Winter 2026 Class Notes
Our Winter 2026 Class Notes highlight the exciting personal and professional milestones of UMass Boston alumni, from career achievements and artistic recognition to engagements and new leadership roles. Read on to see what your fellow Beacons have been up to, and submit your own update for a chance to be featured in a future issue of Beacons.
Kathleen Dunn ’83 was featured in WGBH’s Community Canvas initiative, which showcases local artwork on the station’s digital mural overlooking the Mass Turnpike. Her painting High Tide (shown above) was displayed in summer 2025, reflecting the influence of the scenic coast where she resides.
James E. Samels ’69 is the founder and CEO of The Education Alliance and The Samels Group, and founding partner of Samels Associates, a law firm serving independent and public colleges, universities, foundations, non-profit and for-profit higher education organizations across the globe. A noted authority on higher education mergers and institutional strategy, Dr. Samels is also advancing models for charter colleges and vocational preparation, partnering with districts to empower graduate-credentialed high-school faculty to deliver college-level instruction.
Joe Miller ’14, a member of the Young Alumni Council, recently proposed to his fiancée, Hulerie McGuffie ’16, in a surprise moment at the Boston Public Garden. The couple met as student-athletes at UMass Boston—McGuffie as an All-American and national champion sprinter, and Miller as a lacrosse captain who also competed on the track team.
Nathan Hutto ’01 was promoted to chief operating officer at The Trustees. Formerly serving as chief people officer, Hutto now oversees statewide operations, including business operations, human resources, education, engagement, and stewardship. He brings a strong background in organizational leadership, having previously held dual roles as COO and CPO at Last Mile Health and served as CPO at LabCentral.
Read about other alumni featured in the Beacons Winter 2026 Class Notes. Send in your own note by visiting umb.edu/beaconupdates to be featured in the next issue of the magazine!