As a part of our alumni survey we encouraged alumni to share additional feedback with us.  Below is a sampling of comments we heard:

“Four of the six siblings in my family graduated from UMass Amherst, as has one of my daughters.  I believe the educational opportunities available there are as good as anywhere else in the country, and at the affordable cost.  The quality of life in the Valley is phenomenal –there is something for everyone.”

“I work at UMass as a professional. I plan on starting my doctorial studies in the near future. I am very proud of my in and out of classroom education that I received while at UMass and I enjoy sharing that pride with students I come across each day.”

“A question might be put to interviewee about his/her publications, lecturers, presentations.”

“UMass gave me a quality education, and a great social experience. Though I'm not a particularly artsy person, I do appreciate the great artists that are in the Pioneer Valley. UMass opened up my eyes to the vast culture of art outside of the Springfield area.”

“I was fortunate to attend UMass when a student could work their way.  It is too bad that everything is so expensive.  Educational opportunity is necessary for everyone and for Democracy.  UMass gave me life.  Keep everything affordable.  I was a Springfield teacher for 15 years.”

“I am proud to be a graduate of the College of Arts and Humanities.  I feel that I was blessed to be able to study in a field that I still find endlessly fascinating.  While I do not work in my field of study, I have been able to take the skills I have learned and apply them both to my work and to my life in general.  I will always be thankful to UMass for the skills I have gained and for the wonderful memories that I collected throughout my time on the Amherst campus.”

“I have a problem with your questions pigeonholing only the arts as creative.  I am a creative problem-solving health care provider, but could not say so within the scope of your questions, so I was frustrated.”

“My stepdaughter, though accepted at Smith, has just elected to attend UMass in the school of engineering.”

 “I appreciate your interest in listening to HFA alumni.  My degree earned me the perfect job doing what I love.”

“Perhaps you could have included more on the humanities other than the arts in this survey.  The invaluable education received by all humanities/liberal arts students directly impacts their enjoyment of and utilization of arts and cultural resources.”

“I wish I could do UMass over again. I am also very proud of UMass and am happy every time I drive into Amherst...it was a wonderful time in my life. I am happy that my daughter is hoping to attend graduate school at UMass.”

“I'm really glad you're doing this. Thanks! :)”