For the Commonwealth.
For the Common Good.
Accelerate: The Campaign for UMass Amherst

The world is searching for solutions.
We’re leading the way.

The UMass Amherst Foundation is launching a transformational campaign—Accelerate—to raise $600 million for UMass Amherst at a pivotal moment for the university and our world. Both the foundation and the university are committed to capturing the potential inherent in this moment and channeling it into real-world solutions and generational impact. 

As UMass Amherst’s reputation and the scale of its research enterprise have grown, it has expanded its impact to advance progress for Massachusetts and beyond. Together, with your support, we can move the world. 

Revolutionize Access to Education

Financial constraints should not affect the college experience. We will expand opportunites for students from all backgrounds through scholarships, fellowships, and high-impact learning programs.

Grow Investment in Academic Excellence

Research and creative expression power novel ideas and offer promising solutions to society’s problems. We will grow investment in academic excellence to set real change in motion. 

Impact the Common Good

Discovery leads to real-world impact. Through teaching, research, and service, we will strengthen surrounding communities and improve lives. 

At Poggio Civitate Archaeological Field School in Italy, the late Classics lecturer Caroline Horvitz contributed to excavation and research efforts.
Announcement

Unearthing a Legacy

A visionary educator and archaeologist, Caroline Horvitz challenged students to think deeply and engage fully.  A $1.5 million gift now honors her legacy, expanding access to archaeology and inspiring future generations at UMass Amherst.

Chuck ’72 and MaryAnn Sherwood
University Announcement

Chuck and MaryAnn Sherwood Make $1 Million Gift to UMass Hockey Excellence Endowment

Massachusetts Athletics has accepted a $1 million gift from Chuck ’72 MS, ’77 Ph.D. and MaryAnn Sherwood to support the UMass Hockey Excellence Endowment. Longtime philanthropic supporters of the university with deep personal ties to UMass and its athletic tradition, the Sherwoods said their gift reflects both their belief in the power of athletics and their family’s lifelong connection to hockey.

Image of campus with Old Chapel in the foreground
University Announcement

A Major Milestone for Accelerate—Ahead of Schedule

Thanks to the generosity of the UMass Amherst community, Accelerate: The Campaign for UMass Amherst has surpassed the $600 million mark—18 months ahead of schedule. Explore how this milestone is already expanding student access, strengthening research, and fueling innovation across campus and beyond. 

See how your generosity can make a difference

Honoring UMass Amherst’s Black Pioneers
  • College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Revolutionize Access
  • University Libraries

Honoring UMass Amherst’s Black Pioneers

This spring, Cheryl Evans ’68 and the UMass Amherst Black Pioneers were honored with a tribute bench recognizing their efforts to expand Black student life, increase recruitment, and shape lasting…
60 Years of Excellence and Innovation
  • College of Natural Sciences
  • Grow Investment

60 Years of Excellence and Innovation

In May, the UMass Amherst Department of Polymer Science and Engineering held a reunion to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the department.

“Going to UMass helped me to grow and develop as a performer and as a human being.”

Natalie Lewis
Mezzo Soprano, Bayerische Staatsoper’s Opera Studio, Munich, Germany
Natalie Lewis