fills me with enormous satisfaction,” Freeland said. “So many individuals over so many years have worked tirelessly to bring the college to where it is today. I salute every one of them.”
From its inception, the college set out to make exceptional business education accessible to students from all backgrounds. Enrollment began with a small cohort in the mid-1970s; today, the college has more than 21,000 alumni and continues to grow in reach and impact.
Speakers throughout the evening highlighted the college’s recent momentum, including the expansion of its fully online graduate programs, the rapid growth of BEST Boston, a paid student consulting program that has tripled in size in just two years, and the launch of ten new undergraduate majors, with more to come.
“Our strength has always been our people,” said Dean Venky Venkatachalam. “Together, we will continue building a bold future for the College of Management.”
“You have built not only a college, but a legacy,” added Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco. “A legacy that will continue to shape Boston with creativity, courage, and an unyielding commitment to our public mission.”
“The college has grown alongside the university and the city, becoming an essential engine for economic development, social mobility, innovation, and community leadership - not only in Boston, but across the Commonwealth and beyond, with national and global impact,” said Provost Joseph Berger.
Longtime faculty member and Sherry H. Penney Endowed Professor Maureen Scully reflected on the college’s evolution since she joined 22 years ago.
“Some things change, but one thing never does: our students shine,” Scully said. “I treasure our mission of stewarding the next generation, sparking intellectual discoveries, and standing with and for the city and the region.”
Dean’s Student Ambassador Tyler Moran shared how the community has shaped his development as a student leader.
“This community challenges you to grow, supports you when you stumble, and celebrates you when you succeed,” Moran said. “If you’re comfortable, you’re not growing - and the College of Management pushes you to reach for more.”
Distinguished Alumna Mary Thistle ’83, now a leader in the biotechnology sector, reflected on the foundation the college provided.
“I may not remember every detail from my classes, but I remember how this community made me feel,” Thistle said. “I felt cared for. I felt like I mattered. UMass Boston changed my life because the faculty and staff believed in me. Our students are gritty, hardworking, brilliant - and they deserve that same support.”
As the college looks ahead, it remains focused on deepening AI-driven learning, strengthening student support, expanding industry partnerships, and advancing its mission of providing accessible, high-impact business education for a diverse and dynamic student body.
Alumni, partners, and friends are invited to help shape what comes next by supporting students, research, and community collaboration. Make a gift today to be part of the college’s next chapter.
ABOUT UMASS BOSTON COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT
As Boston's only public accredited business school, the College of Management is dedicated to educating the region’s next generation of business and community leaders. Recognized for its first-rate faculty and diverse, high-achieving student body, the College offers exceptional learning experiences in collaboration with local businesses. For more information, visit busines.umb.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn.