UMass Amherst alumni, parents, and friends gathered at The New York Historical to recognize the university’s longstanding commitment to the humanities, the fine arts, and access to historical source materials.

UMass Amherst’s strengths in the humanities and fine arts were on display in New York City in June, as the UMass Amherst Foundation hosted community members for the final Accelerate regional campaign event of the year.

Held at The New York Historical, the city’s first museum documenting more than 400 years of history, this celebratory event featured Dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts Lupe Davidson, Humanities and Fine Arts faculty Walter Denny and Laura Ciolkowski, Associate Dean of Special Collections and University Archives Adam Ware, Director of the UMass Amherst Fine Arts Center Jamilla Deria and Imani Wallace, curator of the Fine Arts Center’s Bright Moments Spoken Word program.

All of the speakers advocated for the power of education and research centered around what it means to be human. At UMass, the College of Humanities and Fine Arts (HFA), the University Libraries, and the Fine Arts Center all provide opportunities for students and community members to broaden their horizons and explore different cultural traditions, historical artifacts, and modes of expression.

"Rooted in the humanist tradition, HFA prepares students to think, analyze, reason, and act for the common good."

Lupe Davidson, PhD, Dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts

Deria asked the audience to raise their hands if they had ever worked in the fine arts, supported the fine arts philanthropically, and considered the fine arts to be a meaningful part of their lives.

“In an era defined by innovation and upheaval, the skills developed through artistic practice—empathy, collaboration, and creative problem-solving—are more necessary than ever,” she said. “And in a time when so many young people are experiencing disconnection, the arts offer belonging, purpose, and joy.”

Wallace, known artistically as Lyrical Faith, talked about how involvement with the Bright Moments program has empowered countless young people to find their voices. Following her remarks, she performed an original spoken-word poem.

In closing out the program, Chancellor Javier Reyes noted the range of impact alumni in New York and New Jersey bring to their communities, with graduates working for Pfizer, Columbia University, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, various Broadway productions, and financial giants like Merrill Lynch and Citigroup.

“Our students and alumni are leaders, and they are doers,” he said. “They help to fuel our local, regional, and national economies; inspire our creative economies; and contribute to the vibrancy and well-being of our communities.”

Following the speaking program guests mingled in The New York Historical’s Dexter Hall, reminiscing about their time at UMass and making new connections.

“Everyone I met brought something different to the table. It was really encouraging to meet such accomplished and welcoming professionals who were a part of UMass.”

Akanksha Sharma, rising senior, majoring in managerial economics at UMass

As the Accelerate campaign makes progress towards its $600 million goal, the UMAF’s goal is to expand opportunities for alumni to engage with the university and support its contributions to the common good.

Browse photos from the NYC event and learn more about the Accelerate campaign and the university’s priorities within the humanities and fine arts at accelerateumass.org.