Campaign Sets New Goal to Coincide With UML's 125th Anniversary in 2020

UMass Lowell alumnus Brian Rist

Alumnus Brian Rist ’77 (with Chancellor Jacquie Moloney) was honored at the Celebration of Philanthropy on Oct. 11 for his $5 million commitment to 'Our Legacy, Our Place.’

10/15/2018

With the support of thousands of donors, UMass Lowell’s first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign, 'Our Legacy, Our Place,' has surpassed its $125 million goal 18 months ahead of schedule, thanks to a new, $5 million commitment from alumnus Brian Rist, the largest single gift in university history. 

Rist, a Stoughton native who received a degree in business administration and operations management from UMass Lowell, is the founder of Storm Smart, Florida’s largest hurricane protection company.

“I wanted to thank the university for putting me on the road to where I am today and make those same opportunities available to even more people,” said Rist, whose gift will support student scholarships and other initiatives.

“Brian’s generosity will have a tremendous impact on our students,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney. “That’s the power of ‘our place’ – this determination to help new generations succeed because we share the same story.” Read more

Be Part of the 'Our Legacy, Our Place' Campaign

Help us rise even higher! Your support for “125 and Rising” will ensure that the transformative education UMass Lowell provides its more than 18,000 students remains an affordable one.
  • Video by Alfonso Velasquez
    Over 32,000 donors helped UMass Lowell reach its initial goal of $125 million in the university's first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign.

At a Glance

  • $125M+
    Raised
  • 32,000+
    Donors 2013-2018
  • 520+
    Scholarships and Endowed Funds
  • 14
    Buildings Opened 2009-2018
Roma Aurora headshot

Student Scholarships: Roma Aurora

“Everyone at UML is so committed to helping students succeed, it makes you want to do the same thing—to pay it forward and help others,” says scholarship recipient Roma Aurora. Read more

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Faculty Research: Developing New Biomaterials

Prof. Gulden Camci-Unal and her student researchers are growing bone cells on filter paper—a process that could one day lead to a safe, inexpensive source of biomaterials for tissue and organ transplants. Read more

Architect's rendering of Coburn Hall after renovation, from Broadway Image by Courtesy

Campus Improvements: Coburn Hall Renovation

The transformation of the UML campus continues with the $45 million renovation of Coburn Hall—our oldest building and the future high-tech home for the College of Education and the Psychology Department. Read more

Abdi Shariff-Hassan holds the book "One Goal" on the soccer field Image by Ed Brennen

Athletics: Abdi Shariff-Hassan

UML’s move to Division I competition has attracted top student-athletes like soccer player Abdi Shariff-Hassan; “Our Legacy, Our Place” ensures they have the support they need to succeed on the field and in class. Read more