On June 30, 2013, the Department bid farewell to our long-time Graduate Program Manager, Donna Dove.

Donna spent 28 years at UMass, all of which were in our department. She first worked as the undergraduate secretary and then as the graduate program manager -- the role for which she was most well-known and took the greatest pride.

Looking after her "kids" -- the name she gave all our graduate students -- and seeing them progress through the program was a source of great enjoyment for Donna. The number of students who came back to campus in June or wrote to her with their well-wishes after she announced her retirement is a testament to the impact she has had on so many students' lives.

"It is amazing to think that no one has passed their dissertation in our Department in almost 3 decades without receiving a good luck hug from Donna," says Brian Schaffner, Department Chair.  "She will be missed by all her 'kids,'  as well as the faculty and staff."

On behalf of the whole department, enjoy retirement, Donna!