“We stay connected to UMass Amherst because we know that our excellent education and experience as students were supported and enriched by alumni who came before us. We continue the tradition of giving back to UMass Amherst, both by giving to the Annual Fund and through membership in the Alumni Association. By supporting UMass Amherst in this way, we help to advance the university’s national profile, which ultimately adds value to our degrees.”

Rodney Byrd ‘77
Major:  Psychology
Profession:  Chief Human Resources Officer, Roasting Plant, Inc.
Extracurricular Activities: While a student: Freshman Soccer Team, Intramural Sports, Massachusetts Daily Collegian – Assistant Advertising Manager, Sigma Alpha Mu
Post-Graduation Activities: Alumni Association Board of Directors, member, UMass Athletics Association, Alumni Admissions Council, Season Ticket-Holder —Basketball, Head of Residence—Thoreau House, presenter for Alumni Association Career Services programs
Years of Giving to UMass Amherst: 20+ years
Alumni Association Member

Michael Caswell ‘87
Major:  Industrial Engineering/Operations Research
Profession:  Chief Executive Officer/Founder, Roasting Plant, Inc.
Extracurricular Activities: while a student: Alpha Pi Mu (Industrial Engineering Honor Society)
Post-Graduation Activities: Alumni Association events, athletics events
Years of Giving to UMass Amherst:  20 years
Alumni Association Member

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