UMass Magazine Online

Winter 2005

Departments

Alumni connections

Features

A Fruitful Partnership

A New Kind of Farm a New Breed of Farmer

Dear One Absent This Long While

Alumni connections

From the Playing Field to the Classroom

–Jennifer Howe ’99G




	Lance Overby ’00 gives back to his alma mater through his work in the Athletic Academic Sports Office and as a member of the Alumni Association. (photo by Tyler Jacobsen ’05)

LANCE OVERBY ’00 STILL SMILES WHEN he recalls standing on the field, wearing his Minuteman uniform in 1998 when the UMass football team defeated Georgia Southern for the National Championship. “There was nothing like being on the field with the guys that were like brothers to you going for the highest achievement in college athletics,” he says. “Winning the championship left an impact on me because not everyone has the opportunity to experience that. I am privileged for the wonderful coaching staff and my teammates because we all reached our goal together.”

Today, Overby has returned home to UMass Amherst. “I had such a wonderful and positive experience at UMass Amherst as a student that I am excited I have come back to the university to pursue a career in higher education,” says Overby. He works in the Athletic Academic Support Office,where he focuses his time advising members of the football team and other student athletes. “Working with these athletes brings a great deal of joy to me. There is nothing better than enjoying what you do, while also being at your alma mater.”

Overby says he owes it all to his mother, Mozesetta, who chose UMass Amherst for him. “If she hadn’t made that decision I wouldn’t have made the great friends that I have today. I wouldn’t have been a part of a national championship football team and I wouldn’t have received my degree in educational studies and psychology.” Her decision was validated when, through tear-filled eyes, she watched her son walk across the stage to receive his diploma. “My mother has been there for me through everything and is my role model. I am blessed to have a woman like her in my life. That is why when we won the national championship I gave my ring to her,” says Overby proudly.

When Overby is not traveling with the football team, advising students, or hanging out with former teammates, he can be found volunteering at Wildwood Elementary School and Amherst Regional Middle School. He enjoys working with the younger children and finds fulfillment in lending a helping hand.

Overby has found another avenue to show his enthusiasm and support for his alma mater. He recently joined the Alumni Association. He wanted to give something back to the campus and he knew the Alumni Association works to make positive changes across the university for alumni and students. “Membership is important because UMass Amherst is important to me. This campus is the place where I was able to experience and enjoy all that college had to offer,” says Overby. “If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change anything. UMass Amherst holds my fondest memories, my best friends and is the home where my heart is and will always be.”

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From the Playing Field to the Classroom

From the Playing Field to the Classroom: larger image