It has been one week since the UMass annual homecoming weekend (can you believe it’s already October?!) when UMass students, families, alumni, and faculty came together to celebrate our shared love of maroon! Our SAA members were heavily involved in the action by marching in the homecoming parade, working the football game, and enjoying the festivities alongside everyone else. We were even lucky enough to have one of our members, Melissa Duarte, on the homecoming court (see below)!

The homecoming parade had a surprisingly good turnout, despite the rain, and our SAA members worked so hard during the two weeks prior to build our homecoming float. We are so thankful for everyone’s hard work and participation. One of our seniors, Katie Lavery, had a lot to say about it!

See below SAA members at the parade alongside our sneaker float!

What was your favorite thing about this past weekend?

Katie: Seeing everyone! Students, Alumni, and the Amherst community all came together to celebrate UMass!

What was it like to march in the parade?

Katie: Despite the rain, there was a great turnout. We were even able to pass stickers out to families and spread UMass pride.

What are your thoughts on your last homecoming weekend as a senior?

Katie: It’s weird to think that next homecoming I will be a UMass alum. I know I’ll definitely stay connected to UMass after graduation since I’ve had so many great experiences here!

Melissa Duarte, one of our committed SAA juniors had the honor of making the homecoming court, and I was fortunate enough to hear her thoughts on this past weekend as well!

What was it like being on the homecoming court?

Melissa: It was great being on the homecoming court. It was an honor, and I would definitely try it again if I could. It felt great to be recognized in a small group by one thousand people, including the UMass student body.

What was your favorite part about this past weekend?

Melissa: I think my favorite part was being able to hang out with Chancellor Subaswammy all weekend. We marched in the parade with him and we had breakfast with him at the chancellor breakfast. I was even able to get a picture with him!

Any other thoughts?

I would definitely recommend this opportunity to next year’s juniors. It was a great experience, and it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance!

See below Melissa at the game and with SAA president Sara Hickey!

We thank our SAA members for all of their hard work this past weekend. Once again, go UMass!

Written by Lucy Armstrong