Beacons Magazine Summer 2026

A magazine for UMass Boston alumni & friends

In this issue of Beacons magazine, we feature alumni who dared to explore fields of study that sparked their curiosity as students and, in doing so, opened paths to lives filled with purpose and happiness. Over time, doors opened, opportunities appeared, and careers evolved. Each alum found innovative ways to share what mattered most to them, bringing their UMass Boston education to life through service, creativity, and leadership in their communities.

Our cover story chronicles the journey of discovery undertaken by Joe Bagley G’13, Boston’s city archaeologist and director of archaeology. Drawn to UMass Boston for its strengths in historical, environmental, urban, and Indigenous archaeology, Joe now oversees surveys and digs around Boston that document a more inclusive public history of the city, recovering evidence of the lives of Indigenous communities, slaves, immigrants, laborers, women, children, and others.

Read All Stories

Making Boston’s Past Public

Joe Bagley G’13 explores Boston’s layered history and brings hidden landscapes, communities, and histories to light through archaeology.

A Recipe for Change

At one of the world’s most recognizable restaurant brands, Emily True ’15 is helping to turn big-picture climate commitments into practical change.

Where Art Belongs

Thirty years after its founding, Arts on the Point continues to shape campus as a nexus of creativity, scholarship, and public imagination.

Pushing the Sport Forward

Remembering the legacy of Bob Hall ’74, who helped move wheelchair racing from the margins into the competitive spotlight.

Read About Bob Hall

Commencement 2026

Graduates crossed the stage to cheers on May 27 and 28 as UMass Boston celebrated its 58th commencement across two days and three ceremonies.

Read About Commencement 2026

Departments

Your Take

For this issue of Beacons, we asked our alumni: What was your first job, and what did it teach you?

Faculty Spotlight: Linda Eisenmann, EdD

Eisenmann reflects on her lifelong career in higher education, from discovering the field as a student to becoming a nationally recognized scholar, administrator, and founding faculty member of UMass Boston's Higher Education Program.

Student Q&A: Adele Accelus ’29

“The university has provided me with an ultimate support system that pushes me to be a leader both on the court and in the classroom.”

Did You Know?

This year marks the 60th anniversary of The Mass Media, UMass Boston’s independent student newspaper. Read all about it!

Class Notes

Juana Matias ’09 was appointed secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities by Governor Maura Healey.

In Memoriam

It has saddened us to learn of the passing of members of our UMass Boston community since our last issue.

Growing our Alumni Community

This past year, seven alumni were appointed to the Alumni Board of Directors and six alumni were added to the Young Alumni Council.

Boston Public Schools, UMass Boston Partner on Student AI Literacy Initiative

Boston to become first major U.S. city to ensure all students graduate with AI proficiency

Honoring Lifelong Passion

Through thoughtful gifts made in honor and memory of loved ones, donors are creating enduring legacies that reflect their deepest values and lifelong passions.

UMass Boston