The Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum hosted the UMass D.C. community for a night of bold ideas and meaningful connections. 

Members of the UMass Amherst community in Washington D.C. gathered on April 2 at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum to promote Accelerate: The Campaign for UMass Amherst and learn more about how the university is addressing today’s most pressing issues through teaching, research, and experiential learning.

Attendees listened to presentations from Dean of the School of Public Health and Health Sciences Anna Maria Siega-Riz, Professor of Community Health Education Elizabeth Evans, Director of the UMass Poll Tatishe Nteta, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Karl Rethemeyer, and Angele Noel ’23, an alumna of the SBS in DC internship program. Associate Professor of Political Science Justin Gross, who directs SBS’s Data Analytics and Computational Social Science program, was also on hand to discuss his teaching and research with attendees.  

Vice President for Advancement Kimberly Dumpson opened the program by noting that the UMass community provides powerful resources and ways to connect for alumni at all life stages.

“We want you to know how grateful we are for not only your presence here tonight but all the ways you make space in your life for the university,” she said. “Your involvement, whatever form it takes, sets a great example for future generations.”        

Angele Noel stressed that programs like SBS in DC have immeasurable impact through the civil services alumni and students provide to the wider community.

“Your dedication to supporting programs like SBS in DC creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom,” she said. “You’re not just giving students an education, internship, or even setting them up for their first jobs—you’re preparing them for a lifetime of contributing to the world in a meaningful way.”  

Chancellor Javier Reyes wrapped up the speaking program by inviting all attendees to support the university’s work in whatever way they can.

“UMass’s story of excellence and success is your story, too,” he said. “Please help us to share how the transformative power of higher education can improve lives and change the world.”    

Discover how Accelerate is shaping UMass’s future. 

Check out the photos from the celebration in Washington, D.C. and join us at our next regional event in New York City.